* RECYCLE – use a recycling bin which is placed out by the curb on trash day or check on locations of recycling stations in your area

  1. Plastics - Look on the bottom of the plastic container and find the triangle with a number inside of it (check with your area to see what numbers they recycle).
  2. Glass – Clear glass (some areas take colored glass)
  3. Paper – Newspapers, phone books, etc. (some areas take cardboard)
  4. Plastic grocery bags - Usually have to be taken to a grocery store

* REUSE - some things can be used again

  1. Donate – Give things to charity.
  2. Hand-me-downs – Give good clothes to someone who can use them.
  3. Reuse paper grocery bags
  4. Reuse plastic cereal bags – Line the bottom of paper trash bags so they doesn’t leak. Use them for chicken bones, etc., to help contain the smell.
  5. Reuse gift bags – Just make sure you don’t give a bag to the person who gave it to you.

* REDUCE - Reduce the amount of natural resources that you use.

  1. Reduce paper – Read the newspaper online and help save trees.
  2. Reduce gasoline – Plan errands efficiently so that the least amount of gasoline is used.   Walk, ride a bike, or car pool when possible.
  3. Reduce wattage – Use fluorescent light bulbs that are energy efficient.
  4. Reduce heating & cooling - Set the thermostat a few degrees warmer in the summer and use fans.  Set the thermostat a few degrees cooler in the winter and wear a sweater if you need to.
  5. Reduce water – Use water-efficient shower heads and take shorter showers.  Only use the dishwasher or clothes washer when you have a full load.  A full dishwasher saves water versus washing by hand.  TURN OFF THE WATER WHILE BRUSHING TEETH.  A lot of water is wasted just from this habit alone.