Causecast

Tanaka says…“Recycle! Recycle! Recycle!!!”

I bet you have all heard this plenty of times but has it made you more consciously aware? I can be honest and say that everyday I feel like I have a little voice constantly telling me from over my shoulder to reuse this and that. When I really think about what I have done thus far I realize little things can actually make a difference. I reuse plastic ziplock bags; I wash them out after one use and save them for later. I’ve even saved empty jelly and marina sauce jars for later use, and even salad dressing bottles in hopes to one day fill them with my own dressing creations.

I have set aside a spot for any recyclable cartons, glassware, or bottles. I also have a box where I keep old, unused light bulbs and batteries. I LOVE the stainless steel and glass containers I bought a couple months ago; I use them for lunch and to store leftovers.

For the past couple of months I have also been collecting wine corks from my work, and used dryer sheets from friends. I have some ideas to incorporate these things into art projects. If you are receiving a Christmas gift from me this year, you may find it wrapped up in an empty Kleenex box! (Why not right?!)

The other day Tammy and I took all the old light bulbs we had from Causecast to Whole Foods, along with a handful of batteries. It was easy, local, and felt good knowing that we contributed to keeping mercury filled light bulbs and used batteries out of landfills. If you want more information about battery recycling you can also call 800-8-Battery.

I also just found out there is a Household Hazardous Waste Center location in Santa Monica. Now if I decide to ever start oil painting again I have a place to throw out the turpentine and other chemicals from art projects.

Got couches to get rid of? Old mattresses? Call this number and The City will pick up your bulky stuff! 1-800-773-2489 or 3-1-1.

Christmas is just around the corner! Wrapping gifts can be fun and creative, but a lot of wrapping paper is thrown away so just be aware of the amount of waste tossed. In the past, I’ve used old scrap booking paper, or construction paper to shred and use as gift stuffing. Or maybe save your used and abused wrapping paper this season, and shred it up and use that as gift stuffing year around.

Even your Christmas tree can be recycled, so if you haven’t tried it before already you can call Christmas Tree Recycling at 1-800-773-2489.

Well, Happy Holidays! Remember you can always share your eco-stories and ideas with us at TheGreenProject@Causecast.org

Photo by sparkle lavalamp, flickr.