How to Recycle

Instructions Step 1: Recycle old cell phones Recycle old cellphones through a charitable organization that provides phones to people who need them and use the donation as a tax deduction. Even if the phones are not reused, their parts will be recycled. Step 2: Go green and do some good Get cash for recycling used …

Instructions Step 1: Decorate a CD Decorate with those CDs you don’t listen to anymore. Glue glitter or a paper cutout onto both sides of the CD, and then string a piece of ribbon through the center. Step 2: Cut up water bottles Cut out of the bottoms of two used water bottles and trim …

Instructions : Be sure to wear safety goggles, work gloves, and a long-sleeve shirt while removing the battery. Step 1: Check for applicable disposal regulations Check whether your local government has passed any regulations governing the disposal of car batteries beyond the ones passed by the federal government. If so, be sure to comply with …

Transcript Man: Boiling veggies or pasta? Woman: Tag, you’re green! Man: Let the leftover water cool, then use it on potted plants or garden beds. You’ll save water and nourish your plants. Yum!

Transcript Man: Addicted to paper towels? Woman: Tag your green! Man: Use a microfiber cloth instead. A single cloth can do the work of 60 rolls before it needs replacing. Amazing!

Transcript Man: Finished with a box of cereal? Woman: Quick tips! Man: Recycle the box liner by using it as an alternative to wax paper. Smart!

Instructions Step 1: Separate out paper Separate out paper items you can recycle: white, colored, and glossy paper, envelopes, paper bags, newspapers, phone books, softcover books, smooth cardboard, and corrugated cardboard. TIP: Throw out soiled paper; napkins, paper towels, or tissues; and wax or plastic-coated paper. Step 2: Divide other recyclables Empty and rinse beverage …

Instructions Step 1: Hang a bag Hang a recyclable plastic bag in your kitchen to collect your recyclable plastic bags. Step 2: Collect plastic Collect all clean, dry plastic bags labeled “#2” or “#4.” TIP: Call your local grocery and retail stores to see where you can recycle your plastic bags. Step 3: Collect Collect …

Instructions Step 1: Keep a recycling bin Keep a bin handy in the house for recyclables to help the environment and stay green. Europeans on average reuse 60 percent of their trash; Americans recycle less than half of that. Step 2: Reduce your water Reduce your water intake by reusing water supplies. Americans use 100 …

Instructions Step 1: Share your used shoes Return your used sneakers and running shoes to Nike stores, and they’ll find their way into material for community projects like new playground flooring. All brands are welcome. To donate other kinds of footwear to the needy, go to soles4souls.org and find a retail drop-off location near you. …

Instructions Step 1: Check laws Check the local laws regarding recycling in your town. Not all communities recycle the same things. Step 2: Rinse Rinse glass bottles, plastic containers, and aluminum and tin cans. Labels do not have to be removed. Recycle the plastic caps of water and soda bottles, but toss the ones from …

Instructions Step 1: Collect your leftover batteries Collect all your leftover batteries. Rechargeable batteries from cell phones and laptops are especially important to recycle since they contain toxic materials that could damage the environment. Also, car batteries are always recyclable. TIP: If you don’t know if your battery needs to be recycled, follow this basic …

Instructions Step 1: Think ahead Bring reusable sacks and containers to the supermarket to carry your items in the cart, rather than using the clear plastic bags that stores provide. When checking out, place all your purchases into reusable bags. Step 2: Eat, drink, and be practical Take a thermos to the cafe, or fill …

Instructions Step 1: Make gift boxes Turn them into gift boxes. Paper rolls are great for holding small items, plus they’ll keep the recipient guessing as to what’s inside the tube-shaped box. Step 2: Make fire starters Make fire starters by stuffing them with other leftover paper goods like used tissues and napkins. TIP: Cut …

Instructions Step 1: Trade it in If you’re upgrading to a new version of your current computer, check with the manufacturer about trading in the old one. Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba, and Apple all offer ‘take-back’ programs. TIP: Before getting rid of your computer, make sure to use a software disk-wiping utility to completely destroy any …

Instructions Step 1: Use them as postcards Cut off any picture side that doesn’t have writing on the back, and save them to send next year as Christmas postcards. Step 2: Cut into gift tags Cut them up into gift tags. This is an easy craft that kids enjoy. Step 3: Create napkin rings Create …

Instructions Step 1: Save newspapers Don’t automatically discard your morning newspaper. Use it in place of paper towels to clean glass and mirrors (it doesn’t leave streaks!), shred it to make packing material, use it as a fire starter, and wrap gifts with it. Step 2: Save plastic produce bags Save plastic produce bags to …