More states and counties have now adopted a wide array of recycling and waste recovery programs. Some US states are already far ahead of the rest when it comes to implementing recycling programs. In Portland, Oregon for example, recycling bins are in every street corner, while in Albuquerque, New Mexico, there is a clear lack of curbside recycling programs and facilities. Flat cardboard is generally used in packing cereal and shoe boxes, while corrugated cardboard is often used in packing boxes, because it has a ruffled layer between two pieces of cardboard. These two variants can easily be recycled through your tow o city s curbside recycling program. While it s quite rare to find 100 percent recycled cardboard material, most recycling facilities create a blend of both recycled and new material, to make the end-product much sturdier. Environmental Issues Regarding The Use Of CFLs While compact fluorescent lamps have longer life spans, and save you money on electricity bills, these products contain mercury, which makes their disposal a quite complex one. CFL s, and other fluorescent lamps generally have small amounts of mercury inside them that are used as vapor inside the glass tubing. - Make it a point to regularly collect old newspaper, office papers and magazines from the office, or from your neighbors, and initiate a used paper collection drive. The old newspapers and used office papers can be sent to a recycling center, while the old magazines can be reused in clinics, nursing homes or libraries. Black water can not easily be recycled, because it may contain feces or other bacteria, therefore it needs to go to a waste water treatment plant to be properly recycled. As potable water supplies are becoming more limited, and there s fear of widespread water shortages, recycling water has become a popular idea these days. You can actually use Styrofoam as a fishing float. You can also turn it into a pool, bath or beach toy for your kids. Slice or cut out simple shapes, and make a sail using a toothpick, lollipop or some thin stick. You can also design Styrofoam into rings or squares that the children can use as a float in the pool.