Yesterday was America Recycles Day so here’s a little quiz for you:

What percent of our waste doe we recycle in America?
a. 18%
b. 33%
c. 46%
d. 67%

The correct answer is b. We only recycle 33% of our waste in America, and this pitiful amount doesn’t put us anywhere among the leading recycling countries of the world. In fact, we recycle way less than 10% of our plastic and only a little over 20% of our aluminum!

Certainly part of the problem lies in the lack of recycling programs in many communities but mostly, I think, recycling is a mindset that begins with the original purchase.

For instance, before I buy anything now I find myself paying more attention to the packaging that was used, whether the item is made from recycled materials and if the item is made from recyclable materials.

But the recycling mindset is also a creative one. Before tossing anything in the trash to live out its remaining useful life in a landfill, ask yourself two questions:

1) Is there any other way I can use this?

(And you can get plenty of ideas from Real Simple’s 869 Uses for Old Things)

2) Is there anyone else out there who may want this?

Places like Craigslist show plenty of want ads by artists and designers who are looking for everything from old glassware and china to old magazines to outdated electronics to complete their projects.

And don’t be surprised if you take on a recycling mindset and soon find yourself coming up with all sorts of creative ideas on your own. Take today’s VPOD for instance.

This unique creation takes old-fashioned vintage doilies and turns them into a very contemporary fashion statement.

It’s a lovely recycled find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Amour sans Anguish.