How to Cope with Family Who Won’t Recycle
Jan 8, 2010 Recycling
Keeping the recyclables out of the trash in some homes can be as difficult as keeping the trash out of the recyclables. Some people really just don’t care, even when it’s as easy as picking which of two bins, trash or recycling, their discards go in.
When you have things set up, that can be quite frustrating.
My family in general is pretty good, although my oldest of late has taken to accidentally throwing food into the recycle bin rather than the trash. So much of what she throws out can be recycled that I think it’s almost a reflex to pick that bin. I don’t think it’s a rebellion.
But it did get me thinking about how to cope with people who don’t want to recycle even when it’s easy.
Talk About It
The first step is the simplest and sometimes it even works. Just talk about the issue. Talk about what gets recycled in your area. Talk about why it matters to you.
Ask why they don’t recycle. Ask if there’s anything you can do to encourage them to recycle.
Make Sure It’s Convenient
You can cut down on excuses if recycling is as convenient as throwing out trash. It won’t stop everything, but it can help.
The kitchen is the most obvious place to have a trash can and recycle bin side by side. But any other room where you find there to be a problem, consider adding in a recycle bin.
If people print at the computer a lot, for example, you need a recycle bin there for any wasted paper. It happens. If you only have a trash can there, that’s what will be used. A convenient recycle bin can be a huge help.
Put In Some Extra Effort
If just talking about it doesn’t make any changes, put in a little extra effort yourself and make sure they know that you’re doing it. Pull their recyclables from the trash and put them in the recycle bin. Be upfront that you don’t like the inconvenience of having to do so. Keep your comments appropriate to whoever you’re having the issue with, of course.
Try “An Inconvenient Truth”
Watching “An Inconvenient Truth
It’s either get them thinking or arguing. If you want to change someone’s mind sometimes that’s what you need.
Brita + Preserve = Pitcher Filter Recycling in 2009
Nov 18, 2008 Eco Friendly Home, Environmental News, Environmentally Friendly, Recycling
Take Back the Filter has a great announcement up right now – Brita has partnered with Preserve so that the Brita Pitcher filters can be recycled starting in January 2009. You can read the entire PDF press release here.
I’m quite delighted, and hopeful that this includes their Brita On Tap filters, as that’s what I have. The release doesn’t mention them at all.
It’s a pretty nice deal. If there’s a Whole Foods near you, there will be a place for you to drop your filters off. Otherwise, you can just mail them in.
While I’m disappointed that my filter isn’t listed as included yet, it’s a nice first step. If the lack of recycling for filters has held you back from buying a Brita pitcher
I’m also thinking this could make for a nice combination for Christmas presents if you know anyone still buying bottled water. Get them a Brita pitcher and a reusable bottle (maybe more, depending on family size), with a note about recycling the pitcher filters. Might just work for those who make excuses about their tap water quality.
Tags: brita, preserve, Recycling, water filters
Fun Watching Family Get It
Jun 25, 2008 Going Green
One of the struggles I’ve faced in going green in my life is with my husband and kids. Differing views on what is worth doing can be challenging.
That makes it so nice as things start to click!
My husband recently bought and installed a simple clothesline. His comment was that it was really too warm to be using the dryer. Last year he wasn’t interested in the idea. He’s now hung various loads out to dry and likes how fast it goes on hot days.
He’s getting it in more areas too. He’s as much a fan of using vinegar for cleaning as I am, I think. He used to complain about the smell. I’ve taught him that a couple drops of lavender oil takes care of that.
Kids are more challenging, although at 6 my daughter is really getting the basic ideas of recycling and cleaning up trash she finds when we go for walks. Both kids will ask which can a particular item goes into when it’s time.
Patience, I’d say, is really the key. You may not get them to do what you want right away, but over time you can get family members to see why you want to recycle, use less energy and so forth.
Tags: clothesline, family, Recycling
