So much waste!

Look at what is in U.S. landfills

• 30%   Paper and other paper products
• 24%   Plastic products (plastic bags/containers)
• 11%    Food and yard waste
• 8%     Metal products
• 6%     Rubber and Leather such as tires, old shoes, old clothing and furniture
• 21%   Other trash (broken TVs, old lamps, diapers, toys, glass containers, old batteries

Here is what you can do to help:

• Recycle newspapers, glass, batteries, and plastics.
• Use both sides of the paper.
• Compost all of your leftover food at home and later use as fertilizer in your garden.
• Use rechargeable batteries for toys, games, radios and flashlights.
• Visit the Recycling Center, to find out what else you can recycle.

More tips to for a “greener” live

• Fix leaky pipes and faucets. One tiny leak can waste up to 50 gallons of water a day!
• Save water by taking short showers and washing only full loads of laundry.
• Discard plastic beverage rings ONLY AFTER cutting open all of the loops. These six-pack plastic rings are harmful to birds and other creatures that often get caught in the plastic loops. If you have a choice, buy soda six-packs made from biodegradable plastic.
• Never throw toxic materials into the trash. Things like paint, household cleaners, and motor oil need special disposal. Call 1-800-CLEANUP or visit www.CLEANUP.org to learn where special disposal sites are located.
• Organize a neighborhood clean-up. Suggest that your classroom, scout troop, Sunday school class, or neighborhood friends host a neighborhood clean-up day to pick up litter.
• Properly inflate your car tires. Remind the drivers in your house to “check the air” each time they fill up with gas. Driving on under-inflated tires wastes gas and wears out tires.
• Save energy in the bathroom. Turn off the water when you aren’t using it! Take short showers instead of baths.
• brush your teeth with the water off, and buy a “flush saver” for your toilet (or put a brick in the tank).
• Turn the air-conditioning thermostat up or off . Save valuable energy by keeping AC above 75 degrees in your house.
• Turning off the AC in your car will increase gas mileage and save valuable energy.
• Use and re-use cloth bags at the grocery store. Instead of carrying groceries in paper or plastic bags that get thrown away, take your own cloth bags to the store. Even paper or plastic bags can be used several times, and some stores offer a discount for re-using their grocery bags.
• Visit the library or surf the Internet. The library has many books that are full of valuable information on the environment. Or check the World Wide Web. Once you’ve read about the environment, spread the word!