| The Environmental Protection Agency wants you to | | | | occurs when recyclables are turned into different |
| learn the three "R's" when it comes to your trash. | | | | products, such as asphalt for paving roads or new |
| Those three words are very important if you want | | | | notebooks. |
| to continue living on a clean planet and one that is | | | | The final "R" relates to recycling. This means utilizing a |
| not overflowing with yesterday's garbage. | | | | recycling program from your sanitation department or |
| Reduce reuse recycle is your mantra to repeat to | | | | local environmental services. You can ask them what |
| yourself each time you go to throw something away. | | | | materials are accepted locally and then get the |
| Once you learn the three "R's" you will be able to set | | | | appropriate recycling containers into which you can |
| a better example and help your environmental | | | | place that material for pick-up. |
| services program combat the never ending supply of | | | | Plastics go into one container. Paper goes into |
| garbage. | | | | another container and glass goes into a separate |
| The first "R" in the three refers to reducing. This | | | | container. Then all three, along with garbage that |
| means to reduce the amount of garbage you | | | | cannot be recycled, is picked up by your local |
| generate. Try to buy items that are going to last | | | | sanitation or recycling program. As well, you can |
| longer so you do not have to buy them as often. | | | | recycle your food waste products by starting a |
| Sure, there will be some items that do not have a | | | | compost heap. |
| long shelf life but you can still try to find those items | | | | Reduce reuse recycle all begins with you at home. |
| that do. | | | | Reduce the amount of waste that you generate by |
| Some packaging contains harsher chemicals than | | | | electing to use items that last longer. Buy recycled |
| others. It may cost you a dollar or two more but try | | | | products and reuse some of the items that you |
| to go with items that have less packaging. | | | | already have in your home, such as plastic milk jugs. |
| In the quest for reduce reuse recycle; reusing is next | | | | Separate your garbage into the appropriate recycle |
| on the agenda. Try to reuse as many products as | | | | bin. Teach the people around you that recycling is a |
| possible in your own household. Plastic milk jugs make | | | | great way to help the environment. For more |
| great pitchers for tea and water. | | | | information on the three "R's" and how you can do |
| They can also be used as plant holders once you | | | | your part, visit "Epa". Learn how one person can |
| decorate them a bit. On a municipal level, reusing also | | | | make a difference. |