A Plastic Picnic

The weather is warming up and that means more outside activities such as picnics, baseball games, barbeques, the beach, Labor Day and the 4th of July. More beverages packaged in aluminum and plastic are sold during this time of year because of these types of event in which people need to be hydrated. Face it, aluminum cans and plastic bottles are much more convenient that carrying around a bowl of punch and cups. Even though I can only imagine that we just stop using plastics, I know that isn’t a practical request. If we must use plastic we need to make sure that we recycle these products. Recycling saves energy, natural resources and decreases pollution. Here are some quick tips for staying on top of recycling this summer:

Don’t Trash It — For your large gatherings this summer, be sure to bring an extra bag with you to collect bottles and cans. Place the bag next to your trash can and mark it so that people know you are recycling all those cans and bottles. Throw the bag in the back of your car and empty it at the recycling center on your way home.

Keep it Clean — Rinse bottles and cans before you put them in the bin. This helps prevent any unwanted bugs and odors during summertime heat! It also keeps the process of recycling sanitary for the people who sort and handle plastics at the recycling center.

Reduce Waste — Replace your large kitchen trash can with two smaller ones. Use one for trash and the other for recycling. This is a quick way to make sure you consistently recycle! Keep in mind that the recycle bin should be close to the actual trash can so that you see it. You’ll be surprised how much less goes into your actual trash can and how light your trash will be without all the plastic in it.

Set a date — By setting a date in which you visit your local recycling center every week you will keep your recycling bin organized and sanitary. No one wants to see overflowing plastic into the floor which only pollutes your house.

When in Doubt, Leave it Out! — If you don’t know if a material can be recycled, check your local recycling center or click here. You need to be positive your product can be recycled, or leave it out of the bin. Materials that can’t be recycled can actually harm the entire recycling process, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Spread the Word — Talk to your family and friends about recycling at home. Make a fun game for kids to collect recyclable products. Competition between neighbors or families to recycle the most can make recycling fun and gives insinuative to recycle; everyone wants to be a winner.

"There must be a reason why some people can afford to live well. They must have worked for it. I only feel angry when I see waste. When I see people throwing away things we could use."
-Mother Teresa (1910-1997), A Gift for God, 1975