Talking Trash

Recycling is doing whatever you can to reuse an object. Whether you reuse it yourself or give it to someone else to reuse, you are recycling. Some items can be very complex to recycle. Those are recycled by companies who filter out materials and then make new items, such as bottles and paper goods.

We all enjoy Popsicle™ sticks in the summer, but how many of you just throw the stick in the garbage? The sticks are great for crafts or school projects. Are all of your old clothes trash? If they're still in good condition you can donate them. If they are torn or stained, they make great rags for cleaning, especially for bike grease and mud. Paper is another commonly thrown-away item. Did you know you can recycle paper to make new paper products? You can even make your own paper for party invitations, note paper, and gift wrap.

Cans are a big item you might find in the trash. Did you know that scrap metal companies pay for recyclable metals and tin? It's a great way to make some extra summer cash. Did you know that it takes less energy to make aluminum by recycling than it does to produce new aluminum for those same cans? The aluminum cans can be recycled over and over again.

Not all of the items you use can be recycled, so you have to be a smart consumer and think before you buy. Using the three R's is the way to becoming a smart consumer. Reduce the waste you make, reuse items if you can, and recycle everything possible. Explore the sites below and learn more about recycling and how you can help to eliminate the world's waste problems.

Recycle City - The site from the Environmental Protection Agency covers everything you need to know about recycling. Visit the city, where you can click on any part of the town to see what is going on with recycling in that area. In each area you can click on a building to see what activities people are doing or what products they use, and whether those products can or can't be recycled. The Dumptown game is not to be missed. You get to be in control of the town's garbage and recycling programs. Choose programs to try, keep track of budgets and statistics, and view charts to show your progress.

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