When one person recycles, it makes a difference. When the whole family works toward a greener way of life, it makes a giant impact.
Planet Protectors is brought to you in partnership with the Stark Tuscarawas Wayne Recycling District
It may feel slightly intimidating to “go green” with your entire family, but once you start taking small steps toward a cleaner lifestyle, everything will naturally fall into place. (Pun intended!) If you’re ready to start thinking green, check out some of these recommendations!
You will find that this list goes from “easy” to more involved. Start at the beginning and ease yourself and your family into a cleaner, healthier way of living!
- Purchase a recycling bin for your home.
- Try adding Meatless Monday to your family’s weekly meal plan.
- Reduce the use of single-item plastics and paper products (i.e. plasticware, solo cups, paper plates). You can even swap out paper towels and wet wipes for cloth towels!
- Turn off lights and unplug devices when they’re not in use.
- Plant a garden with your family.
- Compost fruit and vegetable waste.
- Shop locally, donate old clothes and books, and purchase produce seasonally.
- Replace fluorescent lightbulbs with LED bulbs.
- Install a smart thermostat and use an app to control your heating & cooling.
- Insulate your home and invest in efficient Energy Star appliances.
Start small by searching for your local recycling locations (https://www.timetorecycle.org/resources/recycling-locations/). With time and practice, your family will easily get into the habit of recycling their paper and bottles, turning off the lights, and making little changes that add up over time.
The Recycling District assures safe and sanitary disposal of solid waste for the residents of Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne Counties. Their goal is to reduce reusable or renewable waste from entering landfills within the district. The Solid Waste District accomplishes this through the development of residential and industrial programs that educate, promote, provide, implement, and improve recycling opportunities that will preserve landfill space now and into the future. Visit www.timetorecycle.org for more information.
Audrey Mattevi, Reporting
