Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

It is becoming more and more frequently heard, "reduce, reuse, recycle" yet what does it mean exactly? It sounds pretty obvious to most, but it still seems that a lot of people don't get the concept. I can't count the number of plastic bottles I see thrown away everyday, not to mention other recyclables, such as paper products, aluminium cans and glass bottles to name a few. Maybe it is too troublesome or too much work to deposit such items into their proper receptacles. Or maybe there are not enough proper receptacles out there to discard our recycling. Or maybe we don't know exactly what is recyclable and what is not.

Recycling has become easier than ever (from a California stand point). In California, 5¢ is charge with every bottle or can, known as CRV or California Redemption Value. This seems like an incentive to take your recycled items for redemption, but it is not. It is still much easier to throw these items away. Just about everything can be recycled; batteries, old paint, oil, phone books and magazines, and even cell phones and computers. Know that there are specific places to take such items and it isn't a landfill.

Take a week and try to recycle everything that you possibly can and you will see that you will have much less trash than recyclables.

Here is my recipe to help recycle:

• Create a recycling bin at home that sits next to your trash can. This alone will help remind you to recycle the next time you throw something away.
• Help a friend. Often we need help remembering that things are recyclable. Let us know.
• Reduce the amount of trash we create. Avoid using single-use containers, such as juice or sodas cans.
• Buy in bulk. For one it is cheaper and it also has considerable less packaging.
• Bring your own bag. Refuse a bag at the store and bring your own. Reusable, recyclable bags are Hip!
• Refuse junk mail. Call the catalogs and ask to be removed from their mailing list. You can find everything you need via Internet and the most up-to-date sales as well.
• Pay your bills on-line. This will reduce the amount of paper used and sent through the mail.
• Start your own compost. Using yard waste and food scraps are the perfect food for you garden.
• Buy a stainless steel water bottle. You can use these over and over again and be safe from any PCB's.
• Have a yard sale or make a delivery to the Salvation Army. Many people are in need and what an easy way to help someone out.
• Use cloth napkins. Instead of using paper napkins, use cloth for your next meal or to clean the counter.
• Recycle this year's wrapping paper by carefully unwrapping gifts. Or use a paper bag or a cloth wrap.

Recycle, reduce and reuse are much easier to do than you think. Plus, once you are in the habit of doing so it becomes second nature.

Enjoy.

Vegan Chef Period.

We need help please! We are over 30 percent funded on our Kickstarter Campaign for Sanctuary, a new plant-based bistro to open this Fall in East Bay. Please check it out and consider backing and sharing with your friends. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/473325024/sanctuary-bistro-a-plant-based-bistro-in-the-eastThank you!