Step 3 - RECYCLE

As I mentioned previously, this step should always be applied last. For example, it is infinitely better to drink water from a REUSABLE container, than to buy a case of water in bottles that can be recycled. The resources (petroleum-based plastic), and energy, to make and transport those bottles could have been saved. And one reusable bottle costs a lot less than several cases of bottled water. Just another example of how saving the planet can also save you money.

A logical place to start recycling is with the stuff that your town collects, such as paper, plastic, and metal. Locally, the RI Resource Recovery website has a wealth of information about Recycling and Waste Reduction, including an informative brochure about how to stop unwanted mail.

With a little bit of effort you can probably find a location to recycle your ink cartridges and cell phones. Many businesses, schools, and churches recycle these.

I started a compost pile this year. My family eats a lot of fresh produce in the summer and I felt guilty throwing all that watermelon rind and corn husk into the trash. Here is a helpful link to Composting 101.

We started worm composting quite a few years ago and love it! No turning necessary and very fast composting time. Check out this link for info on how to compost with worms. We have gotten our worms locally from the Worm Ladies in Charlston, RI. They ship all over the county!

Earth911 is a website where you can type in what you want to recycle, and your zipcode, and they will give you a list of locations.

And here is a link to an article called 25 Things You Cn Recycle.