Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Recycling Rocks!

I have been looking for ways to help the environment, minimize our impact, and shop for more natural, healthy products.

Many years ago where we lived had curbside recycling. It was awesome and I put out my bin every week. Then we moved to a townhome complex that had no recycling. I know I should have looked for somewhere to bring my recycling but I didn't have a garage or anywhere to store it and I did not have the time. Then we moved to Aurora where all the trash pickup was private and once again recycling was not offered.

Now we are in Maryland and I was beginning to become disgusted with the amount of trash we made each week. We were filling two trash barrels plus an extra bag or two. Yuck! I didn't see anyone putting out recycling in my neighborhood but where I nanny they do so I looked into it. I live on a dead end street with only 6 houses, where no one recycles. Needless to say it took 4 calls to the county and a lot of hassle but we now have weekly recycling pickup.

What a difference recycling has made in our house! We now only put out one barrel of trash per week for a family of 5. Amazing! Our county alternates weeks between bottles and cans and paper, and cardboard. Each week we put out at least 2 big bags of bottles and cans and 1 big box of cardboard.

Recycling rocks!

8 comments:

Kelly said...

We started recycling about a year ago, and have been amazed at the small amount of straight up trash we produce! We are very fortunate that our city makes it extremely easy, and that has led us to look at other ways we can help out the environment as well!

Gina said...

Good for you!!!! Our city won't recycle cardboard, but my dad's does, so I take all of ours to his house. My husband teases me about what a tree hugger I am but I can't imagine NOT doing it.

Anonymous said...

Good JOb!!
hey I'm in Maryland too
it's so nice to recycle I some time have to rememeber to put things in the yellow bin instead of the trash plus my hubby now wants to compost so what doe sthat mean less trash? have to lok into it

Mira said...

Where do you live in Md? I used to live there and might be of some use in meeting people if you're near the frederick area?

Sara @ Domestically Challenged said...

yay for you! i am a huge recycling fan, and am known to pick recycling out of others trash...wait, should i admit that!?

Kris said...

Our city just put together a citywide recycling program and we absolutely love it! Glad to have found your blog today!

Lesley said...

You totally would think that most places would get on the recycling band wagon....it is amazing isn't it...how much we can recycle these days....

I'm a Mom!..? said...

Way to go!! Recycling has drastically cut down on our trash each week. I love seeing those recycle bins full, and my 3 year old is totally on board and loves to help!