Ideas for Reusing Paper

Instead of recycling all that used photocopy paper, newspaper and junk mail try to reuse it!

Since it's almost time for Thanksgiving and winter break (for those of us with kids), and you need some ideas to keep the kids busy, try making old paper into new paper. I did this recently with my girls and they LOVED it. They've been using their homemade paper to make cards and tags for holiday gifts. Also, tearing paper into strips and then using it to make paper mache projects will keep the kids busy.

If you have a shredder (a child can do it , too), you can shred paper for your hamsters or guinea pigs. Perfect alternative to straw for those with allergies. Also, all that shredded paper can be used for packing up all the holiday gifts you need to send. It's a much better option than the packing peanuts.

If you have an exorbitant amount of paper, try using it as mulch.

Some Holiday Recycling Ideas

Now that the holidays are upon us, it is even more important to make sure we reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Reduce the use of paper, envelopes and stamps by sending holiday e-cards. Although I do enjoy receiving the annual holiday cards from family and friends via snail-mail (especially when photos of families are included), I hate to admit, but I do end up tossing them. Some sites are free to use, such as http://www.bluemountain.com/. Others offer a free trial period, http://www.americangreetings.com/. A fun site, like JibJab Sendables have a section of free e-cards in the hopes that you'll become a paying member to use their witty templates for you to add some personal photos.

For holiday parties, use reusable glass or plastic ware, and cloth napkins. If you buy gifts, purchase reusable items. Try going to consignment stores or thrift shops. Remember to have your car stocked with canvas bags to tote all those gifts when shopping. No need to buy wrapping paper: wrap the gifts in fabric, newspaper, or your kids' artwork (that you don't mind not keeping, of course!) If you plan to mail your holiday gifts, be sure to reuse recyclable and recycled-content boxes and all that bubble-wrap you've been saving.

Most importantly, be sure to recycle your holiday waste from your household correctly. Be sure to contact your local recycling center to find out how, what and where to recycle items you are unsure of. Earth911 is a great site to help you out!

Help Keep Our Landfills at a Minimum!!!

This is a must read!!!! This is a great site that reuses unwanted items to help those in need. Be sure to check out http://www.refusedreused.com/

So You Thought Milk and Juice Cartons Went in With the Paper?

Every time I finish a carton of milk or orange juice, I check the side of the fridge for my handy "Remember to Recycle " information magnet: Yellow bin is for newspapers, magazines, catalogues, phone books, corrugated cardboard. The Blue bin is for the plastics (#1-7), aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, aluminum foil, pie pans, drink boxes and milk and juice cartons. But aren't those cartons made of paper or cardboard? Wouldn't I just have to remove the plastic spout?



I did some research as to why these cartons get mixed in with the plastics. Planet Ark gave a straightforward explanation: the two types of cartons (Gable Top Cartons and Aseptic Bricks) both have a layer of plastic and/or foil. Well, that makes sense! To get more detailed information about the how's and why's of recycling milk and juice cartons, visit, http://www.planetark.com/campaignspage.cfm/newsid/69/newsDate/12/story.htm.



(An important note I must add: I am quite fortunate to live in an area that takes almost all items to recycle. If your community does not recycle milk and juice cartons, please contact your local recycling center and find out why. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease!)



If you are interested in gathering some ideas about how to reuse these cartons, visit sites such as

http://www.make-stuff.com/recycling/milkcartons.html

http://www.rd.com/advice-and-know-how/extraordinary-uses-for-milk-cartons/article23899.html

http://www.frugaljapan.com/Main/Ency012



For other great recycling ideas, be sure to check out one of my favorite sites, http://www.earthpromise.com/

Recycle Those Political Election Signs

Not sure how to dispose of your election yard sign? Be sure to read the article on Planet Green.

How To Recycle Aerosol Cans

Where I live, I'm fortunate enough that my recycling company accepts all plastics #1-#7. This makes it quite easy for the community to recycle. If recycling is simplified, the more people will participate. Since my community accepts most items in our recycling bins, I assumed, then, they would take aerosol cans, too. When it comes to recycling, (or anything, for that matter) you should never assume.

How are we to dispose of aerosol cans? Most states have their own recycling guidelines regarding aerosol cans which vary state to state. Not all recycling sites will accept these cans, so if your location falls into this category, be sure to contact your state or local recycling department.

There are various companies that have innovative aerosol recycling systems that simplify the safe disposal of these cans.

Be sure to check out these sites:
http://www.newstripe.com/result.php?catid=10&page=Crushing_&_Compacting
www.aerosolv.com
http://www.americangasproducts.com/