We often hear people talking about the importance of recycling.  Recycling is very important in diverting waste from the landfill - but lets not forget about the other two important "R"'s there are when trying to live a sustainable lifestyle:  REDUCE and REUSE

REDUCE

Reduce the amount of trash that you produce.  For starters - buy bulk.  Many grocery stores sell cereal, grain, etc. in the bulk aisle.  This reduces the amount of boxes, etc. that will end up in your trash.  Start a compost bin and dispose of fruit, vegetables and bread along with grass clippings, leaves, etc.  Not only will this reduce your trash but it will give you nice rich soil later in the year.

REUSE

Before buying anything new or throwing anything away - go through your "stuff" and see if any of those items could serve a purpose you haven't thought of before: Do you have enough books to stack up and use as a side table? Can you take the frames off those ugly paintings and use them elsewhere? Can that old piece of furniture get a new coat of paint and used somewhere else (old dresser drawers make excellent planters!)  Can you donate the items you have no use for instead of taking it to the dump?  It's free to advertise on Craigslist, Freecyle, etc.

If you get a chance - spend a few minutes watching the following video - it will change the way you look at what  you can do as a consumer to help the environment:  www.thestoryofstuff.com 

Next Month:  Green Marine - A Guide To Boating Green & Clean!