These days, most of us are pretty savvy about recycling at home. And, many retailers make it easy as well, so our every day lives are getting greener. But what about the road trip or even those everyday trips in the car? It’s not always the easiest thing to do.  Tossing all the garbage out just before a car wash or while filling up at the gas station is usually what happens for most of us. And, being on a road trip, especially one that lasts 47 days, means you have some extra road trash to deal with, but also a lot of recycling to do. We talked to the experts at CarHelp.com for tips about how to be green while on the road:

• Buy a second trash bin for car recycling. Shoot for a flexible receptacle that can be easily stashed in the trunk or behind a seat. If you can, buy a green one (or whatever the color of your home recycling containers) so it’s clearly the “recycle” bin. Then toss all your recyclables into that bin. If you’re not sure what you can recycle, you can check Earth 911’s recycling  list or check with your local recycling agency.
• When road tripping, drop off your recyclables at retailers that you know have recycling, like Target, periodically. Have the kids look for places to recycle and reward spotting a place with points that are redeemable for extra pool time later.
• Create a bi-weekly clean out plan when you’re at home. Make it a game and give them “green points” for finding every recyclable item in the car. Maybe they get to keep the spare change that’s always under the seat. Or create some other reward to help motivate them to keep your car green.
• Your car accessories can also be recycled! Air fresheners, steering wheel covers and those paper mats left by the mechanic after an oil change can all be recycled.  Even floor mats and sound systems are candidates for reuse if you’re feeling really ambitious. Again check with your local recycler for options or ask your favorite auto body shop.  Don’t have a favorite? Visit carhelp.com’s list http://carhelp.com/shops of authorized auto shops. Membership is free!)

Have any good tips from your road trips? Leave them in the comments section! For more tips on recycling in the car, visit Earth 911 or Recycle.net http://recycle.net

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