Sierra Club Green Home

If you religiously recycle your old newspapers and junk mail, you’re not alone. In 2007, 56 percent of the paper used in the U.S. was recovered—an average of 360 pounds of paper per person. But have you been recycling your dead light bulbs, flat tires, and leftover paint? You may not be able to put such items on the curb, but many companies and communities are providing ways to recycle them. In fact the EPA says that about 75% of what Americans throw away these days could be recycled.

As you wait patiently for your groceries to approach the cashier’s scanner, you are expecting the bagger to ask, “Paper or Plastic?” Perhaps, without thinking twice, you blurt out your preference for the copious bags that will soon pile at the bottom of your pantry or in the trashcan. A few shoppers may actually consider plastic because of easy storage and small, light size, for eco-friendliness you’d think paper is the slam dunk best choice. The right answer and the facts surrounding the claim may surprise you.

When it comes to electronic gadgets, Americans can’t get enough. We want – no, need – to be connected at all times. We must have the latest and greatest electronics. But what happens to the old ones?

Fact: One could go down to their local landfill and find everything they need to furnish a new house, if they wanted to. Old computers, ragged couches, lamps, and even ovens are thrown into landfills across the country each year. While properly separated recyclables go to recycling centers, items that are not recycled end up in overcrowded landfills. So why aren’t more people recycling?

Most of us are not strangers to recycling. We are familiar with the multi-colored bins and the appropriate way to sort our recyclables. Despite our dedication and commitment to recycling, many items are ultimately diverted out of our recycling bins to landfills.

Every day, landfills receive literally tons of trash, including numerous recyclable items. Even if you follow your center’s requirements to the ‘T’, you may still be throwing away items that can be recycled elsewhere.

“Cash for Clunkers” act two might be called “Funds for Fridges.” The continuation to America’s ever-popular “Cash for Clunkers” program (which yielded 690,114 cars) will soon jump start a new “Cash for Appliances” program that’s coming to a utility near you.

On June 23rd 2009, the Board of Supervisors for the City of San Francisco passed an ordinance which will be the most sweeping recycling law in the country. The mandatory recycling ordinance, proposed by Mayor Gavin Newsom states that residents of the city must recycle and separate their compostable waste into three different trash bins:

On July 6th, Seattle residents had their voices heard as the city council voted on Mayor Greg Nickel’s proposal to ban foam containers and impose a fee on plastic and paper bags at supermarkets. Starting immediately, all foam products will be banned, but grocery stores would be allowed to make a change to plastic products if they have not found a biodegradable replacement, according to The Seattle Times.

It’s often easy to recycle the “Big 5″ – Paper, Plastic, Glass, Steel and Aluminium – but what about motor oil? Or CFLs? Or that old paint in your garage? Our partner, Earth 911, can help you find the nearest location for your most difficult items. Just don’t forget to also recycle the easy stuff.