The Great Recycling Experiment

Stubbornness: My Secret Sustainability Superpower

One thing I’ve learned on this journey to live more sustainably? You have to be willing to let things flop. And I mean spectacularly flop sometimes.

As someone who really, truly hates when things don’t go according to plan, this has been… an adjustment. I came into this hoping my family would jump on board with reusable everything, recycling rules, and compost like it was a group hobby. Spoiler alert: they did not.

Turns out, new habits are hard. Especially when your household might just be full of undiagnosed ADHD (I see you, fellow scatterbrains). Remembering what goes in which bin is already a challenge—now add in composting, reusable bags, and me popping out of the pantry going, “WAIT! That can be repurposed!”

But here’s the good news: I’m stubborn. Very stubborn. And sometimes that’s exactly what you need to keep going when no one else wants to sort their recycling or stop using paper towels like it’s 1997. So, while progress has been slower (and messier) than I imagined, we’re still moving forward—one forgetful, begrudging family member at a time.

The “Totally Going to Work This Time” Plan

In an attempt to make recycling easier (read: harder to ignore), I came up with a plan to help my family help me help the planet.

Step one: I bought a double-sided bin. Yes, it’s technically a laundry hamper, but hear me out—it’s on wheels, easy to wipe clean, and way more stylish than those clunky plastic things. I rolled it right into a spot next to the kitchen where no one can pretend they didn’t see it. Now it’s basically impossible to toss something without making a choice: trash or recycle?

Step two: I ordered some cute, super clear labels from Etsy to stick on the trash can and each recycling bin. They explain exactly what goes where because, apparently, “figure it out” wasn’t working. While I wait for the labels to arrive, I’ll be continuing my glamorous role of digging through the regular trash to rescue recyclables. Ah, motherhood—equal parts love, sacrifice, and elbow-deep in yesterday’s spaghetti.

Stay tuned to see if this system sticks—or if I just end up talking to the bin like it’s my only ally.

Here is the link to the bin I bought. I am not an affiliate, just sharing where I got it in case someone is interested. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Yecaye-Laundry-Hamper-with-Lid-150L-Freestanding-Large-Laundry-Basket-with-Wheels-2-Removable-Bags/6697257794?classType=REGULAR&athbdg=L1100&from=/search