Recycle, Re-use, Be an Earth Citizen!

Some of you have guessed that I am a new transplant to Savannah. I left the big city for a quieter less stressful life. There is one thing however, that I miss from New York City -mandatory recycling. It became second nature to me to separate glass, plastic metal and paper. I had a sectioned system in the kitchen – recycling gave me a sense of satisfaction and pride. I was very surprised when I got down here and found out that recycling was not required. As just one person, I know how much glass, plastic and metal I use, multiplying that by this entire city is overwhelming.

I am looking for smart and creative ideas on how to re-use jars and bottles. I try not to purchase products that come in plastic. One thing that really irks me is how when you order a sandwich or a piece of cake or just about anything these days, it comes in a plastic or styrofoam container. What happened to wrapping food in butcher paper? Salad bars can use paper boxes instead of those plastic nightmares. If everyone refused to buy these things, the stores would have to come up with alternatives. I suspect many if not all of you, will not need to be converted to this way of thinking! If anyone has spear headed a recycling program in their community, let us know about it! If we think of ourselves as Earth Citizens (watch for a family oriented educational experience we are developing- Farmers’ Almanac Earth Citizens) we will all be better off.

Jane