REUSE
  • Shopping Bags

  • Beverage Containers & Coffee Mugs 
     
  • Re-Refined Motor Oil

  • "Close the Loop" - Buy Recycled

Shopping Bags

Bring your own bags for shopping or reuse bags.
Ask your local grocery store if they credit your purchase for reused bags. At least one company gives up to 5 cents back for every paper grocery bag returned and reused, or if you bring your own bag. If you're at the mall, keep filling the same bag with each purchase instead of going home with many. Or better yet, if you're just running out to pick up a snack or that toothpaste you forgot, who needs a bag? Just keep the receipt until you get home.

Beverage Containers & Coffee Mugs

Next time you need a drink of water or crave a convenient coffee at work, remember to bring a reusable container or mug. Think of the amount materials used for one coffee cup: one paper cup with plastic lining, a plastic top, a cardboard sleeve and a stirrer---it can really add up! You can purchase a traveler's mug at most coffee shops including Starbucks. Some shops even give a small discount for bringing your own container.

Use Re-refined Motor Oil for your Vehicle

Re-what? That's right re-refined motor oil. Wonder where all that oil goes to that oil change shops collect, or that you do-it-yourselfers take to Certified Collection Centers? We've learned that unlike gasoline, motor oil doesn't get used up, just dirty. So used oil may be easily filtered and processed to meet API standards accepted by vehicle manufacturers such as Chrysler, General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Mercedes Benz! It takes approximately 65 quarts of crude oil to produce one quart of base oil. But, since used oil has already been refined once, it only takes 9 quarts to produce the same! That's 86% less crude oil we'd have to depend on, not to mention the energy saved. Retail vendors are listed on http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/UsedOil/ReRefined/. or you may call the CA Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery Used Oil Recycling Program at 916.341.6457.

 "Close the Loop" - Buy Recycled

USE A MINIMUM 30% POSTCONSUMER RECYCLED-CONTENT - NOW THAT'S RECYCLING

It's good enough for the White House! In 1999, US government procurement guidelines increased their postconsumer recycled-content (PCRC) requirement for paper products from 20% to 30% in part to support your efforts for recycling paper curbside. That paper isn't truly recycled until you, the consumer, buys it again as a renewed product. PCRC paper products come in all sorts of bright colors, some sophisticated textures, and that tried and true clean white. Look for the highest content you can find - and make sure it says "POSTCONSUMER". Search the Cal Recycle Recycled-Content Product Database.