With so much at stake when it comes to climate change, it is important for everyone to do their part to cut down on waste and reduce their household carbon footprint whenever possible. While cutting emissions needs to be done on a large scale around the world, there are many things that everybody can do to ease the burden and play a role in reducing pollution.
This is especially important when it comes to many common household items that are often discarded when they could be recycled. People are often unaware of what can be recycled and what actually belongs in the rubbish. Having a bit of background into some of the items that can be recycled will help you make more eco-conscious choices in the future.
Let’s look at five specific everyday items around the home that you should recycle.
Toner Cartridges
You might be surprised, but your ink and toner cartridges for your household printer can actually be recycled. In fact, they contain toxic chemicals that need to be handled properly to prevent damage to the environment. If you are in the habit of simply throwing these into your household waste, then you should reconsider. Many business supply stores will even offer you a discount on replacement cartridges if you bring in your old ones.
Household Batteries
Like toner cartridges, batteries that are found in devices in your home need to be recycled. These items have potentially toxic chemicals in them that will break down and harm the environment if they are thrown in your household rubbish. Many recycling facilities will take your household batteries free of charge.
Televisions/Computer Monitors
E-waste is a particularly significant contributor to pollution around the world; however, most of it ends up being shipped to developing countries where it causes significant harm to local communities. With consumers upgrading their televisions and computer monitors as new models are released on a regular basis, it is important to know how to deal with your obsolete devices. You may be able to take your old electronics to a retail store to recycle them, though an online search will direct you to a facility in your area.
Newspaper and Junk Mail
Many households generate an enormous amount of paper-based waste. In fact, you likely have a bin in your home dedicated to collecting the always-increasing amount of old newspapers and junk mail that arrive at your door. While it is tempting to simply throw these items into the rubbish, they need to be recycled to reduce waste.
If possible, consider going paperless as often as possible. While you cannot always control the amount of junk mail that you receive, make sure to set up your utility bills and other regular mail in a digital format if you can.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
CFL lightbulbs actually contain trace amounts of mercury. Mercury is extremely toxic and harmful to the environment. The worst thing you can do is to simply throw these into your regular waste when they have reached the end of their life. Make sure to find a facility in your region that will accept these items for recycling.
Do Your Part By Recycling These Items
You do not have to change much about your regular routine to do the bare minimum for saving the environment. Making sure to recycle these common household items whenever possible will ensure that you do not inadvertently contribute to growing pollution and waste problems in your area and around the world. Be mindful and remember to dispose of your consumer goods properly.
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