10 Top Tips on How to Recycle Properly

The Chic Selection is not only your source for hot, trending fashion facts, history, and news, but it is also a hub for recycled designer goods. You see, there is no Planet “B,” so taking great care of Earth today and every day is our top priority. It is no coincidence that The Chic Selection was also born on Earth Day. That is because we are just as concerned about building a sustainable company as taking care of the planet for future generations.

This is why the business model of The Chic Selection includes a pre-owned clothing shop filled with genuine clothing from designer brands you know and love including Chanel, St Laurent, Dior, GUCCI and many more.
How to Recycle Properly with The Chic Selection?

Understanding how to properly recycle is one part of living a sustainable lifestyle. Recycle correctly so that you can reduce your carbon footprint and save more money for designer items.

Recycle Guide: 10 Top Tips on How to Properly Recycle

1. Know Your Bins

Depending on the state and city that you live in, your recycling bins will have different codes. Look for indications of which type of bin to use underneath the container. If there are no signs available, you can call or go online to find the information, and create the signs yourself. The codes usually correspond to local bins, but if you are unsure, just follow basic rules by always recycling paper, plastic, and cans.

2. Wash It

Many people who try to recycle have good intentions, but they do not realize how to recycle correctly. There are necessary steps to take which include knowing which articles to put in the recycle bin and of course cleaning the items.
One of the most important steps in the recycling process is ensuring the items are prepared properly which also includes cleaning them and transporting them to the correct facility. You MUST wash out all containers to ensure each item is clean before you send it for recycling. If the item takes too much time to clean you can just place it in a regular trash receptacle.  

3. Keep it Simple

You can use a variety of organizational tools at home to keep your trash from taking over the space. If you like to have a clean home, you don't need your DIY recycling passion to make a mess of it. Use large, medium, and small eco-friendly storage containers to keep your items organized after cleaning. Then you can use biodegradable, or reusable bags to take the items to a place for recycling or repurposing.

4. Wear Eco-Friendly Fashion

There are many different ways that you can support sustainable fashion. For example, eco-friendly fabrics, repurposed items, gently used clothing, as well as buying from sustainable companies including The Chic Selection and other repurposing websites. Additionally, you can make your own DIY clothing and accessories, wear eco-friendly fabrics and purchase designer brands from The Chic Selection.
 

5. Repurpose

This is a term used synonymously with the term recycling, however, the words mean two different things. Many repurposed items are also considered to be recycled, but they can take on a much newer appearance and functionality than recycled items. While clothing, accessories, and home appliances are some of the most popular repurposed items, some vintage shops also have repurposed items that can brighten up your home or office space with a unique style.

6. Create a Sustainable Lifestyle

Overall, recycling is not just something you do after one meal. It can become a lifestyle that supports your community, future generations, and yourself. Through learning to recycle correctly you can also build a foundation for a lifetime of sustainability. Other benefits of adopting the lifestyle practice of recycling properly include a positive outlook, community support, and less environmental impact.

7. Ditch Plastic

Try bioplastics instead of conventional plastic, whenever possible. Today, there are all types of environmental toxins that could be sneaking into your body -- right under your nose! Take a close look at the codes on common food containers and you will learn that BPA or Bisphenol A and other known health disruptors can be avoided.

Ditch conventional plastic containers and water bottles, bags, and other plastics made from conventional materials. Today, bioplastics are available, and they will soon replace their toxic plastic counterparts. Look for reusable water bottles, bags, and kitchen gear at stores near you to cut back your risk of toxic buildup.  

8. Bring Your Own

This is a practice that you can adopt at home, at work, or when you are on-the-go. There are many ways that you can use recycled and repurposed items to cut down on purchasing and using new things.

For example, an old plastic ice cream container washed, rinsed, and repurposed makes an ideal travel container or organizer. Your favorite vintage clothing or baby blankets can be easily transformed into new items like reusable grocery bags with a sewing needle, thread, and DIY shopping bag pattern. As a habit, always remember to BYO everything. Bringing your own container, bag, or clothing is always a great way to reduce waste, and recycle correctly.

9. Network

You may not realize that there are many different things you can recycle. Create new fun ways to use things around your home environment, and at work that you never thought of before.

For example, did you know that many lids and caps of containers are interchangeable?  So, don't throw out any of the jars you can reuse around the house! You can take many store-bought containers, clean, and repurpose them for use at the office, school, or even at the gym to keep things organized and secure.

10. Branch Out

After you create a lifestyle that includes prioritizing the planet, you can branch out your new passion for the Earth. Use these guidelines of how to recycle properly not only around the house with trash, and household materials, but also in your closet, in your food, and herb garden, and in the community.

Seek out schools, businesses, and community projects that support your passion. There are millions of ways you can help reduce your impact on the planet by recycling properly. So, go ahead, and branch out into other areas where you find a way to repurpose, recycle, and support sustainability. It’s all good!

How Can I Properly Recycle?

Each place has a different set of regulations and laws concerning recycling. In your area, the city may provide large community recycling containers or individual bins for recyclable trash. You can use an indoor organizing system to help you stay on track with your local regulations for how to recycle correctly.
Then, when you are ready to dump the bins you can use the provided containers or take the items to a facility that can process the recyclables. Depending on the type of items you have, you may even be able to make a profit from taking the items to a recycling center yourself.  

Here is a short list of items that recycling centers pay for:

• Metal
• Batteries
• Building materials
• Computers
• Electrical equipment
• Glass
• Mobile devices
• Paint & oil
• Printer cartridges
• Paper
• Cans
• Some plastics
• Textiles
• Wood
• Vehicles
• Clothing
• Household items
• Tools
• Large appliances

If you really want to know how to recycle correctly, it can take time to find the right local recycling facilities. Search for community facilities and participate in local projects regarding recycling.

Recycle With Us!

Follow this simple guide to recycling to fully understand the mission behind The Chic Selection. Then, if you need more support for the new sustainable approach in your closet, visit The Chic Selection shop. You can spend some of your "me" time flipping through the most brilliant collections from designers you love to wear. Each gently used item is affordably priced to fit your budget while you make recycling look good.