Imagine living without destroying resources. The road to that place is long, and will continue for a very long time, but in doing so, we help to insure our survival into many future generations.

Plastics, glass, aluminum, and even copper, paper, and water are all recyclable to some extent; some more then others. Using what exists to its maximum potential is the most sensible thing to do, since they must last for many lifetimes to come.

Plastic Bottles, Cans & Bags

If it goes to the landfill, it will not biodegrade. So let's not send it to the landfill anymore, most stores have plastic grocery bag recycling bins. Almost all stores now offer reusable shopping bags instead.

Plastic bottles, and cans can be cleaned out, brought to a recycling center, and returned to the cycle with the greatest of ease. They also make great re-useable containers once or twice before recycling.

There are many different types of recyclable plastics. In fact, there are seven different types. The most common is type one, which is the clear plastic drinking bottles, and beverage containers. Most recycling centers take only that type, but if they take all types, then separate them to get the highest individual value.

Type 1 PET - Polyethylene terephthalate - Water Bottles, some juice containers, soda bottles, oven meal trays.

Type 2 HDPE - High-density polyethylene - Laundry detergent bottles, milk bottles, some juice bottles.

Type 3 PVC - Polyvinyl chloride - Piping, food carry trays, thin film cling wrap.

Type 4 LDPE - Low density polyethylene - Grocery bags, trash bags, bag liners, rain bags for packages & newspapers.

Type 5 PP - Polypropylene - Food tubs such as margarine, or side dishes that are pre-made, and ready to microwave. Also for most microwave ready trays that hold food, and some storage containers.

Type 6 PS - Polystyrene - Foam trays that are used to package meat, fish, and poultry. Also egg cartons, disposable foam cups, and the foam packaging used to protect electronics.

Type 7 Other - Any other plastics - Any other type that was not listed in other categories. These plastics will usually be unmarked in their nature, and may contain melamine which is used in the production of plastics.