Just because something is marked recyclable #5, and you throw it in the bin, doesn't mean there's an industrial reuse for that plastic. Like Janesville, Viroqua didn't accept #5 plastics either. But, since so many people in the community wanted to recycle yogurt containers, the #5's were picked up by the city, as long as they were separated from the trash AND recyling bin. More confusion and therein lies the rub, they didn't know what to do with them after they got 'em. No recyclable value, thus no demand and the city was stuck with lots of yogurt containers. Luckily, some of the gardeners and local schools picked them up for planting seedlings. I've done the starter (yogurt culture with acidophilus)for many years, but still buy the containers occasionally for all the intesting flavors that are out there. In the big picture, I'm thinking in terms of the thousands of containers that go in the landfills daily, because there's no where to go with them.

I'm a big yogurt fan and I too was not happy with the number of containers I was throwing away. Now I just make my own with starter from Basics. No more containers to throw away!!

Yogurt cups are #5 plastic and recyclable. Check out the Preserve line of products. One of my biggest pet-peeves about living in Janesville is that they don't collect #5 plastic.

I've been using vinegar and baking soda for years. I love it. Be aware, though, that some vinegars use petroleum products in their processing. Heinz is one brand that doesn't. There are several websites out there for making your own household cleansers. I make my own "disinfecting spray" as well. I used to make my own laundry detergent, but having two kids under 4 in the house, it's hard to find the time.

Compostable sunchip bags? I'm all for it, now if they could come up with some way to make yogurt containers recyclable. You can throw 'em in the recycling bin, but I've been told there is no industrial reuse for them. Some people reuse them for starting plants in the spring, but thousands end up as landfill fodder. Very sad!

If you have a garbage disposal, running the lemon rind through the disposal works to clear that nasty smell wafting from the drain.

And, as far as the dryer sheets, those dryer balls actually do work. They don't work as well in the western states where it's much more dry, and on static-prone loads, like sheets. But, for regular clothes, they work great.