Articles written by Happy Harry Archive

Recycling Tips

Next time you're at the supermarket, keep the environment in mind. Remember that the average Canadian produces about 1,300 pounds of garbage every year. That's a valuable resource, but we're throwing it away. While you're shopping, choose environmentally-friendly products. But in builk whenever you can to cut down on packagin, look for the recycling symbol. The world you help save is the one you live in.
Why not set up your own recycling centre inside your home? It won't take up too much space, but it will make recycling easier. And it will teach children the importance of the Three Rs of responsibility: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Durable plastic boxes are available to hold bottles, paper, milk cartons, metals and plastics which are picked up by curbside recycling companies. It's worth the effort.
If you're planning a renovation project, remember that about 15 per cent of total volumes in landfills are construction waste. Many of these materials can be re-used, keeping the unique character of your home. Or they can be resold by used building material companies for re-use in another project. Construction waste can even be recycled into new and more efficient products. Don't throw away building materials: someone can always use them.
Thinking about installing a new kitchen? Think also about reusing some of the old materials. Remember that the average kitchen renovation produces about 10 tons of waste which goes to the landfill. Disposal costs typically add about 7 per cent to the cost of a renovation project -- plus the cost of the new materials. If you reduce waste and re-use materials, you'll cut your costs significantly, and help the environment.
There's a new breed of renovator who's making waves in the construction industry, and among consumers. He's the inspired renovator. He looks at a job and calculates how many materials can be re-used, instead of dumping them in the landfill. With only a little bit of thought and effort, all sorts of building mateials can be a new part of a renovated house, ranging from doors and windows, to decorative moldings, to character sinks and tubs. Re-using materials saves the homeowner money, and reduces the effects on the environment.
The leaves are changing and fall is here. But what do we do with all these fallen leaves? Why no compost them? For very little investment -- and the City of Winnipeg will even help financially -- a compost heap can be built in the backyard, for leaves, grass cuttings, garden plants and household organic wastes. That saves on disposal costs, and gives you an excellent organic fertilizing mulch, for next year's garden.