1. Save the planet.
2. Fight climate change.
3. Protect Californian futures.

It’s a pretty hefty to-do list, but the iRecycleSmart campaign reminds us that we can work toward these goals together on a daily basis. And that starts with recycling consciously and correctly. Because doing our part to recycle smart means that small shifts can make a world of difference. Like shaking all food and liquid residue out of recyclables so they don’t contaminate others along the way. Sorting properly to ensure that items actually get recycled. And taking the easiest step there is to reduce climate-heating gas – recycling food scraps and yard waste into greener materials such as compost or energy.

That’s where the iRecycleSmart mascot and catchy jingle come in. Turner the turtle is California’s resident recycling expert, sorting specialist, and climate activist. With his guidance and encouragement, California residents of all ages and backgrounds learned to take their recycling skills to the next level. Who could ever look at that face and feel okay letting another plastic straw go to the landfill?