Recycling on a limited amount of space?

Question

I don't have enough room to put many different trash cans under the sink or anything. I have a garage but it's outside and I live in Alaska so it's really hard to set up in the garage. Does anybody have any ideas on how to recycle using limited space?

And what are some good ways to save heat in the house? I already put a jacket on the water heater, but an extra layer infront of the windows and turned the thermostat down to 61 (brrrr!) But I feel that the heat that does come into the house escapes...Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Person above is correct.  I live on the 20th floor of a high rise in a very small apartment and have no room for recycling.  That and in order to recycle I have to carry everything down to the dumpster.  

The best way I find is to buy products that have minimal amount of plastic or packaging wrap and whatever you buy that can be reused, reuse it!  For instance, I am finishing off a tub of cookie dough at the moment, it's decent sized (40 oz) and after some washing will serve nicely as a tupperware like piece for refrigerating leftovers.

Also when buying groceries or things, opt to take your own canvass or reusable bags, or a brown bag around the house.  Some places such as Whole Foods even give you a discount (10 cents) back for every bag you don't use shopping and instead bring your own.

Instead of huge recycling bins which I have no room for, I set up a paper bag like a shopping bag and put anything that can be recycled into it.  It sits right next to our trash can on the floor.  It's not the prettiest thing ever but it's fairly out of the way and will not smell if you wash containers out.

As far as saving heat.  If you feel like your windows are leaking heat you can seal them by stretching saran wrap over the entire window and frame.  This works if you don't plan on opening the window all winter and if you do a nice job with the wrap you can't even tell it's there.  My parents do this at their house to the guest rooms.  It helps to keep heat in.  Also like the previous answer, use thick drapery in colder months.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

One of the best ways I've found to cut down on both trash and recycle products is to buy in bulk whenever possible, reuse containers, cook from scratch whenever I can, etc. Using less packaged goods to start with really adds up. Also, there are some really good recycle bins that you can get that don't look bad and stack on top of each other so they take up less floor space. Hiding them behind a pretty screen helps too. Then you'll only have to take the recycling out when you're making a trip outside to the garage anyway.

Window insulating kits work well and there are insulating blinds and curtains out there too. They will help. In Alaska, your big problem is going to be heat escaping through the walls and roof. Check to see if adding more insulation to your home is a possibility.

Answer 3

The simplest way to recycle is to figure out a way to use everything you consume for two purposes.  An example: either take your plastic grocery sacks back to the store or use them for  trash can liners in your wastebaskets rather than buying special one.  If you need storage containers use your plastic drink bottles for storage.  If everyone used everything twice we would reduce our consumption by half.

Save heat in the house by insulating, using warm window treatments, and by zoning.  Turn off the heat in the bedroom.  you sleep better in a cool room anyhow.