Going Green Challenge Blog

Jul 29, Dog Days

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:07:53 GMT

Here in the Midwest, the hottest days of summer tease us with warm winds, sticky rainstorms and the occasional "cold front" that reduces temperatures to the upper 80's. We often retreat to shade trees or the indoors and enjoy an iced cold beverage of some sort.

This Week's Challenge: Beat the heat with a Reusable Water Bottle that fits your style.

If you haven't replaced the disposable plastic bottles with a reusable version, now is a great time. They are affordable, come in a variety of colors and sizes, and can be bought almost anywhere. Reusable bottles typically hold more fluid and stay cooler longer than the disposable versions. Choose from several styles including aluminum, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic.

Win a Free Dinner for Two at your favorite locally owned restaurant!

Join Gertie & the Challenge on our new Facebook page!

Jul 21, On the Line

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:09:50 GMT

Summer brings us a chance to use the most energy efficient dryer - the sun. If time or your local ordinance doesn't permit drying garments on a clothes line, don't fret. There are still things you can do to save energy while drying your clothes.

This Week's Challenge: Green Your Drying Routine

Line Dry Indoors
Other than the sun, the most energy efficient dryer is an indoor drying rack. This will help save energy and give your clothes a longer life.

Back to Back Loads
Dry several loads of laundry in a row. The machine will have to warm up only once before it reaches drying temperature.

Clean the Filter
To keep your dryer from working overtime, clean the filter after each use.

Don't Overload
Putting too many items in the dryer lengthens drying times and wastes energy. A standard size load should be dry in 45 minutes or less.

Keep the Vent Clean
Keep the vent on the outside of the house clean. Make sure excess lint and cobwebs aren't blocking air flow.

Use the Permanent Press Cycle
Your clothes continue to be dried the last few minutes, but with cool air only.

We are giving away a Free Dinner for Two at your favorite locally owned restaurant!

Join Gertie & the Challenge on our new Facebook page!

Jul 15, Fully Loaded

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:28:32 GMT

It's so easy to let the laundry pile up. That's not always a bad thing; a full load of laundry is easier on the machine and uses less resources.

This Week's Challenge: Green Your Washing Routine

Take the Smell Test
Check to see if clothes really need washing. I'm not suggesting you sniff your underoos; wash those. Socks too, always. But that sweater you threw on to grab takeout, it could probably be worn again before it hits the hamper.

Use Cold Water
When possible, wash and rinse in cold water. An estimated 80 percent of energy used in washing machines is to heat the water.

Turn Down the Heat
When you do wash in hot water, it doesn't have to be scorching to get the laundry clean. If you haven't already, check the temperature on the hot water heater. For the most energy efficient hot water heater, turn it down to 120 degrees.

Pre-Soak
For heavily stained clothing, soak in soapy water before adding to the machine.

Switch Detergents
Some detergents produce too many suds and make the machine work overtime. Switch to an eco-friendly laundry detergent or see one of our homemade laundry soap recipes to make your own.

Don't forget to enter to Win a Free Dinner for Two at your favorite locally owned restaurant! Join Gertie & the Challenge on our new Facebook page!

Jul 6, Hidden Gems

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:17:54 GMT

As we wrap up a long holiday weekend, many of us realize we didn't plan well for the week ahead.

If you haven't hit the grocery and are staring at the back end of an empty pantry, consider extending the holiday splurge and dine out this week.

This Week's Challenge: Eat out at Locally Owned Restaurants

Whether your version of eating out is take-out in front of the TV, or dining upscale at one of the finer restaurants in town, we can all support local businesses and our need for convenience food. Visit locally owned fast food joints, burger stands or fine dining establishments. Who knows--you may meet some great new people or discover a favorite new dish.

Has it been a while since you dined out in style?

Watch For: Win a Free Dinner for Two at your favorite locally owned restaurant!

For the latest updates, join Gertie & the Challenge on our new Facebook page!

Jun 30, Blowin' in the Wind

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:04:46 GMT

Wherever you will be this weekend, chances are you will be celebrating the 4th of July in some fashion.

This Week's Challenge: Make the 4th of July a little Greener

Here are 5 ways:

Step Up Your Style
Skip the disposable dishware. Pull out the red checkered tablecloth and pair it with white cloth napkins. Use an all natural homemade recipe to polish up the silverware.

Skip the Decorations
Instead of buying disposable holiday decorations, let your menu serve double duty. Serve strawberries and blueberries with cream, or make a flag cake. Let the kids indulge in red or blue soda pop and serve pomegranate cocktails to the adults. Top your tables with red or white summer flowers.

Go to the Show
Instead of buying your own fireworks, attend your town's firework display.

Travel in Packs
Meet family and friends nearby and travel to the firework show together.

Recycle
If you are hosting a party, set up a recycle station for beer bottles, aluminum cans and plastic water bottles.

Coming Soon: Support the Gulf and win a Free Dinner for Two at your favorite local restaurant!

Join Gertie & the Challenge on our new Facebook page for the latest updates!

Jun 23, Local Affairs

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:52:03 GMT

Saturday mornings are one of my favorite parts of summer. I sneak out of the house in the wee hours and head to a vacant lot in the heart of downtown. There I meet the other men in my life.

Tom arrives early each week with fresh eggs, promising yolks the color of sunflowers. There's Dale, who brings blueberries plucked straight from the bush and the sweetest corn found in the Midwest. Others visit only once, setting up stands of plump melons and juicy tomatoes that carry with them the smell of summer.

Along with steamy hot days, June graces us with make-shift markets and roadside stands of summer fruits. It's the time each year that we can get back to the basics of simple, yet amazingly delicious homegrown food.

This Week's Challenge: Shop at a local Farmer's Market

According to Local Harvest, only 18 cents of every dollar spent at large supermarkets goes to the grower. The rest is used to pay various middlemen, such as processors and distributors. Local produce is usually sold the day of, or within a few days of picking. This bypasses the use of preservatives to prolong shelf life, eliminates the fuel for cross county transportation, reduces packaging waste, and often avoids the need for refrigeration.

For luscious, locally grown food that's better priced than any super store can offer, head to the market this weekend. See localharvest.org for growers in your area.

Jun 15, Down the Drain

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:56:22 GMT

The average American uses 175 gallons of water per day. An estimated 95 percent of that water goes straight down the drain.

Most water usage is for flushing toilets and taking morning showers. Some of it is used during daily tasks of dish washing, teeth brushing and shaving.

This Week's Challenge: Turn off the Running Tap

Letting water run while you brush your teeth can easily waste 3-4 gallons of water. That amount doubles if you let the tap run while you rinse dishes.

In case you were wondering which is better for the environment, here's some good news: energy efficient dishwashers save more money, water and energy than the manual route.

Jun 8, Who Cares About Ocean Day?

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:07:34 GMT

Just last year, the United Nations officially declared June 8th as World Oceans Day. That's today.

REALLY?

With the devastation occurring in the gulf, we thought the morning headlines would be buzzing about World Oceans Day. An official declaration from the U.N. and a catastrophic oil spill must not be enough.

So Who Cares about the Ocean? I do. You do. We all do.

This Week's Challenge: Help Give the Ocean a Voice

Meet Gertie.
Gertie is a green sea turtle living off the shores of Florida. On World Oceans Day, she decided to come to shore in search of new friends to help better her waters.

3 Ways to Help Raise Ocean Awareness:

Make a Friend
Be Gertie's first friends on land by joining her campaign on Facebook.

.

Spread the Word
Tell your family and friends about World Oceans Day and celebrate our waters.

Email Gertie
In the subject line, write a few words that describe your love for our waters. Please leave the body of the email empty. Gertie is wise, but not email savvy.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtfully committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead

Jun 2, Ocean Contests and Freebies

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:46:12 GMT

While we are excited about the long hot days of bubble blowing, water wading and cooling down with an ice cold glass of sun tea, our most picturesque moments of Indiana summers are clouded by images of the darkening Gulf waters.

As we watch the endless stream of oil spewing into the ocean, we are cringing with disbelief, awe and utter devastation. We are worried about our friends, both those on land and in the waters.

We decided to switch things up a bit as we kick off the first month of summer. Because of the catastrophic oil spill and the ongoing pile of plastic pollution in our waters, we are dedicating the month of June to the 70 percent of the planet that needs our attention.

This Weeks Challenge: Put World Oceans Day on the Calendar

World Oceans Day is Tuesday, June 8th. Help make the day matter. Watch your e-mail and the site for ways to honor and celebrate our waters. We'll be hosting Ocean contests and freebies all summer!

May 25, School's Out!

Tue, 25 May 2010 15:55:47 GMT

As the final 2010 school bell rings, we are all gearing up for commencements, graduation parties and the dog days of summer.

This may be the year your child learned the alphabet, or discovered a gift for math. Maybe it was a year of music recitals, sports, or finally watching your pre-teen pick up a book (and creating a vampire obsession).

Whatever the hallmark of the school year was, think about the resources that helped those moments happen.

This Week's Challenge: Pass it On.

When the kids come home on the final day, sort through the bags of broken crayons, dried-up glue, and torn books. Reuse, recycle and donate what you can.

Pens, pencils, rulers and scissors can be donated to other schools. Crayons and glue containers can be recycled by various organizations. Check our out full list for information.

Recycle paper products like post-it's, file folders, envelopes, notebooks and used textbooks.

Recycle computer monitors, hard drives and printers by donating them to need based organizations.

May 17, Shave $90 off Your Utility Bill

Mon, 17 May 2010 19:59:28 GMT

In the average home, 10-15 percent of the utility bill is from hot water usage. Turn down the temperature on the hot water heater and save up to 10 percent in energy costs each year.

Even when you aren't using hot water, the unit is working to keep the water at a pre-set temperature. It works like this -- after your hot morning shower, cold water fills the tank. The system heats the newly added water, making sure it's warm enough for your next load of laundry.

This Week's Challenge: Check the Temperature on Your Hot Water Heater

Some manufacturers set thermostats as high as 140 degrees F. This high temperature is typically unnecessary and can cause scalding, which is a safety concern if there are children in the household.

Reducing the thermostat to 120 degrees F is usually ideal, but check the owner's manual first. Turning down the temperature slows build-up and corrosion, giving the hot water heater a longer life.

If your hot water heater is getting up there in years, it may benefit from some insulation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, insulation can reduce stand-by heat loss by 25-45 percent. Insulating the pipes can also save money and resources.

If you are buying a new unit, consider an Energy Star water heater. Early in 2009, five types were sealed with the Energy Star logo. Energy Star rebates are also available in many states.

May 11, Clean Something Green

Tue, 11 May 2010 20:00:49 GMT

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the air inside the average home is estimated to be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air.

The E.P.A also estimates that the average home has approximately 100 pounds of toxic products stored under sinks, in closets and in outdoor areas. These dangerous chemicals accounted for 10 of toxic exposures in 2000, mostly occurring in children under the age of 6.

So, why are we using them? They are convenient, affordable and what we have always known.

This Week's Challenge: Clean it Up Eco-Style

When you run out of a cleaner, replace it with an earth friendly version. There are some excellent eco-friendly cleaners available in stores.

If the price tag seems a bit high, it's easy to make your own. Homemade cleaners are cheap - even more affordable than generic versions. They work just as well, if not better.

My husband laughed the first time I scrubbed the floor with homemade carpet cleaner. He started paying attention when I unclogged the sink with homemade drain cleaner.

Since then, our green challenge community has tested homemade dish soap, dishwashing detergent and laundry soap recipes. Some worked well and others didn't. For more info on homemade cleaning products, see the full list of green cleaning recipes that we've put to the test.

May 3, Clean Your Plate

Mon, 03 May 2010 20:15:05 GMT

On average, 27 percent of all edible food is wasted every year in the United States. The E.P.A. lists food scraps as the third largest waste stream, accounting for 12.7 percent of our total trash.

It's estimated that the average family of four throws away 122 lbs. of food per month. That averages out to 1 lb. per person per day.

Are we really...

Working hard,
To make money,
To buy food,
To throw in the trash,
Then paying someone,
To pick it up
So it can join our neighbors' wasted food,
In a big heap
On land that could have been a park or garden?

What the....?

Maybe that's why mother always said "clean your plate" as she reminded us of starving children in third world countries.

This Week's Challenge: Try not to toss food.

Together, we can keep an estimated 30,996 lbs. of unnecessary food waste out of landfills.

What You Can Do

Plan a Menu & Buy Only What You Need
It sounds simple enough, but having a menu for the week helps.

Reconsider Bulk Buying
Who isn't a fan of less packaging and better pricing? Buying in bulk is great, but not if it goes bad before it's eaten. Even if the price entices you, it's not a deal for your wallet or the planet if half of it goes in the garbage.

Compost
If you don't compost at home find a composter near you who takes food and yard waste.

Devoir the Leftovers
Pack leftovers for lunch or school or have a "leftover night."

Donate
Give to your local food pantry. If your weekly coupon deal pays off with 30 free cans of tomato sauce, consider donating them.

Freeze It
If meats are approaching the expiration date, make a casserole dish and freeze it for later. A well stocked freezer is more energy efficient and will save you a few dollars.

Apr 30, Plant a Tree?

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:32:47 GMT

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average American uses a 100-foot-tall Douglas fir tree in paper and wood products each year.

That is a lot of office furniture, printer paper, and cereal boxes. Although we won't be giving up toilet paper anytime soon, there are some ways to shrink our tree to say, a 25-foot-tall Douglas fir tree.

To Plant or Not to Plant this Arbor Day

Originating in Nebraska in 1872, Arbor Day falls on the last Friday in April. The national holiday is celebrated across the country with tree planting and education.

So, plant a tree, right? The message is simple, but tree planting requires a plan...hence the education part of Arbor Day. Obvious factors like growth, the amount of sun, and moisture matter. Location of power lines, sidewalks, and other structures matter too.

If you are planting a tree this weekend, our hat it off to you. Check out the National Arbor Day's Right Tree in the Right Place for tips.

Our Grass isn't Green

Many of us don't have the lawn space to plant a tree. Don't fret, you can still help out. Here are a few ways.

Name that Tree
Learn about various types of trees in your area with this handy guide. (Scroll to the bottom for the free online version.) Grab the kids, go for a walk, and see how many trees you can name.

Sign Up for Online Billing
Save envelopes, stamps, checks, ink and the other resources necessary to pay a bill via snail mail.

Visit your Local Library
Save part of a tree and some dough by checking out books at the library. Many libraries let you reserve your favorites online.

Recycle Paper Products
From pizza boxes to junk mail, many paper products can be recycled. See our recyclable paper list for details.

Apr 26, Taking the Green Challenge

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:41:40 GMT

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtfully committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead

Thank you to everyone that signed up for the Green Challenge. We now have people from all 50 states participating!

Free and Green
How can you beat that? It seems the Upcycled Earth Day magnets were a hit. We had so much interest that it caused a few glitches throughout the day. We apologize to those of you who had trouble. Stay tuned...we'll have chances for them again soon.

This Week's Green Challenge
Now that Earth Day is over, it's easy to move on to other things. Many of us are busy wrapping up the school year and making summer plans. As you get back to the daily grind, take a few minutes this week and

Remember what you Love about the Earth.

We all have something. Maybe it's seeing the first light on a morning jog or the smell of rain on the horizon. Maybe it's digging your hands in the dirt to plant something new. For some of us, it's the sound of the ocean waves or a running river.

If nothing comes to mind, think about a special child in your life. Maybe it's hearing your child giggle during a rain storm, or watching them work with the wind to launch a kite.

This week, think about those moments. Talk about them. Find out what your kids like best about our world. Is it the pretty yellow "flowers" that take over spring lawns? Or shells that carry the sounds of an ocean vacation all the way home?

When the shopping list, the bills, and the to-do's start to overwhelm you, hold on to those moments when the beauty of our world left you speechless.

Apr 19, Gearing Up for Earth Day

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:28:03 GMT

We spent the weekend at local Earth Day Events in our community. When we pulled in our local park and saw a packed event, I made an announcement: "I am going to cry." My dramatic moment gave my husband a chuckle. I'm not a big crier, so it was funny. But, I was moved by the amount of people that showed up. We are in the heart of the Midwest, not an area of the country known for it's greenness. Coal burning plants, dirty river bottoms, and big trucks are a way of life here. There were people hanging out in the parking lot, having a smoke and finishing off their fast food lunches before heading to the event. A few rode in on bicycles, sporting their organic cotton tees and hemp bags. Then there was us, more middle-of-the-road green newbie's who love their planet and their motorized modes of transportation. I went to our town's first Earth Day event hoping to learn some new tips and see the kid's recycled craft projects. I didn't expect this gentle reminder: Regardless of your lifestyle or where you call home, we all love the Earth. The 40th Anniversary of Earth Day is this Thursday, April 22nd. How are you going to celebrate? Wherever you will be on this special day, we have an activity for you. Learn facts about Earth Day and how it all began. Have an Earth Day Scavenger Hunt indoors or outdoors, read Earth Day Poems or Quotes or have a "Homemade Day". For more activities in the classroom or at home, see our full list of Earth Day Projects.

Apr 16, Earth Day Quotes

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:22:03 GMT

Celebrate with Earth Day Quotes, Poems, and Earth Day Projects for Kids. Classic lines from Einstein to Roosevelt make great Earth Day Quotes.

Apr 14, Recycled Craft Projects

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:47:23 GMT

Recycled Craft Projects that Reduce Trash: Make a Creepy Crawler with Plastic Easter Eggs! Check out Easy Kids Crafts and Recycled Craft Projects.

Apr 12, Earth Day Activities

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:09:48 GMT

Celebrate with Earth Day Activities for Kids! Have an Earth Day Scavenger Hunt Indoors or Outdoors or try our other Earth Day Activities.

Apr 8, Earth Day Poems

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:31:03 GMT

Celebrate with Earth Day Poems, Earth Day Projects and Earth Day Activities for Kids. Classic Nature Writings make Excellent Earth Day Poems.

Apr 6, Earth Day Facts

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:30:30 GMT

Earth Day Facts: What is Earth Day? When is Earth Day? Earth Day Facts, Earth Day Projects, and Earth Day Activities for Kids

Apr 1, How Does Geothermal Energy Work

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:09:22 GMT

How Does Geothermal Energy Work? What is Geothermal Energy? Part 1: Understand exactly what is geothermal energy. Part 2: How does geothermal energy work once it's collected?

Mar 30, 2010 Earth Hour

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:39:02 GMT

If Earth Hour caught you by surprise, you aren't alone. I was leaving for a long overdue girls night out when my husband asked "why do you want to hang out in the dark with a bunch of women?" He's a funny one. I knew Earth Hour was approaching, but I totally spaced the date. If you forgot to turn off your lights Saturday night, don't fret. You can still do your part by joining today and pulling overtime on Earth Day, which is April 22nd.

Mar 24, What is Geothermal Energy

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:01:46 GMT

What is Geothermal Energy? How Does Geothermal Energy Work? Part 1: Understand exactly what is geothermal energy. Part 2: How does geothermal energy work once it's collected?

Mar 19, 25 Energy Saving Tips

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:11:06 GMT

There are many ways to save energy without spending a dime. See these tips for your current appliances. If you are thinking about a new energy efficient appliance, check out our buying guide and Energy Star rebate finder.

Mar 18, Recycling #5 Plastic

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:12:55 GMT

Polypropylene, or #5 plastic, is used in shampoo bottles, yogurt containers, prescription bottles, and cottage cheese tubs. If your county program is like ours, they don't recycle it. I was thrilled to learn that some Whole Foods stores are adding drop-off bins for #5 plastic. See Preserve Gimme 5 for a location near you. If you aren't recycling, get tips to start recycling today. Learn more about the recycling symbols and what your plastic can be turned into.

Mar 15, Everything Has To Go Somewhere

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 23:54:57 GMT

I looked around my house this morning and felt very overwhelmed. We try to keep our lives simple. Living in the wealthiest and most commercial country in the world, simple still means a lot of stuff. Not that I'm complaining. I am grateful for being overwhelmed by my child's vast collection of toys. It could be something far more pressing, like where our next meal will come from. When my son no longer cares about blocks, will another child spend countless hours at play with them? I hope so. Those books that line the shelves, will they be recycled years from now? What about that flat screen we got last Christmas? Everything has to go somewhere. When you are over your copy of Twilight, or your son's super annoying talking phone, show how grateful you are for the things that pass through your life. To make sure your old stuff goes to a good place, see our recycling section. You'll find a list of random items that can be recycled, how to recycle shoes and clothes through donation, and drop off locations for cell phones, computer monitors, televisions and other electronics.

Mar 12, The Why of Green & Frugal Living

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:22:16 GMT

The most ironic thing to me about the Green movement is that older generations practiced it, without much practice at all. They simply didn't have the

Mar 9, Going Green for My Grandchildren

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:17:04 GMT

I have three wonderful grandchildren, ages 5, 6 and 9. I am living green to show them a simple lifestyle. I worry about the amount of toys and video games

Feb 23, How to Make Sun Tea

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:57:04 GMT

DIY Solar Energy for Kids: How to Make Sun Tea

Dec 11, Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:27:13 GMT

Eco-Friendly and Affordable Christmas Tree Decorating Ideas

Dec 7, Merry Green Christmas

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:52:40 GMT

'Tis the season for a Green Holiday. For some, it may seem a like a late start. For those who like to sleep in on Black Friday and spend the day eating leftovers, this is just the post for you. I love Christmas, but am usually over it--overwhelmed, overtired and overspent by the time the big day arrives. From finding recycled Christmas cards and recycled wrapping paper to the debate over buying a real tree, trying to have a Green Christmas may seem like more trouble than it's worth. We've got it covered for you--free printable Christmas Cards, Christmas e cards, Eco friendly crafts for the holidays, Christmas tree decorating ideas, and our Top Ten Christmas gifts that are greener, practical and inexpensive.

Nov 4, Everything Energy

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:09:25 GMT

We continue the challenge of saving energy as winter approaches. We will look further into Energy Star rebates and the advantage of renewable energy. For those of you that are clueless like me, don't worry. We are starting with the basics, like the definition of renewable energy. Really, how is solar energy used? We are also going to try and come up with some creative ideas for going green this holiday season. We are always on a budget of course, so this will be interesting. If you have any suggestions, we would love to hear from you!

Oct 7, Cash for Appliances: Buy Energy Star Appliances and Receive a Rebate

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:20:15 GMT

If you are shopping for new ENERGY STAR appliances, you might want to wait a few months. If the fridge is still keeping things cool, that is. The program being called Cash for Appliances is expected to begin late fall or early in 2010. The Department of Energy will dish out $300 million for the program. Consumers can receive rebates ranging from $50-$200 when purchasing approved appliances that have the Energy Star logo. Eligibility will vary by state, so be sure to check your local rules before heading to the stores.

Oct 2, Energy Basics

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:21:16 GMT

As fall approaches and I make our first pot of chili for the season, I know an unwanted guest will soon be arriving. Old man winter is not my friend, nor is he a friend to our 60-year-old home that still has some of the original windows. In the spirit of facing old man winter head on, we are focusing on energy this month. We will explore ways to save energy and research the best energy efficient windows. Whether we will replace them or not is yet to be known. We are going to turn our appliances into the most energy efficient refrigerator and water heater possible without buying new. Who knew you could make old appliances more energy efficient? Join us as we take on the going green challenge of saving energy AND money!

Sep 22, Recycle Glass Week

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:53:36 GMT

Toast to the Planet by Participating in Recycle Glass Week. See How to Join in and Start Recycling Glass Bottles and Containers.

Sep 1, All Things Recycling

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:23:11 GMT

This month, we are taking on recycling. Although we've been at it for several years, we still have a lot to learn. What exactly do those recycle symbols mean? We'll cover the how-to-basics on recycling plastic bottles, aluminum cans and paper products. Before dumping it in a landfill, we'll check out the pile of stuff in the shed that we just don't know what to do with. We'll also explore our list of random collectibles around the house. Really, can you recycle household items like toner cartridges and packing peanuts? What about light bulbs and batteries? We are about to find out!