Weekly Green Audit Round-Up: Trash Control
February 2, 2008 by Jennifer
This week our audit was trash. How much we have, what we can’t recycle, and more. Here’s what you need to get up to speed:
Weekly Green Audit Challenge: Trash!
Daily Green Audit Tip: Trash Control
Daily Green Audit Tip: Trash Control & What Can’t be Recycled
Update: Aerosol Product Recycling
Now, let’s add the audit all up and see where we stand. The key point is that this audit should have made you aware of what you’re throwing out vs. what you’re actually recycling.
If you noticed that there was an excess of paper, cardboard, cans, and plastics in your trash the fix is easy – recycle those suckers. Why? Well, first of all the earth will thank you. You’ll save energy and resources by making sure your recycling-ready trash is being recycled rather than lounging in a landfill.
Another benefit is you’ll save money; if you pay for garbage. Some of you don’t I’m sure, in that case please refer back to why you should recycle for the planet. But if you do pay for garbage you could lower your bill by having one less trash can. I do know families with two or more – so I know this is an issues. If you have that much trash something fishy is going on (besides the smell).
There is no way you’re recycling all you can if you have more than one trash can. Period. Families simply don’t buy, on average, that many non-recyclables. And if by some off chance you are; think about why. Do you really need those non-recyclable items? Really?
If you are buying some items that you know are recyclable, yet, your local recycling center won’t take the items, you can stop buying those products and look for new packaging options OR convince your local recycling center to take said items.
Did you look at your trash this week? If so, what did you learn? Is your family tossing recyclables? What about compost items?
Following are some Tree Hugging Family resources that can help you make the most of a trash audit:
One Small Step: Refillable Liquid Hand Soap
Get Your Recycling Under Control
How To Recycle Prescription Bottles
One Small Step: Remove Plastic Beverage Lids
Following are some outside resources that can help you make the most of a trash audit:
The Recycling Center: Enter your zip code and locate local recycling centers. I tried and got more than 10 centers.
Recycling facts from the EPA.
One of your best recycling resources is going to be your local trash or recycling company (often the two are associated, if not the same company). Call or visit yours to find out what’s accepted in your community.
Don’t forget – tomorrow is kid day here at Tree Hugging Family.