Recycle and Reuse Tips

1. Carry canvas or mesh shopping bags and reduce the profusion of plastic.
2. Buy beverages in refillable or returnable containers.
3. Buy goods that are not over-packaged. Some goods can be purchased in bulk quantities.
4. Choose products in containers that are accepted in our recycling program.
5. Choose durable household goods rather than disposables.
6. Donate items in good condition to charity, such as furniture and clothing.
7. Reuse books by sharing them with others or donating them.
8. Encourage your community group, school district, or business to use recycled paper in their publications.
9. Instead of buying bottled water, wash the bottles and refill.
10. Remove your name from junk-mail lists by writing to:
    DMA Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 15012-0643. Give your address and every variation of your name under which you receive mail.
11. Recycle old cell phones.
12. Reuse Sunday comics and old road maps for wrapping gifts.
13. Reuse large pieces of wrapping paper, bows and ribbons, and gift bags.
14. Make gift tags by cutting out the pictures from greeting cards.
15. Reuse paper clips and rubber bands.
16. Use the blank side of sheets of paper as scrap paper and grocery lists.
17. Save cardboard backing from note pads for craft projects, or as protection when mailing pictures.

How to Recycle

We all know it's better to recycle something than to throw it away. It's good for the environment and in some cases, can even help you save money. Here’s how to get started:

1. Determine how many of the things you use can be recycled.
2. Don't just think of the normal items you can recycle, you might be surprised what you can recycle:
   • Batteries
   • Computers and computer components
   • Lightweight cardboard
   • Corrugated cardboard
   • Aerosol cans
   • Hardcover books
   • Major appliances
   • License plates
3. Sort your recyclables into two categories: Metal/Plastic and paper.
4. Depending on where you live, leave your bins or bags next to your garbage can for pickup.

Money Saving Tips

Going green can help you and your family can cut down on consumption and save money at the same time. Here are some ways you can save money:

1. Walk or use a bike instead of driving, or carpool with co-workers.
2. Use your own reusable bags at the grocery store.
3. Plan meals around your grocery store’s sale ad.
4. Unplug and turn off things that are not in use.
5. Turn the hot-water heater down and take shorter showers.
6. Put lids on pans, and only boil as much water as you need.
7. Replace current light bulbs with energy saving light bulbs.
8. Borrow books at your local library versus buying them.
9. Donate old cell phones to charity and help them save money.
10. If you regularly buy bags of compost, do your own composting.
11. Hang laundry outside to dry as much as possible versus using the dryer.
12. Use reusable water bottles and coffee mugs versus buying bottled water and coffee in plastic bottles and styrofoam cups.
13. Plant a small herb garden or vegetable garden.
14. Use reusable cloths for wiping up.