Saving the Planet One Lightbulb, Grocery Bag, and Ice Cream Cone at a Time

Before you toss out today's trash, find out what you can recycle—it could make all the difference for tomorrow!

Where to Recycle

• Electronic
  MyGreenElectronics.org
• Computers
  ShareTechnology.org
• Floppy disks and videotapes
  GreenDisk.com
• Cell phones and rechargeable batteries
  RBRC.org
• Business clothing
  DressforSuccess.org
• Eyeglasses
  NewEyesfortheNeedy.org
• Formal dresses
  www.OperationFairyDust.org
• Appliances
  Recycle-Steel.org
• Carpets
  CarpetRecovery.org
• Paint
  Earth911.org
• Packing peanuts
  LooseFillPackaging.com
• Tires
  EPA.gov/garbage/tires/live.htm

The Facts: How Long Does It Take to Biodegrade?

Brown paper bag
1 to 5 months

Cigarette butts and filters
12 years

Plastic bags, caps, and lids
Decades

Aluminum cans
2 to 5 centuries

Styrofoam cups and clamshells
Virtually forever


Great Green Sites

GreenerCars.org

Gives a green score for every car, minivan, pickup, and SUV on the market, based on official emissions and fuel-economy tests, plus good driving and maintenance tips.

40mpg.org

Calculates how much money you'd save and how much less pollution you'd generate if your vehicle got at least 40 miles per gallon, like the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid.

GreenHotels.com

Directs travelers to B&Bs, inns, motels, hotels, and resorts with earth-friendly policies.

GreenEarthCleaning.com

A nationwide source for finding the nearest environmentally sound dry cleaners.

GreenFeet.com

Lists sources for green products ranging from hemp coffee filters to nail polish remover made from vodka.

GreenHomeGuide.com

For home buyers or refinishers, with products such as reclaimed hardwood flooring and paint without volatile organic compounds.

SaveOurEnvironment.org

A collaborative effort to raise awareness of environmental issues; includes a gardener's guide to global warming, with action plans (reducing water consumption, use of gas-powered tools) for your backyard and your community.

Green-e.org

Find suppliers of renewable energy for home or business across the country.

DsireUSA.org

State-by-state guide to tax credits available for using renewable energy.

PreventCigaretteLitter.org

Keep America Beautiful sponsors cigarette litter prevention through public education and details how communities can take action. If you needed another reason not to smoke, the fibers in cigarettes look like cotton, but they're cellulose acetate, which is man-made and doesn't biodegrade.

CarSharing.net

For people who live in cities and don't need a car 24/7.

CSACenter.org

A database of community-supported agriculture, listing local farms that emphasize soil conservation.

More Ways to Help
Help save the planet with 11 things you can do right now.