RECYCLING INITIATIVE
        THE NEXT STEP

         Many states have developed successful recycle programs for our original initiative to keep empty laser and ink jet cartridges and used cell phones out of the landfills. Some states have received refunds from recycling companies; some have turned in cartridges to local businesses which give credit toward future purchases; some have adopted police or abused women programs which give out cell phones for protective purposes. We want to continue these projects that are successful, and now broaden our recycling programs for this current year.

         We are asking individual garden clubs and districts to look beyond curbside pickup for local organizations that will take items that are discarded every day, and recycle or reuse those articles. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

*Eliminate unwanted catalogues and save trees: www.catalogchoice.org

*Recycle rechargeable batteries: www.rbrc.org or www.call2recycle.org

(nationwide stores such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Home Depot, Lowes, Office Depot, Radio

Shack, Staples & Target)

*Multiple unwanted articles: www.freecycle.org (e-bay without the price tag—no money changes

hands!)

*Gently worn shoes: www.soles4souls.org distributes shoes to the needy in 60 countries worldwide

*Worn athletic shoes: Nike "Reuse-A-Shoe" program makes "Nike Grind" from old athletic shoes to produce playground and sport surfaces. Contact Nike at www.letmeplay.com/reuseashoe

*Packing peanuts: take to UPS or other mailing centers. For the closest business to you, call the "Peanut Hotline" at 1-800-828-2214.

*Coat hangers: take to a local cleaner or use for wreath frames

*Plastic Containers: contact local preschools, elementary schools, and craft groups

*Grass clippings and leaves: Compost!

*Pine needles —use as mulch

*Film canisters: check with high school science departments; use for crafts or seed storage

*Clothing: Disabled American Veterans, Salvation Army, Goodwill, Purple Heart; homeless shelters

*Mesh bags: store flower bulbs

* Plastic bags: eliminate these eyesores from our landscape! Supply your own cloth bags for groceries or whatever else you purchase.

Watch the NGC website for a Recycle Initiative listing of additional suggestions, items, and places which can be used. If you would like to share your club's ideas, please send them by email or "snail mail" to your State Recycle Chairman or to the NGC Recycle Chairman Carol Carter .  Include website locations if available. We will add to our list as we receive your comments!

         Thank you for helping to preserve and protect our environment!

Carol Carter, NGC Recycling Chairman