Recycle?

Everything is disposable today, paper plates, magazines, books, pots and pans, aluminum cans, furniture, and vehicles. Perform an archeological dig at some of the dump sites in this country. Discover the items disposed off in the last 100 years? I do believe we will find that over the last century the amount disposed of has increased. When it breaks or wears, if it does not fit, has a tear or stains, needs repair, looks old and dirty, just toss it.

Most of the items we toss are toxic to the environment. Who cares? I am not sure really. Remember your mother telling you to eat your greens and liver because there were starving children in other countries who would love to have what we have? My brother once told my mom to send it to him because he was not eating it. I thought she was going to knock his head off. Yes, mom was a hitter. He ate it begrudgingly. Have we really stopped caring after years of this sort of story telling? Alternatively, do we just find it easier to live unconsciously, let someone else do the work, and ignore the effects it has on us?

All it takes is one person to start a riot or book burning. One person can control the destiny of thousands. Think about our history, the world's history. One person has instigated wars, destruction, criminal acts, serial killings, so much more. However, I hear this phrase: "I am only one person. What can I do?" Well? What can you do?

The next time you walk down the street, notice trash on the sidewalk, why not pick it up? Especially when there is a trash receptacle handy? It might be a bit over flowing, but squash it down and add the trash you just picked up. It takes less than a minute and who knows? Like the commercials where a person sees another do a kind act which prompts him or her to repeat the process creating a cascade effect.

Stop disposing, there are so many items in your home that can help you earn cash back. Conversely, may serve a purpose somewhere else. Remember this: "One man's trash is another man's treasure." Think about what you can do as one person to begin creating a change.

Stop with the excuses. "It takes too much time. Who is going to pay attention any ways? " The list of excuses is extensive, and I have heard many reasons for not recycling, reusing, or re-purposing. I attempted to us a few reasons myself. The oddity is that those who use excuses would not dream of letting me get away with using them.

What is the one thing you can do today to affect the change you wish to see in your country? In your neighborhood? In your home?

Before you buy, check to see if the item is recyclable. Is it something you can pass on to someone else or sell at a yard sale? Will it give you cash back later down the road? The more care you take in selecting products, choosing those items that will not contribute to the waste, the further your money will go.

Check out the local recycle centers. What items will the center take? Do they pay or require you to pay? What items do you throw away you could resell, recycle, or donate?

Search out the flea markets, auction, barter, and trade sites. Classified ads are filled with "I want" or "I will purchase" for old electronics and appliances.

Set aside some time to discover the world from a recycling point of view. You may be surprised at what you can resell or recycle.