Getting Green: Recycling #2, The Full Picture

Researching can sometimes take a little effort, but in the long run you will be benefited by it.  You will be able to make better decisions if you know all of the information.  I started by contacting our privately run waste management company.
To get the phone number to the company we use, I looked on one of my bills…  I found there website on the bill too so I decided to check it out.  When I got to the site, I hunted around for a bit before I called, to see if there was anything else I could ask them about.  I found their recycling page and was amazed.
I found out what they will take, not only curbside, but also if we took specific items to their transfer station (they would take these items for free). 
From Home:

• Pete Plastics #1-#7.
  
• Cans
  
• Glass bottles of any kind.
  
• Paper and Cardboard

At their transfer station:

• Furniture-$
  
• Kitchen Appliances-$
  
• Construction Debris-$
  
• Tires-$
  
• Concrete-$
  
• Mattresses-$
  
• Electronics-FREE

I didn’t realize that they recycled electronics!  Most of the things in our out buildings are electronics.  Craziness!  All this time, wasted, not knowing.  I feel really foolish, but motivated too.  But now we can really get all of that stuff out of there!  That really makes me very happy!
If you are someone that has a lot of clutter, don’t be afraid to do some research.  You could find better choices with another waste management company or you might, like me, learn that the company you use has updated its services.  Definitely weigh all of your options, you have nothing to lose but clutter for doing your homework.  If you have further suggestions that might help, or have any comments please leave them. 

Mix It Up: Left Overs

My kids love leftovers at our house!  We take all of the leftovers out of the refrigerator and let them mix and match them like a buffet for dinner!  Just by swapping the side dishes and entrees, this changes the whole meal and makes it more interesting for the kids.
For example tonight we had:
Meats: 

1. Honey Glazed Ham
2. London Broil
3. Honey Mustard Pork Loin

Starches:

1. White Rice
2. Roasted Potatoes

Vegetables:

1. Mixed Vegetables
2. Roasted Carrots

After the kids made their selections, we lit a few candles on the table, and they pretended like we were in a fancy restaurant.   They love the fact that no one is eating the same thing, and we can create our own special event without there being a holiday.
Mix It Up Points:

• Add Candles
• Add Music
• Use the good dishes
• Use the good silver
• Pull out the nice table cloth and napkins

Life is something to relish in.  Having time with your kids, your spouse, or other family members is something to cherish.  Take some time today to make a special memory with your family.  No special event required!  If you have any other suggestions I would love to hear about them.
My ideas for this came from my mother always living in the moment.
     Two days after Thanksgiving of last year my husband , our 3 kids, 2 nephews and I were heading out to see my father who at the time was very sick with lymphoma.  It started storming really bad and we got into a car accident. Luckily no one was hurt, but I was almost impaled by a road sign.  My mother sick with pancreatic cancer herself, made an incredible dinner with the leftovers from Thanksgiving.  She set the table with her finest table cloth, cloth napkins, silver, best dishes, candles, and serving ware.  She told me “life is what we are here to celebrate, and there isn’t any moment more special than today to focus on that”.   I will share this philosophy with my family, and relish in it.  Thanks again Mom for the lessons and ideas you have given to me, may you rest in peace.