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About Recycling




Getting Serious
About Recycling
2010-00-28 


So you think you’re saving the planet simply by separating papers, plastics, metals and glass? The truth is, there is much more we can do. We have to rethink just about everything we do day-to-day. And not just for the environment’s sake, but for our own sakes, too, because the more we recycle, the less our towns have to spend on incineration. Here’s how you can boost your efforts.

GOOD:
Buy products that require as little packaging as possible, to spare natural resources. Buy only those products with recyclable packaging, typically marked with a “1” or “2.” The cosmetic company Origins now even offers a recycling program, encouraging consumers to bring empty containers to its retailers. 

BETTER:
Look for recycling opportunities in  unexpected places, for example, some Hewlett-Packard printers include recycled plastic, according to the: Sustainability Institute at Molloy College.
BEST: Reverse your thinking about recycling from “What can I recycle,” to what CAN’T I?”  The list is much longer than you think; eyeglasses, CDs, plastic utensils, blow-dryers, drywall, batteries and more.

Find a list of things you’d never think could be recycled at
www.greenamericatoday.org

For proper disposal of old appliances, contact your local P.C. Richard & Son.
www.pcrichard.com

Discover what happens to garbage, and learn more about the importance of recycling at www.epa.gov/recyclecity



One Simple Thing:
Take advantage of your town’s Stop Throwing Out Pollutants (STOP) program so that you can safely dispose of hazardous household materials.


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