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| All three steps are required for recycling to be successful. Buying products made with post-consumer recycled content strengthens recycling markets and ensures that there will continue to be a demand for recycled materials. |
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| How to Buy Recycled |
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| Did you know that your shopping choices affect the environment? Everything you buy affects the Earth, but some choices have a lesser impact. Educating yourself about the products you buy can empower you to make a difference in protecting the planet. It’s called “green purchasing,” and it’s easy to do. |
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Buy recycled. Items made from paper and plastic are often made from recycled materials. You can also buy automotive parts, motor oil, and tires made from recycled products. Also look out for household furnishings and gardening tools made from recycled materials. |
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Buy in bulk or multi-packs. Buying more items at once reduces packaging waste. You can also buy items with packaging that can be reused or recycled. |
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Buy used. You can find authentic retro clothes, accessories, and other items at your local thrift store. |
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Trade with friends. Instead of buying brand new products, swap with friends or family. |
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Combine bags. When you’re at the mall, don’t get a new shopping bag for every item—combine bags or put them in your backpack. (And be sure to hold onto the receipt!) |
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Buy energy-efficient items. Look for the ENERGY STAR® logo when buying electronics such as TVs, CD players, DVD players, and computers. ENERGY STAR® is a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Also, don’t forget to check for gas-efficiency when purchasing a new vehicle. |
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Recycling a one-foot high stack of newspapers saves 71.3 kilowatt hours of electricity...enough to heat a home for 17 hours. |
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A six-pack of recycled aluminum cans saves enough energy to drive a car 5 miles. |
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One recycled aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television or computer for 3 hours or a 100-watt light bulb for 20 hours. |
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Recycling one glass bottle saves enough to light a 100-watt light bulb for 4 hours. |
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Recycling a one-gallon plastic milk jug will save enough energy to keep a 100-watt bulb burning for 11 hours. |
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Recycling one pound of steel conserves enough energy to light a 60-watt bulb for 26 hours (5,450 BTU). (Approx. 7 cat food cans or 4 dog food cans = 1lb. |
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| [Information from EPA] |
