Decrease the use of paper, plastic, and non reusables. Avoid aseptic packaging (juice boxes) because it is costly and difficult to recycle.

Recycle computer printer cartridges (at Best Buy, Office Depot, Staples, or at schools)

Reuse or buy used. Craig’s list, Ebay, and Freecycle.org can help.

Use recycled products. Look for products labeled “post-consumer” for recycled materials.

Use paper, canvas, or string bags for groceries. Reuse heavy plastic bags (like those you get at Treasure Island) and recycle clean, thin, and used ones at your local Jewel food store.

Buy CFL light bulbs and recycle them at Millen's Hardware.

For hazardous waste use www.epa.state.il.us or call 847-853-7500. Paint, computers, batteries, sharps, old refrigerators, air conditioners and heat pumps can all be recycled safely.

Consider composting. Check the Village website for details.

Did you know your regular curbside recycling pickup includes intact old car batteries, used motor oil in clear plastic containers, and empty aerosol cans?

Get additional recycling bins at the Village Hall for $5 and lids for the bins for $3.

In Wilmette, plastics that are recyclable are labeled #1-5 and 7

Helpful Web sites:
www.obviously.com/recycle
www.obviously.com/recycle/guides/shortest.html
www.swancc.org
www.wilmette.com

1891: New York opens the first recycling plant in the U.S. and begins to sort trash.

1948: Fresh Kills landfill opens (along with the Great Wall of China these are the only man-made things visible from outer space!)

1970: the 1^st Earth Day

1988: ocean dumping banned

Electronics comprise 70% of landfills

Aluminum is 100% recyclable and can be recycled indefinitely and most efficiently

Glass can be recycled indefinitely and can be used for many things including 'glassphalt'

We are doing better. Twenty years ago there was one curbside recycling program - now there are 9000!

Reduce: the amount of waste we produce . 1/3 of all household waste is packaging, not product. When we send less trash to landfills and incinerators, we help protect our environment.

Reuse: as much as possible. Avoid disposables as much as possible and purchase products that can reused repeatedly. Start using canvas shopping bags, reuse plastic bags, and tins and jars. Eliminate the use of products like disposable razors and paper plates.

Recycle: everything that is recyclable. Know what can be recycled in your community (see the Village of Wilmette website). Then to promote the process buy products with post-consumer recycled content.

Reject: products with packaging that is not recyclable or excessive. Refuse to buy products that are harmful to the environment. Purchases are like votes for a product. Manufacturers will never get the message if we continue to buy over-packaged products.

React: by talking to store managers and contacting manufacturers and legislators. Call the 800 number on packaging and voice your concerns about their products sensitivity to the environment. Reacting gives more impact to the other 4 R&'s.