Environmental Consciousness: What Can You Do

Being conscious of the environment is something we all should take seriously. Regardless of whether you’re moving in or out of a city, a lot of waste is being created. Not to mention the amount of old stuff you decide to get rid of rather than moving.

So here’s a great start to learning how to get rid of your stuff & stay environmentally conscious.

USAgain: Textile Recycling

“USAgain, a green for-profit enterprise, works to reduce this textile waste by providing thousands of convenient locations across the US where you can recycle textiles any time of the day, any day of th

e year. By putting them back in the use cycle we conserve precious natural resources, prevent greenhouse gas emissions and save landfill space.”

Items that can be reused: “We contribute to the well-being of those whose means give only the choice of no new clothes or used new clothes.”

Items that are worn & can’t be reused: “We contribute to the sensible use of our land by transforming clothing and textiles into reusable and valuable products rather than letting them waste away in landfills.”

Check out the acceptable items & find a donation box near you & drop off you items day or night and feel good about keeping landfills free of items that can be recycled.

City of Madison

The city of Madison’s website has an entire page dedicated to recycling including items that can be thrown into the Green recycling bin & items that can be dropped off at the recycling center. (Many are free, a few require a sticker that you purchase).

This website also tells you how to recycle certain items, including kitchen appliances, paint, antifreeze, cooking oil & many other items that can’t go into the regular trash can.

Composting

So this may not be your thing and that’s ok. However, it’s a great way to keep your carbon footprint small & by composting you can keep “materials out of landfills where they take up space and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.”

Interested in learning more? You need 3 components to compost: Brown, Green & Water. Brown includes outdoor plant material. Green is food waste. Water, is well, water.

In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, you will also be enriching the soil & helping your garden grow so it’s a win for all!

Electronics

Many electronics can be recycled for free at your local Best Buy or other electronic stores! Including TVs, movies, cables, computers, cameras & so much more. (There is a charge for certain items including TVs/Monitors).

Sunglasses & Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses can be recycled through the Lions Foundation to help those in need. Along with mailing glasses in, other donation sites include LensCrafters & Target Optical Centers. Click here to learn all the different ways you can recycle these items!

Traditional recycling at St. Vincent de Paul, Agrace Hospice Thrift Store & Middleton Outreach Ministry (MOM) are also options.

The bottom line is that even if you choose to recycle or donate one item to any of these (or other) programs, you’ll be helping the environment & the planet & its people.