Resolution #3: Only throw out plastic bits.

Four simple questions to ask before you throw something in the trash bin.

My resolution to only throw out plastic bits may seem odd, however once I started composting, and utilizing my Twice is Nice resolution; I noticed a drastic reduction in my trash.

This week I decided to take mental note of what I was throwing in the trash bin, and found that almost everything I’m tossing are plastic bits and pieces that cannot be recycled, composted, or repurposed. Stuff like cereal bag liners, coffee bags, plastic clamshell packaging, and the like.

Want to get to the point where you are only throwing out plastic bits? Here are four simple questions to ask yourself, first when you are at the store, and second when you at home walking toward the trash can.

Question #1 Do I need it?
The best thing to do is avoid bringing waste into your house in the first place. Do you really need that plastic bag to carry that one item? How much food do you throw out because you bought too much? Simply ask yourself if it is something you will use, and how you will dispose of it before you buy it.

Question #2 Is it compostable?
Any vegetable-based waste, coffee grounds, food-stained paper (think the cardboard bottom from frozen pizza boxes) and paper from the shredder, can easily be composted.

Question #3 Is it reusable?
Always ask yourself if you can reuse something before you throw in the recycle or trash bin. Keep in mind it is better to reuse, than to recycle. Use your imagination! I just discovered a great use for the plastic containers mushrooms come in; they make great paint trays for small painting projects. My Packing Up Your Plants article gives another idea.

Question #4 Is it recyclable?
Most of us recycle our junk mail and soda cans, now think beyond that. Are you recycling your tissue boxes, paper towel tubes, and shampoo bottles? Make sure you take advantage of all of the opportunities to recycle.

If you ask these questions and really follow the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle process, you will find the only things you are throwing out are the plastic bits.