Each American generates a daily average of 4.6 pounds of garbage.* While the numbers seem dramatic, a path towards a solution can be simple – and you can make a difference.
The following tips, ideas and solutions can be implemented in your home to reduce waste and make a positive impact on the world around you. As a part of its Green Vision philosophy, King's Hawaiian hopes these ideas bring the spirit of aloha to your daily living.
RETHINK, RECYCLE – THE FOLLOWING ARE LESSER KNOWN ITEMS IN YOUR HOME THAT YOU CAN RECYCLE:
Put a pedal to the metal
– Hangers, tin cans, empty aerosol cans and dried out paint cans can be recycled with your aluminum cans and your King's Hawaiian round loaf tins.
Creep around the kitchen
– Gather your plastic food bags and rinse out glass and plastic containers (condiment jars, juice bottles and detergent containers can all be recycled).
– Used microwave food trays and paper boxes can be placed in the recycle bin.
– Cereal paperboard boxes and juice cartons can be recycled.
Remember to e-Cycle
– Used (and working) electronics and appliances can be donated to non-profits – find a second home for used TVs, stereos, fax machines and computers.
– Most cell phones can be returned to carrier retail locations.
Call it in
– For bulk plastic items (patio furniture, beach toys, lawn items, etc.), consider requesting a special pick-up from your local service, or donating to area resale shops.
Kids can help too
– Left-over crayons can be saved, sent and recycled by the National Crayon Recycle Program (crazycrayons.com) where they're melted down and remade into new ones.
Be a media maven
– CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes and the jewel cases they're sold in can be recycled.
– Whether hardback or paper, books can be recycled.
*Courtesy of The Environmental Protection Agency
SIMPLE EVERYDAY IDEAS TO RECYCLE AND RENEW
- After you make coffee, place the used grounds in your garden for fertilizer.
- If you must use plastic utensils for a party or event, wash them and reuse them at a later date.
- Make sure your family always turns off lights, televisions and fans before leaving a room.
- Start your kids off right. Volunteer to visit a classroom and share your at-home recycling methods. You could inspire your child’s friends and families.
- Search for green biodegradable cleaning products when you shop.
- Ensure that every light in your house is a CFL bulb.
- Don’t leave your reusable shopping bags in the kitchen. Make sure you always have at least two in the car for unplanned shopping.