Recycle and Reuse

Resources

- What can be recycled and what cannot? Here is a very simple list for San Diegans.


  1. -For battery and electronic devices recycle in UCSD, check out here.


  1. -For pens, our department is now participating in the Writing Instrument Brigade.


-A website with various recycle and reuse information: City of San Diego Recycling Program


Reusable Product Alternatives

While shopping, you can help the environment by selecting products that use less packaging and are durable or readily recyclable in your community. When buying a product, stop and think, "Can this item be recycled or reused?" If not, is there an alternative brand or product that you can buy? By making these choices, you are using your purchasing power to reward manufacturers that make durable, recyclable and reusable products, not products that are only disposable.


Use washable cloths instead of throwaway wipes


Buy rechargeable batteries


Buy cloth napkins that you can wash instead of paper you throw away


Buy washable plates and cups for picnics instead of disposables


Buy razors with replaceable blades


Seek out reusable or refillable containers that hold shampoo, soap, etc.


Use plastic or glass containers with lids instead of aluminum foil, plastic bags or plastic wrap


Rinse plastic bags and reuse them

   

In the Workplace

Bring re-usable dishware to work and eliminate the use of disposable Styrofoam, plastic or paper plates and cups or plastic utensils.


Make sure all printers have double-sided set as the default. Print drafts of documents on the backside of used paper.


Unwanted Mail

Eliminating unwanted mail is another way to reduce waste. Roughly 35 million trees are cut down every year to produce mail that people don't even want. To be removed from national mailing lists, call 1-212-768-7277 or send your name, name variations and address to:


Direct Marketing Association, Mail Preference Service
P.O. BOX 643
Carmel, NY 10512-0643


You can also stop unsolicited catalogs from being delivered to your mailbox. Fill out an online questionnaire and stop the delivery of unwanted catalogs.

Click here to get started.