Modernization and chaotic lifestyles have seriously impacted the attitude of western civilization. We always want the most convenient and easiest way to complete any task. But, whatever is the most convenient isn’t always what’s best, when it comes to recycling.

The issue is the planet. You know, the one we live on, Earth? We only have one planet that humans can inhabit (at this point in time), and there are serious environmental issues plaguing it.

Although, society as a whole, has done much better over the last 10 years, we still have quite a ways to go. For example, the County that I live in does not offer curbside recycling. Therefore, the folks in my area, have to make a concerted effort to store and transport, their recyclables to a local recycling center. Also, the centers have varying business hours, and all of them don’t take all materials. Thus, one has to plan the room in their vehicle to transport the items, as well as the logistics of time and locations.

For our household, we’ve gone ahead and made recycling convenient, because it has become habit for us. Just like bathing and brushing our teeth, going to school or work, doing yard work, washing the car, washing our clothes, none of these are convenient. But, do we do they them regularly anyway? You bet!

Besides helping save the Earth, recycling can sometimes put a few extra coins in your pocket and it also helps provide jobs. Because, for every 10,000 tons of waste that is recycled, 36 jobs are created.

Not sure of where and what exactly, can and should be recycled in your area? Well, if you’re reading this blog post, then you have access to the internet. And here on the World Wide Web, we can search out almost anything. (Sometimes, more than we want to know.) Just use your favorite search engine to look up local resources. I’ve also listed below some websites that have some great info and may be able to direct you to the most convenient choices for recycling in your area.

You can make recycling convenient, by just making it a habit in your household and/or workplace. All it takes is a little extra effort and time. To me, our beautiful planet is definitely worth it. I hope you feel the same.

Earth 911 – Recycling 101

EPA – Reduce/Reuse/Recycle – Benefits to recycling and more

Earth 911 – Find recycling center locations

Keep America Beautiful – Info on waste reduction & recycling

Terracycle – Recycling traditionally non-recycled waste

RecyclingCenters.org – Recycling without curbside assistance

Carbon Fund – Calculate your carbon footprint

Compost – Composting 101

The Story of Stuff:

According to the folks at RecycleWorks.org, household waste increases by more than 25% from Thanksgiving to New Years Day. There is added food waste, shopping bags, packaging, wrapping paper, etc.

Not only can you make easy choices to be less wasteful this Thanksgiving, they may even cost less than your usual holiday habits. Here’s a few suggestions to think about:

Shopping
Don’t forget to take those reusable bags. Not only are they better than using plastic and paper, but they’re much stronger and hold a lot more.

Setting The Table
I know! I know! Paper & plastic products are sooo much easier to use with all the folks coming over for dinner. But, think of the money you’ll save if you use your existing plates & silverware and run them in the dishwasher at the end of the meal?

Decorating
Don’t go out and buy more “stuff”. Look around the house and garage. I’m SURE there are several cool things already in your treasures, that would make great decos, with some slight modifications.

Recycle
Put the food scraps in your newly created composter. And ask your guests to sort out the paper, plastic items into your new recycling area.

By the way, that ‘new recycling area’ doesn’t have to be anything fancy. I use old garage bins and cardboard boxes to service my family’s recycling needs. Don’t go crazy, just be a little more savvy.

The saying, “Waste not. Want not.”, couldn’t be more applicable here. Remember, baby steps is okay!

Have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving!

San Francisco already has made huge strides in recycling, but now, they have raised the bar by signing into law, mandatory composting in my favorite City. Seventy-two percent diversion from the landfills wasn’t enough for Mayor Newsom and his colleagues, and so now it’s the law!

In an article in the Huffington Post, the progressive Mayor outlines the chronology of San Francisco’s war for reduction in their landfills and repurposing much of the byproducts of waste.

Please watch inspiring video that explains San Francisco’s ambitious journey to create a model for environmental stewardship in every city on this planet.