How far do you go to recycle and repurpose your household waste? Here are some great ways to save the earth's resources by greening your garbage.

Did you know that our oranges aren't just used for orange juice? An important part of our job as growers is to make sure that we don't waste our resources. So, after we've gotten the juice from our oranges, we don't just discard them.

Our oranges are then used in a variety of other products. Citrus is a significant part of marmalades, molasses, syrup, candies, and jellied products. Oils, refined from the remaining pulp and peel, are a base for food flavorings, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, rubber, textiles, and ice cream. Tons of peel, pulp, and seeds are also converted into feed for cattle.

It may not be as hard as you think to make better use of your family's garbage. Here are three steps you can take to get started on greening your garbage.

1. Recycle Your Electronics

It's much easier just to toss old phones, computers, video game consoles and other electronics than it is to recycle them. However, this not only wastes valuable materials that can be recycled and reused, it also means that small amounts of toxic materials are dumped as well. Collectively, these toxic materials can add to air and water pollution.

A better option is to find out where your local e-waste recycling centers are and take your old electronics to them. Try calling your local government for information on where to go, or visit the E-cycling Central website (www.eiae.org) for more information.

2. Start a Vermicomposting Bin

What's this? It's composting with a twist—that is, with red wigglers. Worms speed up the process of composting by eating and digesting organic matter like leftover fruits and vegetables, lawn clippings, leaves, and even paper. Not only does this reduce the waste you are putting in landfills, you can use the nutrient-rich materials produced by the worms to enhance your garden.

3. Find Out What Items Are Recyclable in Your Area

Surprisingly, not every town or city has a recycling program. It’s up to you to find out. First, check with your town or city hall to see whether your local waste removal company has a recycling policy. If your city doesn’t have a formal program, ask where the most convenient recycling bin is located. Then, again, it’s up to you. Save your recyclables for a couple of weeks and take them to the drop-off area.

If your waste removal company does have a recycling program, contact them to see what kinds of recyclables they accept.

Plastic, paper, glass, and aluminum are common recyclable materials. But it’s important to ask your waste removal company whether they accept all or a small portion of them. For instance, plastic has distinguishable resin identification codes. Plastics labeled with a 1 or a 2 are commonly recyclable. Those with higher-number resin ID codes may or may not be accepted. So it’s important to ask. A little effort on your part can go a long way.

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