The 3Rs

With Earth Day a week Friday, and with my spring cleaning dragging on, I thought I would share some tidbits on where we've been recycling things we no longer use.

First, is Home Depot. I can't believe how great this store is for dropping off materials for recycling.the other day I was dropping off used or blown light bulbs to be recycled, when I saw this cart full of used paint cans. I asked one of the store clerks if they recycled empty paint cans and they do! So the van has been loaded up for Home Depot run this morning! How many of us have paint cans collecting dust in the basement. Wouldn't you rather they be reused then dumped in a landfill? They also recycle batteries and cell phones. When you walk in to your local Home Depot there are usually tall cardboard bins to place your recyclable goods.

With gardening season right around the corner, flower baskets, or plants will be purchased to spruce up the yard. Instead of throwing out your used, plastic plant baskets or dishes they can be recycled as well. For example, Vandermeer Garden centre has recycling bins you can drop off your used planters.

Make-up can even get recycled! M.A.C. make-up is great for this. You can take your empty eyeshadow, mascara, blush containers, and if you bring enough they give a free lipgloss - free M.A.C. for being eart friendly, check!

I also mentioned how we donated clothes and some goods to the Salvation Army and the Canadian Diabetes Society. There are lots of places that accept used clothing, in any condition. Think of it this way, a teacher may go into these stores and used shirts for arts and crafts with their students. A sewer might go in and recycle clothes for a quilt. I know one blog I follow, she upcycles clothes to make new shirts and hats. So don't assume that your old shirt is worthless - someone may have a vision for it!

So if you're wanted to do some spring cleaning and decluttering without adding to a landfill, look for ways to practice the three Rs!

Thanks for reading.