my own personal recycling center

About a month ago, I posted about my pledge to stop buying bottled water... I am happy to say, I have done very well. In the past month, I have only bought one bottle of water. I was at the baseball game with my Pops and it was hot and I could choose between bottled water, soda or beer. I choose the water. I think one bottle for the month is pretty good.

Part of my idea was that I would start using many of the sports bottles I already own - this was a great idea, but I quickly realized many of my sports bottles do not fit into the cup holders in my car. So, I did buy two new water bottles that I love and have had one with me every day since. And yes, the extra large sports bottles are getting good use, just at home. Another fringe benefit - my new sports bottles are helping me drink more water each day... and less soda (a vice I am trying to give up - without much luck).

Since this is working so well for me, I started thinking about what other things I could do - or things I could do better. I decided that consistently recycling would be another good step. I sometimes leave bags of cans in my alley for the nice old man that collects them. I sometimes share my magazines with friends before throwing them away. I sometimes walk my newspapers and magazines to the recycling box at church. So now, my sometimes will hopefully turn into always. All my plastics, aluminum and paper.

To do this, I wanted to set up a simple, easy and convenient system. I know I can be sidetracked easily, so I set up my very own personal recycling center (thanks to the container store - wow, I am surprised I got out of the place with only what I planned to buy). It is right on my back porch, just outside my kitchen door - very easy access. Plus, I will pass it everyday, so when it gets full, it will remind me to distribute it where it needs to go. I still plan on leaving the cans for the nice old man - I know he likes to collect his pennies.

Hmmm, now to think of next steps. Maybe cleaning supplies.

Comments

[Louise]

We're lucky to have special recycling bins provided by our local councils. One for green waste, one for glass and paper and one much smaller one for general waste. We have had these for some years and are very used to dividing up our rubbish. Now we are all learning how to use less water as due to a long drought we have a severe water shortage. It's amazing how much less you can use if you just think about it a little. Even our shower and bath water is collected to be used in the garden!

[rohanknitter]

Good job!
I see June's comment above - she's got lots of great recipes for cleaning products if you are looking for that type of thing.
It does help me to drink more water when I'm putting into a cool bottle. Need to do that more.

[Junie Moon]

What wonderful ideas for recycling--good for you. And I'm all for making your own cleaning products as that is one of my favorite things to do. Okay, I have many, many favorites but I do so love my cleaning products project.