Our town just started a great program where they reward you for your recyclables. I got a bin and we don't even have to separate any of it...just throw it in the bin and they scan your code and reward you based on what you recycle. My mother lives with me and I'm totally into recycling. Not because of the rewards, but due to the simplicity the town has given us to do it. It's like just throwing out your trash. My mother however, throws her cans/papers/boxes in the trash....it's driving me nuts! I'm taking the stuff out of the trash and throwing it in the bin. How do I convince her to start recycling? She screamed at me today that she just didn't want to do it. It couldn't be any easier for her, though-all she does is have to throw the stuff in the bin, which I have on my porch for now. It's driving me nuts!
Maybe she can't get in the habit to remember. Place a cardboard box labeled for recycling as near to the garbage receptacle as possible, just to make it that much easier and to prove as a reminder. Have the label in big, bold print and on it list everything that's to go in it, including aluminum if your town accepts it don't forget aluminum, possibly the most overlooked yet most profitable recyclable material. When it fills then you can dump it in the bin on the porch, much more pleasant than digging thru garbage. Sit down with her and educate her how this is important for your future and that of her yet grandchildren.
