Green Guide -Recycling
Living Green Main Page

Recycling & Waste Reduction


Reducing your waste is one of the most effective ways to reduce the effects of global climate change. Make it your goal to generate zero waste by recycling, reusing items and reducing the amount of non-recyclable or non-compostable waste you produce.

Reduce

  • Waste Reduction Tips can be found on the campus Environmental Stewardship website.

  • There are simple solutions and tons to gain from eliminating wasteful paper use. Read about the Center for Sustainability's study about Paper Consumption.

  • Global Stewards publish more tips to reduce waste and increase sustainability.

  • Making your own cleaning products can reduce the amount of contaminants in drinking water and air. Below are a couple of recipes to get started.

    • All Purpose Cleaners
    Vinegar and Salt. Mix together for a good surface cleaner
    Baking Soda. Dissolve 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart of warm water for a general cleaner.
    Furniture Polish
    Olive Oil and Vinegar. Mix 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar. Apply and polish with a clean soft cloth.

  • There are health consequences and risks derived from hazardous waste contaminants. Read up on the risks provided by the Environmental Protection Agency.

    • Here are a few more sites to get you thinking about recipes for cleaning products.
  • Cleaning up your cleaning supplies.

  • More on cleaning and alternatives to keep your home clean and healthy.


Reuse

  • Lawrence has many Reuse Opportunities in the community. The site also provides information on where to donate reusable commodities; from cell phones to eyeglasses to bubble wrap.

  • Composting is one effective way to reduce greenhouse gases that come from landfills. Reusing food scraps, yard waste and a variety of other sources, you can create a valuable soil amendment that saves money and can liven up any garden or landscaping project. For more information on a project through the Center for Sustainability on composting click here.

  • Get creative! Here's a link to some ways to reuse a t-shirt, and another to just about anything else...

  • Help keep useful items from going to the landfill. Support organizations like Habitat for Humanity which operates the ReStore, a thrift store that relies on gently used and surplus construction materials. With all profits from the store going to Habitat for Humanity, you can affordably make unique home improvements and help the community.

Recycle

  • There are also a number of ways to recycle throughout the City of Lawrence. Go to Lawrence Recycling for a list of places to drop off recyclables, or get a list of business that will provide curbside pick-up service.
  • Find the closest Recycling Location on Campus to your classes or office.

  • Lawrence Free-Cycle is one way to find and offer up anything, to keep it out of the landfill.

  • To learn more about the benefits and opportunities for recycling see the EPA's Recycling page.

  • The National Recycling Coalition has a variety of programs that are implemented on a national and local level and even for university and college campuses.

  • Don't forget Pre-cycling is as important as recycling. Think about the consequences of a purchase before you make it.

Top of Page