| WHAT: Managing garbage and recyclable materials in | | | | before you toss. |
| our homes can be stressful. Without a system, trash, | | | | Prepare different trash cans and label them |
| bottles, cans and papers quickly take over even the | | | | according to the common solid waste found in your |
| most organized home, and before you know it, | | | | home - food, plastic and bottles, paper, etc. They |
| you're dealing with clutter and trash accumulating. | | | | should be labeled for: 1) Recyclables (this should be |
| Why not set up a system for keeping tabs on daily | | | | the largest bin), 2) Yard trimmings and shrubs, 3) |
| discards? Any unwanted material that is discarded is | | | | Regular trash, and 4) Hazardous household waste |
| considered waste, and solid waste can be organized | | | | (for batteries, light bulbs, electronic products, etc). |
| into two main groups: biodegradable and | | | | Make it a rule at home that everyone should throw |
| non-biodegradable. | | | | their waste in the proper bin. |
| WHY: Perhaps the most important reason why we | | | | Find recycling centers in your area and bring your |
| have to act now on the worsening accumulation of | | | | recyclable stuff there. Take used motor oil, fluids and |
| trash is its impact on human health, especially the | | | | antifreeze to the local gas station for recycling. You |
| health of the members of your family and guests. | | | | can also take old tires to the gas station or an auto |
| We all desire a healthy family and neighborhood and a | | | | wrecker. |
| cleaner environment. One way to help with proper | | | | Place some extra bags in the bottom of your |
| garbage disposal and minimize our contribution to | | | | garbage can so a new one is ready when you take |
| trash that breeds flies, roaches, rodents and harmful | | | | out your trash. |
| bacteria that can spread diseases is to start at home. | | | | Clean and disinfect your garbage bins and |
| HOW: | | | | recycling containers regularly. Also, check that |
| First of all, cut down on the amount of garbage | | | | garbage bags do not have any holes in them so that |
| you generate. Purchase products that use little or no | | | | nothing falls out. |
| packaging, and opt for individually wrapped packages | | | | TIP: Put your food scraps in a compost bin in your |
| when there is no alternative. Buy reusable products, | | | | garden. Mulch from the compost can also be used to |
| such as rechargeable batteries that you don't have | | | | fertilize your garden! |
| to recycle after one use. Always, always think | | | | |