Green Tip of the Week

Curbside Blues?
Curbside service in Austin currently leaves something to be desired.  New plans are in progress to bring more services to your curbside recycling program, but in the mean time, here is an easy way to waste less and save more.

Make use of those paper bags you bring home from the grocery store.  I know you mean to bring your own totes, but they aren’t always handy.  Find a place to line a few up based on the materials that you would like to recycle but curbside does not take.  Maybe this is in the garage, pantry, or on the back porch (if you don’t have nosy dogs!).  Make it a convenient place but keep it out of sight so that you won’t feel the need to “clean it up” later.  Designate one for styrophome, one for No. 3+ plastics, one for electronics, one for batteries.  If you have kids, you can involve them by having them decorate the bags and labeling them.  This can really help them get into recycling.  When the bags fill (or you have an opportunity), take the materials to other recycling centers like the one at 7th & I-35 or Goodwill for electronics (see more at Recycling in Austin).

If you prefer a more durable option, I like these bins that are conveniently available at Office Depots.  I have these in my pantry and at my office and designate them by material (like paper and plastics).

Related Posts:

• Green Tip: Recycle Glass
• Green Tip: Keep the Oven Closed
• Green Tip: Don’t Preheat
• Green Tip: Stop Pre-Washing
• Green Tip: Let Your Electronics Sleep

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