Part I. Recyclables Reminder

Research the recycling facilities in your area. For each type of recyclable, fill in where it can be recycled and what preparation is required (for example, removing labels or tying bundles).

ALUMINUM AND STEEL CANS
  Type Can be recycled at (location):
Aluminum cans
  Foil OK?  
  Pie plates, frozen food trays, etc. OK?  
Steel cans
Preparation:
GLASS
  Type Can be recycled at (location):
Clear glass
Green glass
Amber glass
Preparation:
PAPER
  Type Can be recycled at (location):
Newspaper
Corrugated cardboard
  Brown paper bags OK?  
Office paper
  Laser-printed paper OK?  
Mixed papers
  Acceptable papers are:
Glossy paper
  Glued bindings OK?  
Preparation:
PLASTIC
  Type Can be recycled at (location):
1 PET or PETE
2 HDPE
Others?
Preparation:
OTHER
  Type Can be recycled at (location):
Batteries (home)
Batteries (car)
Motor oil
Paint
Other
Preparation:


Part II. Critical Shopping for Environmental Health

You can promote environmental health by purchasing sustainable products whenever possible. A product is sustainable if it is made, used, and disposed of in such a way that it could continue to be made, used, and disposed of again and again. To begin building your environmental shopping skills, choose a product and ask yourself the following questions about it.

Product:

1. Do I really need this product? Why? (Every product you don't buy saves resources and eliminates waste.)

2. Is the product safe to use? (Choose nontoxic alternatives whenever possible.)

3. Is the product practical, durable, well made, of good quality, with a timeless design? Will I be able to keep it for a long time before replacing it? (Products that last are better for the environment.)

4. Is the product made from renewable or recycled materials?

5. How will I dispose of the product, and what environmental impact will that disposal have?

6. What kind of package does the product have?

7. How far has the product been shipped to reach the retail outlet? (Products produced locally use fewer resources and produce less pollution during transport.)

8. Is the product a good value for the money? Is the environmental health benefit the product provides worth the extra cost?