- Start recycling more. The first step in recycling more is to be aware of what items your local recycling center takes. Generally you can recycle plastics #1-4, which is likely to be plastic bottles from drinks and toiletries, and some food containers. Lexington does not take #5 plastics, which is thicker plastics like yogurt, sour cream, and hummus tubs. Even lip balm containers too. These however are recyclable at Whole Foods, where they will take plastics up to #7. Simply take them to the customer service counter.
- Plastics #1-4 for your local recycling center.
- Plastics #5-#7 can be taken to Whole Foods
- Film plastic cannot be recycled. However you can reuse plastic grocery bags for trash bags, or you can take them to some grocery stores where they will recycle them. Putting plastic like this in the recycling bin may cause damage to machinery at the recycling center.
- Any kind of glass that contained food, etc. Decorative glass or glass from candles cannot be recycled.
- Metal cans from sodas or food. Scrap metal can be taken to a local junk yard.
- Paper. You can also add newspaper to your compost bin or even paper towels/tissue. Receipts cannot be recycled because they are coated in BPA.
- Containers with a wax coating containers cannot be recycled, including all paper containers from frozen food items. This is also items like orange juice or milk containers. The waxy surface is plastic. You’ll be amazed at what items they line with plastic!
- You can recycle plastic plant pots at King’s Nursery at Nicholasville Rd.
- Take a sturdy canvas tote bag while shopping to reduce plastic bag usage. They’re sturdier and you can also get more in them!
- Say no to freebies that you won’t use, like t-shirts, pens, random office type things.
- Start buying water from the grocery into 1-5 gallon containers. Then keep a useable bottle where you fill up and take it on the road with you. Buying water in bottles is a big environmental issue in many ways.
- Buy less! Especially items that have a lot of packaging. This includes processed foods that are wrapped in a lot of packaging. Whole foods require no or little packaging. Creating less demand means less manufacturing of items, which is the main cause of pollution around the world.
- Plant native plants that benefits our pollinators!
- Start a vegetable garden, even if you raise one tomato and some herbs in a pot.
- Start using natural cleaners if you haven’t already. The best to start with is laundry detergent, dish soap, and a general cleaner since these go right into our water system. You can clean a lot of items just just vinegar, baking soda, and a big bottle of castille soap.
- Consolidate your trips to save gasoline. It’s also less wear on your car!
- Reduce the amount of disposable items you purchase. Reuse old cloths for cleaning. Opt for reusable or compostable tableware at parties.
- Avoid anti-bacterial products. These chemicals are creating a world of resistant diseases around the world.
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