November 15 is America Recycles Day. This is a day devoted to teaching Americas how to improve their recycling habits. Even though not all communities have recycling programs available, we can all still celebrate America Recycles Day. How? By reducing the amount of waste we produce. The 3 R’s, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, can help us do just that.

Reduce the amount of waste you produce

• Purchase items that do not have excess packaging

• Buy products you use frequently in bulk

• Ask yourself if you really need an item before you buy it

Reuse items

• Use reusable bags when shopping

• Keep containers, such as coffee cans and jelly jars, to store items around your home

• Save paper towel tubes, glass jars, and shoe boxes for craft projects; not a craft person, donate these items to a local daycare center, school, or church

Recycle

• Composting is nature’s form of recycling; compost items, such as fruit and vegetable scraps and yard waste

• Electronic waste, such as old cell phones, computers, and printers, can often be donated to local charities if still in good working condition; many communities also host community collection days to gather such items

• Contact your local County Solid Waste Coordinator or Extension FCS Agent to learn about recycling programs and events in your community

Source: Ashley Osborne, Extension Associate for Environmental and Natural Resource Issues, August 2009