Recycling is one of the best ways for you and your family to reduce your environmental impact. But even if you’re already an avid recycler, there a chance that there are some things that you may not have considered. As our friends at Dove point out, there are lots of bath and body items that we should be recycling that we’re probably not thinking of. For example, products like their Sensitive Skin Unscented Body Wash, Daily Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner (and tons more) are totally recyclable!  To get into the habit, keep a recycling bin in your bathroom next to the garbage so that you can sort as you go.

Why Recycle?

If you’re not currently recycling, it’s definitely time to start! Here are some of our favourite reasons to recycle:

• It’s an easy lifestyle change that makes a big difference.
• It’s way more energy efficient. Creating a product from recycled materials uses way less energy than creating one using new, non-recycled materials.
• It reduces the need for more landfills.
• It helps to reduce pollution. Creating new products from non-recycled materials creates carbon emissions and contributes to air pollution. Plus, runoff water from landfills can get into and pollute our local rivers and lakes.

What to Recycle (you might be surprised!)

If you’re already recycling, it’s worth taking a second look at your current routine.  Chances are there are some easily recyclable items in your home that you can be tossing in the blue bin instead of in the trash.  Here are some common household things that you may not have thought about putting in your blue box:

• The plastic wrap from household items like toilet paper, paper towels, and packs of napkins.
• Plastic food jars and tubs (think ice cream, yogurt, butter/margarine).
• Aluminum trays (like the single-use ones you’d use for cooking or baking). Once you’re done using these, give them a rinse and recycle them!
• The planting trays that your plants and flowers come in.

What NOT to Recycle

Just like there are some things that we should be recycling but probably aren’t, there are things that many of us may be putting in our bins that we shouldn’t be! Here are some of the most common things that we usually think of as being recyclable, but that actually don’t belong in your blue box:

• Squeeze tubes (usually used for hair and bath and body products)
• Foam takeout containers – they’re made of styrofoam, which is unfortunately not recyclable
• Cling wrap and cellophane
• Lightbulbs
• Black plastic
• Paper
• Laminated plastic (like the bags that chips and cookies come in)
• Used paper towels and coffee filters (these are recyclable clean, but if they’re dirty with food or drink from being used, toss them in your green bin)

Do you recycle? How do you make it part of your routine? Share your tips with us in the comments!