This Portland-area campaign wants to reduce waste and make a big difference for the environment.
Many of us are getting more packages in the mail these days. More packages mean more packing materials—and more confusion about what belongs in your trash can and what can go in your recycling bin.
You can’t recycle plastic-padded envelopes at home or at work, but there are steps you can take to reduce your waste. When online shopping, consider bundling your orders, so items come in just one package. Or reuse them for shipping — be sure to remove old mailing addresses or barcodes and reseal them with packaging tape. You can also use padded envelopes during your next move or for protecting breakable items in storage.
Not sure if the envelope or mailer you have can go in the recycling bin? Ask an expert on the Recycle or Not Instagram or, just toss it in the trash.
It might feel wrong to throw more things away, but remember, you’re protecting the environment by keeping trash out of your recycling bin.
Recycle or Not offers different ways to interact in both English and Spanish: the recycleornot.org website, a mobile-friendly game, and on Instagram, @recycleornot.
Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
