See the Difference

Ever wonder what makes a recycled-content product and what makes a product recyclable?

Recycled-content products are made from materials that would otherwise have been discarded. That means these products are made totally or partially from material contained in the products you recycle, like aluminum soda cans or newspaper. Recycled-content products also can be items that are rebuilt or re-manufactured from used products such as toner cartridges or computers. There are more than 4,500 recycled-content products available, and this number continues to grow. In fact, many of the products people regularly purchase contain recycled-content.

Post-consumer content is a material that has served its intended use and instead of being disposed of it is being reused in a different product. If a product is labeled "recycled content," the material might have come from excess or damaged items generated during normal manufacturing processes-not collected through a local recycling program.

Recyclable products can be collected and remanufactured into new products after they've been used. These products do not necessarily contain recycled materials and only benefit the environment if people recycle them after use.

Close the Loop: Buy Recycled

When buying recycled content materials, remember to look for the highest percentage of post-consumer waste content.

Even though trees are a renewable resource, energy and landfill space can be conserved when we buy recycled content paper.

The Big Five

While all curbside programs differ, the most commonly included materials are:

1. Aluminum

2. Glass

3. Paper

4. Plastic

5. Steel

* Be sure to refer to the guide below to see all the materials you can recycle in your area and the locations, including household hazardous waste products.

Why Recycle

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 75 percent of our waste is recyclable, which goes well beyond what you toss in your recycling bin at home, at the office or at school.

1) Recycling keeps valuable material such as aluminum and paper out of landfills, so this material can be reused in other forms and not wasted.

2) Recycling prevents hazardous materials and chemicals such as lead and mercury from ending up in landfills, which can contaminate soil and leach into our drinking water.

A LOOK INTO THE PAST:
The EPA reports that 20 years ago, only one curbside recycling program existed in the entire country.

Free For All

Websites such as Craigslist and Freecycle, have a multitude of free items that are yours for the taking (and/or giving). Listings are location-specific, so you don't have to travel far to get what you need.

Swap Shop

A great way to acquire new things is to organize a swap with friends. Depending on your interests and needs, almost anything is fair game - clothing, books, toys and CDs are all popular items at a swap. You can also check out websites that easily and inexpensively allow members to swap books, CDs and DVDs online.

Be Thrifty

From clothing to furniture, thrift stores are an inexpensive and eco-friendly place to pick up just the right "new-for-you" item. Refer to this list of clothing donation and vintage stores throughout San Bernardino County to help get you started.

Also, check out Real Simple's column, New Uses for Old Things for ideas on creative conversions. Once you've become a pro or for even more crafty ideas, visit Readymade Magazine's website, a publication devoted entirely to repurpose people.

Hold Your Own

Beverage containers

My Sigg has unique designs to show off your eco-individuality anywhere you go. Made from a single piece of aluminum, the bottles are rugged, crack-resistant and completely reusable and recyclable for water, juice or any liquids.

 

Coffee mugs

Next time you crave a convenient coffee, remember to bring a reusable mug to your corner cafe. Think of the amount materials used for one coffee cup: one paper cup with plastic lining, a plastic top, a cardboard sleeve and a stirrer---it can really add up! You can purchase a traveler's mug at most coffee shops including Starbucks. Some shops even give a small discount for being eco-responsible.

Shopping bags

For any type of shopping, you have the option to bring your own bag to carry home the goods you buy. For grocery and drugstore visits, bring backpacks, canvas bags or anything reusable with you to avoid the plastic and paper pile-up. Visit plasticdebris.org and find out more information about how plastic bags are choking our oceans.