by Laura Leigh Fields

Created on: August 17, 2008

Recycling is a great way to help the environment. It is also a good way to save and make a little extra money. You can save money recycling by reusing items instead of tossing them in the trash. You can make money recycling by selling certain items that you may consider garbage. When you recycle, everybody wins!

There are many items that are intended for one time use. Most people just use them, throw them out, and buy new products. This can be very costly. Reusing things such as disposable razors, plastic cutlery, and plastic bottles can save you a lot of money in the long run.

A great way to reuse plastic bottles is to rinse them out, fill them with water, and freeze them. They make perfect ice packs for camping, to hold on injuries, or any other icepack need. Unless you're as hairy as Tarzan, you can shave more than once with a razor, no matter what the package says. Plastic cutlery is usually made out of strong plastic and can be washed and used again.

Extra trash bag ties can be used to secure many things. They also work well to tie off balloons so that you don't have to hurt your fingers trying to do so. Holding on to old rope and string can also come in handy to tie things down.

You can even use items that you would normally throw out to make craft projects. Old soup cans can be cleaned out and made into vases or pencil holders. Cardboard can be used for picture frames, ornaments, and book covers. The creative list of things you can make with stuff rather than throwing it away is unlimited!

Plastic bags from the grocery store can be saved and used to line small trashcans. They can also be used to protect your hair when it is raining out, cover plants outside when the weather is horrid, and transport items from one place to another without having to use a duffle bag.

Many area schools in my town collect plastic bags to recycle so that they can get computers for the students. They also collect grocery store receipts and can tabs. Donating your recycled material to schools can save you money in the long run because the more the schools make, the less fees your children will have to pay when they are enrolled.

There are lots of recycling centers that will pay top dollar for certain items. You can get paid for paper, tin, aluminum, copper and so much more. Many items around the house are aluminum or tin but you may not realize it. You can recycle old satellite dishes, appliances (such as washing machines/dryers), and screen doors. There is a high need for these used items so saving and selling it can be profitable.

If your yard is full of eyesores, consider cleaning it up and getting rid of some of the stuff but making a little profit to boot! Junk cars can be sold to junkyards or crushers. They will pay you a flat rate for it and sale it for parts of for the old metal.

Instead of tossing old clothes into the trash, take them to a consignment shop or thrift store. You can get money for the clothes that you no longer wear and people the store-owners will be able to resale them to others. This, too, is a sample of recycling but to a lesser degree.

The world is full of chances to recycle you just have to be willing to open your eyes to the possibilities. It takes very little effort and everybody can benefit in the long run. How you could pass up a chance that good?

Learn more about this author, Laura Leigh Fields.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.