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The old mantra is: reduce, reuse and recycle. Some people live this every day of their lives, some have yet to grasp the concept. Now is the time to get on board with the idea and it has never been easier to do all three. Most manufacturers have reduced the amount of extraneous packaging that comes with their products. Not only does this save the planet by reducing the amount of waste that must be dealt with, it saves them money as well.
Most urban areas have some level of curbside recycling- and many are now switching over to single stream recycling as well. (Single stream recycling take the process and makes it that much easier by eliminating the need to sort and separate recyclable items for pickup.) If your area does not feature curbside pickup at any level, perhaps this can be the cause you pick up and carry the flag for. Petition the local government, suggest ways to get the ball rolling. Lead your neighborhood by example.
If you are new to the recycling process, start small and ease your family into the idea. A really good way to get started is with aluminum because it has a built in financial incentive in the concept. Although the price per pound for aluminum may fluctuate wildly, there are upswings in the market that make saving cans and other aluminum items very attractive indeed.
Save this money toward an agreed upon goal and you will be amazed not only by how fast the money adds up, but by how quickly the entire family gets involved. Once you get them on board with recycling cans and such, you can move onto papers and glass products. Buy brightly colored bins and make sure that they are clearly labeled. Make sure that everyone is contributing to the process, even kids as young as three years old can be taught to separate items for recycling.
Talk to your children about why you are recycling, especially if you live in an area where it is not as widespread. Make sure that they understand how important it is for everyone to do their part in saving the planet.
Do not assume that they will not care or that they will not want to contribute. You might be shocked by just how dedicated they will turn out to be. Assign different parts of the recycling detail to each family member according to age and then step back and let them truly own the chore. Commend them for a job well done and be proud of every effort. By doing their part to protect the earth, they are insuring their own green futures.
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