How to become a recycling machine

There is a place for all of your unwanted junk, and it does not have to have two handles and be kicked to the curbside at night for collection.
With environmental problems like global warming, endangered species and the ozone layer, it may seem that these are crises out of our hands and there is little effort that an individual can make to preserve the environment. However, reducing consumption and efforts to recycle are some small changes that can make a big difference.
Beyond simply giving your former possessions to a home that is better smelling than the city dump, recycling also conserves valuable natural resources, reduces energy consumption in the manufacturing of goods, creates jobs, prolongs the life of landfills and cuts down on disposal costs.
Landfill sites in Canada account for approximately 38 per cent of Canada's total methane emissions, a greenhouse gas that is 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Not to mention, decomposition in landfills takes place very slowly - in an example from the Environment Canada Web site, researchers found a newspaper in a landfill in the U.S. that was over 30 years old, still in readable condition.
Many of the things that you no longer use or want can most likely either be recycled or reused, from shopping bags to vinyl records you have outgrown. Here are some creative ways to recycle, and some craft projects that can turn your trash into treasure.
Things to recycle that you may have never thought of:
- Old eyeglasses. The "Give the Gift of Sight" program collects used eyeglasses, which are then repaired, cleaned and delivered to those in developing countries who would otherwise not be able to afford them. Eyeglass retail stores like Lenscrafters and Sunglass Hut participate. For more information, visit givethegiftofsight.org.
- Packing peanuts. Many businesses will reuse the plastic loose fill used in packaging. Visit loosefillpackaging.com for businesses that participate, or call the Peanut hotline at 1-800-828-2214.
- Computers. There are many organizations that will recycle or restore unwanted computers, such as the World Computer Exchange. There are offices in Toronto and Ontario. If you have a computer not being used, you can call (781) 925-3078 to have it donated. - Batteries. Rechargeable batteries are particularly dangerous to the environment if they are not recycled properly, and disposable batteries have many potential hazards as well. Visit ehso.com/ehshome/batteries.php to find out the risks involved with throwing batteries in the trash, and how to recycle them properly.
- Ink cartridges. Retail stores such as Beattie's Basics will collect used-up ink cartridges and have them recycled rather than simply throwing them out.
- CDs, DVDs, videos, cassettes. There are several organizations that recycle these materials, along with floppy disks and other home electronics. Instead of throwing them out when they are no longer wanted, visit this non-profit Web site for information on a few of these organizations:
http://www.charityguide.org/volunteer/fewhours/obsolete-technology.htm.

Craft projects that can come out of reusing materials (From make-stuff.com and eco-artware.com):
- Vinyl record bowls. You can place your unwanted records on low heat in the oven, or even heat with a blow dryer, until the material is softened. Then, you can gently bend over a bowl shape and let harden. These can be used as candy bowls, decoration, gifts, or to serve munchies when guests are over (they will be impressed with your crafty skills).
- Shopping bag baskets. A paper shopping bag can be recycled into a paper basket that can be used to house a plant or fresh flowers, looking creative and fashionable. Snip the left and right top corners off of the bag, and leave a strip about one inch wide, with the middle still intact. Use double-sided tape or glue to attach the two tabs together to make a handle. Place small containers inside of the bags, such as margarine containers or Tupperware, and fill with water. You can arrange some fresh flowers in them or house a plant with some soil.
- Cereal box gift box. With an empty cereal box and some scissors, you can make a creative way to wrap a gift. Visit http://www.eco-artware.com/crafts/crafts_11_02.shtml for the box template and complete instructions.
- Be creative with containers. Instead of throwing out old ice cream, margarine or Pringles containers, think about re-using them first. With some simple decorations, a container can be made into unique storage - who needs Tupperware?
- Wine bottle candle holders. With a skinny candle and an empty wine bottle, you can make awesome decorations for your dining room. When you burn the candle, simply let the wax drip down the sides each time, and it will turn out to look like a masterpiece after you've burned a few candles of different colours. These are sometimes seen in restaurants as table centerpieces.
For more craft ideas with re-used materials, visit make-stuff.com and eco-artware.com.
Small ways to recycle and reduce everyday (From Environment Canada):
- When shopping, choose products that have little to no packaging.
- Try to buy durable products that will last. Although it may seem cheaper at the time, it is more beneficial for both you and the environment if you spend a little extra to get a more quality product that will give you more usage.
- Only buy things that can be recycled or reused.