Precycle, Recycle Oh MY!!!

The world of retail won’t let us forget that the holiday’s are practically here. I got to thinking about all of the waste that gets generated for this giving time of year. All of the decorations, wrapping, and buying unnecessarily end up giving more trash to the Earth than Joy to the World. The festivities are great and with the state of the economy right now we need the happy escape. We just don’t need the extra trash. Fortunately, there are several ways to eliminate waste. The term “precycle” has gotten popular and it means to prevent the need to recycle. If the waste is never produced then the need to recycle is not necessary. The idea is that recycling is great and precycle is even better! If you are new to the ways of “going green” don’t panic. Every small bit helps. Take a look at these suggestions as we launch into a “reason for a green season!” pm

Here is Planetpals top ten list of ways to PRECYCLE:

1. Bring reusable bags to the store with you. Cloth or paper will do!

2. Buy Large Quantities. If you buy products in bulk or in large sizes and quantities, you can put them in smaller containers as you need them and this uses less containers.

3. Buy products with the least amount of packaging or none at all. Items packed in multiple containers may look nice, but they are a waste!

4. Buy products packed in recycled packaging. If you have to use a container, it might as well be green. Additionally, you help support green corporations. (Important: make sure you look for the recycled symbol)

5. Don’t buy disposable items (plates cups, pens, diapers, batteries, etc.) They only fill the landfill more.

6. Buy less paper towels and napkins or none at all. Use cloth ones!

7. Buy long life and concentrated items (batteries, bulks , etc.) This saves on packaging as well as product.

8. Don’t purchase styrofoam. It contains polystyrene, which is the most difficult material to break down in our landfill and is considered a hazardous waste.

9. Buy items in cardboard. aluminum, steel, glass, and plastic containers marked 1 and 2 ( They are stamped on the bottom 1 and 2). These containers can be recycled more easily.

10. Read labels for ingredients. Stay away from chemicals that harm our plant and animal life and poison our land.

Obviously, there are times when disposable items or buying in bulk are not as practical, such as traveling or picnics. The trick to all this, is to limit. We can take responsibility by changing our daily habits. Precycling may take a little more work in some cases…but an ounce of prevention is the main ingredient here!

Precycle, and teach your friends and family how to PRECYCLE, too!