How We can Recycle to Save Our Planet?

How can we recycle to save our planet? Contrary to conventional wisdom, rather than adding to the cost of doing business, recycling creates jobs and bolsters the economy. So how can you help? Firstly, realize that all of us doing small things will make a huge impact. Perhaps ten years ago you would have been the lonely recycle, but now the entire planet is joining in, seeking ways to conserve natural resources.

Green living houses

Green living houses are an attainable goal for each of us. When there is an option, buy recycled goods, and give away rather than throw away your unwanted possessions. Paper, plastic, glass and metal are all recyclable. If your neighborhood does not have pick-up, take items to a recycling drop off site.

Using compact florescent light bulbs, setting thermostats conservatively, and constantly recycling are simple methods for creating green living houses. Green living is not only good for the earth and the economy, it is also essential for good health.

Environmentally friendly cribs

Starting from birth, environmentally friendly cribs can be a matter of life and death to your baby. Many cribs release dangerous levels of formaldehyde, and mattresses can be coated with toxic chemicals. Search online for safe, organic cribs.

Jane Shepard, editor and publisher of Healthy Child E-Newsletter states, "In over nine years not one baby who has slept on a properly wrapped mattress has ever died of crib death." Asthma, allergies and even autism and ADD have been linked with toxic cribs. If you do only one thing to green your home, do some research on environmentally friendly cribs.

Children, environment and recycling

From the time your children learn to walk, they can learn about recycling. Consider taking them to a local landfill or recycling center. When children see a landfill, they see the enormous amount of waste from their own neighborhood. Ask them to point out which items in the landfill could have been recycled or reused.

At the recycling center, talk about the journey of recycled material, from bundles of trash to items we use every day. When your children start school, instead of driving them back and forth, walk or bike with them when you can. Reducing car trips is a huge step in saving the planet. See what you can do to assure that your children receive a green education in an eco-friendly setting.

Making schools more environmentally friendly

Making a school more environmentally friendly is a worthy cause in which you can become involved. Talk to your child’s teacher or principle if the school has not yet implemented recycling. Ask if you can bring composting and recycling bins to the school, rather than scolding them for not having begun a program.

Consider talking to the class about how to compost and recycle, or even heading up a green parents committee. Such a committee can influence the school to add green curriculum, and use eco-friendly practices in running their facilities.

Offer to help to set up a fundraising/recycling program for printer ink cartridges. Some office supply companies will give credit to the school for recycled cartridges. A child learns the importance of respecting the earth when he or she sees adults involved in making a school more environmentally friendly.

Creating green living houses and recycling is essential not only to the earth but to a feeling of inner peace. Virtually every religion in the world connects spirituality to being good stewards of the earth.

Taking care of the environment is an extension of caring for and loving oneself.

It is the ultimate in high self esteem because you are showing reverence for the very nature of which you are a part. Estrangement from nature can be a soulless existence. Each time you make a greener choice, you acknowledge your spiritual side and your connection to the natural world.

A few tips

"Reduce, reuse, and recycle" are the "3 R’s", in order of priority. First, use less to begin with, then if you must purchase something, reuse it, and lastly, recycle it. Use long lasting rather than single-use items, such as cameras, shaving razors, dishes, and napkins. Use old towels torn up into cleaning rags, instead of paper towels, and use glass jars instead of plastic to store leftovers.

Making your home greener can be as simple as adding a green houseplant, to remind you to recycle. Now you have many answers to the question, "How can we recycle to save our planet?"!

Dominique Couffignal is a trained web designer with C.I.W, and is certified in business marketing and life coaching.

A great believer in self development, self improvement and having a keen interest in marketing, Dominique works as a coach de vie with French clients internationally.