Practice the 5 R's for reducing waste

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The first step of changing the way we approach recycling is to simply refuse the waste to being with. Say no thank you to plastic straws and drink straight from the glass or cup. Bring your own bags to the store. Refuse to go containers that are foam. Request foil or paper or bring your own. 

The next step in managing waste is to reduce the amount of plastics you have in your day to day life. Buy products in bulk or combine purchases for less packaging, choose containers over ziplock bags, and reduce plastic purchases in general.

If you've refused and reduced already, the next thing to do is make use of multiple use items. Food containers rather than baggies, grocery bins and reusable bags, beverage containers rather than water bottles, and collecting and turning in your recyclables in containers rather than garbage bags. 

Have items that have served their intended purpose? Repurpose them for other uses before throwing them out or recycling them. Food storage containers make excellent bolt and screw holders, cottage cheese containers make great food storage containers. Let your creativity and ideas flow freely!!!

So you've refused, reduced, reused, and repurposed tons of things you have...now is the time to recycle what doesn't fall into the four other categories. Clean and dry your items and take them to the most appropriate recycling center or drop off location.