Reducing your rubbish: 8 ways to cut back on your trash

Image by Maita Ru

Yesterday was garbage day in our neighborhood. I must say I'm pleased at the little amount of trash my husband and I throw out each week. Our garbage men know how easy it will be to pick up our can each week, versus our recycling container, which tends to be pretty full. Between recycling, donating, and composting, we just don't have much trash.

What about you? Have you been trying to find ways to cut back on your contribution to the landfills? Here are tips you might find helpful:

1.  This probably goes without saying, but carry reusable bags with you wherever you go. I have some that fold up or roll up nicely and slip into my purse. It's rare that I don't have 2 or 3 with me at any given time. Then there is the countless assortment in my trunk. It's worth the investment to be stocked up. 

2.  Skip the small plastic bags at the grocery store when you buy produce. Most produce can be placed loose in your cart or basket. Why bother putting two onions in a bag? Green beans? Well that's different. But you could get buy some reusable produce bags and avoid having even more plastic bags heading for the dump.

3.  Take up darning. Darning? Yes, darning. Who here simply throws away socks and other clothing when they tear? In the old days, people just didn't waste things like that. They fixed them; whether we're talking socks or appliances. Throwing things away was always a last resort. Now, admittedly, I don't darn. I rarely sew. But as I challenge you, I'm challenging me as well. NEW is not always better. And generally, it's not the green way to go.

4.  Opt for non-packaged food. Buy things in bulk or shop for fresh meat and produce, thus avoiding the styrofoam or plastic packaging. If you must buy something pre-packaged, stick to recyclable plastic and toss the container into the recycling bin. 

5.  Shop for quality items that won't wear out so quickly. Yes, you can find bargains at Walmart, but ask yourself how long they're likely to last. Paying more upfront can save you more in the long run. And it will prevent more waste in the landfill.

6.  Use things until they wear out. For us, that means we're still watching TV on big ol' 27" tube televisions. They still work, so why replace them? And do you seriously need a new cell phone?

7.  Find your local recycling centers that will take all the recyclables your refuse company won't. Nearly all paper and cardboard is recyclable. So why are you throwing it out? There is next to no reason whatsoever for you to be tossing your plastics and aluminum cans in the trash, right? 

8.  Stop using, or seriously limit the use of, disposable products! This includes:

• diapers
• wipes
• napkins
• paper towels
• feminine products
• Keurig (and similar) one-cup beverages
• paper plates
• plastic cups
• plastic flatware
• tissues
• makeup remover cloths 

These are just some suggestions to help you live a more earth-friendly life by reducing your contribution to the growing landfill problem. Of course, I don't expect you'll do everything on the list. I'm guilty of violating some of these "rules" myself. But if we all do our part, believe me, it will make a difference. 
So did I miss anything? Let me know what suggestions you have for reducing your rubbish. That's the thing I love about community... we can all learn from each other.

Keeping it green on trash day,

I see Paris, I see France, I see lots of underpants

Bras for a Cause

Friday's 3Rs is a little different this week. It's all about underwear.
What?! You're not going to tell us we now have to reuse or repurpose our underwear, are you? Because we certainly can't recycle it!

Relax, what I'm about to tell you makes perfect sense. Really, it does. But let me ask you a question. What do you do with your underpants when they've seen their last days embracing your derriere? Or the miracle lifting power of your bra is in need of a supernatural intervention? Hmm?

You probably do exactly what I've been doing for over 50 years ... throwing them away. But that's not necessarily what I'll be doing from now on.

Okay, what are the options?

According to an article on the Earth 911 website, here they are:

1. Compost them. Yep, that's what they tell you. This is a good option if your skivvies are made out of natural fabrics (I'm thinking cotton, hemp or wool). Wash them in an organic detergent (or soap nuts) and toss them in the pile with your banana peels!
2. Stuff 'em in a kitchen drawer. What?! Well, if you cut the elastic band off your undies, you'll find it works perfectly at gripping jar lids for easy opening! Or cut up a pair of old pantyhose to use as strainers, loose tea bags, etc. Be creative ... and, of course, wash them first!
3. Transform them. Into what? How about an evening bag? I know, it's a far-fetched idea, but check out this link to How to Reuse it Creatively. The craft she demonstrates here is with an old bikini top, but there's nothing stopping you from using your favorite, pre-pregnancy, way-too-small, sexy lace bra for a similar project. Just think of what a conversation-starter it could be!
4. Donate them. We're talking bras again here. I'm just not a fan of donating used underpants. If you have any gently-used bras you can no longer wear or you found in a deceased relative's lingerie chest, send them to Bras for a Cause if you're in the US or Bra Appeal if you are in the UK. Both organizations use the bras to help women dealing with breast cancer.

So, there you go. Intimate little details on this week's Friday's 3Rs. Hope you found something helpful.

Keeping it out of the landfill,

Hana