What is Recycling?

Recycling is the process of making or manufacturing new products from a product that has
originally served its purpose. If these used products are disposed of in an appropriate,
environmentally friendly way, the process of recycling has been set in motion.

Items that are made from materials such as

aluminum, plastic water bottles, and certain
kinds of paper (plus many more) can be
separated from your regular trash and put in an
appropriate recycling bin.

-Photo to the left by David R. Munson-

A large section of the universe is beginning to

realize the importance of recycling. However,
there are many members of the population that
remain unaware or simply think it is too much
of a bother.

We believe the trend is growing, however. And

we further believe that proactive individuals and alternative energy companies are beginning
to step up in a big way.

What is Recycling / Schools

The role of schools has broadened over the years as awareness of the importance of recycling
has deepened. Many programs have been established to teach children to be responsible for
their carbon footprint.

When teachers instill in children that their actions will either damage or help the environment,
a higher level of consciousness is able to spread throughout the younger generation. We have
all heard that children are our future, and when it comes to the health of the planet Earth, that
could not be more true.

Teachers are doing much more than lecturing (although rallies are held on a semi-regular
basis). Students are given assignments to contact their local congressmen and women and ask
for help. If there are not recycling bins for all the different materials (water, glass, Styrofoam,
paper, metals, etc.), the kids are instructed to write letters stating their concerns and their
desire to help.

Recycle & Repurpose

You’ve got your family on board to recycle cans, bottles, egg cartons and newspapers, but
what about things you may not have thought of like water filters or wine corks? The amount
of potentially recyclable materials in the waste stream would generate more than $7 billion
dollars if they were recycled, according to Keep America Beautiful. Take a closer look to
discover what unusual household items you could be recycling.

Hot tub

Photo by zieak via Flickr

Think your hot tub is on its last legs? Many household items are thrown away when all they
need are a few simple updates. Finding the best parts for your hot tub could be what’s
standing between giving it a facelift and throwing it away. If your hot tub has seen better days
and can’t be sold, then it can be recycled or repurposed into something new like a water
feature for your yard or a raised-bed garden box.
 Wine corks

Photo by Sam Howzit via Flickr

They may be tiny, but they take up space and could be recycled or repurposed into new
materials. Wine corks have been up-cycled into floor mats and artwork. If you’ve got too
many to craft with, donate them to Cork Forest, an organization dedicated to preserving the
Mediterranean cork forests. They’ll turn corks into newspapers, fish bobbers and industrial
goods.

Water filters
Photo by exfordy via Flickr

Whether it’s from the filter in your refrigerator or the water pitcher from the ‘fridge, most
curbside recycling programs are happy to take your filters. Companies like eco-conscious
Preserve will take your old filters and repurpose them into new goods such as toothbrushes for
kids and adults.

Hair dryers

Photo by eiko_eiko via Flickr

While it will likely last you many years, hair dryers don’t blow forever. Folica offers an
innovative recycling program that will trade your blowdryer for a credit voucher toward a
new one.
 Mobile phones

Photo by CannedTuna via Flickr

With technological advancements introduced every day, you no doubt have old mobile phones
you aren’t using. If you’ve been saving them every time you upgrade, you can recycle them
instead of tossing in the garbage. Earth 911 and many Staples stores will accept your phones
by mail or in person.

Cosmetics

Photo by ldhren via Flickr

Your old lipsticks and eyeshadows won’t have much purpose in a landfill and can be easily
recycled. Companies like MAC Cosmetics will take your old makeup off your hands and
recycle the packaging for you so it doesn’t end up in the dump.

Old gym shoes

Photo by cogdogblog via Flickr

Have your sneakers seen enough miles at this point? If they’re beyond repair or too beat up to
donate, you can bring them to your nearest Nike store to recycle. Nike will recycle your shoes
so that leftover materials can be used for new shoes rather than producing new materials each
time a new pair is made.
 Paint

Photo by LOLren via Flickr

Paint is hazardous waste and should be disposed of as such. Call whomever hauls your trash
and recyclables and ask about paint disposal. Also consider donating half-used paint cans to
nonprofits that collect supplies for teachers.