The Plastic Bag Problem: 25 Resources to Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse

My county only started recycling in the last 2 years and they only collect certain items such as plastic bottles 1 & 2, grocery bags, glass, cardboard, junk mail, and newspapers. We have to haul it ourselves. They do not come and pick up. But many of us make the effort to do this.

Personally I prefer to not use plastic grocery bags at all. I'll ask for a sticker on my merchandise if I forget my canvas bags. If I accept one I will recycle it or take it back to my grocery store's recycling bin.

Everyone should make the effort to recycle, reuse, or reduce their use of plastic grocery bags.

Further information below.

http://www.21st-century-citizen.com/2007/07/18/25-resources-to-reduce-recycle-and-reuse-plastic-grocery-bags/

How Does Your Water Rate?

National Tapwater Database
http://www.ewg.org/tapwater/yourwater/index.php

I found this link of interest today after browsing sites on exotic pets and bottled water vs filtered.

So I punched in my location. The violation and health summary was quite interesting. There were 15 violations. Endocrine Toxicity was listed in the health summary and I have multiple endocrine issues.

It basically provides water tests from 1998 through 2002.

Should You Buy Bottled Water?

Defenders of the planet will tell you to drink water from your spiggot. However, there may be reason enough to purchase bottled spring water which I will explain below.

My vet, who works for an animal hospital, told me that well water is the worst to have and frankly I believe it after our water tested positive for e.coli twice last year. My landlord took care of the problem but I see other things occuring such as calcium buildup on my fish tank and my hot water heater I found out was filled with it.

There are other factors for consuming plain bottled spring water such as flouride. A common additive such as this to the water supply may contribute to developing thyroid disease.

You may also notice that some bottled waters now state that it is flouridated water. So watch out for that when you are choosing and don't forget to recycle the plastic.

What do I think about filtered water? Well, they can certainly be helpful but filtration systems do not eliminate flouride unless you specifically look for that type of system and removing flouride can be costly. You will have to research them on your own but there are ways to do it.

However, if you are looking to remove other types of contaminants check the link below.

Water Filter Comparisons - check out the top 10 home water filters, rated by cost and performance.

Another Way To Opt Out of Catalogs

Perhaps you like receiving some catalogs and not others. This website allows you to opt out of catalogs individually. Saves you time having to call them. Save the company money by advertising only to those who wish to receive their catalogs. Saves YOU time and effort on having to rip your personal details out of these buggers and having to recycle them.

http://www.catalogchoice.org/

Opt Out From Receiving This Kind of Junk Mail

Some companies completely ignore the whole eco-conscious movement. Credit card companies need to start buckling down on the amount of junk mail they send out. It is a ridiculous amount! Certain companies send me 1 or 2 things 6 days a week!

Help protect your identity AND help make an impact on global warming and energy conservation by opting out of receiving these annoying pre-screened offers -- visit www.optoutprescreen.com.