Tips and links to get you started

• Reduce the need to replace items by buying durable products.
• When a choice is available, choose products with the least packaging, and the greatest potential for recycling or reuse.
• Stop junk mail. Go to www.nyc. gov/html/nycwasteless/html/at_ home/tips_home_junkmail.shtml to find ways to reduce, reuse and recycle it.
• Designate a shelf or section of the basement for items to give away. Go to the Department of Sanitation’s Web page “New Homes for Old Stuff,” at www. nyc.gov/html/nycwasteless/html/ new_homes/new_homes.shtml to find dozens of ways to donate your items.
• Find out if your child’s school is interested in competing for a Golden Apple award cash prize. Schools that implement a full recycling program are eligible. Find out how to apply at www. nyc.gov/html/nycwasteless/html/ at_agencies/at_school_schoolcontests. shtml.
• Become a member of Freecycle New York City, the local branch of a national group dedicated to giving and receiving free, used items. You can join by going to www. groups.yahoo.com/group/freecyclenewyorkcity.
• If you want a more local swap group, start a Yahoo group of your own, and invite friends and acquaintances to join.
• Everything you ever wanted to know about recycling in New York City is at www.nyc.gov/html/nycwasteless/ html/recycling/recycle_ what.shtml.
• If you are renovating a room or a whole house, keep construction materials, fixtures and built-ins that you remove, out of the landfill by salvaging them and donating them to the Build It Green warehouse. You may also find materials you can use for your project there. For more information, contact the Community Environmental Center at www.cecenter.org.
• Composting is easy when you know how. Get the basics and beyond at www.nyccompost.org/.
• When it’s time to give or receive gifts, consider consumable gifts such as event tickets, lessons, an offer to help with a home project or donations in a person’s name. For a novel way to tell loved ones about your green gift wishes, try the Center for the New American Dream’s alternative gift registry at www.alternativegiftregistry.org/ why.php#impact.
• Read lots more about the benefits of and means to “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” on the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Web site. Try “Recycling 101” at www. alternativegiftregistry.org/why. php#impact. Read about the Center for the New American Dream at www.NRDC.org/onearth/02win/ 9steps1.asp. Read about reducing consumerism at www.onearth. org/article/my-30-days-of-consumer- celibacy.

This is part of the September 18, 2008 online edition of The Riverdale Press.

Have an opinion on this matter? We'd like to hear from you. Click here.