Tips to Shrink Your Property’s Footprint Through Recycling & Waste Reduction

1. Confused about what can and can’t be recycled? You’re not alone. Chicago reported that it only recycled 9 percent of its waste in 2018. Recycle by City is a great resource to learn how you can help divert waste from landfills.
2. Consider bringing your own Tupperware to restaurants to take your food home. Reusable produce bags or reusable paper towels are also great options to use on a day to day basis.
3. Of the three R’s – reduce, reuse, and recycle – the first two are the most important! Interested in using less plastic? Check out plastic-free July for a list of great suggestions.
4. Sick of getting junk mail? Here’s a service that will help you eliminate unwanted mail. You can also opt-out of pre-approved credit card mailers.
5. Do you have old denim to donate? Levi’s® stores (and Outlets) offer a recycling box where you can drop off any denim from any brand. Your donation earns you 20% off a single item when you bring denim in for recycling.
6. Do you have old phones or electronics laying around the house? Check out this organization or this one for options to recycle them.
7. Composting has a double benefit. It prevents food from going to landfills and releasing greenhouse gases, and it helps create healthy soil that pulls carbon out of the air. The Illinois Food Scrap Coalition has all the information you need to find a service or do it on your own.
8. Looking to renovate or purchase new furniture? Check out the Rebuilding Exchange for fantastic repurposed material. They also accept donations and offer DIY classes.
9. Are you doing a fall or spring cleaning? If you’re looking to get rid of unused household goods, consider Dress for Success, Refugee One or Recycling for Charities.