New Choices In
Recycled Products

---

The last time you went to the office supply store did you buy recycled paper? How about when you went to the grocery store, did you look for recycled toilet paper or paper towels?

Depending on which part of the country you live in these might be your only choices, if you could find these items at all. Maybe you live someplace where these and even more kinds of recycled products are more common on the shelves.

The Internet certainly has changed all that for us and made it possible for all of us to have access to a greater selection of recycled products. For me it's too costly to buy items like toilet paper or tissues online and have them shipped. But with a little looking I can find many other interesting items.

---

Buying Recycled

I know it can be hard to find. Where I live I have to really look for recycled items. They're not readily available and often cost more when I do find them. There's not much choice either, toilet paper, paper towels, tissues and some office supplies. One of the stores in town say they have tried to stock a few items but they're not selling so they don't carry them anymore.

Not enough people in my area are asking for recycled products. With so much emphasis on global warming it is becoming increasingly more important for us to find ways to reduce our consumption, reuse what we have and recycle what we don't want any more.

The 3R's In Brief

Reduce

Years ago when my son was young and spent his money on a cheap little toy that broke shortly after he bought it. I said "Well, now it's garbage". We talked, rather I talked he sort of listened, about how everything we saw in the stores was potential garbage and even more so for the cheap, poorly made items.

It was at this time that I became more aware of my purchases. I found I really didn't need to buy as much and I prefer quality when I do buy. This has worked out for me. I function better and am happier without so many things. And what I do have are items I really love.

Reuse

This is something many of us have some fun doing. Whether it's finding that hidden antique treasure or turning a piece of "junk" into a one of a kind unique piece, we are practicing reusing.

This is where buying quality really pays off. Something that is well made lasts and can be reused sometimes again and again and is less likely to end up as trash.

For those of us who find ourselves with unwanted electronic stuff giving it to the right organizations to be refurbished and reused solves the dilemma of what to do with it.

Recycle

There are some very interesting things being done by some very creative and talented people working with recycled products but it's up to us to provide them with the materials to work with. Many of us have either curbside recycling or access to recycling facilities.

The most common items being paper, plastic, aluminum and glass. A growing list of recyclables includes steel, cell phones, batteries, office equipment, athletic footwear, clothing, tires and more.

Did you know your old carpeting could be recycled? Check locally and see what's available in your area. The website set up by your city or town is a good starting point.

Recycled Fibers

New clothing from recycled material.

Polyester made from petroleum products is one the the most recycled fabrics. It can be used to make more polyester fabric conserving natural resources. No more petroleum is needed to make new products from recycled polyester.

Another process that has been getting attention from clothing manufacturers is using all those plastic bottles that we have been recycling and making fabric and then some pretty cool clothing.

Polar Fleece was the first of such fabrics created from recycled plastic bottles. Millions of bottles have been recycled to make this fabric. As technology improved Polartec came along as an against the skin material. Many manufacturers of outdoor clothing and gear are putting these fabrics to good use.

Some manufacturers and designers are looking at ways to use fabric remnants from cutting room floors that would end up in a landfill. Items from tote bags to clothing are being created from these throw away fabrics.

Creative Recycled Items

By far the most creative recycled products being made though are those where artisans allow their creativity free reign.

Accessories

Purses or handbags, jewelry and even shoes have been made from throw away items like rubber tires, license plates, aluminum pop tops, candy wrappers, computer parts and much more.

Recycled Paper Items

Ever increasing amounts of paper are consumed every day. Many of our needs can be met with recycled paper. It's great for necessities but many individuals are having creative fun by recycling paper into unique and beautiful items.

Recycled Glass

Many communities have glass recycling programs and all that glass can be put to good use as new containers or bottles. Beaautiful and functional uses have been found for recycled glass.

With a little looking many items for the home or garden can be found. From wood furniture to yard art, we can purchase any number of items made from recycled materials.

Reclaimed Wood

If you're wanting a piece of history you may want to purchase a piece of furniture or maybe some flooring that was made with reclaimed wood. Wood that was once destined for the landfill might find a place in your home.

Recycled Plastic Items

Plastic recycling is probably one of our most important recycling efforts. New and interesting recycled plastic products are being developed all the time without the use of more fossil fuels. Plus we are keeping tons of plastic trash out of our overflowing garbage dumps.

There is no limit to the possibilities for recycled products from the creative to the functional. When we buy recycled products we not only do something good for the environment but we can do it with style.

Got stuff? Looking for even more ways to recycle. Click here.