There are many ways to restore or give back to your community through used materials and products. The two most common ways are recycling and composting. Although some areas across the globe may use different jargon to describe these two, it is important to understand the difference for general use.

Similarities:

• Recycling and composting both divert materials from landfill, preventing them to lie useless and dangerous for years.
• They also both contribute to reducing the production of carbon dioxide and methane, which are dangerous greenhouse gases.

Differences:

• Composting is more for local contribution; however in some cases, it can be used for a big community to make a greener world.
• Recycling is a huge industry that requires cooperation from citizens, government, and business on a large scale.
• Most importantly, recycling and compost require different kinds of material that is thrown into their bins.

Recycling – Different cities may have slightly different regulations over recycling. Paper products like envelopes, catalogs, loose leaf paper, and cereal boxes can be tossed into the recycling bin. Bottles, cans and plastics, such as glass bottles and jars, yogurt cups and plastic bags can all be recycled, as well. However, keep in mind that photographs, paper with food or other silage, mirrors, batteries and broken glassware should not be recycled.

Composting – Almost anything biodegradable is considered compost, such as stale bread, egg shells, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, fruit and vegetable scraps and dead flowers. However ash, cigarette butts and anything recyclable but is non-biodegradable should not be thrown into a compost bin. Material has to be both recyclable and biodegradable.

For more information on what materials should be thrown into your recycling and compost bin, talk to your local community recycling centers and ask about their requirements. Keep living green by reducing your carbon footprint through recycling and composting!

(Thanks to Divine Caroline for a lot of helpful information!)

(The San Antonio Energy Champions program is an energy-efficiency initiative started by Champion AC in San Antonio. It focuses on sharing tips on living a green life, educating elementary children about our community’s energy needs, cutting down on our environmental footprint and saving both money and energy at home.)