The word recycling for most people conjures up images of newspapers, soda cans, milk cartons, shopping bags, water bottles and other common household items. In a world that is leaning more and more towards recycling so that residents of this planet can do their part to save the earth, recycling these common items has become a necessity for many, not something they do if, and when they feel like it. 

However, did you know that everything from carbide bushings to crayons can be recycled as well? 

There are many reasons that you should recycle, but if you already do and want to do more to reduce your carbon footprint on the planet, then read on below for a few of the strangest things you can and should be recycling today.

Used Cooking Oil

While the idea of recycling your used cooking oil collection may seem a little strange, it is one of the top items on this list. Think about it, you don’t want a bunch of cooking oil sitting around your kitchen, as it is a dangerous fire hazard, and you don’t want to toss it in the trash can to leak everywhere, so what do you do with it? Recycle is the answer! 

Sports Equipment

Thinking about tossing those old tennis balls, your yoga mat, or even your kid’s old baseball glove? There are quite a few places and sites out there that will accept your used sports equipment and put it to good use, so that it’s not filling up the landfills and destroying the planet. 

Artificial Christmas Trees

At the end of the holiday season last year was your artificial Christmas tree a little worse for wear? If you intend on buying a brand new tree this upcoming holiday season, you’re probably wondering just what you can do with the old one. You don’t want it cluttering up a corner in the garage or taking up space in the attic do you? Luckily, you can recycle that old tree since there are programs in different areas of the country that will take it off your hands. 

Bike Tools and Gear

There are quite a few places and sites out there that accept old bike tools and gear for recycling. Some of the things that are accepted include bike frames, worn tire tubes, bike tools, helmets, bags, bike pumps and more. One of these sites takes these tools and gear and recycles them to deliver to poor economic climates such as the Carribean, Africa, and parts of South America.

Toothbrushes 

Did you know that every old toothbrush you’ve thrown away over your entire life is still here on this earth? Since it takes centuries for a piece of plastic to decompose, it’s not hard to believe since toothbrushes are made of plastic. There are sites now, who partner with toothpaste companies that accept the recycling of old toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and even floss, since they come in plastic as well. So, save up those oral care products and reduce your carbon footprint on the earth by recycling them. 

Holiday Lights

As the Christmas season approaches more than one person will plug in a string of holiday lights only to find half of them don’t work. Not only does this mean a trip to the store for more lights, it also means you have to find something to do with the old string. Never fear, there are places that will let you recycle them as well, and many will give you a discount on a new string through them as well. 

These are just a few of the strangest things out there that can be recycled you might not have known about. Do the right thing and start recycling these things as well. 

The holiday season is going to be here before we know it, and with that tends to come an increase in travel.

Traveling has many benefits, such as gaining a fresh perspective and taking in a new culture, but you might be surprised to know that travel also has many health benefits.

‘Tis the season of travel, and we welcome all the health benefits that accompany it.

Travel can reduce stress

Believe it or not, you have many different reasons that travel can reduce stress, from fighting off work burnout during time off to spending quality time with friends and family members to having fun while on vacation.

So if you have a site for shore eyes and want to escape by venturing to the beach, we highly recommend it. Vacations might not be able to eliminate all of life’s problems, but they can help you reduce stress by getting away from work and enjoying the little things in life, such as taking in the sun at the beach.

Travel can decrease the risk of heart disease

As a result of travel being a stress reducer, a trip can also decrease the risk of heart disease.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, “Women whose work is highly stressful have a 40% increased risk of heart disease (including heart attacks and the need for coronary artery surgery) compared with their less-stressed colleagues.”

Stress can increase the risk of heart disease, and a vacation or time away from work can actually help to reduce stress.

Whether you live in Michigan, nearby, or have always wanted to see the Great Lake State, we encourage you to do something: Take the LAN150 Challenge and dive into a world of marking destinations off your bucket list.

Travel can enhance your creativity

When people need a break or want to refresh their mind, they go on a walk, sleep, or take a break in any of its forms. Consider traveling the ultimate way to restart your brain, which can help to enhance your creativity.

As Vogue states, “Travel allows you to physically get away from an issue and see it from another perspective; hop a plane away from the trees and you’re suddenly able to see the forest.”

Our minds and bodies need time away from challenging situations that we encounter at work and in life. A vacation is the perfect antidote.

Travel can make you happier 

The ultimate reason to travel: Travel can make you happier. After all, and like mentioned above, it can reduce stress. And, travel allows you time to enjoy the moment with friends, family members, or even yourself and your surroundings.

People tend to do fun and entertaining things while on vacation which can boost your mood and lead to happiness. 

The best part is travel doesn’t have to consist of exotic islands or luxurious lifestyles.

If you’re looking for things to do and places to visit, then you can indulge in Corinth, Mississippi, because it’s a must-see destination for American Civil War enthusiasts and travelers alike. There’s so much you can take in and learn on vacation, especially if your destination is a place like Corinth.

Clearly, you can find many health benefits of traveling, and if you have the time and opportunity to do so this holiday season (or any time of the year, for that matter), we highly recommend time away from work in the form of a vacation. Your journey could feature a weekend getaway or a weeklong trip to a different state or country. No matter where you travel to, your mind, body, and soul will thank you.