Changing everything in our lives suddenly in attempt to live green, may be more than most of us can handle. We suggest making just one small change or adding one new habit every week. These little things add up to a big difference over time. This week let’s:

Rethink Recycling

Revising how we think about recycling to go beyond bottles, cans and paper can save more resources.

More than 100 million American already recycle glass, aluminum, steel, plastic and paper. Those of us who do this can take pride in the fact that we are helping to protect our environment and stimulate our economy. For more information, read: Why Recycle?

This week, lets rethink recycling and go beyond the items we put in blue and yellow bins everyday. When we rethink recycling, we can reduce more waste, reuse more resources and recycle more items. We may also make our world a little happier.

Clothing & Whites

Wearable clothing can go to The Salvation Army, Faith Farm, or any other charity. Women’s business attire that you no longer wear can help promote the economic independence of a disadvantaged woman when donated to programs like Dress for Success.  If you have gently used brand named items and could really use a little money to shop for something that you’ll actually uses, bring it to a consignment shop or Plato’s Closet. Shop at thrift stores and consignment shops for yourself. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Also consider trading clothing with family, friends, fellow church or club members and coworkers to help each other save money.

Unwearable clothes, linens and towels can be donated to local animal shelters like Big Dog Ranch, to use as pet bedding.

Athletic Shoes

Wearable shoes can be donated to many local charities or One World Running, Give Your Sole, Soles 4 Souls and other similar organizations.

Unwearable shoes can be ground down and turned into new places to play when donated to Nike Reuse-a-Shoe.

Sports Goods

Don’t throw it away! Give it to someone who can use it. Trade it or sell it at Play It Again Sports, or donate it to a local charity.

Recycle tennis balls through reBounces.

Appliances & Furniture

Can it be repaired instead of replaced? Can you extend the usable life with a little TLC, such as professional cleaning and maintenance? If you answered “no” both times, don’t throw it out. Sell it or give it away.

Batteries

If possible, use rechargeable batteries. But, all batteries can be recycled by organizations like Battery Solutions.

Buttons

Did you know that even buttons can make a real difference in peoples lives? Hugs and Kisses, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity that raises funds for cancer patients in desperate financial need, could recycle your buttons.

Together we can rethink recycling and make a difference.

Obviously, the list above is far from exhaustive. Just about anything and everything can be recycled. We hope these ideas helped you to rethink recycling and look forward to hearing your ideas and suggestions.