Recycling Reminders

I have always been a nut about recycling. My 2 year old daughter even knows the word - she says "cycling" - and helps me empty our recycling bin every day. I think its pretty cute that I've got a future eco-warrior by my side!

Most people know to recycle paper, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and glass jars. These everyday items are easy to drop in the recycling bin. However, several other household items need to be recycled, too. Here are a few to keep in mind:

CFC light bulbs: These bulbs are great because they use less significantly energy than a regular light bulb, but they contain small amounts of toxic mercury so they shouldn't be tossed in the trash. In Chicagoland, many Ace Hardware Stores accept used CFC bulbs. To find out where to bring them in your area, check out the EPA's website.

Brita Water Filter: I never drink water from a plastic bottle. Instead, I filter water using a Brita and fill up my Klean Kanteen before I leave the house. However, throwing away the plastic Brita filter every couple months doesn't do much to help the environment! So, I bring my used filters to Whole Foods and drop it into the Preserve Bin. The Preserve company turns the filter into toothbrushes, tableware and kitchen items.

Batteries: Never throw these into the trash!! Instead, bring them to any Walgreens for recycling. Super easy and convenient!