Recycling can greatly reduce the amount of solid waste that your household produces each week. We have reduced our garbage output to below a bag a week.

The most important thing is to become aware to which items can be recycled in your area. Most cities will take paper and cardboard as well as number 1 and 2 plastics.

Number 1 plastic is either PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate).

Number 2 plastic is HDPE (high-density polyethylene).

Number 3 plastic is either vinyl or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) which is not recyclable.

Number 4 is LDPE (low-density polyethylene) is recyclable in some areas and can be taken to Whole Foods or Wal-Mart for recycling.

Number 5 is PP (polypropylene) and is recyclable in some areas.

Number 6 is PS (polystyrene) and is recyclable in some areas.

Number 7 is miscellaneous and can include PC (polycarbonate) and PLA (polylactide) and these items are not recyclable.

Glass is accepted by most curb-side recycling programs.

In combination with composting, you can reduce much of the waste you produce in your household.