We all know we should recycle, and we all have a vague idea of what is recyclable and what isn’t, but do you get stumped some times? So do I.

The good folks at eartheasy have broken it down, and given us a great reminder of how much of a difference recycling makes.

“ According to the EPA, the national recycling rate is just 30%. Increasing materials recycling in the US to 60% could save the equivalent of 315 million barrels of oil per year. Recycling is a great way individuals can make a difference, both locally and globally.”

The general recycling guidelines for plastic are as follows:

plastic
Plastic does not break down in landfill, and since It can be recycled to make many diverse products, effort should be made to recycle all plastic waste.
Recycling centers vary in the types of plastic they accept. Check with your local recycling center, and take care to buy plastic goods which are recyclable.
- plastic goods are assigned different numbers to grade them for recycling:
#1 and #2 for containers, #4 for bags, #7 for mixed plastics that are not recyclable.
- plastic bottles are a valuable recyclable material. Among many other items, this plastic can be “spun’ into fleece fabric (see EcoSpun). Tops should be removed before recycling, and put in with your general plastic items.
- avoid using plastic food wrap, plastic food tubs and TV dinners which are packaged with non-recyclable materials.
- plastic grocery bags - most grocery bags are made of high density polyethylene, a Type 2 recyclable plastic. Most grocery stores have bins outside so customers can drop off used plastic bags for recycling.
- polystyrene (cups, food trays, egg cartons, etc) does not biodegrade. Ask if your recycling center accepts polystyrene for recycling; many now accept this material. Try to reduce your use of this material.

Check out the guidelines for paper and cardboard, glass, metal, and electronics, along with tips on buying recycled products here.

Another Eco-Friendly Tip from Allie.