Hopefully, many of us know by now that recycling  and repurposing help protect our environment by reducing the number of recyclable materials going into our landfills and limiting the amount of trash headed for incinerators worldwide. For instance, recycling and reusing manufactured products reduces emissions, conserves natural resources, saves energy, and prevents pollution. Also, many of us recycle and/or reuse paper, cardboard, aluminum, and plastics as part of our everyday routine. But did you know that many other household and office goods—including something as common as your toothbrush—can be recycled and repurposed and turned into useful reused items? Here is a sampling of how to recycle the most surprising ones!

Did you know Americans create more than 250 million tons of trash each year? That’s nearly five pounds of municipal solid waste per person per day. Those are eye-catching statistics, and while it is natural to expect those numbers to grow exponentially in the years to come, we should also be doing a better job of recycling. Yes, plenty of what we throw away is, in fact, garbage. But more of it is recyclable than you might think.

Besides the Grinch and Scrooge, who doesn’t love the winter holidays? From the delicious smells of favorite foods to families creating happy memories that last a lifetime, the holidays and their traditions hold a special place in our hearts. Plus, there are also opportunities to make new, eco-friendly holiday traditions—something we can all get behind. 

How can we do this, exactly? Start by incorporating eco-friendly holiday decorations with cherished heirlooms. Your house will become warm and festive while being an endearing symbol of festive environmental protection.

One of Texas Recycling’s favorite annual events to recycle paper, cardboard, metal, and more is happening: Texas Recycles Day is November 15, 2024. This special day coincides with America Recycles Day, a nationally recognized day overseen by Keep America Beautiful dedicated to recycling and recycling education. Of course, everything is bigger in the Lone Star State. Texas Recycles Day, overseen by the State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR), was established in 1994. But many people may not realize that it was used as the model for the national day, which was first observed in 1997.