Spring Cleaning? Try Rethinking and Re-Engergizing Your Habits

(Editor's note: From Pierce County)

Many Pierce County employees are in the midst of spring cleaning. As you clear out your closets and tackle the paper piles on your desk at work, you may already be thinking about the three "Rs" - reduce, reuse and recycle.

Since April is Pierce County Sustainability Month, let's add two more "Rs" to the list: rethink and re-energize.

It's easy to reach for the cleaner you've used for years, or forget to tweak your printer settings to save paper. We encourage you to rethink the way you go about your day and re-energize the habits you already have in place. We can all help reduce waste in Pierce County and protect our resources.

Tips to get started

This week, the focus of Sustainability Month is on all five "Rs" at work and at home. Take a few minutes each day to reduce waste with the following ideas:

Monday - Reduce: Get rid of unwanted phone books and catalogs by registering with the following websites: www.catalogchoice.org and www.yellowpagesoptout.com. Most catalogs also include a website or phone number to use to opt out.

Tuesday - Reuse: Bottled water seems like a staple at meetings and events we attend, but it doesn't have to be. Buy a water pitcher and glasses for your meeting rooms and carry a reusable water bottle when you are running errands.

Wednesday - Recycle: Have you ever wondered what to do with used batteries or outdated electronics? Take a few minutes to check out Pierce County's comprehensive recycling menu at www.piercecountywa.org/recycle.

Thursday - Rethink: Green cleaners are available in stores, but it's much less expensive to make your own. Try our easy recipe for all-purpose cleaner here.

Friday - Re-energize: You may be a recycling pro, or know five different ways to reuse a tissue box. Think of a few new things you can do in order to keep yourself enthusiastic about reducing your waste.

More information about the "five R's" can be found on this Pierce County Public Works and Utilities website.

To learn more about sustainability efforts in Pierce County, visit www.piercecountywa.org/sustainability. For more information about solid waste management in Pierce County, visit www.piercecountywa.org/solidwaste.