Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!
It's that holly, jolly time of year again! Yup! That time of year when we receive new items and discard old stuff - and all the wrappings and accoutrements!
Back in the 70s my family started a tradition of "re-gifting" before that was even a word. We gave gifts to other family members which once were given to us. We even re-used old wrapping paper. My parents were children of the Great Depression. Nothing was ever thrown away, and other than newspapers, there were no recycling options at that time.
In this day and age it is much easier to get into the habit of recycling. And just about anything can be recycled!
Here in Springfield we are blessed with the Department of Environmental Services. Among the services offered is Solid Waste Management. On their website you can find information about what recycling facilities are available in Springfield, and what they recycle. Everything from automotive products to batteries, to pesticides - even clothing - there is an appropriate facility in Springfield to take your "stuff". Additional information is available at OzarksEnvironment.com
Your Christmas tree may also be recycled! From now through January 1, Bass Pro Shops in conjunction with the Boy Scouts will accept trees for their habitat resotration projects. This KY3 story offers more information on how to recycle trees.
The act of recycling also serves to help us appreciate the material things in life more. The natural resources that go into making our clothing, computers,
phones, light bulbs, toys, etc., are all finite. People who do not appreciate nature, people who do not appreciate our precious natural resources tend to be the people who litter. It never ceases to amaze me what people just throw - literally throw - out onto streets, into streams, woods, back lots - anywhere they can find a spot to toss out their items. In my younger days I was one of those people. Through the efforts of my more astute friends I broke the littering habit, and once recycling became more available, I became a recycle-aholic. It is truly addicting!
So, instead of tossing all the leftovers of your gift-giving into
the trash, please look into where you can recycle your items. It makes a difference!
