Trying to fit all of your belongings into a new apartment can be difficult. Trying to make space for non-essentials such as old magazines, empty wine bottles, and dead batteries is even harder. With a little creativity, you can squeeze some earth love into your pad.

Start by deciding what to keep and what to recycle. Find out what the recycling policy of your building is and the location of your nearest recycling center. It's easiest to have a bin for each material you're recycling, as it will save you the time of having to sort it later. If you're short on space, stackable containers are the way to go. They take very little floor space and can grow vertically with your needs.

If you don't have extra space to separate out recyclables, consider getting a reusable durable plastic bag to keep in your kitchen for all to-be recycled materials. When it's full, you can take it to the recycling center and distribute your goods to the proper containers. If you can't find the right kind of bag, a small garbage will work too, or a paper grocery bag. You can then recycle the bag after you're finished with it, continuing the cycle.

Since you'll be adding to your recycling collection often, try to find a space that's convenient but out of the way. You probably don't want to leave your recycling out in the open, nor do you want to have to dig it out each time you need it . Unused corners, space under your kitchen sink, or free space in a hall closet are all good options. If you have your own hot water heater, there may be space in the closet where it is stored.

Every three months, Americans throw away enough aluminum to rebuild every commercial airplane in the country. Do your part and save energy and natural resources. Your children will thank you for it.