I realize that our daily lives are fast and very busy and it takes a conscious effort to think about recycling.  Frankly, it’s easier to just throw things away in the trash.  I’d like to pose a question to you that may help you think twice when throwing away “trash”.  So much we use on a daily basis is easily recyclable and it just takes a little more thought and consideration about mother earth.

How long does it take trash to decompose in landfills?

Paper: 2 – 5 months

Orange peels: 6 months

Milk cartons: 5 years

Filter cigarettes: 10 – 12 years

Plastic bags: 10 – 20 years

Leather shoes: 24 – 40 years

Plastic containers: 50 – 80 years

Disposable diapers: 75 years

Tin cans: 100 years

Aluminum cans: 200 – 500 years

Sytrfoam: never

Does your community or city have a recycling program?  If it does, I encourage you to look into the recycling guidelines.  I live in The Woodlands, TX and as long as I have lived here (8 years) we have always had recycling service as part of our weekly pick-up service.  For The Woodlands, as of December 2010 the guidelines have expanded allowing residents to recycle even more than before. For more information check out this link:  http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/index.aspx?NID=185.

 I have much to learn but I believe every effort is honorable and truly valuable to our planet.  Think before you throw away!