Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Resolution
Aug 02By Kasey Frost, PR Coordinator, The Metropolitan Environmental Trust
Green is everywhere. The news reports on local environmental efforts, the Internet provides helpful sites on how to green your day and there is even an all green TV network. From eco consciousness in your home, work, gifts, food, fashion and even your pets- being green can affect every facet of your life! With so many methods of changing your lifestyle, it can all seem so overwhelming.
If I have learned one thing from working at The M.e.t., it is that environmentalism can become a part of your life if it is a natural process. Like learning a new language, losing weight or quitting smoking, being green is a great goal for your new year but can be a challenge. The key to making good habits: baby steps.
Start with recycling ONE thing. Whether it is water bottles, office paper or aluminum cans, check in your trash and find what you throw away most. Make an accessible bin for that item and start from there. We get a lot of calls asking us where to buy bins for the home. There are specific bins with a recycling symbol you can find by shopping online, but creating a bin for your recyclables at home is as easy as buying an inexpensive trash can or even using an old moving box you have out in the garage. With one item recycled this year, you can move on to adding phonebooks or automotive oil every now then. Recycling one thing really does make a difference.
Next, schedule a trip to the nearest recycling center to fit your schedule. Recycling shouldn’t be a burden. Most of our centers are in frequented parking lots like Wal-Mart, community centers and grocery stores for your convenience. Take the recyclables out while you do your shopping or after you drop the kids off to school.
Another small and easy step to take: reusing. Like recycling, reusing only one item in your family initiates good habits that can last a lifetime. There are infinite choices when it comes to reusing. Some of the easiest and most common choices would be reusable plates and utensils at home, reusable bags for shopping and reusable water bottles at the gym. If you are already doing some of these, surprise! You’re already green. See how easy it is?
Last but not least, make the resolution to educate yourself this year. With “greenness” all around, information is right at your fingertips. Check out these resources:
DeepGreenConversation.org- This blog features discussion on creation care, the idea of Christian responsibility for the environment.
Creation Care Magazine- The Evangelical Environmental Network offers a seasonal magazine based on the ideals of creation care. Visit www.creationcare.org or call 1-678-541-0747 to sign-up.
RecycleBank.com- This Web site breaks down the process of recycling and explains where it all goes.
Earth911.com- This Web site is has a mass of information and database with over 100,000 resources across the country.
Human Footprint @ channel.nationalgeographic.com- This movie explains the answer to, “where does all my stuff go?”. National Geographic will show it next on Sunday, April 13th. Check out the Web site to watch clips or purchase the DVD.
Learning to reduce, reuse and recycle is a rewarding experience. If you are making any resolutions for 2009, I suggest going the earth friendly route. The benefits stretch your wallet, increase personal satisfaction and most importantly sustain our environment.
***Sidebars***
Check out these Web sites to help you green your 2009!
MetRecycle.com
Treehugger.com
Planetgreen.discovery.com
Newdream.org
Thegreenguide.com
Recycling Centers Near You
M.e.t.
Bixby
Broken Arrow
Claremore (M.e.t. Affiliate)
Collinsville
Glenpool
Jenks
Owasso (M.e.t. Affiliate)
Sand Springs
Tulsa- Admiral, 81st and Lewis, Central Tulsa, East Tulsa, West Tulsa
Other Recycling Resources
Sapulpa Recycling and Convenience Station, 224-7214
Coweta Recycling, 486-3145
City of Tulsa curbside, 596-9777
Gentle Earth curbside for Bixby, Broken Arrow and Owasso, 630-0841
