By Kelsey Abbott

Posted: 04.20.09 | Tagged: recycling

On Earth Day (April 22), the United Nations Environment Programme will celebrate seven Champions of the Earth. The 2009 laureates fall under five categories: Policy Leadership, Science and Innovation, Entrepreneurial Vision, Inspiration and Action and Next-Generation Champions. And (drum roll, please)...we are very happy to announce that RecycleBank is one of this year's winners of the Champions of the Earth Awards for Entrepreneurial Vision.

While we are incredibly honored to receive this recognition, we must return to RecycleBank reality where every day is Earth Day and there are more than one million champions of the Earth. Go ahead. Call us cheesy, but YOU are the real champions of the Earth. No, really, we mean it. You are the ones who have reduced municipal waste and increased recycling rates across the U.S. You've chosen to lead a more environmentally lifestyle every day.

You're a champion! And we're here to help you maintain your championship status. Together, we'll learn how to be a little gentler on the environment-while sticking to our budgets, of course. Every month, we'll give you ideas and tips on how to save money, save time, save energy and be a bit "greener."

This month, we honor you as a recycling pro, but remind you that there are two other "R"s- Reduce and Reuse -that can help make your life easier and reduce your impact on the environment. Here are a few easy ideas to get you started. (Also, check out the Home section for some tips on de-cluttering for Spring)

1. Reduce your junk mail by signing up with a free service like Catalog Choice or paid services like 41 Pounds or Mailstopper.

2. Reduce your food waste (and make your garden happy) by composting kitchen scraps.

Do what you do best Champ - Keep on recycling!

3. Reuse magazines, newspapers and paper towel rolls by donating them to local schools, camps or art studios for kids.

4. Reuse paper by printing on scrap paper and writing grocery lists, to-do lists and directions on used envelopes, greeting cards or any slightly used paper you have lying around.

After reusing, do what you do best, champ: recycle

We're all in this together so let's share ideas. How do you reduce and reuse things in your life? Send your brilliant (and not-so-brilliant) ideas, comments and questions to me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it