t's easy to feel both guilty and relieved at the newer disposable choices as well as the phenomenal amounts of recyclables and returnables. Plus this whole thing about garbage you're not supposed to put in the garbage (aka compost) what a pain. I am the first to agree I hate garbage sorting so here are some ways to make your life a bit easier...

Garbage (keeping the garbage down leads to less trips outside)

1. Cut back on disposable cleaning cloths. Use a bunch of old rags instead. It doesn't sound easy, but especially when you clean with bleach you are killing both the germs on the counter or floor and the cloth as well. Throw them in the wash and all is well.

2. Plastic bags from the grocery store etc. are actually recyclable. They can be placed into a recycling bin because they are type 2 plastic.

3. tea, meat, coffee grounds, vegetable and fruit peels etc. are compost. Just remember that compost is a delicate blend and that you should make sure you have the right blend if you want proper compost.

4. Aluminum foil is one of the most thrown away recyclable item I have ever seen (besides paper). It belongs in the bin next to the aluminum cans.

5. Don't throw away Cambells soup labels. It sounds strange but even if you don't have a child or access to a school that is accepting them do some research. There are great schools that could really use the help! Look into schools in Appalachia that might need them.

6. Crafts can get expensive, but chances are you have everything you need right on the way to the garbage can. Cardboard boxes like from cereal etc. are a great start to many crafts.

These alone should start lowering your garbage bag usage (and save you money).

Recycling

1. Place an attractive garbage pal or bin next to your existing garbage. That will be used only for recycling so you will never have to choose to go outside to your bin or stay right where you are.

2. Start earning money! There are places that buy things that you would normally have thrown out. Metals, C.D.s and cell phones are all great places to start raking in the doe. Well you know a couple dollars you wouldn't have had and you will be doing a good thing for the environment!

Compost

1. Place a small trash can with a lid on your counter near where you clear off dishes. Instead of putting food waste (the essence of compost) into the garbage throw it in there instead. There is no extra effort to empty food into an even more efficient place. Plus it helps keep food out of your drain. Then when it fills up in a few days dump it outside in your pile. In a year or two you will have a consistent supply of compost for a garden. (or you can sell it and make a profit on something that you would have thrown away... seems silly now huh?)