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Post by ZandraJoi on Apr 28, 2020 21:52:40 GMT -5
Reduce not just reuse & recycle. Can’t rely on recycling People tend to do these in order- Recycle, Reduce, Reuse, Rethink. But it should be the other way around. Rethink what you are using first. Opt for items that are not in needless packaging. Ask yourself do you or your family need that extra one-use item? Always check with your own recycling to be sure. I copied/ pasted the info from the articles but some have external links you may want to check out as well.
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Post by ZandraJoi on May 2, 2020 21:59:17 GMT -5
www.familyhandyman.com/smart-homeowner/why-you-shouldnt-crush-aluminum-cans Not crushing aluminum cans before recycling them may seem wrong, but keeping them whole is actually better for the environment Crushing aluminum cans is more than just fun—it means the can will take up less space, right? Not so fast—it turns out crushing aluminum cans is actually worse for the environment because it can muck up the sorting process. “Crushed aluminum cans may fall through the spaces of the sorting equipment and can either be lost entirely or improperly sorted,” Matt Meenan, the senior director of public affairs at the Aluminum Association, recently told Lifehacker. That means crushed cans may end up being sorted as paper or other products, says Meenan, which ends up contaminating the entire batch of recyclables. Keeping cans as intact as possible is best for recycling. Plastic bottles, on the other hand, are best recycled crushed—and with the caps on. Here’s why. There is an exception to Meenan’s advice, however: If your city or town uses a multi-stream or dual-stream recycling method, you can crush away. Multi-stream means that you separate your recyclables, and since all the cans go together, they can’t contaminate other products. So, keep the can crushing contests to a minimum going forward, for the sake of the environment. And if you’re confused about what’s recyclable, check out the 15 things you should never put in the recycle bin.
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Post by ZandraJoi on May 2, 2020 22:00:12 GMT -5
www.familyhandyman.com/smart-homeowner/why-you-need-to-keep-the-cap-on-when-recycling-plastic-bottles After you take the last sip, make sure to screw the cap back on before throwing it in the recycling bin. The rules around recycling can get very confusing. Is it OK to recycle plastic straws? Should I throw out this pizza box in the trash because it’s dirty? Can I throw this piece of purple paper into that recycling bin with white paper? But one recycling myth that you should definitely stop believing is that you need to take the cap off of your plastic bottle before throwing it in the recycling bin. These are other items you didn’t know you could recycle. Many people think that by taking the caps off of their plastic bottles they are making the lives of people who work at recycling facilities easier. That is not always the case. To be sure, please check with your recycling center’s rules. Once the plastic bottles (with caps on) are ground up, they go through a water bath. Since the caps are generally made out of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) they will float and the plastic bottles will sink making it easy for the facility to sort the different types of material and recycle them into new items. If you throw the cap in the trash instead, it typically ends up in the ocean. Sadly, plastic bottle caps are among the top five most common items of trash found on beaches worldwide. Marine mammals, fish, and birds mistake bottle caps for food and can suffer from indigestion problems and possibly death. Before you start throwing every piece of plastic into your recycling bin, make sure you know about these items that you should never recycle. Plus: These are the 10 things you need to know about recycling electronics. Another reason you’ll want to make sure to keep your caps on is that they’re made out of a valuable plastic that is in high demand. Once recycled, caps can be turned into storage bins, shipping containers, mixing bowls, spatulas, shovels, watering cans, and much more. The Association of Plastic Recycler’s message is to “empty and replace cap.” So, remember that before you toss your drink. Also, make sure you never flatten your bottle because it could get mistaken for paper in the sorting process. Now that you’re in the mood to save the planet, check out these ways to recycle just about everything.
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Post by ZandraJoi on May 2, 2020 22:00:48 GMT -5
www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/things-not-recyclable 15 Things You Should Never Throw in the Recycling Bin But that doesn't mean they need to end up in landfills. Light bulbs CFLs, fluorescents, and other light bulbs contain mercury, so you can’t throw them in with the rest of your recyclables—or your trash can. In fact, it’s actually illegal in some states to put CFLs in your trash. Instead, they’ll need to go to a recycling center equipped to dispose of the toxic chemicals safely. Visit search.earth911.com to find out where drop-off locations are or when pickup services come to your area. Try these other 25 ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Pyrex Don’t toss broken bakeware out with your jars. Because glass like Pyrex is treated to survive high temperatures, it also won’t melt down correctly with the rest of your glass. Wrap it up so broken glass can't hurt sanitation handlers, then place the glass in your trash. Drinking glasses Like Pyrex, glasses are treated with chemicals that help them withstand both hot and cold temperatures, meaning their melting point is higher. Because they won’t melt correctly with your typical glass jar, they mess up the recycling process for other types of glass. Wrap them in paper to contain any shards, then leave them in the trash. Ceramics Unlike glass, ceramics can’t melt down to be recycled. But that doesn’t mean your old mugs need to sit in a landfill. If they’re still in good condition, donate them to a thrift store. There are other options if they’re chipped, though; they can be crushed down for concrete, gravel, and retaining walls, and more. Check search.earth911.com to see if there are any drop-off spots near you; some places that accept brick and concrete might also take ceramics off your hands. If not, some artists will take them for use in mosaics and other projects. Just don't give away these things you should never donate to thrift stores. Hangers Wire hangers can get caught in recycling machinery, but they can often go to scrap metal businesses equipped to deal with the wiry shapes. Meanwhile, it’s hard for disposal centers to know what type of plastic others are made of, so they’re forced to trash those, too. Follow the other two R’s: reduce and reuse. Don’t take plastic hangers home from the clothes store if you don’t plan to use it, and donate your extra hangers to a thrift store. This is what recycling will look like in 10 years! Styrofoam containers Actually, there’s no such thing as a “Styrofoam” cup. The trademarked name for polystyrene is only used for insulation and craft projects, and the foam used in coffee cups and egg cartons is expanded polystyrene. On search.earth911.com, see if there’s a recycling center that will accept #6 plastic polystyrene, then call to confirm they’ll take items like egg cartons and takeout containers, which many won’t. Packing peanuts Like other foam products, you’ll have a tough time finding anywhere that will take your old packing peanuts. Your best bet is to reuse them the next time you send a package, or call up local shipping centers to see if their business can use them. Here are more bizarre things you didn't know you could donate. Mirrors A “looking glass” isn’t as easy to recycle as most glass. A reflective coating helps mirrors do their jobs, but that treatment also makes it hard for recyclers to break them down. If it’s in decent condition, sell or donate an old mirror. For broken ones, see if any artist groups in your area are collecting mirrors as scraps for use in their projects. Half-full aerosol cans Anything left in an aerosol can is considered hazardous waste (yes, including whipped cream and hairspray), so make sure it’s empty first. Check your local recycling center to make sure they take empty aerosols—some consider even empty cans hazardous. If yours does accept them, remove the plastic cap before tossing it in the recycling bin. Plastic bags Nearly every household has a “bag of bags,” but don’t empty your extras into the recycling bin when it gets to full. While plastic bags are recyclable, most facilities only have the means to deal with rigid plastics, like bottles and coffee lids. Visit plasticfilmrecycling.org to find a drop-off spot near you.
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Post by ZandraJoi on Aug 23, 2020 9:30:30 GMT -5
www.familyhandyman.com/list/items-you-didnt-know-recycle "11 Items You Didn’t Know You Could Recycle or Upcycle You're already recycling paper, bottles and cans, but there's so much more that you can keep out of landfills." My notes: Take the time to literally think outside that box.
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Post by ZandraJoi on Aug 23, 2020 9:36:41 GMT -5
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Lee
Astronomer
Posts: 165
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Post by Lee on Aug 23, 2020 10:17:38 GMT -5
I literally upcycle all of my furniture, either refreshing it or completely repurposing it. There is not much I dont reuse to be honest.
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Post by ZandraJoi on Aug 25, 2020 11:42:06 GMT -5
There was an article I read a few years back about why recycle at home but not when you’re out. People buy water bottles instead of bringing their own & instead of waiting until they get home, they chuck it in the garbage. It’s their choice to buy a product but we also have a responsibility of what & where that product ends up. They don’t feel a responsibility to deal with their choices once it becomes an inconvenience.
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Post by ZandraJoi on Aug 25, 2020 11:45:11 GMT -5
Saw this on FreeTheOcean Click awhile back: “Over 25 million mature trees are cut each year to produce single-use chopsticks that get tossed shortly after. A great option is to bring your own set when you may need them!”
My notes: Not including all the trees cut down for everything else!
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Post by ZandraJoi on Aug 27, 2020 11:31:38 GMT -5
www.fillitforward.com/resources"Balancing Safety & Sustainability During COVID For the better part of the year, we have been working remotely, practicing social distancing and washing our hands more. As we head into gradual re-openings, there is a growing concern around the future of reusables – is it safe for business to accept them? How can we continue to reuse safely? How can we curb the single-use waste problem during COVID? At Fill it Forward, we believe in the power of reuse. At our first Virtual Education Series, we invited a panel of experts to discuss the implications of COVID on reuse and sustainability. Our team has compiled a list of resources and articles to help educate the Fill it Forward Community. We hope you stay safe and healthy!" My notes: I got this link from Preserve's newsletter. www.preserve.eco They make reusable products to replace single use.
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Post by Bob on Aug 28, 2020 18:06:49 GMT -5
Saw this on FreeTheOcean Click awhile back: “Over 25 million mature trees are cut each year to produce single-use chopsticks that get tossed shortly after. A great option is to bring your own set when you may need them!” My notes: Not including all the trees cut down for everything else! Wow, that's a lot of trees. And I don't know anyone who uses them! Must be mostly in other mostly asian countries. Yeah, they should do something to cut down on them. Plastic silverware too for that matter.
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Post by Bob on Aug 28, 2020 18:17:52 GMT -5
There was an article I read a few years back about why recycle at home but not when you’re out. People buy water bottles instead of bringing their own & instead of waiting until they get home, they chuck it in the garbage. It’s their choice to buy a product but we also have a responsibility of what & where that product ends up. They don’t feel a responsibility to deal with their choices once it becomes an inconvenience. It's true, you made the choice, deal with the inconvenience. And besides, it's not that big an inconvenience.
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Post by ZandraJoi on Sept 22, 2020 11:04:08 GMT -5
My notes & thoughts: Awhile back, we helped out at a potluck for the local recycling center but they had styrofoam tableware & didn’t bother recycling. Have a potluck to get money but screw the very thing you are getting money for! In other words, it doesn’t matter how you get the money. Money is everything after all. Hmmm… -While recycling is good, PLEASE check with your local recycling facility to see what can & cannot be recycled. At ours, nothing that is contaminated w/ food can be. So plastic & styrofoam cups & plates have to be rinsed out. -Don’t put trash in the recycling bins. You are only making more work for others. & ask yourself this, Are you really that lazy that you cannot take that minute & separate & walk the extra steps to put it in the CORRECT bin? -People say, Well convenience. I can just go to the store & buy it. Well true… but… you are also buying toxic chemicals, headaches, energy loss, cancer, diseases, depression. Either way, yes both do take time, but how do you want to spend that time: Being full of life? Or laid up in bed, again, dragging your feet w/ fatigue? Take the minute to reduce, reuse & think of the time you could be saving to spend it on more important things like your family & friends. -“Just one” & if you think, Oh it’s “just one” paper, cup, staple, napkin, et al. Look at this example & remember that if you are thinking “just one” so are many other people. An article in Prevention magazine years ago- If all of Prevention’s 17 million readers used just one fewer staple today, they’d save a total of 807 pounds of steel, according to 1,001 Ways to Save the Earth. Over a year, that’s a savings of 147 tons of the non-renewable product. (that’s “just one” staple!) Individuals can make a difference. One.- Number of people it takes to start change.
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Post by ZandraJoi on Oct 1, 2020 11:57:19 GMT -5
www.naturalawakenings.com/2020/09/30/327733/wishful-recycling-what-not-to-put-in-the-bin"For those that have been putting recyclables in a plastic bag and placing it in a curbside bin, it’s likely going straight into a landfill. That bowling ball, those yard clippings and dirty pizza boxes are contaminating the recycling stream and increasing the cost of recycling programs nationwide at a particularly challenging time amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The continuing rise in contaminated items is known in the biz as “wishful recycling”. The current crisis is only making it worse. In some places, recycling itself is becoming wishful. As stores and restaurants struggle to survive, local tax revenues have dropped sharply, forcing municipalities to slash budgets. Many small towns and a few big cities have stopped recycling programs altogether. Others have cut back on what they will accept or substituted drop-off bins for curbside pickup. States are pulling back from encouraging bottle-deposit returns. The plastic masks, gloves and wipes mistakenly tossed into recycle bins are endangering waste workers that must remove them. With the coronavirus shown to cling to plastic for three days, many workers around the country have become ill from such exposure. Meanwhile, waste is mounting. Consumers are now having groceries delivered, picking them up or ordering them online, adding hundreds of millions more plastic bags and cardboard boxes to the waste stream. The Solid Waste Association of North America estimates that U.S. cities saw a 20 percent average increase in municipal solid waste and recycling collection in March and part of April. And because China stopped accepting 99 percent of the world’s recyclables two years ago, recycling operations are struggling for disposal locations. “There is the potential for households to generate more waste than they did before, but there is also an opportunity to focus on waste prevention, increase your reuse and recycling efforts, and use food more efficiently,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises. “Now is a great time to focus on waste prevention where possible, and when recycling, keep the materials as clean and dry as possible.” To be more conscious about recycling habits, “Instead of, ‘When in doubt, throw it in,’ it should be, ‘When in doubt, throw it out,’” says David Keeling, president of the National Recycling Coalition. The Washington State nonprofit Sustainable Connections estimates that 25 percent of what goes into recycling containers is not recyclable. “Contamination significantly increases the cost to process recyclables and makes it harder for processors to market their products, creating a huge economic challenge,” according to Sustainable Connections. “We rely on the private sector to take away our waste, and they need to be able to turn a profit in order to run a viable business.” Unfortunately, “Across the country and within Florida, we are seeing a growing trend on contamination in recycling,” says Travis Barnes, recycling coordinator of Florida’s Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa. The worst offenders, he says, are people that don’t sufficiently clean out mayonnaise or ketchup containers, as well as put plastic bags in the recycling bin that can become entangled in multimillion-dollar equipment, bringing the entire sorting process to a halt. Beth Porter, climate campaigns director for the nonprofit Green America and author of Reduce, Reuse, Reimagine: Sorting Out the Recycling System, says there’s a lot of confusion on what to put in the bin. She points to Michigan, which aims for 30 percent recycling by 2025 and created videos featuring “Recycling Raccoons” that offer instructions on proper sorting. In Washington, D.C., says Porter, “Workers peek in recycling bins and can tag the bin with some specific info telling you not to throw in plastic bags and contaminated stuff,” lowering contamination rates by 30 percent. “The public demands curbside recycling,” Barnes says. “It is highly ranked as something the public wants,” but people also need to be more aware to make the system more efficient. Even with the current challenges, environmentalists see recycling as a key strategy for a planet sinking under plastic waste. “As we navigate this new reality together, consumers whose circumstances allow for it should begin to reshape how they think about plastic pollution,” advises the World Economic Forum. “It’s a real and present crisis we can stop in its tracks right now—if we make choices that lead to a cleaner and more sustainable future.”" My notes: If you don't know, don't hesitate to ask. & from what I learned, keep asking those questions 'cos sometimes they change what they can & cannot accept without notifying people.
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Post by ZandraJoi on Oct 27, 2020 8:57:56 GMT -5
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Post by Bob on Nov 2, 2020 20:17:52 GMT -5
Lots of pretty cool ideas.
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Post by lainee on Sept 5, 2021 13:42:14 GMT -5
ZandraJoi, Great tips! And, good idea, ZandraJoi..Rethink first. Rethink what you buy and what you're using. Then, reuse, reduce, & recycle :-)
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