City of Southlake

Eco-Friendly "Green" Alternatives

In addition to the City of Southlake's Curb Side Recycling Program, we would like to offer additional alternative ways to Reduce and Reuse materials!

REDUCE!

One easy way to ease the burden on landfills is to reduce the amount of waste we produce each day.  That can be as  easy as using one paper napkin instead of two, or as involved (and ultimately rewarding) as placing a compost bin in your  backyard to produce your own nutrient-rich mulch.

It also is important to reduce our use of valuable natural resources, such as fresh water. Simple steps can not only preserve our limited water supply, but can help lower your monthly water bill.  Please click on the links below for some easy tips on compost and mulch and litter reduction.        

Compost and Mulch

Litter Reduction

 

REUSE!

Every day, tons of materials are taken to landfills that could be given new life if reused properly.  Consider reusing, rather than throwing away, some of the items listed below:

• Athletic Shoes:  Many  charities  will not  accept used shoes.  NIKE sponsors  the  Reuse-A-Shoe program, which takes in used sneakers of all brands, grinds up selected parts and remanufactures them into playground padding, gymnastics mats and running tracks that are donated to organizations nationwide. For information, call (800) 806-6453 or visit www.NIKEbiz.com.
• Buy Recycled: Purchase paper products made from recycled materials whenever possible. Look and ask for these products at your local supermarket or visit Seventh Generation's website for more information on stores that carry these products.
• Books: You have many options when disposing of unwanted books. Some people prefer to sell them to a used bookstore for a little extra cash. The Southlake Public Library also accepts donations of gently used books, which will be placed in the library collection or sold to fund other needs, upon the judgment of the library administrator. Many charities also accept book donations to be sold for needed cash.
• Cell Phones: Keep Southlake Beautiful takes old cell phones for donantion to be refurbished for charities.  For more information on this program please contact Wendy Carlucci, with Keep Southlake Beautiful, at 817-488-5640.
• Clothing: There are many worthwhile organizations that distribute used clothing to the community, either through thrift stores or through direct gifts. Groups to consider include GRACE, Open Arms, Goodwill, and many area churches that operate charitable clothes closets. You also could "hand down" used clothing to family members or friends, or hold a yard sale.
• Coat Hangers: Most dry cleaners will gladly accept your extra clothes hangers. This also can help save you money in the long run because the cleaner doesn't have to spend as much money to buy new hangers. Some cleaners have even been known to offer a slight discount for returning hangers.
• Computer Equipment: Resource Concepts, of Carrollton, will accept used computer and other electronic equipment for refurbishment and charitable donation; they are located at 2940 Eisenhower Street, Carrollton, TX 75007 and can be contacted by telephone at 972-245-3121. You also can donate used, working computer equipment to Kidsurf Project, which uses the equipment for tutoring inner city youth, by calling (510) 444-6074.
• Eyeglasses: The Lions Club International (http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/vision_index.shtml) refurbishes used eyeglasses through its Give the Gift of Sight Program, and distributes them to people in need worldwide, either due to economic hardships or because of natural disasters or other difficulties.  You can donate your used eyeglasses in a drop box at LensCrafters stores or call (800) 541-5367 for more information.
• Furniture: Many charities accept furniture donations to be sold in thrift stores or given directly to families in need. Some will even pick up your donation, including Salvation Army.
• Greeting Cards: Locally, Southlake's Senior Activity Center recycles greeting cards as a fund-raiser for senior activities.  For more information please contact the Senior Activity Center Coordinator, Amanda Troum, at 817-748-8398.
• Household Goods: Many charities accept furniture donations to be sold in thrift stores or given directly to families in need. Groups to consider include GRACE, Open Arms, Goodwill and Salvation Army.
• Large Items and Appliances: Many charities accept donations of large appliances to be sold in thrift stores or given directly to families in need. Some will even pick up your donation, including Salvation Army and GRACE. 
• Magazines: Some nursing homes and preschools accept donations of magazines either for reading or for crafts. Call around for information.
• Plastic Film Canisters: Plastic film canisters can be returned to many area photo finishers, including photo labs at Walgreens and Wal-Mart.
• Plastic Grocery Bags: Many stores have collection points set up near the front door for plastic grocery bags, which cannot be placed in curbside recycling bins. Look for collection boxes at Wal-Mart, Albertson's and Kroger or better yet, purchase durable canvas or nylon grocery bags that can be re-used everytime you visit the grocery store. You can visit www.reusablebags.com or shop around on the internet for more environmentally friendly and attractive solutions.