In a time when most of us have more than what we need,
it’s good to query before adding to the clutter:

Reduce – can I get along without it? Reduce the volume of packaging you use. Buy quality products and keep them for a lifetime.

Reuse – can I find a used one, borrow it, or pass it on to someone else when I’m finished?

Recycle – if I must have it, can I recycle it later; or can I buy it made of recycled materials even if it costs a little more and divert tonnage from the waste stream?

American trash production grew from 88 million tons in 1960 to over 229 million tons in 2001, according to the U.S. EPA, and today is around 5 pounds per day per person! The EPA set a new recycling goal of 35% for 2005.

You may want to help improve your community’s recycling programs. A sad fact is that many goods collected for recycling are taken on ships and dumped in third world countries as a cheaper solution. Find out where your recycled goods are going.

Consider the impact of every purchase. Besides the obvious recycling, it’s essential that we conserve natural resources, reduce waste, restore clean air and water, and protect wild places.

Send us your recycling story and pics!

Read more about this book...