Newsflash! Recycling Still Important

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle…everyone knows the mantra, and a whole generation has grown up with curbside pick-up of bottles, cans and papers.

Oregon sets an example for the nation with its high recycling rates, but the fact remains that the amount of garbage we each put out is on the rise. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American produces 4 and 1/2 pounds of garbage a day, adding up to 1,600 pounds every year. This is double the amount of trash we produced in the 1970s, when recycling programs were getting off the ground.

Furthermore, by the time we get to recycling, we have often left out the most important part of the equation -- to reduce our waste at the source, using the fewest natural resources and preventing buyer’s remorse.

Here a few simple things you can do:

Think before you buy. Avoid impulse shopping -- make a list and stick to it. If something catches your eye, stop to ask yourself whether you really need it. Is it a durable, well-made product? Can you borrow it from your neighbor or buy it used? Another trick is to skip the purchase this time and after a month, if you still need it, go back to the store.

Skip the bottled water. Many of us buy exotic spring waters based on the false assumption that these are more pure than what comes out of the tap. Tap water is tested regularly, must meet higher quality standards, and -- especially in the water-rich Northwest -- it tastes delicious too. Buy a water filter and your own refillable bottle, and think of the tons of plastic that will be saved! Even better, your city's tap water has a much smaller carbon footprint than bottles shipped from France or Fiji.

Get a canvass grocery bag. Recycling your paper or plastic bags is great, but what about getting a durable canvas shopping bag? Not only will it conserve resources, reduce pollution and eliminate clutter in your house, it’s one of the hottest fashion trends. Style magazine Vogue is urging fashionistas everywhere to change the way America shops with the reusable alternative to the "paper vs plastic" dilemma. Designers in Europe are hopping on the bandwagon with fabled bag maker Hermes, and the soon-to-be-famous London hit that reads, “I Am Not a Plastic Bag,” has been selling out at record rates. In fact the canvas grocery bag has been declared by some to be the latest must-have accessory.

Try buying in bulk. Cut out the packaging and make a big dent in your trash. Most mainstream grocery stores now have bulk grain, bean and snack sections. Some even carry bulk personal care products and cleaners.

Go vintage. So many things at new stores are made to look vintage. We have faux vintage clothes, accessories, furniture and home décor. Why not go for the real thing with its unmistakable aura of the past. Make hunting for classy, unique treasures at vintage, antique or thrift stores part of your shopping routine; it’s another form of stylish reuse.

When you have reduced and reused as much as you can, it's time to recycle what is left over. Start by making sure you are recycling all common items, like paper, plastic, glass and cans.

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