We are destroying the earth by consuming its wealth in wasteful ways. Garbage disposed of carelessly is the cause of polluted waters, clogged drainage, and the spread of communicable diseases. Before you throw garbage, take a look at what is in the bag. There may be things you can separate for recycling.
Here are 12 basic things you can do to recycle and to reduce the waste:
1. Generate as little plastic waste as possible. Plastics are produced with large amounts of petroleum and some toxic materials. Their manufacturers also produce gases and wastes that may contaminate air and water. Substitute reusable products for the disposable ones in your household. Use cloth diapers, napkins and dish towels, durable plates, cups and silverwares.
2. Practice good shopping habits. Bring your own bags in the market, refuse double bags and buy only what you will use.
3. Patronize some goods that are packed in recycled cartons, plastic or paper. Some goods are proudly marked “Made from Recycled Paper.” Buy razors and pens that are refillable.
4. Reject items that are overpacked. As much as 50% of waste by volume consists of packaging. Buy larger sizes of items you use frequently rather than single-use sizes which often have multilayer wrapping. Buy goods in refillable containers.
5. Compost yard and food wastes.
6. Repair, do not replace appliances. Buy well-made products with long warranties.
7. Assess your personal waste production. Each individual’s habits are different. Make a list of everything you throw away in a day, look at what you buy and take an inventory of your home to see how you can create less waste.
8. If you no longer need them, sell glass bottles, tin cans, and old newspapers.
9. Donate old clothes, shoes, bags, trinkets, and other items to charity.
10. Keep boxes like egg cartons and plastic wrappers for other purposes.
11. Reuse brown paper and plastic bags. If they are no longer usable, collect and sell, so these may be brought to recycling plants.
12. Instead of throwing leftover food, why not offer it to a neighborhood pet?
