Reduce Reuse Recycle Tips
REDUCE the Use of Disposable Bags
- Americans use 100 billion plastic bags a year.
- Americans use an average of 365 plastic bags per person per year.
- Less than 10% of plastic bags are recycled worldwide.
- It takes 1,000 years for a plastic bag to degrade.
- 1.9 million plastic bags collected in 2018 International Coastal Cleanup.
- Americans use 10 billion paper bags each year.
- 14 million trees are cut to produce 10 billion paper bag
Replace Disposable Bags with REUSABLE Bags
- Each reusable bag eliminates the need for 1,000 plastic bags or 500 paper bags over its lifetime
Where can I buy a reusable bag? Where you shop or on line.
RECYCLE All Paper and Plastic Bags You Receive
- Where you shop….NEVER in your curbside cart.
RECYCLE Household Hazardous Waste
The U.S. EPA defines hazardous waste as “a waste with properties that make it dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment.” These materials contain at least one of four qualities: ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic. According to the U.S. EPA, “certain types of HHW have the potential to cause physical injury to sanitation workers; contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems if poured down drains or toilets; and present hazards to children and pets”. Common household hazardous products include: pesticides, cleaners, medications, paint, and chemicals.
Common household hazardous cleaners may be replaced with more natural alternatives. Did you know rosemary can be used as a non-hazardous alternative to mothballs? Vinegar may be used for cleaning? For more information, please visit www.epa.gov or www.takecareoftexas.org.
