|
Recycling that's Easy and Helps Non-Profits Too
Recycling efforts can start out small but bring about big results, such as the $5 million raised for charitable organizations by TerraCycle, or the 2 million pounds of potentially hazardous batteries kept out of landfills by Call2Recycle so far this year.
Here's a handy guide to some of the best recycling resources, including many that also help worthy non-profits.
All-Star Recycling Sites: 3 Great Links
This amazing program lets you sign up for recycling options most people don't even know exist. Did you know that you can recycle...
- Energy bar wrappers.
- Old chip bags.
- Lunchable� containers.
- Pens and magic markers.
- Scotch Tape� containers.
And much, much more? TerraCycle pays the shipping costs for most items, and the proceeds benefit charitable organizations or the non-profit of your choice.
Need to dispose of old paint? Used electrical cables? Bicycle tires? Use the Earth 911 search tool to find the right recycle facility closest to you for virtually any item.
This fun and beautiful Pinterest page is more playground than work station. Check out the amazing photographs of "re-purposed" items turned into household decor to get inspiration for your own home.
Where to Recycle the Basics
Many of these organizations offer shipping options in addition to drop-off locations. - Batteries
Call2Recycle - Rechargeable batteries and cell phone batteries.
Battery Solutions - Many kinds of batteries, lamps, and e-gadgets.
Earth911's "The Ultimate Battery Guide" explains the differences between battery types.
- Cell Phones, Laptops, and Other Electronics
Phone Fund - Raise funds for the cause of your choice.
Recycling For Charities - Donations support your favorite charity.
Easy Recycle Store - Has a pick-up service even for large electronics.
- Ink Cartridges
Cartridges for Kids - Pays money to schools and non-profits.
- Donate Used Computers and Electronics
The Cristina Foundation - See if any non-profits near you need what you have.
- Light Bulbs Recycle A Bulb - Recycles your mercury-containing CFL bulbs. All Lamp Recycling - Takes many kind of lamps, ballast, and more.
11 Offbeat, Surprisingly Easy-to-Recycle Items
It seems like there's someone out there recycling nearly everything. Are you surprised by any items on this list? 1. Shoes 
Soles4Shoes takes any kind of gently used or new shoes, even half pairs and high heels. They distribute them for crisis relief in the U.S. and abroad, and to micro-enterprise programs in developing countries. http://www.soles4souls.org/ 2. Crayons CrazyCrayons keeps petroleum-based crayons out of landfills by recycling them into unusual new shapes. Recycle program: http://www.crazycrayons.com/recycle_program.html New crayon samples: https://www.facebook.com/earthlingcrayons. 3. Bras The Bra Recyclers accept all kinds of bras in good or new condition. They go to women in developing countries and those in transition in the U.S., including homeless veterans. http://www.brarecycling.com 4. Fishing Line The Berkley Conservation Institute turns a threat to wildlife into new habitat by using old fishing line to build "Fish-Habs." (Over 9 million miles of line recycled so far!) Click here for donation information. 5. Tennis Balls Who knew? :) ReBounces will send you a prepaid shipping label to send in your tennis balls for recycling. http://www.rebounces.com/recycle/ 6. Propane Tanks Ship anything from a disposable 1-pound camp stove cylinder to a refillable 500-pound tank for safe, eco-friendly recycling. http://www.cylinderdisposal.com/ 7. Eyeglasses Lions Club International sends your used prescription and reading glasses to developing countries throughout the world. They especially need children's glasses. Click here for donation information. 
8. Wine Corks ReCork will pay the shipping cost for 15 pounds of cork (around 1,650 wine corks). The cork is recycled and used for SOLE footwear products. http://recork.org 9. Cigarette Butts Yes, even old cigarette butts can escape the landfill. TerraCycle partners with Santa Fe Natural Tobacco company to recycle them into industrial products. http://www.terracycle.com/en-US/brigades/cigarette-waste-brigade.html 10. Yoga Mats Send your old rubber yoga mat to RecycleYourMat and receive a 20% coupon on a yoga mat purchase at Manduka.com. http://recycleyourmat.com/ 11. Trophies and Medals Lamb Awards will take your old trophies, medals, and plaques, and either donate them to charity or use them for parts. http://www.lambawards.com/recycle.html Do you have something to recycle that you didn't see listed here? Check the 1800Recycling search engine to find out where to dispose of it. Are you planning to buy or sell a home, or do you know someone who is? Please call or email me - I'm never too busy to help you and the people you care about with real estate. (What the lawyers make us say: The information in this newsletter is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Please always consult a qualified expert before making decisions based on this content. Nothing in this article is meant to be taken as expert legal, financial, or medical advice.) | 
