Planeteers - 1, Sly Sludge - 0

I know you have to remember Sly Sludge, one of the eco-villains from Captain Planet. No? So I'm the only nerd that watched Captain Planet as a child? Oh well, read on...

The other day, my dear Aunt and I were having a conversation about recycling and how she's just begun to do it, but doesn't quite know which things are recyclable and which are not. Well, my helpful self stepped in and sent her a list (specific to her county) of what things can be recycled curbside. Needless to say, she was super happy and I encouraged a fellow recycler. Yay me!

In addition to water bottles, aluminum cans and paper, many people don't realize that there are so many other things that can be recycled. Just for example, you can recycle plastic egg cartons, many detergent, lotion and liquid soap bottles (rinsed out), spaghetti sauce jars, and as of very recently, ziploc bags! Ziploc bags need to be taken to the bins at the grocery store where you would take your used plastic shopping bags,  but no biggie, just take them next time you go food shopping. On a not so side note, and for the sake of encouraging their use, let me just say that reusable shopping bags are waaay more user friendly because you can get lots more groceries in one bag and they can be carried on the shoulder when you have several to transport. So go out and get those bags!

So, back to Sly Sludge. This Eco-Villain from Captain Planet was usually found illegally dumping toxic waste and other garbage and generally enjoyed polluting the planet.  He was symbolic of environmental negligence, but always ended up being the loser. In the real world there are people (corporations as well as individuals) that pose a threat to the well-being of our planet.  In the end, we hope that they will also lose, but we have to do much more than summon a hero in tights. Recycling is one of several steps we can take as individuals that can make a big difference.

Are you confused as to what can be recycled and what can't? What steps do you think you can take to make it easier for yourself?

2012 Green Resolutions

I stumbled upon this list of 10 things that we can do to be more environmentally responsible. It's full of things that are definitely possible - small changes that can make a big impact.  I get a bit frustrated when I see things like "buy a hybrid" or "install solar panels".  Sure, those things are great and I would love to one day, but the green in my pocket kind of limits the green in my life.

What do you think? Will you be incorporating any of these activities into your lifestyle?