indoors
FR
L I V I N G
G R E E N
—
j
How to conserve energy, live healthier, and save money
The only thing separating a habit from a lifestyle is a little
practice. Here’s a look at how recycling and four other
green trends have taken root and continue to grow.
T R E N D # 1
S IN G L E -S T R E A M R E C Y C L IN G
how these items are automatically separated
Curbside recycling is perhaps the most
then broken down at
recyclebank.com.)
entrenched environmental program on a
Streamlining the collection process saves city
national level. More than
8,600
of these
funds and makes it so easy to participate that
programs existed in
2007
, according to the U.S.
recycling volume increases. On the horizon is a
Environmental Protection Agency. Now the
natural offshoot of this trend: widespread
next phase is coming on strong. Communities
acceptance of curbside composting.
O n b o a r d ? T r y t h is
Contact your local recycling,
solid waste, environment, or public works department
to express your interest in single-stream recycling. In the
meantime, request specifics on what your community
can recycle, then be diligent about following that list.
across the country are rapidly committing to
single-stream recycling—a system that makes
it possible to combine all approved paper,
plastic, glass, and metal in one recycling
container. (Watch a clever animated video on
BY KIT SELZER
THEGROUN
80 APRIL2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
PHOTO: VEER
