How to Recycle More in the Kitchen

It’s good to be green. If recycling is already a daily task here are a few ways to save even more kitchen trash from ending up in the landfill.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Reuse items. This may sound a little odd in our culture today, but there are things we use in the kitchen that can be reused. Rather than toss out a barely used piece of foil or a plastic baggy, try wiping it off and saving it for another time.

2. Think beyond glass and plastic. What about the cardboard tubes inside paper towels? What happens to cereal boxes? Is junk mail getting recycled?

3. Reduce your collection of plastic grocery bags. After every trip to the grocery store the pile of empty bags gets bigger. Think of ways to reuse them. Use them to line wastebaskets, keep them in the car to collect trash, or better yet, take them back to the grocery store next time. Also, start using canvas grocery bags.

4. Consider installing a kitchen recycling center. A simple modification to a kitchen cabinet can neatly conceal recycling bins.

Tips & Warnings

• Another way to recycle more in the kitchen is by starting a backyard composting pile for food scraps and coffee grounds.