When you’re under the weather, does a trail of sickness seem to follow you all over the house? Maybe Gatorade bottles litter your kitchen and tissues are scattered across your bedroom floor. With the threat of H1N1, the cold and flu season could be even worse this year. So how are you planning on dealing with those symptoms that only create more waste?

Dealing with a Runny Nose
Blowing your nose all day is unfortunately a part of the common cold, so you have to accept it and prepare for it. Kleenex brand tissues are made with biodegradable cellulose fibers, so you can still have those soft, ant-viral facial tissues that don’t rub your nose raw. Also, Kleenex and Puff brand tissues are packaged in 100% recycled cardboard. So, after your symptoms clear, remember to throw your tissues in the trash (not down the toilet) and recycle the cardboard.

Another way of flushing out your nose, which is now being suggested as a preventative measure for the flu, is to use a netti pot. You can purchase one made from recyclable plastic. All you need to do is add warm water and salt, so you can cleanse any bacteria from your nasal passages. Every day you’re exposed to bacteria, which can become trapped in your nose and cause irritation such as a sinus infection or a full-blown cold, so why not reduce your chances with a daily cleansing?

Fluids & Food
Depending on how sick you get, it can become impossible to leave the house let alone cook something nutritious for yourself. If you have a close relationship with a neighbor or if your family lives close by, see if they can pick you up some essentials on their way home from work.

If you prefer drinking orange juice or Gatorade when you’re sick, select the larger quantities so you don’t throw out several juice boxes and bottles. When you’re finished with the carton and jug, make sure to put it in your recycling bin.

Also, if you’re unable to cook a big meal for yourself, have someone purchase organic vegetable and chicken broth stock. Even if you’re home alone, you can pour the contents in a bowl and microwave it or warm it on the stove within a few minutes. These cartons can be recycled too.

Last but not least are medications. If you’re going to be taken over the counter or even prescription drugs, never flush the pills. When you want to get rid of them, take them to a household hazardous collection program or see if a local drugstore offers a take back program. Flushing them down the toilet will only contaminate our drinking water.

During this cold and flu season take extra special care of your body with preventative cold care such as the netti pot. Also, try to use tissues more than once to reduce your wasteful trail of sickness.