We have a great recycling program in our town. The neighboring city basically penalizes for trash, charging more for bigger cans. In our town, they give us all a large one, as well as containers for nearly everything recyclable. It’s all volunteer how much you fill that trash can. I think with the efficiency of it all, and people not being forced, but asked, it has worked out better, at least here. I challenge myself to putting as little as possible in the garbage each week. I see my neighbors doing the same. I never fill the can more than half, and it’s usually about a 1/4 full.
I also find myself on recycle patrol in the house, fetching out what can be recycled out of the trash whenever possible and pointing out that it is in the wrong place.
@mcbealer: my favorite use of the boutique tissue boxes (my nose won’t take any other) is to use them to store lint from the dryer. I use the softener sheets until they are limp, (usually at least 3 times) wipe the lint screen with them (makes it much easier) and then stuff it all in the empty box. Takes up very little room on the shelf and then I toss that only when it is full.
@gail: I FINALLY have all energy star appliances. The biggest difference were the washer and dryer. Those have saved a ton of energy and water, not to mention detergent. (We’ve been using grey water since the last drought in CA, 1984). Trader Joe’s makes a fantastic (and cheap) hypo-allergenic, HE detergent. I know you don’t have a TJ’s near you, sorry
I had to google bento boxes. They were used for goldfish when I was a kid. One time, my mom came home, she put one on the counter and my sister got the goldfish bowl out, set it up (mom laughing). She opened it up found Italian deli instead.