Okabashi makes footwear that is both recyclable and made from recycled materials. Consumers can send their old shoes in to be recycled and receive a coupon for their next buy.
“ … last year alone … re-grind and re-introduce over 100,000 lbs of scrap material,diverting 10 tractor trailers full of waste from our landfills.”
The amount of recycled content varies …” sandals made this year contains 15-25% recycled material.”
Via: Okaoashi LINK
Get ready for earth day 2012. Get ready to make your own positive impact on the planet …
Consider (if you are not already doing so) …
- recycling
- shopping with reusable shopping bags
- FreeCycling rather than landfilling
- composing certain kitchen scraps
- installing a programmable thermostat for a/c
- insulating your water heater
- using CFL or LED bulks
- buying energy efficient appliances
Take time to celebrate earth day 2012 …
Via: Earth Day Network Link
Business are seeing Zero Landfill status as a benefit to the business and valued by customers.
DuPont’s Business Innovations business has achieved zero landfill status. Three years into the effort Business Innovations “ … has become completely landfill-free, reducing its environmental footprint from 81 million pounds of landfill waste annually to zero.”
15 locations around the globe were included in this effort and materials “ …even cafeteria waste were all within scope …”
Materials that previously were landfilled are now … repurposed (cafeteria waste becomes energy), recycled (Tyvek® scraps), or reused (pallets are reused to ship goods or to make animal bedding).
No waste from the production of Corian® , Zodiaq®, Tyvek® or geosynthetic textiles is landfilled.
Via: DuPont LINK
DuPont’s Business Innovations business has achieved zero landfill status. Three years into the effort Business Innovations “ … has become completely landfill-free, reducing its environmental footprint from 81 million pounds of landfill waste annually to zero.”
15 locations around the globe were included in this effort and materials “ …even cafeteria waste were all within scope …”
Materials that previously were landfilled are now … repurposed (cafeteria waste becomes energy), recycled (Tyvek® scraps), or reused (pallets are reused to ship goods or to make animal bedding).
No waste from the production of Corian® , Zodiaq®, Tyvek® or geosynthetic textiles is landfilled.
Via: DuPont LINK
Nike collects and recycles old sneakers. You can drop sneakers off at Nike Stores (LINK to find one near you). The sneakers are separated into 3 components … sole, foam and fabric. The soles are used to make tracks surfaces.
See video for more information on the process.
Via: Nike LINK
Starting in January 2012, Madison Wisconsin will begin to collect certain plastic bags (#2 and #4) curbside along with other residential recycled materials.
“ … will start accepting plastic bags in the curbside recycling program. Plastic bags must be put inside a
plastic bag and that bag should be tied shut.”
Perhaps other cities will take the lead from Madison and offer curbside recycling of plastic bags.
Via: City of Madison LINK
Longwood Garden’s casual dining spot, the Terrace, has achieved “Certified Green Restaurant® [from] … the Green Restaurant Association (GRA)”
I recently had dinner there (it had been a ling time since I had been there) and noticed that they replaced the china type pales and bowls with plastic and compostable tablewear.
My first reaction was “more junk for the landfill”. I then noticed that the table busing area had containers for:
- recyclables (plastics marked #1 or #2)
- compostables (foods)
- trash (all the rest)
The Green Restaurant Association’s mission “ … creating an ecologically sustainable restaurant industry, and … to make the process as simple and effective as possible. “
Certification includes meeting certain criteria areas including … Water Efficiency, Waste Reduction and Recycling, and Sustainable Furnishings (and more).
Via: Longwood Gardens LINK and Green Restaurant Association LINK
Infineon Raceway has a number of green indicatives underway including solar power (over 1,600 panels), recycling and using sheep to cut the grass instead of gas powered equipment.
“Since 2004 … has recycled more than 141 tons (282,541 pounds) of materials … “ including 14,000 tires.
“ … partnership with Panasonic Corporation [on a] … major solar installation that accounts for 41-percent of the raceway’s overall energy usage …”
The video below gives more details on the sustainability efforts at Infineon Raceway.
The statistics on waster are amazing … “Less than 10% of plastic trash is recycled … because of the massively complicated problem of finding and sorting the different kinds. …”
Mike Biddle has developed a solution to change that “ … developed a patented 30-step plastics recycling system … that takes less than a tenth of the energy required to make virgin plastic from crude oil. …” The process is sustainable, uses waste streams as a raw material, helps eliminate waste and reduces CO2 emissions … instead of oil.
See the fascinating TED video for details …on an efficient plant that can, and does, recycle any kind of plastic.
Via: TED LINK
Canon Canon supports sustainability … from using bio-plastics to remanufacturing products … They also support inkjet and toner cartridge recycling.
“ … first in the printing industry to create a toner cartridge recycling program. … toner cartridges are 100% recovered with zero landfill waste.”
“ … offers a collection and recycling program for … plastic toner containers. … “
“ … strives to attain 65% recyclability and 75% recoverability for its products, as stipulated by the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive …”
Via: Canon LINK
Panasonic uses SAP recycling software to manage its e-waste recycling processes in Europe, in compliance with the European Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and other local regulations. The software helps Panasonic to ensure compliance and save costs through more accurate data. …
… “Panasonic uses SAP Recycling Administration to classify recyclable materials by type, weight, usage, destination, brand and category.
The software is tightly integrated with the enterprise resource planning (ERP) application SAP ERP to support countries with different and evolving compliance requirements, and to offer a central data repository to address regulatory requirements.
Panasonic is continuing to roll out the application throughout its European offices and is currently using it for 50 various compliance schemes.” …
Via SAP: Panasonic e-waste recycling.
Many communities recycle glass, aluminum and paper … maybe even some plastics.
What about old appliances ? In addition to containing easy to recycle metals some appliance also contain harmful refrigerants. 9 million (+ / –) refrigerators are thrown out each year in the U.S. and most are shredded to reclaim the metal … the foam and other materials go to a landfill and may release GHG to the atmosphere.
GE and Home Depot have a different approach that keeps an additional 47 lbs of a typical refrigerator out of landfills (resulting in 102 lbs not sent to landfill per refrigerator).
With Responsible Appliance Disposal a refrigerator’s refrigerant is safely removed and recycled / processed. Then any GHG from foam insulation is safely processed and the remaining material is separated for recycling.
“ … Refrigerants and recoverable components are removed … will reduce the weight of typical refrigerator landfill waste by approximately 85%.”
“ … Approximately 95% of the insulating foam is recovered, compressed and can be used as fuel”.
Many Home Depot locations will take the appliances for recycling. For locations see links below …
Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Maryland Massachusetts
New Jersey New York North Carolina Pennsylvania Rhode Island
Vermont Virginia West Virginia
Via: GE LINK
ecoATM wants to make electronics recycling easy and convenient.
ecoATM created a self serve Kiosk that takes your used electronics and gives you cash or store credit.
The kiosk “ … patented, advanced machine vision, electronic diagnostics, and artificial intelligence to evaluate and buy-back used electronics directly from consumers for cash or store credit. …”
Watch this video to see how easy the process is for the user …
Currently (Sept 2011) there is a cluster of ecoATM locations on the west coast stretching from just north of Los Angeles to just south of San Diego and two others – one in Kansas City, Kansas and one in Redmond, Washington.
Via: ecoATM LINK
Greenfest Philly helps people learn how they can become more sustainable. The event provides educational opportunities and resources to help people live green.
“ … showcases scores of exhibitors, providing a wealth of information and useful green products. … wishes to impart that being green is something we can all do.”
Greenfest Philly 2001 is coming soon – Saturday, September 10, 2011 and is at Headhouse Square (along 2nd St. between South St. and Pine St.) in Philadelphia, PA.
There are a number of “Green” vendors; check this link for full details and free electronics recycling from E Waste Experts; check their website for full details.
Via: GreenFest Philly LINK
Charleston County, South Carolina deploys RFID pilot to increase the participation in its program with the ease of single stream recycling. …
… “With a solid waste diversion goal of 40 percent, Charleston County is addressing improvements in all facets of its recycling program, including residential single stream recycling, where the RFID solution has proven invaluable in its ability to precisely identify recycling participation and increase collection operations productivity.” …
Via RFIDa: RFID enabled recycling program.
Ditto's goal " ... is to elevate your customer’s perception of your core brand, enriching the consumer experience through smart, ecological design."
One of their products is an Environmentally Friendly Hanger made of paper. Retailers can use these in place of wire or plastic hangers and make a statement about their support of the environment and sustainability.
Ditto hangers are reusable and recyclable ...
Hangers are everywhere in the clothing business ... according to Ditto's website an estimated 8 BILLION hangers are landfilled each year ... companies using Ditto paper hangers can have a very positive impact on that number!
I saw Ditto paper hangers in a display window at a GAP in Ardmore, PA.
Via: DITTO Brand Solutions LINK
The CBS series “The Good Wife” is a green production. From the practices on the set to the scenes they film they are being green.
The set has made significant reductions in waste … using soda fountains instead of cans of soda, mostly eliminating paper plates and plastic ware, using reusable water bottles and sending scene / script rewrites electronically rather than printing paper copies.
They even “lead by example” by modeling green behaviors … having characters carry reusable water bottles instead of single use plastic bottles.
See the video for more information … two of the actors and the Executive Producer tell how they live green in real life. This is an impressive story.
Via: Smart Planet LINK
Fracking (hydraulic fracturing for oil in shale formations) is a contentious subject. But the demand for energy - including natural gas in shale formations is rising.
Researchers from Penn State has found a way to use waste from industry in place of sand. Currently sand for fracking comes from mines in the mid-west.
The "new material" called PennProd would replace sand
(lowering the carbon footprint of bringing in a non local raw material) and help eliminate industrial waste.
This process would treat industrial waste and use it in the fracking solution ... eliminating waste that would otherwise have to be landfilled. Since a typical Marcellus Shale well would take 25 rail-cars or 5 million lbs of sand this eliminates a good amount of industrial waste.
PennProd is "...engineered to use waste from metabasalt mines. Heated to 3,000 degrees, the metabasalt forms into molten obsidian spheres. The glassy pellets are then heat-tempered into a hardened ceramic."
Via: Bellingham Herald LINK
Ever wonder what to do with corks after you finish that bottle of wine? How about recycling them ? Whole Foods and Cork ReHarvest has partnered to set up recycling boxes at Whole Foods MArkets.
" ... make it easy ... to properly dispose of cork at all of our 292 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. ... "
Did you know that cork production is environmentally friendly as trees are not cut but t
he bark (cork) is harvested approx every 10 years from trees that can live for 300 years.
What about the environmental impact of cork recycling - the energy and cost to ship cork back for processing? The cork is returned on the same trucks that deliver so there is a close to ZERO net carbon footprint. So the cork recycling loop is close to impact free.
Depending on the location the corks are used to make floor tiles or other products.
Via: Whole Foods Market LINK
85 acre Brooklyn Bridge Park was built with sustainability in mind ... from EV service vehicles to reused / recycled construction materials from prior buildings on the site.
" ... Designed and built by BE, ... the first solar-powered charging station in New York City and one of only a few in the world. ..."
Over the projected 25 year life of the EV chargers will save "... more than $200,000 in gasoline costs ... More than 530 tons of CO2 ..."
The EV charging system has 24 PV panels with battery storage for 7 x 24 availability can produce 5.6 Kw.
Via: Beautiful Earth Group LINK
I saw these multi-stream recycling stations all over the Philadelphia International Airport.
In one easy to use spot you can recycle glass, cans and plastic (most commonly recycled materials). Very handy with nice appeal to help folks recycle whi
le not at home or the office. If you make it easy folks will recycle.
"Envyrozone ... believe in LOHAS, a Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability, ... a core principal that we bring to every customer relationship."
Via: Envyrozone LINK
Kigo uses CYCLEPET for some of its shoes ... CYCLEPET is made from Post Consumer PET (#1 PE).
"PET ... most important raw material in the textile industry."
Using recycled POST Consumer PET keep plastic out of landfills and reduces the need to use petroleum for new PET.
"kigo footwear uppers, lining and packaging are all crafted from recycled elements. ... CYCLEPET – plastic jugs are [turned] into strong, soft fabric. ..."
My son showed me this neat green packaging product ...
Companies are looking to reduce the environmental footprint of their packaging materials and are moving away from foamed PP and PS.
Using a green packaging material is a great differentiator and can minimize the downstream waste that is generated as part of the product life cycle.
"EcoCradle™ ... made of agricultural byproducts ... from renewable sources. ... is just as reliable, easy to use,
and affordable ..."
" ... literally grown, ... uses a filamentous fungi (mushroom roots) to bond this packaging into almost any shape. ..."
When it comes time to dispose of this packaging material you can break it into small pices and add to your garden, put it in a compost pile or even throw it in the trash where it will decompose EVEN WITHOUT oxygen !
Use EcoSquid to find a new home for your old electronics.
In a few minutes you can either find where to safely recycle your e-stuff or see if it can be sold for a few bucks.
Reduce e-waste and feel good … it’s easy to do.
See the video for more information on the process.
“EcoSquid: Be awesome. Feel Good. Get Paid. Sell and Recycle your old electronics “
Via: EcoSquid LINK
in collaboration with the EPA under the Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Program. Now, the insulating materials will be recycled in addition to the metal. The Appliance Recycling Centers of America process will be deployed to recycle the foam insulation and reduce landfill disposal. …
… “The URT system includes the capability to automatically capture the blowing agents, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and cyclopentane from the insulating foam in refrigerators and freezers.
GE and ARCA’s initial recycling efforts will begin at ARCA Advanced Processing’s regional recycling center in Pennsylvania. The center is on schedule to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2011.” …
Via GE: Appliance Disposal Press Release.
Appliance Recycling Centers of America.
Kigo embraces the reduce, reuse, recycle approach ... 
"... aspires to be responsible throughout the entire lifecycle of our shoes so our team and all who wear our shoes can leave a positi
ve...Footprint
They support telecommuting (lowers carbon footprint and saves resources) ... use recycled packaging and plastic for shoe fabrics (reduce, reuse, recycle) and use ony enough packaging to protect their shows (reduce).
Via: Kigo LINK
What makes a Super Bowl (or any party) GREEN ?
Use technology to send invitations (no paper wasted). Buy local foods (minimize your carbon footprint). Buy foods that use alternative energy .
For invitations use " ... Evite or MyPunchBowl ..."
For beer try New Belguim " ... brewery is wind powered! ..." and they are green in many other ways
For serving use real plates or at least real flatware / tableware ... to get a mix of easy to clean and minimize some trash.
Via: Fun Time Guide to Living Green LINK
Naked® Juice is the first nationally distributed brand to have a" ...100% post-consumer recycled PET (rPET) bottle..."
The new bottles are called the "Naked reNEWabottle" ... and in addition to being made with recycled material are 100% recyclable PET (codes as #1).
The amount of virgin plastic replaced with the 32-oz bottle is 1 millions lbs / yr and when used across the product line will amount to 8.1 million lbs / yr.
Via: Naked Juice LINK
Sprint is developing a standard for green phones called eco-criteria. Manufacturers who meet the standards will be able to use the eco-criteria symbol on the phone … scoring “points” for both Sprint and the manufacturer with the green community.
This is a natural extension of their other ongoing “green” initiatives.
The standard sets categories and as total point level required to be green. The categories are “Reduction of Environmentally Sensitive Materials (ROH), Energy Management, Lifecycle Management, Sustainable Packaging, Eco-Friendly Applications and Innovation.
Points are awared for " ... RoHS Compliance, low levels of PVC, BFRs, Phthalates, Beryllium ... Energy Star qualification ... High recyclability rate, recycling envelop included in box, standardized connector, recycled plastic or renewably sourced plastic content ..."
There are 115 available points and 70 or more are required for the eco-criteria logo.
Via: Sprint LINK
A "hotel" in Madrid has been built completely from waste materials.
Showing both what can be done to re-purpose items and potentially how dirty beaches are the "... walls of the Beach Garbage Hotel ... made of materials found in landfills, the beaches and even flea markets ..."
" ... created the Beach Garbage Hotel because the ocea
ns of our planet are the biggest garbage dump ... 30-40% of the objects used for the hotel were found on the beaches of Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain ..."
The temporary "hotel" closes soon (Jan 23rd) so book soon if interested!
Via: Huffington Post LINK
.jpg "Motorola Citrus(TM)")
The Motorola Citrus is one green cell phone. Showing that consumers want green items the phone advertises an “eco-friendly design that is carbon free and made in part with 25% recycled plastic” If you want / need a cell phone why not look for one that allows you to consider the individuals impact on the environment.
“ carbon free through a partnership with carbonfund.org; eco-friendly packaging” are also noted.
Less waste in packaging, lower toxic materials add up to a more environmentally friendly product.
Via: Motorola LINK
Alchemy's mission "is top turn useless into useful" They reuse / recycle / up-cycle inner tubes and seat belts to make wallets, belts, bottle openers and messenger bags.
They partner with REI and Trek to take back and recycle inner tubes. You can even take your used inner tubes to REI or 
a Trek store for recycling.
Each product has a small number to the left of and above the Alchemy Goods logo. That number indicates the % b y weight of up-cycled material in the product.
" ... Alchemy Goods bags are, ... recycled. ... we hope you’ll also appreciate our effort to work with recycled materials. Purchase Alchemy bags knowing that you’ve helped limit the consumption of Earth’s natural resources. ..."
Via: Alchemy Goods LINK
Oil soaked booms from BP’s Gulf oil spill are being recycled into Chevrolet’s electric
vehicle polymer-based components for the Volt. …
… “The parts, which deflect air around the vehicle’s radiator, are comprised of 25 percent boom material and 25 percent recycled tires from GM’s Milford Proving Ground vehicle test facility.
The remaining is a mixture of post-consumer recycled plastics and other polymers.
GM worked with several partners throughout the recovery and development processes.” …
Via General Motors: Chevrolet Volt Components.
A view of the value chain for GM parts where recycled materials are integrated into the supply. …
I saw a trailer
in a parking lot with the Sustainable Waste Solutions and knew there would be a blog post there. SWS is a local company with a Souderton, Pa address that turns waste to energy (W2E).
" ... a landfill-free alternative for recycling, waste transportation, and disposal to companies ... throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, Lehigh Valley and Delaware. ... we generate enoug
h electricity from waste to power tens of thousands of homes per day ..."
W2E burns waste material to generate electric and results in waste that is only 10% by volume compared to the starting amount.
Until we run out of trash this is a renewable energy solution!
See SWS website for more details ...
Via: Sustainable Waste Solutions LINK
Kristianstad Swede
n uses no fossil fuels for heating. Instead they uses biomass from farming leftovers. 80,000 homes heated by biomass and not fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas! And this is an area of the world where it gets VERY COLD !
Since solar and wind would not be effective in Kristianstad they worked with biomass. " ... remains from farming ... manure, potato peels, pig intestines, and even cookies, .... to create biogas ... a certain type of methane, ... heat of the entire city, and to provide electricity for the city as well."
The driving force for the move away from fossil fuels was to protect their environment and they did not want to import fossil fules from abroad.
Via: Metrolic LINK
Burt's Bees is known for their environmentally friendly products. They are also an environmentally friendly company.
" ... goal is to be the "greenest personal care company on earth." ... by 2020 ... be carbon free and operating on 100 percent renewable energy ... [no] waste to be deposited in landfills ... manufacturing facilities will have LEED certification. ..."
They plan on having a Platinum LEED green building by 2020 ... and recycle recycle wood, shrink wrap, and even waste water.
In addition to the usual paper and aluminum they recycle wood, corrugated cardboard, shrink wrap chipboard and fiberboard. Break rooms are equipped with composting bins and reusable / compostable utensils.
Via: Burt's Bees LINK
No landfill necessary for electronic waste stream. Recycle tech parts into artscapes. Italy's Franco Recchia creates cool designs. …
Via Boing Boing: Tech Cities.
Sustainability is integrated into the design of the Arizona State University College of Nursing & Health building. This green building has achieved LEED Gold status through its
design principles and construction materials and techniques. …
… “The sustainable LEED-NC Gold certified building features solar water heating, which harvests Arizona's abundant renewable energy while reducing the building's carbon footprint.
More than three-quarters of construction waste (967 tons) was diverted from conventional landfills, materials used for the project contained recycled content and 70 percent of all wood products were certified by the Forest Stewardship.” …
Via Arizona State University: LEED Gold Building Design.
Samsung's Evergreen is one GREEN phone.
" ... built with recycled plastics, is hazardous substance free and comes with all sorts of eco-themed apps and tools ... packaging is green, made 80% of recycled paper and uses soy ink."
Via: Samsung LINK
PepsiCo and Waste Management are trying to increase the rate of plastic bottle recycling from the current 34 % to " 50 % by the year 2018.
A key tool may be the Dream Machine ... which has " ... a personal reward system that allows consumers to collect and redeem points for each bottle or can they recycle in the kiosk."
Currently about 12% of spaces have a recycling container. The Dream Machine will bring recycling to thousands of locatio
ns and facilitate recycling away from home - who wants to carry bottles home for recycling?
In case you are asking what you can do ... the numbers are are compelling for individuals to make a change. If each household in the country recycled just 3 more plastic bottles a month the result would be over 23 millions pounds diverted from landfills !
Wow! 3 more bottles a month - that is not hard to do !
Via: PepsiCo LINK
We all know to "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle "--- Want to learn more about recycling? Are you doing all your can? Do you have questions ... ?
" ... here to help answer your questions and help make recycling easier, more fun, and even profitable. ... simply give you practical information so that you can do your part."
Recycling is easy and there just might be more you can do with little effort involved ... check it out.
Be sure to check out >>> the "Greener Choices Search Engine"
Via: Recycling Revolution LINK
Emerson's data center in Missouri is green ... boasting solar panels, design features to minimize wiring needed and reuse of construction waste.
" ... more than 550 solar panels can generate 100 kilowatts ... enough to power the average American home for more than three days ..."
" ... 80 percent of the construction waste ... diverted from landfills through recycling ... ."
LEED Gold from USGBC is expected.
Via: Emerson LINK
e-waste does not belong in landfills - so what do you do with your old electronics? How many old cell phones, etc. are laying around your house ?
Here are several companies that will take and safely recycle old electronics. Check each for specifics on what they will take.
Among those taking electronics are .."Target, Best Buy, Verizon,Staples, Goodwill, Close the Gap, EcoSquid, ..."
Another good option if there is useful life left in the product is to FREECYCLE it ... reuse is a great way to keep something out of a landfill.
Each offers some type of recycling ... Stables takes old cell phones and printer cartridges, Best Buy takes old PC monitors (charges $10 but gives a $10 gift card so it is essentially free) ... check each out find a way to safely dispose of e-waste.
Via: ZDNet LINK
What's a quick easy way to save money .... year after year?
Insulate !!
EcoBatt insulation is made from "bio-based" binders - not petroleum derived raw materials and is certified to GREENGUARD standards so it is safe for children and use in schools.
" ... reduces binder embodied energy by up to 70%, and does not contain phenol, formaldehyde, acrylics or artificial colors used to make traditional fiberglass insulation."
" .... combines sand ... renewable resources, post-consumer recycled bottle glass ... to create ... sustainable insulation…"
Via: EcoBatt LINK
Here is a chgecklist (pdf format) from the University of Texas at Austin. lf, your team, your home, whatver.
While there is no scale or rating given the checklist offers a wide range of things to look at in your quest to be greener ... in your daily life.
Assess yourself now as a baseline and then in a few months to see what kind of progress you have made.
" ... self-assessment form covers offices, conference rooms, common areas, etc. "
Via: University of Texas at Austin Office of Sustainability LINK
Dog waste is often picked up in plastic bags and dropped in the trash - to spend eternity in a landfill. What a waste of waste ...
Here is a novel idea to turn dog waste into methane ... "dog waste ... decomposes over time. The anaerobic conditions inside the digester create methane gas ... " The methane gas lights a gas lamp.
If successful this could be deployed to larger dog parks across the country.
Funded by MIT and located in Cambridge, Mass the digester shows a creative use for waste .. a great "reuse" idea.
Via: TerraPass Blog LINK
Two Particular Acres is PA's first composting farm and has PA's first "On-Farm Compost Permit".
Noticing that the "manure management" on horse stables that were buying their hay was "less than optimal" they decided to address the issue.
" ... creating an organic loop infrastructure ... manure is properly composted ... finished product is distributed through util
ization on our farm and ... into the local community through suburban homeowners, landscape contractors, nurseries and golf courses. ..."
Via: Two Particular Acres LINK
Wisconsin recently enacted a law prohibiting disposal of certain electronics in landfills. e-Waste is one of the fastest growing sources of landfil
l trash and improper disposal can leach toxic chemicals into the air and water.
Effective September 1, 2010 " ... establishes a statewide program, now called E-Cycle Wisconsin, to collect and recycle certain electronics. ... assigns primary responsibility for collection and recycling to the manufacturer. ..."
Via: Wisconsin DNR LINK
Each year eBay hosts" ... Innovation Expo ... to develop prototypes for new products and breakthrough innovations ... ".
The winner this year developed " ... a durable box ... designed to be used over and over and over.." Since may eBay buyers are also sellers the box would have many "lives" before no longer being usable.
" ... reused at least five times, we could protect nearly 4,000 trees, save 2.4 million gallons of water ..."
Via: eBay LINK
Gazelle provides a safe, easy way to implement the 3Rs for old electronics like cell phones, monitors, calculators, camera lenses, laptops, external drives ... see their website for complete details.
They match goods to sellers (if the item has sufficient demand and is in acceptable condition) or arranges for safe and responsible e-recycling. In addition to keeping e-waste out of landfills you might even get some cash !
" ... easy, fast, and safe way for you to sell electronics and recycle electronics. ... process takes about a week ... Items without market value are recycled responsibly"
Via: Gazelle LINK
Most municipalities accept #1 - PET and #2 - HDPE plastics for recycling. Philadelphia now accepts #3 
-#7 as well! This means #3 - Vinyl, #4 - LDPE, #5 - PP, #6 - PS and #7 - other / mixed.
" ... Philadelphia has citywide single stream recycling. ... all recyclables can be put in the same container, including plastics and cardboard." This makes it easier for residents and business as there is no more sorting into different containers at home.
There is even a section about debunking Phila Recycling Myths ... that gives the real info on recycling in the City.
Check out the web site for information you can use no matter where you live !
Via: Recycle Now Philadelphia LINK
Cleveland is taking their recycling program to an extreme with tracking technology. …
… “enforce recycling program by tracking citizen performance using RFID technology … ” …
Via RFIDa: Cleveland RFID Recycle.
Poland Spring has been actively reducing the amount of plastic in its water bottles. Less plastic means less enerfy to make, less energy to ship and less impact overall. Of course recycling the bottles completes the loop.
" ... Eco-Shape® bottle ... made with an average of 30% less plastic ... a label approximately one-third smaller ... more flexible so it's easier to crush for recycling. ..."
The label notes that the cap is also smaller ... resulting in less plastic !
Via: Poland Spring LINK
Viva Terra's Mad Mats®are made from recycled plastics.
" ... Mad Mats® are made from recycled plastic bottles and packing materials ... absorb no stains, can easily be cleaned with garden hose or sponge, and won't trap water or mildew. ..."
For an additional $1 in shipping fees you can offset the carbon impact from shipping. Details on the Viva Terra web site under shipping.
Via: Viva Terra LINK
The University of San Francisco has a Green Team that focuses on sustainability. One interesting outcome was to modify water fountains so they more easily fill water bottles - helping to foster using a reusable bottle.
" ... reduce the ... use of plastic water bottles by using refillable bottles and drinking tap water. ... switching to compostable flatware to assist the composting program ... starting composting in the residence halls ..."
Via: University of San Francisco LINK
What do you do with your old cookware when you upgrade? Rather than toss it in the trash you can use Freecycle.
If you buy from Calphalon you can have your old cookware recycled for free.
Pack the old cookware in the box from the new cookware (reuse) and they will provide a UPS shipping label to cover the shipping. Shortly after you should receive two 100% recycled cotton shopping bags (reduce and reuse).
Here is an interesting bit of information from their web site ...
"Fact: Over 80 percent of items in landfills can be recycled, but they're not."
Via: Calphalon LINK
Levi Strauss has taken a number of steps to make their jeans "greener" including minimizing the number of labels and the wording on the label.
This can help you - the consumer - save money and the environment by making less of an impact.
The care label suggests washing in cold water, line drying and giving to Goodwill so they can have another useful life.
" ... 58% of the energy and 45% of the water used during the lifetime of a pair of Levi’s ® jeans occurs during the consumer use phase ..."
Via: Levi Strauss LINK
This all started when I was looking for a "green" way to dispose of an microwave ... that was broken. My local trash hauler /recycler suggested earth911 ... so I looked there for an idea ... none was found ... BUT ... I found some neat suggestions on recycling plastics.
I am currently recycling #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 and some #7 plastics that are marked as recyclable but you never know when you might find something new.
Most communities now pick up #2 and $ 4 plastic bottles and most grocery stores take #2 and #4 plastic bags. But what about the reset ... those #5 yogurt cups and # 6 food containers?
Via: Earth911 LINK
UPS ' sustainability efforts are well known. Perhaps you have seen their hybrid delivery trucks - sporting their neat hybrid logo. I have seen them on the streets of Philadelphia.
UPS is also a leader in recycling. In addition to paper they recycle batteries and e-waste; which is fast becoming a problem due to the rapid rate of obsolescence of computers and cell phones. e-waste contains significant toxins including lead.
" ... "e-waste" ... a significant global problem. ... UPS recycled 27,753 pounds of batteries in 2008. This included nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium iron, ... implemented its own e-waste recycling program ... has recycled more than 24.5 million pounds of electronic equipment."
VIA: UPS LINK
IBM has developed a water cooled supercomputer that uses the extracted heat to heat a building. Normally A/C is needed to remove the excess heat to prevent damage to computer systems.
The A/C to remove heat can use almost as much or more energy than that used to power the computers ... resulting in lots of wasted energy and extra carbon footprint What a waste !!
" ... Aquasar, consumes up to 40 percent less energy than a comparable air-cooled machine. ... carbon footprint is reduced by up to 85 percent."
" ... micro-channel liquid coolers which are attached directly to the processors, where most heat is generated. ..."
"
Via: IBM LINK
I noticed the apples at my local Costco were packaged in plastic containers to keep the apples from bruising. What really intrigued me was the information on the plastic containers. Made by Peninsula Packaging of California ... they are:
- made from 70% recycled drink bottles
- made with 50% energy from the sun
" ... as much as 70 percent recycled ... are themselves recyclable ..."
" ... 10-acre photovoltaic "sun farm" generates 1.1 megawatts ... produces about one-percent of all of California's solar generated power."
Via: PenPack LINK
When in Hawaii you can rent a car from Bio-Beetle -their mission statement is " ... be the "GREENEST", and "BEST", rental car company
on the planet."
In addition to biodiesel from 100% vegetable oil they use " ... earth friendly coolants, synthetic engine oil and non toxic cleaners ... 100% recycled or tree free paper ... organic cotton uniforms, and recycled items when obtainable. ..."
Via: Eco-Beetle LINK
Want to be more green and not really sure where to start? Making good progress and want to kick it up a notch or two? Need inspiration or answers to questions ?
" ... goal ... to be the most comprehensive and diverse resource available for people looking to live ... environmentally conscious lifestyle. .... GenGreenLife.com where we have over 60,000 listings to help you live your green life. "
Via: GenGreen® LINK
Happy Father's Day.
Remember to incorporate some green ideas into your celebration.
Enjoy the day and be green - they can go hand in hand. Teach as green lesson. Lead by example. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Use compostable plates or normal dishes instead of throw away paper plates. Use a gas grill instead of wood or charcoal (less GHG). Use local produce / meat / stuff. Watch your carbon footprint.
Happy Father's Day.
Via: GreenTechnolog.com LINK
My daily papers are rolled and covered with a plastic bags I noticed my newspapers were rolled in a new plastic bag before being tossed on my driveway. I noticed a neat new bag called green15™.
" ... every ... bag is made with at least 15% recycled material. ... allows us to use up to 15% less plastic ... join us to promote more recycled products & use less plastic ..."
Of course I collect these and recycle them at the local food store.
Via: Green15bags LINK
Timberland is well known for its green activities including putting a label on most shoes boxes that details the carbon impact of each product.
Their Earthkeeper line features products made to have a smaller environmental footprint ... usually from the user of recycled materials.
" ... Earthkeepers™ collection ... footwear with a small environmental footprint. ...rubber lug outsole made with 42% recycled Green Rubber™ material"
To learn more about green and the outdoors ... check out Timberland's Earthkeeper Blog
Via: Timberland LINK
I have been going through the basement and found a few older computer monitors that are no longer needed ... nor worth using.
So ... how to best get rid of them and ** NOT ** harm the environment?
Best But to the rescue (or e-cycle) !
"Regardless of where you bought it, what brand it is, or how old it is ... We'll make sure it's properly and safely recycled. ..."
" ... just about anything electronic, ... Most things are recycled absolutely free, ..."
Via: Best Buy LINK
Lower costs and social responsibility integrate to make up the corporate sustainability programs of businesses. …
… “Shaw has collected 300 million pounds of used carpet in the last three years and reused 85 percent of it. ” …
Via New York Times: Earth Friendly.
Reconnect is a venture with Dell and Goodwill Industries that was started in 2004 to help consumers safely recycle used or unneeded computer equipment.
Key goals are to keep e-waste from landfills and to not export abroad where it might be unsafely handled / disposed of.
"Find out if Reconnect will accept the item ... Find a drop-off location ...
Drop off the item ... Feel good about what you've done."
" ... for residential consumers who wish to recycle used computers. ..."
To find a location near you ... Click
Via: Reconnect Partnership LINK
Mayor Michael Nutter has been promoting Philadelphia's green activities and now the city is being recognized by others as well."... U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) and Siemens Corporation has presented the 3rd Annual Siemens Sustainable Community Award ... to the City of Philadelphia. ... recognizes Philadelphia’s outstanding efforts to achieve complementary economic, environmental and social goals, ..."
" ... Mayor Michael A. Nutter. ... encouraged by the momentum behind our sustainability efforts, ... look forward to aggressively continuing our work to promote market transformation in energy efficiency retrofitting and growing the green economy.”"... training our workforce to install solar panels and cool roofs, and we’re putting Philadelphians to work weatherizing homes and installing green stormwater management infrastructure."
Via: City of Philadelphia LINK
Springside School - Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia - continues it's green activities by snagging 5th place - in the US - in the Earth Day Challenge.
"BLUE + GOLD = GREEN!"
"Springside School took fifth place—in the country—in the Earth Day Challenge contest sponsored by The Green Schools Alliance, Cisco’s One Million Acts of Green Program, and GreenNexxus. ... students and faculty logged 2,362 “Acts of Green,” which in turn saved 672,305 lbs. of greenhouse gases. When we all do one act, we act as one, and help the planet. (Click on the link above to see what YOU can do!)"
Via: Springside LINK
Springside School's colors are blue and gold. They are making blue + gold into GREEN. A good life lesson in Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Waste Free Wednesday Lunch Initiative
BLUE + GOLD = GREEN
" ... The Sustainability Committee has decided to step up Springside's efforts to reduce the amount of trash that goes into landfills. Students are encouraged every day, but especially on Wednesdays, to compost, recycle, and eat as much of what they brought/bought to create as little waste as possible. In time, this will become something that naturally occurs every day!"
Via: Springside School LINK
General Motors demonstrates sustainability leadership in its manufacturing facilities by recycling and eliminating its waste streams. …
… “More than 2 million tons of waste materials will be recycled or reused at GM plants worldwide this year. An additional 45,000 tons will be converted to energy at waste-to-energy facilities.
Although zero landfill sites recycle or reuse their waste in some way, other GM facilities also attain high levels of recycling. Overall, GM’s global facilities currently recycle more than 90 percent of the waste they generate.
Waste elimination and recycling at GM’s zero landfill plants and other facilities will prevent more than 3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent emission reductions from entering the atmosphere this year. ” …
Via GM: Plants eliminate waste to landfills.
Ecotech Institute offers a "green education" ... the first of its kind in the U.S. Ecotech is based in Aurora Colorado.
Ecotech Institute -- the first and only college entirely focused on preparing graduates for careers in the "rapidly growing fields of renewable energy, sustainable design, and energy efficiency -- with practical, hands-on training designed to meet the demands of employers in the green economy."
" ... the college for renewable energy and sustainable design, prepares students for environment careers with practical, hands-on training. ... Instructors typically work in the energy management and green design fields. "
" ... nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools ... a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Eduction."
Via: Ecotech Institute LINK
Star
bucks had set a goal of making its cups reusable / recyclable by 2015. This goal is proving to be tougher than thought ...
" ... gave itself a “needs improvement” grade for its goals of developing a comprehensive recyclable cut by 2012 and implementing a front-of-store recycling effort by 2015."
Via: SmartPlanet LINK
Lenovo's L412 and 512 are " ... are being touted as highly durable and as being the “greenest on the market.”"
" ... Labeled with an Energy Star 5.0 rating, ... notebooks are 40% more energy-efficient than previous ThinkPads. Several parts of the machines ... made from post consumer content, including old IT equipment and office water jugs that make up the LCD cover, palm rests and top/bottom case. ... laptops are shipped in almost 100% recycled packaging."
Via: ZDNet.com LINK
Ready to drink once used water? Folks in Cloudcroft, NM do - every day !
Cloudcroft NM runs 100% on recycled water. From soup to nuts - washing to drinking ... toilet to tap !
" ... a town of ... 800 ... used to ... truck in upwards of 20,000 gallons of fresh water every day. ... got $600,000 from the state to put toward a $2 million water re-use system."
" ...“zero discharge” system is very unusual ... people tend get about phobic about the idea of drinking water that has been used for some other purpose ... sort of system you might find on a submarine ... everything is ... closed-loop. ..."
" ... ITT technologies ... include the Sanitaire membrane bioreactor, the WET reverse osmosis system, and the PCI ultrafiltration system.
Via: SmartPlanet LINK
By now readers of this blog knows the importance of recycling and "how to do it". Most recycle paper, glass bottles, "tin" cans and #1 / #2 plastics.
Near my home is a recycling center that takes just about EVERYTHING. They take plastics labeled #1 - #6 as well as glass bottle caps, clean aluminum, #2, #4, #5 bottle caps, 6- pack rings, straws, credit / debit / gift cards (to be recycled) and scrap fabric. This great places is called Recycling Services, Inc. in Pottstown, Pa. (western Phila suburb).
What if you are not near Pottstown, Pa? 
" ... Nearly everything can be recycled, though it may take a little research on your part to find out how. ... First, you need to know what your town will recycle. ... For anything you'd like to recycle but won't be picked up by your town, ... A site like the National Recycling Coalition can help you locate an organization that will accept your recyclables. ..."
In a recent daily email from my college - Lafayette College, Easton, PA - there was a link about green graduation gowns.
Seems more colleges and universities are going green and using gowns made from recycled materials ... typically plastic bottles.
" ... University of Texas students ... saving 23 water bottles from landfills just by donning their cap and gown."
"GreenWeaver graduation regalia are being introduced to graduates at several universities nationwide this year as part of the growing movement to make graduation ceremonies more eco-friendly."
" ... Michigan State University is printing diplomas and graduation programs on recycled paper in addition to using recycled caps and gowns. Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas will be using artificial flowers to decorate the stage ... Lafayette College ... is offering biodegradable robes that will easily degrade after one wear."
Via: ABCNews LINK
Check out this video on ways to recycle cell phones, batteries and more. Specifically Best Buy will take back most consumer electronics ...
Via: SmartPlanet LINK
Wonder how plastic bags get recycled? You see the recycling bins in most grocery stores that take #1 and #2 plastic bags and newspaper sleeves. Watch the video to see how they are recycled back to plastic material.
Trex recycles 2 billion bags / year and turns then into "plastic lumber" and recycles most of the other non PE that comes in with the plastic bags when they are recycled.
Via: Clean Skies LINK
Today is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day !!
To learn more about Earth Day 2010 and things ** YOU ** can do ... LINK
Via: Earth Day 2010 LINK
... "The report, prepared by Moore Recycling Associates Inc., Sonoma, Calif., found that in 2008, more than 361 million pounds of post-consumer rigid plastics were collected for recycling nationwide, an 11 percent increase from the previous year. The report also found that in North American markets, much of the recycled material was used to make products such as pallets, crates, composite lumber and gardening items. " ...Via Recycling Today: Rigid Plastics Recycling
Emeco chairs are traditionally made from 100 recyclable aluminum (80% recycled conte
nt). Their expected life of 150 years makes adds to the sustainability.
Now they are making a chair from recycled Coke bottles ... 111 bottles per chair. " ... 111 Navy Chair: When you recycle a plastic bottle, you're doing something good. When you recycle 111 of them, you're doing something great. Help your bottle become something extraordinary again."
Via: Emeco Chairs LINK
A recent report from the Washington Times shows that a significant amount of printing by US Govt employees is never needed ... it is thrown out or recycled. Wow - 1/3 of all printed paper is wasted !!
" .... Washington Times reports that a full third of the printing performed by U.S. government employees is instantly tossed out or recycled."
"... high time government ... takes the lead from businesses that have their printing costs under control. ... Duplex printing is only part of the story. ... "
"... asking these kinds of questions before they click ‘Print’: ... Is it vital that I have a hard copy of this right now? ... Have I run the electronic file by my colleagues first? ... Does the item I am about to print have to be “perfect”?"
How about you? Do you really need to print everything you do print? Can you print 2 - sided ?
Via: ZDNet.com LINK
Just a reminder that EARTH HOUR is today at 8:30 pm local time.
Turn off your lights for an hour, think about the earth and how you can help make the world more sustainable. Take a look outside and see if your neighbors / town have embraced Earth Hour and turned off their lights.
For more on Earth Hour LINK
Via: Green Dude @ Greentechnolog.com LINK
Whether you are a landlord, run a bar or hotel there are things YOU can do to celebrate Earth Hour.
"Earth Hour 2010 is a global call to stand up, to show leadership and be responsible for our future. ..."
Show you support for Earth Hour by ... "Turning off your lights at 8.30PM on March 27 ... Adding Earth Hour widgets, logos and banners to your blog or website ...Get together with your friends and family, by hosting an Earth Hour party or holding your own candlelit affair ...Encourage your employer and workmates to take part in Earth Hour and make energy savings every day ... "
For the full list LINK
Via: Earth Hour LINK
To create the next generation of water heaters, GE rethought every aspect of this appliance from the ground up. The result is an innovative new product that can reduce water heater operating cost up to 62% and save $320 per year.* That adds up to significant savings, and you won't have to give up a single drop of hot water.
Via: GE LINK
Syracuse University's new green data center follows LEED guidelines and is both green and energy efficient.
" ... constructed in accordance with LEED ... more than 99 percent of all construction waste ... has been recycled. ... over 1,200 tons ... of waste that did not go to a standard landfill."
" ... anticipated to use about 50 percent less energy than a typical data center in operation today ... "
"IBM intends to showcase the data center and its energy-efficient technologies to help clients design new data centers or improve their current operations...."
"... features an on-site electrical tri-generation system that uses natural gas-fueled microturbines to generate all the electricity ... will be able to operate completely off-grid."
Via: Syracuse University LINK
Terracycle reuses / recycles sall sorts of stuff such as juice boxes and turns them into bags and totes.
They take e-wast and turn it into useful products ... keeping waste out of the landfill.
"Made from 100% e-waste (such as crushed computers and fax machines) that would otherwise have ended up in a landfill. These ingenious little pots help you garden sustainably! "
Via: Terracycle.net LINK
Movie theaters are embracing the the green movement including LEED.
" ... theaters are making an effort to help viewers go green ... including Georgia-based Carmike Cinemas ... built a LEED-certified theater in Chattanooga, Tenn., which opened in November ... "
" ... Environmentally conscious theater construction and design are growing trends ... Some theaters are installing solar panels ... and using recycled building materials for new theaters and existing facilities that are under renovation."
Via: FORBES LINK
DASANI® Water (part of the Coca-Cola Company) is rolling our plant bottles in the western US. These bottles have UP TO 30% plant-sourced plastic and are just as recyclable - 100% - as their normal #1 PET bottles.
" ... Today, the plant-based material is made from sugar cane juice and/or molasses, which is a by-product of producing sugar."
" ... in Denmark, 65 percent of PlantBottle packaging will come from a combination of recycled and plant-based material ... "
" ... Ultimately, our goal is to develop recyclable plastic bottles made from plant-based waste -- thereby turning waste into a resource."
Via: DASANI® LINK
Dixon Golf's "GREEN" golf balls are truly green - made with recycled materials and themselves recyclable.
" ...first high-performance eco-friendly golf balls ... all balls manufactured by Dixon Golf are "green" to the core ... 100% recyclable and made from reprocessable materials ... packaging is made from 100% recycled material."
Via: LINK
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The reasons to recycle are many and should be helpful to any business ... lower cost with less trash to dispose and pay for and "bragging rights" to promote are just two ... Yet two very large "inductries" have not jumped on the recycling bandwagon ...
" ... a The New York Times article, Leaving the Trash Behind, explored the aviation industry’s massive contribution to global waste ... millions of plastic bottles discarded at security checkpoints, but separate recycling containers in terminals or on board planes are not common. ...no industry standard for recycling ..."
"Recycling procedures vary by airline and airport. Environmental programs involve many entities ... each of the nation’s 552 commercial "airports has its own way of handling waste."
" ... Continental Airlines has been recycling oil, antifreeze and other aircraft maintenance products for two or three years. Recently it began onboard collection of bottles, aluminum cans and cardboard boxes. ..."
" ... Green America, an environmental group, started a campaign to get air travelers to report back on their website what airlines were recycling ... to hold the industry accountable in enforcing their polities and to push them to do better."
" ... medical centers are the second-largest waste producers in the United States, after the food industry. ... In operating rooms, some items that are never even used are thrown away simply because they are taken out of their packaging and could have been contaminated."
Via: SmartPlanet LINK
San Francisco is known for embracing many things green. The city recently developed and released an iPhone app for recycling information.
"San Franciscans already lead the nation in recycling – in May [2009] we announced a 72% diversion rate of all materials going to the landfill ... pledged to recycle 75% of the materials that would otherwise go to the landfill by 2010 and zero waste by 2020."
" ... find out where to recycle or properly dispose of materials using ... location-based mobile application. Instead of dumping old electronics or furniture on the sidewalk, the EcoFinder iPhone app tells you where these materials should go, based on your location."
" ... EcoFinder iPhone app is part of our ongoing effort to provide residents and businesses in San Francisco with the information and tools to be environmentally responsible."
Via: CleanTechnica LINK
I was looking at Bo
se Wave radios and noticed an interesting section about recycling batteries ... they have 3 easy ways for you to recycle the rechargeable batteries in their Wave radios ...
... call Bose toll free, go to a Bose store or visit rbrc.com ... which takes you to call2recycle.
call2recycle has a look up by ZIP code feature for the US and Canada. In my ZIP code I found a number of drop off locations including K-Mart, Radio Shack,. hardware stores and Home Depot.
"Call2Recycle® offers consumers a free and easy way to care for the environment through its nationwide battery and cell phone recycling program ... follow these three easy steps ... If it's rechargeable, it's recyclable. Look for used rechargeable batteries and old cell phones in your home that are dead or not being used any longer ... Find the recycling drop-off location nearest you and drop off your used rechargeable batteries and old cell phones."
Via: call2recycle LINK
"Equator Coffees ... is going green ... using sustainable farming practices to grow their coffee cherries by partnering with local farmers in developing countries. On their site, they also have a smart coffee roaster that burns 80 percent less natural gas than a traditional coffee roaster and a food composter that turns excess coffee waste into fertilizer."
To learn more about Equator Coffee CLICK HERE.
Via: SmartPlanet LINK
RecycleMania 2010 started on Jan 17th, 2010 and ends March 10th, 2010. In these 10 weeks participating schools compete to see who collects the largest quantity of recyclables PER CAPITA and in several other categories.
" ... record number of colleges and universities across the United States, Canada and as far away as Qatar, have begun collecting their recycling and trash weights as part of the first two weeks of trials ... "
" ... a friendly competition and benchmarking tool for college and university recycling programs to promote waste reduction activities to their campus communities.... ranked according to who collects the largest amount of recyclables per capita, the largest amount of total recyclables, the least amount of trash per capita, or ... highest recycling rate. ..."
Good luck to all and there really are no losers in this competition !
Via: RecycleMania LINK
The 18th Annual Conference ... is the premier event of the Composting and Organics Recycling industries, providing industry professionals with educational, networking, and career advancement opportunities."
" ... the Wyndham Resort in Orlando, Florida, will attract the largest group of composting and organics professionals in the country to participate in a comprehensive program of workshops, training courses, and educational and technical sessions designed specifically to provide you with the information needed to solve your composting challenges."
" ... Compost increase the health of our soils, grow healthier plants, counteract the production of greenhouse gases, and reduce the pollution of our rivers, lakes, streams and wetlands ... Annual conference provides training and education on a wide variety of topics, such as facility operations, selling compost, handling difficult odors and other environmental issues at facilities, and effecting positive public policy change."
Via: US Composting Council LINK
Continue reading "US Composting Council Conference: Jan 24 - 27, 2010 in Orlando, Florida" »
" ... our corporate commitment ... on reducing waste and any harmful environmental impact throughout the manufacturing process or footprint ... we can’t eliminate all activities that affect the environment ... we can focus on the activities that can reduce our environmental impact ..."
"Lili ... is a commitment shared by the leaders and employees of Intertape to continually look for opportunities to lower our environmental impact so sustainability is within reach. We invite you to do the same."
" ... try this suggestion for lowering your impact ... Lower your energy consumption and save money by replacing bulky computer monitors with a flat panel monitor. They use 1/3 of the electricity which is the equivalent to the savings of leaving a 50W bulb burning for one year. "
Via: Intertape Polymer Group LINK
Continue reading "Intertape Polymer Group - Green Packaging and Lili" »
"Green Pack is an importer and wholesaler specializing in environmentally sustainable products. We supply biodegradable and compostable tableware and packaging, and a fantastic new range of non-toxic, petrochemical free wax crayons and paper twine."
"Our product range includes: Areca palm leaf plates, sugarcane fibre (bagasse) tableware, GM-free starch cutlery, plantation timber cutlery, PLA Bioplastic cups and containers, PLA coated coffee cups, paper straws, recycled napkins and lots more..."
"Green Pack caters for a wide range of customers. From wholesalers, hospitality, general business users to schools, hospitals, airlines and the general public. We also specialise in green event supply from the small private event to the supply of large organised public events."
Via: greenpack LINK
Google has been at the forefront of energy efficiency quite some time. Read on to learn more about Google current initiatives.
They also have lots of data and metrics to compare their energy use per Google search to other activities.
" ... Data centers ... account for most of Google’s energy needs ... take our energy use seriously and, from the very beginning, Google has focused on designing systems that use as little energy as possible ... operating what we believe to be the world's most efficient data centers."
" ... Google-designed data centers use about half the energy of a typical data center ... energy used per Google search is very small ... currently use about 1kJ (0.0003 kWh) of energy to answer the average query ... roughly .2g of CO2 ... often take the place of more carbon- and time-intensive activities, such as driving a car to a library or spending hours navigating shopping malls."
" ... commitment to sustainability goes beyond just electricity and carbon ... two Google facilities currently run on 100% recycled water, and by 2010 we expect recycled water to provide 80% of our total data center water consumption ... share our own data center best practices and are encouraging our industry peers to do the same ..."
" ... if all data centers operated at the same efficiency as ours, the U.S. alone would save enough electricity to power every household within the city limits of Atlanta, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C."
Puppy Toys have gone GREEN.
We recently got a puppy and have noticed there are lots of GREEN puppy (and cat) things to be had ...
" ... In an age of disposability, these products stand the test of time. ... Utilizing eco friendly materials, such as reclaimed cotton, organic cotton, eco fabric and stuffing made with IntelliLoft™ recycled fibers, reyclable Zogoflex, and recycled fabric that can be recycled again ... "
" ... developed a manufacturing process that minimizes waste (currently as low as 2.4%!) ... our state-of-the-art building ... was constructed using the latest developments in energy efficient design in 2001 ... building expansion in 2009 and 2010 ... reclaiming 30,000 lbs of concrete."
" ... Reclaimed and reused old boxes are utilized to store finished goods rather than plastic manufacturing totes ... also incorporate recycled material in our shipping boxes."
Via: West Paw Design LINK
I am always on the lookout for something GREEN to write about ... the advertising on some Chinet products caught my eye.
While at my local Costco last night I saw some interesting information info on Chinet plates ... they are now compostable !!
"Preserving natural resources for future generations i
s important to us, and to our extended family, which includes you. So, start to finish, we pursue sustainable practices, from using recycled materials to produce our disposable tableware products to reducing the amount of energy we use and waste we create to make them. "
They have "how to do it" instructions for composting their plates along with other compostable material ... LINK
Chinet is made by Huhtamaki Americas
Via: Chinet LINK
" ... began recycling paper in the 1940s, have used recycled paper in products and packaging since the 1970s ... established a corporate-wide environmental conservation program in the 1990s...."
Other efforts include ... " ... sponsors e-waste events to collect and responsibly dispose of employees' discarded electronics ... actively participate in the Environmental Protection Agency's WasteWi$e and Energy Star Building programs ... Since the early 1990s we have reduced solid waste by 70 percent and hazardous waste by 90 percent ... waste-to-energy program at our distribution center in Enfield, Conn., has resulted in an ongoing zero percent waste program since 1998. Materials not recycled are used as electrical generator fuel."
Via: Hallmark LINK
RecycleBank developed a program to help communities encourage recycling by combining recycling participation with a rewards program.
" ... RecycleBank, is a rewards and loyalty program that motivates households to recycle and adapt other positive green behaviors. As CEO and Co-founder, Gonen is revolutionizing the way people view recycling."
" ... launch in 2004 ... grown to servicing over one million people across 20 states and in the United Kingdom. RecycleBank is increasing participation in recycling from single digits to over 90% in communities along the way."
In an earlier post we showcased a CBS TV profile of Recyclebank. In this post we visit with Ron Gonen and get more of his perspective on the business and creating wins for so many stakeholders.
Via: SmartPlanet LINK
Cagoule, a small company from Portland, Oregon, sells a line of gloves, hats, blankets and scarves made from post consumer recycled plastic beverage bottles.
My wife found these at our local Whole Foods Markets (Devon, Pa) and thought they looked like a great idea ... quality warm fleece gloves from post consumer recycled bottles.
" ... everything we make is still created from superbly soft fleece itself made from post-consumer recycled materials ... We recycle absolutely everything we can and run the entire show with waste reduction firmly in mind ... "
" ... BottleFleece™ ... made from 85% post-consumer recycled fibers obtained from plastic soda bottles and post industrial waste ... soda bottles are collected by recyclers, then shredded, melted, and extruded into fibers which then become ultra-plush fleece ... about 2 one-liter bottles in every BottleFleece hat ... "
Via: Cagoule Fleece Link
The USPS has made great efforts to be green and help others be green. Through an arrangement with several electronics companies select USPS locations are offering prepaid mailers that can be used to recycle small electronics.
" ... committed to leaving a “green” footprint across America. ... are pioneers in using alternative fuel-capable vehicle ... support recycling and offer eco-friendly products."
Via: USPS LINK
... "On November 15 each year, millions of people become better informed about the importance of daily recycling and buying recycled products. The purpose of America Recycles Day is to continue to promote the social, environmental and economic benefits of recycling and encourage more people to join the movement toward creating a better natural environment. " ...Via ARD: America Recycles Day
... "Pennsylvania Hospital is receiving the award for its extensive recycling program, as well as its healthy organic foods program. The hospital started a weekly farmers market in 2008 for patients, staff and the surrounding community. New in 2009, the hospital introduced the new locally-grown featured produce item in the cafeteria. The item is available for purchase Wednesdays at the market, then served in the cafeteria on Thursdays with the recipe posted so diners can prepare the same dish at home. " ...Via EPA: Trailblazer Awards
Starting October 1, 2009 North Carolina banned PET (#1 plastic) from landfills.
" .... banning all rigid plastic containers from landfills ... focus largely on the recovery of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). ... plastic, commonly identified by the number “1″ inside a recycling symbol on the bottle, is the resin of choice for most soda and water bottles."
" ... building the nation's largest facility to recycle PET bottles, ... process 280 million pounds of material per year. One of the primary partners ... is carpet manufacturer Shaw Industries Group, LLC, which can turn recycled PET into polyester for use in carpeting."
" ... state will be inspecting landfills starting in October, but it’s unlikely that individuals will be fined for trashing plastic bottles unless they are caught unloading a large amount."
CDs are a great way to store lots of data in a small place ... and take up much less space when tossed in the trash then VHS cartridge. Now you can easily recycle CDs and DVDs along with lots of other media at GreenDisk.
Read on for more ... 
" ... responsibly and securely dispose of ... your computer-related waste, spent supplies and obsolete accessories. GreenDisk handles all your technotrash disposal needs ... destroy your old data, recover reusable components, and recycle all of the rest of your accumulated technotrash - all at your convenience, at home or at work."
I really love their tag line is " GreenDisk: because good planets are hard to find. "
Via: GreenDisk LINK
" ... Coca-Cola Company and United Resource Recovery Corporation (URRC) ... celebrate the grand opening of the world's largest plastic bottle-to-bottle recycling plant in Spartanburg, S.C. ... a key milestone in our goal to recycle and reuse 100 percent of our bottles and cans in the U.S. and ensure the sustainability of our packaging ..."
When fully operational, the plant will produce approximately 100 million pounds of food-grade recycled PET plastic each year -- the equivalent of nearly two billion 20-ounce Coca-Cola bottles. ... Over the next ten years the plant will prevent the release of one million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions -- the equivalent of removing 215,000 cars from the road. ..."
Via: Coca Cola LINK
"International Paper ... seek ways to improve our environmental impact while creating better solutions for our customers. ... partner with companies who share our values. ... goal is to create packaging made from fully renewable resources that leave a smaller environmental footprint. ... first step is ecotainer® - ... line of BPI certified compostable packaging ... includes paper hot cups, paper cold cups, food containers, ... ecotainer® uses a plastic lining made from plants. All products are compostable ..."
Via: International Paper LINK
Penn's Class of 2010 will wear gowns made of recycled plastic bottles to graduation. Each of the approx. 2,500 gowns are made the with the equivalent of 23 plastic bottles.
" ... GreenWeaver line of regalia by Oak Hall Cap & Gown, ... is Penn’s latest greening effort. ... adorn its Class of 2010 seniors in gowns and caps made of 100 percent, post-consumer recycled plastic bottles."
“Penn will begin this academic year announcing our Climate Action Plan, the long-range strategy to reduce our carbon footprint ... Part of that effort is to partner with vendors that promote eco-friendly options. "
" ... fabric will be spun from molten plastic pellets, ... average of 23 bottles needed to make each gown. Recycled plastic bottles are already used to make sweatshirts and other clothing, the company said, and the result is apparel virtually indistinguishable in color, feel or fit from traditional polyester material."
"For every gown purchased, Oak Hall said it will make a contribution to a campus environmental group. At Penn, the contributions will be designated for the University’s Green Fund."
Via: University of Penn LINK
Imagine a toilet that uses no energy and turns waste into compost.
Virginia Gardiner is doing just that ... check out the VIDEO of this interesting GREEN device.
" ...working on a new waterless toilet system ... create a toilet for city dwellers that uses no energy, and turns waste "into a commodity.""
" ... portable, low-tech LooWatt effectively captures odor and allows human waste (... to be turned into a source of energy via anaerobic digestion. With 40 percent of people globally in need of sanitary facilities, it's well worth imagining a solution that doesn't flush drinking water down the toilet."
Via: SustainLane LINK
Coke designed and produced " ... "Drink2Wear" fashion apparel made from recycled plastic bottles ... T-shirts are made from a blend of recycled plastic bottles and cotton and feature playful slogans such as "Make Your Plastic Fantastic" and "Rehash Your Trash." ..."
" ... we expanded ... to include totes, loungewear and caps ... the designs and messages on the product, are intended to promote recycling and eco-friendly food and clothing. ... are reusing and diverting more than 5 million PET bottles from our waste stream."
Via: Coka Cola LINK
Green Rubber™ has invented a process that allows for recycling vulcanized rubber. The de-vulcanization process is called De-Link and promises a way to recycle vulcanized rubber products such as tires.
Typically tires have been thrown in landfills where they collect water and breed mosquito and cause ground water contamination ... and if they catch fire can cause significant air and water pollution.
" ... vulcanization has historically been a non-reversible process ... has not been possible to re-use vulcanized rubber in the production of new rubber products.
"De-vulcanization is the reverse of the vulcanization process ... sulphur bonds are opened up and the chemical characteristics of the de-vulcanized material now resemble virgin rubber ...DeLink reactant is a proprietary and patented chemical mixture ... process is a mechano-chemical reaction in nature ... "
Via: Green Rubber™ LINK
Yesterday I found packaged green peppers in what looked like a paper tray rather than #6 PS foam trays. The product is labeled 100 compostable and 100% biodegradab
le and is made by Biospherecorp.
Compostable and biodegradable beats PS foam! Made from starch that is used as it is and not converted to plastic first ...
" ...Biosphere® Industries joined forces with Sealed Air Corporation, ... as a joint venture partner to bring a new class of sustainable biodegradable packaging products to market. ... Renew-a-Pak® and Blueware™ product lines are ... ultra earth friendly starch based packaging systems. ... do not convert starch into plastic, but bake it, similar to the process of making bread, waffles or ice cream cones. ... manufacture rigid packaging products that perform unlike anything else on earth."
" ... made primarily of starches such as tapioca and potatoes and a smaller percentage of grass fibers making them not only biodegradable, but Earth friendly ... Custom engineered packaging shapes and sizes may be infused with signature colors and custom aromas."
" ... Renew-a-Pak's product line is readily naturally compostable and garbage disposal safe. ... biodegrade completely in 40 days outdoors ... or 10 days in a commercial compost environment while enjoying an indoor shelf life of many years ..."
Via: biosphereindustries LINK
Pervious pavement solve the need for a hardscape surface that can also allow water to soak int the earth rather than flow into a storm sewer. Among the more costly means to handle water are catch basins and ponds to allow for a more controlled flow and absorption.
" ... a unique and effective means to address important environmental issues and support green, sustainable growth.... porous concrete is instrumental in recharging groundwater, reducing stormwater runoff, and meeting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stormwater regulations. ... pervious concrete is among the Best Management Practices (BMPs) recommended by the EPA ... for the management of stormwater runoff ..."
" ... Typically, between 15% and 25% voids are achieved ... flow rates ... typically around 480 in./hr (0.34 cm/s, which is 5 gal/ft²/ min or 200 L/m²/min),... "
Via: PerviousPavement LINK
I first saw the Big Belly at the Green Expo in Philadelphia in April [LINK]. The benefits seemed compelling ... solar power allows siting away from power sources, ability to compact trash 5:1 and it can be outfitted with a wireless connection to signal when full so trash / recycling trucks bypass containers that do not need to be emptied.
This morning [May 18th, 2009)] I saw several being installed along Market St East in center City Philadelphia. Th.jpg "BigBelly - 8th and Market St, Center City Philadelphia")
is photo is of a container on the SE corner of 8th and Market.
"BigBelly is the world's only solar-powered cordless compaction system. ... Increased capacity reduces collection trips and can cut related fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions by 80%. ... has proven successful in urban streets, parks, colleges, arenas - and in all weather conditions."
" ... can hold 150 gallons of trash, ... gets 100% of its energy from the sun and uses less than 5 watt hours/day ..."
Philadelphia is scheduled to get approx. 500 Big Bellies!
Via: BigBelly LINK
Starbucks is solidly behind the green 
movement ... from it LEED roasting facility to it "take the mug pledge". Some folks just want / need a "to go " cup ... and Starbucks is working to make that a greener cup.
Read on for more >>>
" ...environmental impact of our disposable ... cups is a big area of concern to our customers and we are committed to significantly reducing this impact by 2015. ... spent more than ten years looking for ways to decrease the environmental impact of our disposable cups ... In 2006 we launched the industry's first hot beverage paper cup with post-consumer re
cycled fiber. ... in 2008,... we rolled out a new plastic cup that has less of an environmental impact than our original plastic cups."
" ... a 10-cent discount in the U.S. and Canada to ... customers to use their own reusable mugs for their beverages. Customers staying in a store can also request that their beverages be served in a ceramic mug."
Via: Starbucks LINK
The former Strawbridge and Clothier flagship department store in Philadelphia is being remodeled in a green way. PA. REIT has posted window signs and made green dioramas in the store's street side display cases (most of the building has been closed for some time).
" ... bring together 16 state agencies in a former retail space, a 13-story historic building on Market Street, bringing renovations and modernizations throughout the space. ... the arrival of the state agencies will bring 750. employees to the Market East section of Center City, as the state consolidates agencies ... PREIT, which controls everything from the sub-basement to the sixth floor, will renovate vacant space to make room for retail on the first, second and third floors, while maintaining the historical aspects of the building and complying with LEED silver certification requirements."
Photos to follow ...
Via: Phila Biz Journal LINK
... "The Phillies are looking for friendly volunteers from local colleges and community organizations to join the Phillies Ballgirls and help collect recyclable materials from fans in the seating bowl throughout each game at Citizens Bank Park. " ...Via Phillies: Red Goes Green
I noticed an improved packaging design while buying some sunscreen at my local Costco. The packaging was 
marked as 100 % recyclable and called EnviroShell ; made by Winterborne, Inc.
Basically there is a top and bottom cardboard layer with a cut-out in the top layer for the items ... these are protested by a #1 plastic inset ... the package is sandwiched together and is all secure ... but comes apart into cardboard and a recyclable plastic that most locals can recycled.
The packaging is secure / tamper resistant / proof, uses eco-freindly adhesives, has post consumer recycled content and is recyclable!
Via: EnviroShell LINK
eBay has many green aspects to its business model ... including the basic eBay design - helping people sell unneeded / unused stuff ...
They are also greening their campus by making the most of available sunlight, using a smart irrigation system, recycling / using recycled materials, using SOLAR and designing for and achieving LEED ... ...
" ... newest building, in San Jose, California, was designed and built to the ... (LEED) Gold standard."
" ... automatic dimming system detects the amount of natural light ... and adjusts the electric light accordingly, resulting in an estimated 39% energy savings.... Recycled materials are used throughout, including 95% recycled structural steel, 38% recycled carpet tiles and 100% recycled workstation fabric. ... smart irrigation system ... monitors weather conditions, including forecasts, dewpoint and relative humidity levels to determine the optimal and most efficient irrigation pattern."
" ... a 650 kW solar installation at our San Jose North location ... 3,248 panels cover more than a football field of roof space and will take up to 18% of our energy demand at that campus off the grid completely."
Via: ebay Link
Everyone has lots of unused electronics at home. I must have 5 old cell phone, several cordless phones, DSL routers, old TVs, VCRs, etc ...
How to safely get rid of this stuff?
(1) try Freecycle
(2) try donating to a charity if of decent vintage
(3) try selling it on eBay
(4) get the manufacturer to take it back!
We all know about (or should by now) " ... "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" motto — but when it comes to gadgets, being environmentally responsible isn't quite so easy. .... electronics are neither easy for manufacturers to create nor simple for recyclers to disassemble. ...laws on handling e-waste are inconsistent between countries, states and even cities. ... it's confusing as hell for consumers."
Many manufactures have programs to take their stuff back ... some are free, some are free with a new purchase , etc ...
>>> To see a fairly comprehensive list of manufactures programs LINK
Via: Wired's How to Wiki LINK
Most potted plants come in #5 PP containers that are not very easy to recycle (few facilities) or in plastic that is not marked. Bonnie Plants offers plants in biodegradable containers so there is no plastic to throw away ... 
" ... Bonnie Plants ... introduced a new line of earth-friendly products this season under the "Going Greener for You" banner. ... is a company-wide effort toward environmentally friendly products. ...Included in the first phase ... are ... Exclusive biodegradable peat pots ... Jumbo biodegradeable fiber pots ... New recycling and reuse practices and facilities"
"Peat pots,... have already prevented more than 100 million pounds of plastic from ending up in landfills. ... are the country's largest wholesaler of vegetable and herb plants for home gardeners."
" ... recycling facility at our headquarters reuses and recycles supplies, tags, pots, and plant container trays."
Via: Bonnie Plants LINK
Preserve Products are recyclable, made with 100% recycled content and made in the US.
" ... products that offer more. ... perform
ance and style are every bit as important as their impact on the earth. ... make our products from 100% recycled materials, ... all of our products are designed to stay out of landfills when you are finished with them."
" ... products are powered by you and your recycling efforts. ... Preserve's Gimme 5 program, you can recycle your #5 plastics—a kind of plastic that many towns and cities won't recycle...."
" ... Preserve team is made up of 17 people and a host of talented interns who bike, walk, train, and drive (some in bio-diesel fueled cars) to our office outside of Boston i..."
Via: Preserve Produts LINK
Here is an interesting area for green technology ... many folks use water filters but these end up being thrown in
to the trash when spent - and represent an opportunity for recyclers. This is very much in line with the manufacturers and 3rd parties that "rebuild / recondition laser and ink jet print cartridges.
"... Take Back The Filter campaign is thrilled to announce that Brita and Preserve have teamed up to create a take-back recycling program for Brita pitcher filter cartridges ... beginning in January [2009], ... drop off filters at Whole Foods Markets or mail them in. Preserve, a U.S. company manufacturing household products from recycled plastic, will recycle 100% of the plastic casing. And the filter material will be regenerated or converted to energy."
"Contact your local Whole Foods Market and ask the store manager to join Preserve's Gimme 5 program. Each individual store can decide whether or not to participate in collecting #5 plastics, including Brita filters, ..."
Via: takebackthefilter.org LINK
I found what seems like an environmentally friendly packaging material at Whole Foods.s .. they use Bio-Plus
Earth packaging for take out foods ... made by Fold-Pak.
Read more about Fold-Pak Bio-Plus >>>>
" ... Fold-Pak... favorite packaging choice for environmentally conscious restaurants because our containers are made from paper ... Our paper comes from environmentally managed 
forests, using no old growth trees.
" ... our newest product offering, Bio-Plus Earth®. ... is made from 100% recycled paper; using a minimum of 35% post-consumer reclaimed paper. Bio-Plus Earth is endorsed by the Green Restaurant Association and carries the endorsement printed on the bottom of each container. "
Via: Fold-Pak LINK
CelluBlox is a man made building block - similar in some ways to cinder blocks but made with a high percentage of recycled materials.
"... CelluBlox ... is a structural building block made from recycled materials. It averages a rate of about 89% recycled materials with no harmful bi-products ... is virtually fireproof, with exceptional R-value and sound deadening qualities. Its incredible strength to weight ratio provides for ease of installation and a quality finish."
" ... a composite of materials, re-cycled and man-made products that when mixed together form an incredible bond. ... were created to not only offset the cost of construction prices, but to allow eco-friendly people and those that are concerned about the devastation of natural resources, the ability to do something about it ..."
Via: cellublox LINK
Here are some tips from Marcal Paper's web site for getting kids more involved in the green movement ... these ideas can be a fun way to educate kids and get them to start thinking green!
" ... CFL's (Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs). If every American replaced just one ordinary bulb for a CFL Compact Florescent Light bulb, ... save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gasses equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars. ..."
"... a reusable water bottle .... choose a stainless steel reusable water bottle that prevents harmful plastic or aluminum from leaching into the drinking water."
"... reusable grocery bags. ... saves using countless plastic bags ... keeps our landfills free of plastic bags which take up to 1000 years to break down in nature. ..."
" .... Compost your food and yard waste—make some clean, nutrient dirt!"
" ... time your showers and use a bucket to collect the cold water that runs while you're waiting for your shower or bath to heat up. Your garden and plants will appreciate it ..."
Via: Marcal Link
Marcal has been making recycled paper products for many years. Their "Small Steps" branding helps bring this to the markets attention.
In addition to providing employment and a use for recycled paper ... trees are not being cut down as new r
aw materials needlessly.
Read on for more >>>
" ... Marcal is an "Earth-Friendly Paper Goods Company" ... For over 50 years, Marcal has been making its paper from recycled paper, not from trees. ... saving trees and the wildlife it supports, ..."
" ... over five decades, ... saving trees and reducing landfill ... uses paper collected from curbs in residential neighborhoods in cities and towns across America ...uses recyclables from more than 600 municipalities from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and New England. ..."
Via: Marcal Paper LLC LINK
Cameron Catering of Seattle Washington, is a green caterer ... just what is a green caterer - what sets them apart from your regular caterer ?
" ... We also believe that we need to protect the earth and the people who live on it. That is why we research our menus with an eye towards ethics and sustainability and treat our environment with respect. ... commits to: ... Take advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables from local producers ... Incorporate alternative energy vehicles into our delivery fleet ... Recycle everything possible ... Maintain partnerships with like-minded organizations "
" ... Cameron Catering offers a "zero waste" events. ... an event where all the items on the table are 100% compostable. ... able to find corn based products to replace all traditional plastic products. ... all food are compostable through our commercial composting service. In 60 days, these items become nutrient rich soil. ..."
Via: Cameron Catering LINK
What can you do in 30 days? ebay believes you can change the world by making greener choices ... their "30 Days of Green" is meant to highlight this ... "
" ... In 2007, forty eBay employees stepped up to help the company make greener decisions. Now, more than 1,000 are working together as eBay Green Team members.
"
" ... 86 million buyers and sellers on eBay have reused over $100 billion worth of products since 1998. By giving used toasters and toys a longer life and keeping sweaters and cellphones out of landfills, they're making a big difference for the planet."
>>> For links from ebay for more tips, ideas and news about being green and buying green LINK
Via: Green Team LINK
" ... Fuji EnviroMAX™ batteries bring a long-overdue dimension of eco-responsibility to the replacement battery market ... at no added cost....EnviroMAX batteries equal, and most often exceed the performance and longevity of equivalent major brands. ... There is nothing inside a Fuji EnviroMAX battery that will harm the environment if it is disposed of through normal waste systems. ... contain no harmful mercury, cadmium - nor are they packaged with dangerous (and non-recyclable) PVC plastic. ... most of all resources used ... are reused and recycled...are labeled and packaged with recycled paper and P.E.T. plastic. ..."
Via: FUJI Link
Check out this BBC video of a prefab house ... some neat ideas that make for green living ...
" ... One of the exhibits at the TED2009 conference is a pre-fabricated house that boasts state-of-the-art technology and a sustainable design that promotes a green way of living. ... Peter Bowes was given a look inside the home. "
>>> To see the video "Inside the new 'green' house" ... LINK
Via: BBC Link
The Green Thing is about showing you how becoming green and offering easy ways to achieve this. There are 7 things you can do ... " ... walk the walk, stay grounded, all-consuming, easy on the meat, human heat, plug out, stick with what you've got .."
"Green Thing is a public service that inspires people to lead a greener life. With the help of brilliant videos and inspiring stories etc. from creative people and community members around the world, Green Thing focuses on seven things you can do - and enjoy doing. ..."
Check out the cool video narrated by "green thing" that gives details to these 7 principles ...
Meet Green Thing from Green Thing on Vimeo.
Via: Green Thing Link
Staples Eco Easy program offers lots of products that are easy on the environment.
Staples will take back and recycle ink cartridges, cell phones and certain electronics gear.
In addition - they offer a variety of items that are made from recycled materials.
"From nontoxic, natural cleaning products to 100% recycled paper, we give you lots of eco-friendly options. Look for more than 2,900 items in store and online, with more to come."
" ... Did you know that you can make paper out of agricultural wastes? That’s just one of the earth-friendly innovations we’re pursuing. "
>>> I saw an ad / circular in this Sunday's paper that notes that Staples is going to donate to Carbonfund.org to plant trees to offset the impact on certain HP printers for 3 years!
Via: Staples Link
Go Green Expo for NYC (April 17 - 19) and Atlanta (June 26 - 28) are on the way. Go Green Expo has already been to LA and Philadelphia ...
The Green Dude and Green Tech both visited the Phila show and came away impressed by the information available. Among the neat things I saw were ... 
- solar powered garbage can ... when the trash level crosses a light beam it is crushed down ... it can be equipped with a wireless devise to alert you when full ...
- paper made from elephant dung ... used for business cards and fine writing paper ... 
- several manufacturers of dry cleaner garment bags ... you take your dry cleaning to the cleaners in these bags and they are returned in the same bag -- eliminating the need for plastic bags. There were several models available ... from organic cotton to bags made with recycled plastic bags (though a much heavier fabric).
>>> QUESTION to our readers ... I am considering getting one of the dry cleaner bags (permanent end to plastic bags) ... have any of you tried these and how hove your cleaners responded?
Via: Go Green Expo LINK
Dow ... developed new HYPOD™ Polyolefin Dispersions (PODs) for carpet applications. ... allow manufactures to apply thermoplastic carpet backing using conventional coating equipment. Unlike many carpet backing technologies that are available today, PODs are thermoplastic, not thermoset, which makes it easier to recycle the carpet at the end of its life.
HYPOD Polyolefin Dispersions offer this enhanced recyclability, and low odor and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), while maintaining excellent physical properties ... carpet industry has a goal to divert 40 percent of discarded carpeting from landfills by 2012, under a joint industry-government effort known as Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE). ..."
Via: Dow Link
Carrpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) is a joint
industry-govern
ment effort to increase the amount of recycling and reuse of post-consumer carpet and reduce the amount of waste carpet going to landfills. ...
Carpet America Recovery Effort has lots of good information on its site including news releases and "how much carpet wqas divertted" while visiting the site
Via: Carpet America Recovery Effort LINK
" ... energy-efficient hardware components in the new Mac mini wo
rk ... can dynamically adjust power consumption to reduce the energy used overall. ... uses an advanced power management system ... allows Mac mini to use ... up to 45 percent less power at idle than its predecessor. And it makes Mac mini the most energy-efficient desktop computer."
" ... meets ...ENERGY STAR certification. ... meets the latest efficiency requirements of ENERGY STAR Version 5.0 Specification ..." 
" ... following features to reduce environmental impact: ... BFR-free ... PVC-free (internal cables) ... Highly recyclable aluminum and polycarbonate enclosure ...retail packaging is 31 percent smaller ... volume of the shipping box has decreased by 60 percent ..."
Via: Apple Link
The Go Green Expo comes to Philadelphia, at the PA Convention Center in center city Philadelphia, this weekend ...hours are ...
Friday, March 13th • 10am - 5pm
Saturday, March 14th • 10am - 6pm
Sunday, March 15th • 10am - 5pm
"Go Green Expo, ... was conceived after a viewing of the film "An Inconvenient Truth." It prompted the question, "How can we make a difference?" ... will change not only the public's perception of environmentalism but also how events like this are produced and managed. ... Even the event itself is environmentally friendly utilizing a ZERO Carbon footprint approach ... Biodegradable trash bags, eco-friendly printing, table coverings, recycled signs, compostable sponsor banners and more. Event waste will be separated and sorted to ensure the least amount of refuse going to the landfills. Staff travel and a portion of every ticket that is purchased will be carbon offset."
See the Video by Ed Begley -- he is not at the Philadelphia show ... Via: GoGreenExpo Link
"... Dow is challenging packaging value chain members to work together toward 100 percent recyclable packaging solutions - and asking consumers to challenge their misconceived view of plastic packaging as "waste.""
" ... plastic packaging can be very much a part of the solution to many challenges facing society. ... packaging should be viewed as a waste reducer. It contributes to the extended shelf life of many food products and reduces the amount of product lost to contamination...."
"... players in this industry need ...to demonstrate the concept of life-cycle thinking when it comes to plastic packaging - from first uses to multiple re-use or traditional recycling, and eventually to the concept of recycle-to-energy - ..."
" ... 100 percent recycling, all the way to recycle-to-energy, is a bold consideration, Dow is calling on industry leaders to join it in challenging the status quo and find ways to initiate this industry-changing concept. ..."
Via: Dow LINK
The USPS ... is the only mailing or shipping company in the nation to achieve "Cradle to Cradle"SM Certification at the Silver level from MBDC (McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry) ..."
"... Certification is a scientifically based process ... to assess the environmental attributes of materials used in products. ... Based on the recycled content of the more than 500 million Express Mail and Priority Mail packages and envelopes ... each year, more than 15,000 metric tons of carbon equivalent emissions (climate change gases) now will be prevented annually. Express Mail and Priority Mail boxes and envelopes also are 100 percent recyclable."
The USPS " ... also worked ... to gain certification for an additional 200 million pieces of mailing supplies used each year (decals, labels, packing tape), examining inks, tapes and adhesives."
Via: USPS LINK
In addition to its own "green initiative" that include recycling, buying and using recycled materials and reusing old materials ... the
USPS will soon help you recycle small electronics.
Read on for more ... >>>
"This spring in select Post Offices, customers can get free prepaid mail-back envelopes for recycling inkjet cartridges, cell phones, PDAs, digital cameras and other small electronics."
Via: USPS Green Recycle Link
A number of PC (Dell, IBM, ...) and electronics manufacturers (Motorola, ...) offer recycling programs. Now a national retailer does as well ...
What to do with your old electronics? Rather than toss them in the trash and have them add to the piles of e-waste ... recycle them at Best Buy.
" ... offer electronics recycling at all Best Buy stores nationwide. ... trust us to help you safely dispose of your old [electronics] ... everything from TVs and computers to DVD players and more ....we'll recycle it. ... does not charge a fee for recycling most consumer electronics. However, we do charge $10 for TVs, CRTs, monitors and laptops, which is offset with a $10 gift card. ... accept up to two items per household per day."
Via: Best Buy Link
"All fabrics used for the GreenSmart Bottles 2 Bags are derived from certified 100% post-consumer recycled PET water and soda bottles."
" ... co
mmitted to converting all items the Company makes to green material composition. ... any company can make a few products green, we will commit to making them all green—and we'll tell people what that greenness is product for product and what positive result there is."
Via: act2greensmart Link
Many companies are making "GOING GREEN" part of their business; both to their benefit (cost savings) and to the planet's benefit (less waste, energy, etc.)
Read to learn what Frito Lay is doing in the areas of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
" ... reusing our [shipping] cartons five or six times each, we're using 120,000 tons less paperboard a year. Once ... no longer usable, they are recycled.
" ... reduced the amount of material we use in our packaging by 10% over the past 5 years. ... that's enough to cover more than 72,000 football fields. ... improving our chip bags to extend their shelf life, we've saved 5 million pounds of packaging and product from going into landfills."
" ... don't let our potato peelings and cracked corn go to waste ... Every year, about 20 million pounds of unused agricultural material ... goes out to America's livestock and dairy farms, reducing our impact on local wastewater systems and providing quality feed for American cattle."
Via: Frito Lay LINK
Wal-Mart's push towards becoming more green has spill over effects to retailers and customers. Examples are that they are one of the largest seller of CFBs and their redesigned milk "bottle" that reduces packaging and waste and allows significantly more milk to be shipped per truck.
An extension of this was their challenge to reduce packaging - which HP accepted ... and came up with a novel way to ship laptops to retailers ...
Read on for more >>>
" ... Walmart asked electronics manufacturers to ... reduce environmental impact, HP ... was up for the challenge. ...a winning solution that reduced packaging materials by 97%.*"
"*...HP has reduced 97% of the amount of packaging waste the customer will need to discard. ...Factoring in the master carton, HP has reduced 65% of the packaging waste©"
Via: HP LINK
Continue reading "HP Wins Wal-Mart Challenge to Save on Packaging" »
For Philadelphians - the question of "paper or plastic" may no longer be a choice they have to - or can make.
From several news stories on the radio and in the
paper -- part of the argument was that the bags are everywhere, require extra labor to pick up and are clogging parts of the city water system / sewer system. Another is that animals can either get caught in them or ingest them.
For all their value - they can be a mess when on the loose as TRASH / LITTER.
In February 2009 Philadelphia City Council " ... re-introduced a bill that would ban the distribution of plastic grocery bags. ... tried two years ago but retailers and chemicals companies successfully argued that the same results could be achieved through a recycling program and public education campaign."
" ... ... problem ... was never any follow through. ... Here's the wording from the 2007 plastic bag ban."
"Mandatory Use of Recyclable and Compostable Checkout Bags.
(a) No supermarket or pharmacy shall provide checkout bags other than:
(i) recyclable paper bags;
(ii) compostable plastic bags; and/or
(iii) reusable bags."
What is your take?
>>> Do you use / prefer plastic bags?
>>> Do you recycle / reuse plastic bags?
Via: WHYY LINK
In order to increase participation in city wide recycling - Philadelphia has fine tuned their recycling program ... to make it weekly and coincide with regular trash pick up ... no more wondering when the recyclables go out to the curb ...
"... as of January 5th, you can now recycle every week on the same day as trash day. It's easier, more convenient, and good for the whole city - spread the word!... "
Why? " ... For you - It feels good to be part of a city-wide effort...and it's contagious! ... For your city - Recycling creates jobs, earns money for neighborhood programs, and brings a greater sense of pride to our city. ... For your environment - Recycling conserves natural resources, so our whole planet can stay healthier for generations to come...."
Via: Link
Here are some public service advertisements that have been appearing in several magazines reminding us to recycle ... pretty easy to do ... most towns require paper recycling and in some trains stations (SEPTA included) there are paper only recycling bins.
" ... public service advertisements (PSAs) as part of an industry-wide effort to increase magazine recycling by consumers ... available in full-page, half-page and digest formats, deliver the message that magazines can and should be recycled, and that helping the environment is everyone's responsibility ..."
>>> Save a landfill ... ! It's simple, it's easy ... Do it!
>>> You are recycling your magazines ... right?
Via: Magazine Publishers of America Link
Flents "Back to Nature" biodegradable wipes cause less impact on the environment than individual wipes sealed in foils. The wipes are biodegradable and the container is #2 HDPE - also recyclable.,
Via: Yahoo Stores Link
Looking for a way to safely dispose of used computer hardware and help a non profit? Refurbished Computer Initiative may be just what you are looking for ...
Read on for more >>>
"... Refurbished Computer Initiative gives nonprofits nationwide ... refurbished computer systems at a discount. The first nationwide refurbishing program geared strictly to nonprofits ... provides an environmentally friendly alternative to used equipment disposal."
" ... partners donate their used computers, which are then refurbished ... TechSoup ... distributes all of these refurbished computers to qualified nonprofits for a low administrative fee."
" ... hope to significantly decrease the disposal of still-useful computers while acting to reduce harmful waste. In the future, we will provide incentives to nonprofits to trade in refurbished RCI equipment that has reached the end of its useful life cycle, or has become obsolete, for a further discount on newer refurbished machines."
Via: TechSoup Stock LINK
Apple's new MacBook line of computers boasts some impressive GREEN credentials ... the result of design efforts to remove mercury and arsenic from the display, and new packaging that uses less material and highly recyclable aluminum cases and glass screens.
Read on for more >>>
" ... designed with the following features to reduce its environmental footprint: * Arsenic-free glass, * Mercury-free LED-backlit display, * BFR-free internal components, * PVC-free internal cables, * Highly recyclable aluminum and glass enclosure, * Up to 41 percent smaller packaging ..."
" ... the greenest family of notebooks ever made ... the MacBook, can run on just one-quarter the power of a single lightbulb. ... packaging is up to 41 percent smaller ..."
Via: Apple Computer LINK
Gemline, a manufacturer, based in Massachusetts that has a line of ECO friendly products, eco-CHOICE, ... so if you are looking for alternatives to everyday products or products made with recycled PVC, paper and the like ... read on.
" ... our recycled PET products begin with plastic bottles ... recycled cardboard products are made from cardboard boxes ... and used to make our Eco-Choice™ product line."
" ... pushing industry boundaries by utilizing more environmentally friendly materials across
more categories than ever before. From recycled and organic products to bamboo and
PVC–free materials, ... As a company, we are committed to bringing you even more products that
are good for business and even better for the environment. "
Via: GEMLINE Link
Continue reading "Gemline - Living Green - Green Products" »
Motorola's W233 Renew is " ... made from plastics that contain recycled water bottles and is the first certified Carbonfree® cell phone on the market. ... offset the en
ergy to manufacture, distribute and operate the phone by investing in renewable energy sources and reforestation. ... 100% of the Motorola W233 Renew's phone housing is recyclable. ..."
" ... packaging, ... reduce its size by 22 percent and the box and all of the materials inside are printed on 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper. ... a postage-paid recycling envelope in box makes it easy to return your previous mobile phone for recycling at no cost."
Via: Motorola LINK
Molam International, based near Atlanta, Georgia, uses modern technology to safely recycle e-waste. They are a partner with Sony and Waste Management in their take back recycling program.
"Using leading edge technology to recycle trailing edge ... items are dismantled for recycling into reusable commodities (plastics, metals, glass, etc.), or refurbished ... in full compliance with Environmental Protection Agency's requirements ... "
"To date under a nationwide contract with the U.S. EPA, ... recycled over 25,000,000 lbs of electronics scrap. ..."
Via: Molam International LINK
Geami has a really neat sustainable packaging material. It is a available "in bulk" to companies that ship lots of product and to consumers .... I saw it a my local Staples ... 
The product is made from kraft paper that is cut and then expanded into a 3-D profile with a paper liner ... so instead of using plastic foam, bubble wrap or plastic peanuts you have an all recyclable product ... and one that is available with post consumer waster paper.... this is an all recyclable product that takes up less storage space and therefore uses less fuel to ship.
Read on for more and check out the Video on the middle of the page >>>
Via: Geami Protective Packaging LINK
For years thermostats have been made with a small vial of mercury (center top in picture) that was used to make electrical contact based on temperature.
Newer digital thermostats does not contain mercury so as consumers replace the old with the new -- there is the possibility of contamination from disposal of the old style thermostats. Mercury can contaminate the air and the water and is a neurotoxin ... it is nasty stuff!
" ... Pennsylvania's new Mercury-Free Thermostat Law ... will allow people to safely dispose of out-of-service thermostats containing mercury."
" ... Law, effective December 8, 2009, bans the sale, installation and disposal of mercury thermostats. ... requires that thermostat manufacturers establish and maintain a collection and recycling program for out-of-service mercury thermostats; ... Wholesalers who sell thermostats must participate as a collection site for mercury thermostats."
Via: nbcbayarea.com LINK
Continue reading "Pennsylvania's "Mercury Free Thermostat Law"" »
Verizon has an active and effective recycling program in place. Read on for some statistics >>>
" .. waste reduction and recycling program that focuses on minimizing waste, utilizing quality products made with recycled material, and recycling marketable materials."
" ... Defective equipment is repaired and reused. ... collects used cellular phones to resell, refurbish or recycle under its HopeLine® program. ... more than 4.5 million cell phones have been recycled or refurbished and more than 200 tons of electronics waste and batteries have been kept out of landfills. ... customers can drop their used rechargeable batteries at any of our retail locations nationwide. Between the HopeLine® and Charge Up to Recycle programs, Verizon Wireless recycled 35 tons of batteries in 2007."
Via: Verizon LINK
So ... you are finally convinced to switch from incandescent bulbs to LEDs for your tree and house ... and other decorations? Good idea ... but what to do with the old bulbs?
Holidayleds.com will take them for you and recycle them and give you a discount off products.
Read on for more >>>
" ... Mail them in and the company recycles the lights and the box they were shipped in, ... will send you a coupon for 15 percent off LED light purchases through their site. ..."
" ... lights will be processed and any material that cannot be recycled (i.e. loose bulbs)is discarded. ... we take them to a 3rd party recycling facility ... recycling company puts the lights through a commercial shredder, ... the various components ... are separated and transported to a region center for further processing...."
Via: Holiday LED LINK
Want to make it a GREEN Christmas this yer? Wondering what you can do to be GREEN this holiday season?
Read on for more ...
"... LED Light ... switch from ... incandescent lights to LED (light emitting diode) ... and watch your energy bill and carbon footprint drop. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ten incandescent Christmas light strands, running all night, produce 300 pounds of CO2, versus 30 pounds with LED lights."
" ... Rent a Tree ... The Living Christmas Tree Company in Portland, Ore., will deliver ... then return and pick up the tree after Christmas and deliver them to local parks, schools and other groups who pay $10 to have the trees planted on their property. ..."
Click the LINK below for lots more ...
Via: earth911.com LINK
Here is an idea that combines Recyvcling with cash for organizations ...
Read on for more >>>
" ... Paper Retriever Program promotes recycling by placing distinctive green and yellow Paper Retriever bins (at no cost) in highly visible areas at schools, churches and other non-profit organizations. ... organizations are then paid for the recyclable paper ... in their
Paper Retriever bin. ..."
Via: PaperRetriever Link
Sometimes it is very easy to make changes in your daily activities that make your actions GREENER. Here are 10 things you can do to make your home or office greener.
"Shutting off the lights, powering down PCs and monitors, using coffee mugs instead of Styrofoam cups, encouraging use of mass transit, and other simple, common-sense steps can reduce consumption and contribute to a greener environment, making your company and your employees more eco-friendly. This video looks at ways businesses can spur green behavior on - and off - premises."
VIDEO -- could not get it to embed in this post ,,, it's a 3:41 min clip.
Via: eweek Link
Recycling paper is one effective, easy way to extend la
landfill capacity. Most places that recycle (like everywhere?) accept newspapers and magazines. In Philadelphia, some SEPTA train stations have special recycling cans for magazines and newspapers.
The Magazine Publishers of America have a series of public service ads publishers can run ... see pictures in this post.
" ... public service advertisements (PSAs) as part of an industry-wide effort to increase magazine recycling by consumers, ... The three new creative executions, a... deliver the message that magazines can and should be recycled, and that helping the environment is everyone's responsibility. The ads direct consumers to www.Earth911.com for information on how to recycle magazines in their specific geographical location. The tagline on all three ads is "Make It a Habit. Recycle." "
Recycle your magazines ... it's easy ...
Via: Magazine Publishers of America Link
Paper or Plastic? The choice may soon be made for us ...
"Wal-Mart Stores Inc will give out fewer plastic shopping bags, and encourage shoppers to reuse and recycle them, as the retailer aims to slash its plastic bag waste by a third worldwide by 2013. ... expected to cut the equivalent of 9 billion plastic bags from stores each year, and eliminate more than 135 million pounds of plastic waste globally in the next five years."
" ... aims to reduce plastic bag waste by 25 percent in its U.S. stores and 50 percent in other countries. ... U.S. stores will begin selling a new 50-cent reusable bag in October, and its baggers will be trained to pack bags more efficiently."
Via: Reuters.com Link
Villanova University "created" a new wetlands area from a retention basin. "... existing stormwater detention basin on Villanova University property has been converted into an extended detention wetland BMP (Center for Watershed Protection 1996) ... wetland treats runoff from a 41 acre site that includes approximately 16 acres of impervious surface, ..."
" ... site has been instrumented to collect flow and level data, as well as conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature measurements. ... An educational sign has been installed to enhance the learning experience. ..."
Via: Villanova University Link
Waste heat recovery is the process of taking the heat from a heat emitting piece of equipment, like a computer, and using it for heating something else - rather than just dissipating it to the environment ... and potentially saving the cost of air conditioning.
"... waste heat recovery, an energy efficiency technique that languishes in obscurity despite its potentially huge environmental benefits. ... in a move that will save money and cut carbon emissions, the University of Notre Dame in Indiana has begun housing some of its computer servers in the nearby “Arizona Desert Dome,” a conservatory for cacti and other desert plants.
"Computer servers create a lot of waste heat ... keeping them cool is a major cost ... for data centers. ... Housing servers in the desert dome, where air currents can carry away their waste heat, is expected to save the university about $100,000 in cooling costs. Meanwhile, the city will save some of the $70,000 it spends each year to keep the conservatory warm. ..."
"Recycled waste heat presents one of the biggest, cheapest opportunities for slashing our carbon budget. ..."
Via: TerraPass Link
Google shares their experience and perspective on green data centers and sustainable practices. As servers reach their end of life, the company retires the equipment and recycles the materials. ...
... "We believe that reuse is an important part of the solution, and we're proud to say that 68% of our retired server material is re-purposed. Redeploying existing machines saves raw materials, energy, and carbon dioxide emissions by avoiding the manufacture and distribution of new equipment. " ...Via Google: Sustainable Server Retirement
Reducing plastic waste is a benefit to everyone (except maybe the folks t hat make plastic packaging). It adds cost to the final goods and results in waste to throw away and is not yet recyclable.
WalMart in Canada announced on May 12th, 2008 "... goal to reduce the packaging of products sold in its stores,... it will phase out all PVC plastic packaging in the energy saving light bulb category and replace it with ... cardboard packaging. ... will eliminate an estimated 150,000 pounds of PVC plastic waste each year, increase package recyclability and save natural resources."
" ... has a goal to reduce the packaging on the products sold in its stores by five per cent by 2013. ... impact of removing 213,000 trucks from the road, saving approximately 324,000 tonnes of coal and 67 million gallons of diesel fuel each year.
Via: WalMart LinkContinue reading "WalMart Canada to Phase out Some Plastic Packaging" »
Spence Brown was one of the winners in Keen's STAND contest. His Zero Waste Moving company is described below ..
"Rent-a-Green Box.com is the first, comprehensive zero-wast
e pack and move solution in America. ... Spencer Brown, a ... eco-entrepreneur is converting trash ... into a suite of sustainable, cradle to cradle, packing and moving products. ... three durable, rentable and reusable moving boxes called Recopacks [ recycled ecological packing solution]. ...
For every 100 Recopacks rented, we remove over 500 pounds of hard to recycle plastic trash from our landfills, prevent over 350 pounds of packing and moving waste entering our landfills, reduce our fuel consumption by 50 gallons, eliminate over 2,500 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions from entering our atmosphere and save three trees ..."
Via: Keen Link
Yakima makes lots of outdoor related items -- mostly various items for carrying bikes, canoes and the like on your car or truck. So ... it is not surprising that they are very much into the outdoors and the environment ...
" ... dedicated to helping people get into the great outdoors. ... anytime you manufacture something it inevitably has an impact on the environment. ... Our primary objective is reduction. Because let's face it, it’s much easier to clean up after yourself when you’re not messy in the first place. And then what we can't reduce, we off-set. "
" ... partnered with carbonfund.org to calculate the cost of our remaining footprint and then donate however much it takes to offset it. ... It's our little way of helping pave the road to a greener future."
Here are some things Yakima does in manufacturing to reduce their impact ...
Via: Yakima Link
Compact Florescent Bulbs (CFB) have many positive qualities including:
- lower energy use for a given light output and longer life ...but they contain small amounts of mercury ... sdo ... how do you safely dispose of them? Home Depot now has a CFB recycling program ... just bring your CFB to the front service desk and they will collect them for safe disposal of them.
>>> I tried this at a local Home Depot and it was just that easy!
"... a national in-store, ... (CFL) bulb recycling program at all 1,973 The Home Depot locations. This free service is the first such offering made so widely available by a retailer in the United States ...Home Depot Canada launched a CFL recycling program in November, 2007."
Via: Home Depot Link
We've seen washing machines that tell you whose turn it is, offer remote monitoring, sterilize garb, require no water, and tackle more stains than we knew were possible to pick up, but Sanyo's forthcoming machine lives life on the greener side, and cuts down your trips to the dry cleaners to boot. The aptly-named AQUA was spotted as CES, and aside from the thoughtfully designed entry door that's high enough for folks to reach while standing up, this gizmo rocks a unique "Aqualoop" feature that allows it to recycle water for use in future washes. Moreover, the Air Wash function enables owners to clean clothes at home that are typically reserved for the dry cleaners, as it "infuses" your swag with odor / bacteria-killing chemicals without the use of water, leaving your wearables fresh and your body at home. Although there's no word on price or future availability just yet, we've still got more than a few reservations when it comes to reusing soiled liquid to, um, clean dirty clothing.
Via: engadget Link
Here is a bit of creativity ... recycling materials to make a solar hot water heater ...
"... beer bottles lie on a board in rows, all connected by hoses which allow cold water to flow through them and be heated by the sun."
"“I invented this for my mother. I wanted h
er to shower at any time more comfortably,” says Ma Yanjun, a carpenter, of Qiqiao village, Shaanxi Province."
For details to MAKE YOUR OWN check this LINK
Via: TerraPass Link
fryOdiesel takes a waste produict - one that restauratns and other inductries have to PAY TO get ride of and turns it in to a profitable fuels ... reducing wates and turning trash into cash.
"PFoD has developed patent-pending technology for the production of high quality diesel fuel from fats, oils, and greases. ... produce ASTM-grade biodiesel from sewer trap grease and other waste greases."
" ...fats, oils, and grease in the wastewater system is a costly problem ... causi
ng sewer backups and resulting in millions of dollars of fines and billions of dollars of forced infrastructure upgrades."
"PFoD solves the problem of grease in the sewers by providing a beneficial reuse of what is now a costly pollutant."
fryOdiesel is based in Philadelphia, Pa.
Via: fryOdiesel Link
Looking for that perfect green / recycled gift?
How about: ...
- a bracelet made from old floppy disks?
- a briefcase made from mosquito netting?
Check out Great Green Goods .. " is a shopping blog. Everything featured is created from recycled materials. We find the ordinary as well as the unusual eco-friendly products created from previously used resources"
Via: Great Green Goods Link
ATLANTA, June 24, 2008 - "... Home Depot(R), ... launching a national in-store, consumer compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb recycling program at all 1,973 The Home Depot locations. This free service is the first such offering made so widely available by a retailer in the United States... Home Depot Canada launched a CFL recycling program in November, 2007" 
" ... customers can simply bring in any expired, unbroken CFL bulbs, and give them to the store associate behind the returns desk. The bulbs will then be managed responsibly by an environmental management company who will coordinate CFL packaging, transportation and recycling to maximize safety and ensure environmental compliance"
" ... CFL recycling program is an extension of The Home Depot's Eco Options program. ... a classification that allows customers to easily identify products that have less of an impact on the environment.
" ... more than 75 percent of households located within 10 miles of a Home Depot store, this program is the first national solution to providing Americans with a convenient way to recycle CFLs."
CFB can save energy but have a downside in that they contain smalll amounts of mercury ... this is toxic if released into the air or water. Recycling provides a way to ssafely dispose of these energy saving bulbs.
Via: The Home Depot Link
Primo sells water in 3 and 5 gallon recyclable jugs. When you are done with the bottle you return it to the store and it is reused again and again ... and eventually recycled into other products.
Less packaging, easy to recycle as there is a container at the store where you return them ... sort of like
the cages for returning propane tanks.
I saw these on a trip this past week to the Pocono's and was impressed ... let me know what you think ...
" ... Primo's Zero Waste bottles, ... reducing landfill waste and demand for crude oil. Once we are no longer able to use our bottles, they are recycled ... by becoming other products, such as carpet fibers and other packaging products. ..."
Via: Primo Link
Making steel creates a lot of environmental impact ... illegal guns cause a significant societal impact ... so recycling illegal guns into storm drain covers and manhole covers is good for both society and the environment.
In NYC, " ... periodically takes the guns it gathers ... to a scrap metal processing plant in Elmsford, N.Y. There they are chopped up into tiny pieces and sold for about 25 cents a pound. "
Rather than just destroying illegal guns / guns from crime after they are not needed for evidence ... (shredding, etc.) they are recycled and do not take up dump space ... or as once done ... thrown into the ocean (I guess that criminals finally caught on to this one!!)
Via: Freepublic.com Link
Recycline takes plastic "scrap", shreds it into pellets and remolds it into toothbrushes and razors and ... other new 
items -- that can again be recycled.
Read on for more about this Waltham, Mass based company!
" ... makes Preserve® -- a line of ... eco-friendly products for your home. ... combine socially and environmentally responsible business practices with groundbreaking design to create products that people feel good about h
aving in their homes ..."
" ... plastic recycling market represented ... opportunity to reuse our earth’s resources (plastics are made from oil and natural gas—making up roughly 9% of the world’s petroleum usage) ... offering ... products for almost every room in your home. ..."
The Preserve line of products are " ... made from 100% recycled plastics and 100% post-consumer paper ... "
Via: Recycline Link
Continue reading "Preserve line of Recycleable Products... by Recycline" »
Wondering how to recycle that old cell phone so it does not go into a landfill??
Wonder no more .. Nokia to the rescue! Fill in the on line Web for
m and Nokia will send a postage paid mailing label for your old phone.
"Nokia is committed to the environment. ...Be gentle on the environment and let Nokia recycle it in a way that conserves our natural resources at no charge to you. Recycle your old phone today."
See site for more details ...
Via: Nokia Link
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Plastic bottles are already recyclable (#2 type). Now companies are looking at the amount of plastic per bottle.
Now Pepsico (owner of Pepsi Cola) has announced that they are " ... introducing its lightest 500mL flavored non-carbonated beverage bottle yet. ... has reduced the plastic in this bottle by 20%, which will eliminate approximately 20 million pounds of waste ... The lighter bottles will begin hitting store shelves this month."
" ... In addition to a 20% reduction in the plastic resin, there will be a 10% reduction in the label size and a 5% reduction in the shrink wrap film used to wrap the multi-packs."
“ ... challenge was to deliver significantly lighter packaging that would provide the same shelf life as the heavier bottle, withstand the manufacturing and distribution process yet not compromise aesthetics,” ..."
Via: Pepsico.com Link
How do you recycle old subway cars? Many have already been re purposed into artificial reefs off the coasts of NY and NY.
NY City's MTA " ... made more than 1,200 “retired “Red Bird” subway cars available to Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, Delaware and New Jersey. [for] a new purpose-- to help form artificial reefs and become habitats for marine life. After we stripped the subway cars of components that float (oils, solids, etc.) and decompose, NYC Transit steam cleaned the cars, which were loaded on barges and “buried” at sea."
Via: NYC MTA Link
One of the initatives of IBM's Project Big Green is to look for ways to resuce its' own energy needs and those of its clients.
"GIB-Services today announced a new energy efficient "green" data center ... will offer a first-of-its-kind energy model where a direct heat exchange will take place between the data center and a public swimming pool in the town."
"Located in Uitikon, Switzerland, ... is expected to create 2,800 MWh of wasted heat per year ... at full capacity -- the same amount of energy needed to supply up to 80 houses with heating and warm water for one year...."
"... Through reclaiming the heat, approximately 130 tons of carbon emissions can be saved. This corresponds to the carbon dioxide discharge of mid-size cars driving 500,000 miles."
Via: IBM Link
Nokia has an intersting "concept" phone that incorporates some green thinking ... 
Read on for more >>>
" ... two parts – a wearable sensor unit which can sense and analyze your environment, health, and local weather conditions, and a dedicated mobile phone. "
"... sensor ... made from solar cells that provide power to the sensors. ..."
" ...phone and the sensor unit will be as compact as possible to minimize material use, and those materials used in the design will be renewable and/or reclaimed. Technologies used inside the phone and sensor unit will also help save energy."
Via: Nokia Link
Continue reading "Nokia Eco Sensor Concept Phone -- Looking Green!" »
RecycleBank helps communites increase participation in their recycling programs via incentives. The incentives take the form of awards that can be used at participaing local stores.
"Cherry Hill [NJ] was looking for a cost-effective way to reduce waste and curb rising landfill fees, and double ... its existing recycling program. By offering a reward-based initiative and streamlining recycling efforts, RecycleBank makes it easy for citizens to participate in the program. "
"... RecycleBank ... provides communities with a cost-effective and environmentally conscious solution to the rising cost of waste collection."
"RecycleBank ... [provides] ... tools to quickly and easily measure the amount of material each home recycles. ... then converted into RecycleBank reward dollars that can be used with hundreds of local and national reward partners. ..."
Via: Recycle Bank Link
Via: Cherry Hill, NJ Link
Continue reading "Recycle Bank and Cherry Hill, NJ: Increasing Recycling Rates" »
The newly opened ACME in Concordville, PA is GREEN.
How GREEN? Very Green !!
Read on for more >>>>
" ... What makes this supermarket so special? LEED registration and hopefully soon - certification!"
... Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) ... promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality."..."
The complete listing of all the GREEN work / thought / materials / concepts that went into this building go on and on but here are some of the items ...
" ... is located within ½ mile of a residential area with 10 units per acre and has pedestrian access to 10 basic services within ½ mile ... Preferred parking (5% of total vehicle capacity) to be provided for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles. ... Water Efficient Landscaping - ... No use of potable water for irrigation. ... Recycle or salvage at least 50% or 75% of non-hazardous construction waste. ... ... an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan for the construction phase of the project. ...Via: Dever Architects Link
... "Several U.S. States are using recycling bins with embedded RFID chips. Bins are scanned and weighed right at the curb. An RFID enabled system, tallies credits for households that are above average for recycling. The system then issues recycle dollars that can be used at participating businesses for discounts. " ...Via AIM Global: RFID Technologies in Green Applications
Freecycle is a group that uses the network of its members to keep "stuff" out of landfills .. by making "stuff" available at no cost to its members.
Think Recycle for Free.
"Our mission is to build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources & eases the burden on our landfills while enabling our members to benefit from the strength of a larger community."
To join a Freecycle group or look for one near you ... Link.
Via: Freecycle.com Link
ebags, and online retailer of bags and travel gear ... offers a line of eco-friendly bags ... including recycled, repurposed and sustainable products.
"Many designers and bag brands have recognized their effect on the environment. As a result, they’ve created products using earth-friendly manufacturing processes and properties while maintaining design, form and function."
Via: ebags.com Link
Fortune's "Brainstorm Green" is an invitation only event on April 21 - 22, 2008 in Pasadena, California.
Set to occur during Earth Day, 2008 (April 22) the event brings " ... environmentally-minded business leaders and the green movement's brightest thinkers ..." together for "... for FORTUNE's first-ever Brainstorm: GREEN Conference."
" ... will be an unprecedented gathering of business and environmental leaders, as executives, academics, politicians and NGOs join to discuss the impact of the green movement and explore the opportunities and challenges facing FORTUNE 500 companies, entrepreneurs, government, and the financial world."
Continue reading "Fortune Brainstorm Green - April 21-22, 2008" »
Earth Day is coming - Sat Arpil 19th, 2008.
>>> Read on for more ...
" .... 1-800-GOT-JUNK? invites you to get rid of electronic waste the green way ... will be out in numerous communities across North America offering free e-waste collection.* ... will properly collect and recycle thousands of pounds of e-waste on this one day. ..."
"*In some cities a nominal surcharge will be added for each electronic disposed."
See WebSite for locators by State ...
Via: 1-800-GOT-JUNK Link
Continue reading "1-800-GOT-JUNK to host free Earth Day E-Waste Day" »
" ... Japan will urge citizens to carry their own chopsticks ... and go shopping with their own bags instead of using plastic ones, in a bid to more than halve the garbage it produces."
"Japan aims to reduce the total amount of garbage — produced by both industries and individuals — by 60 percent of the fiscal 2000 level to 25.3 million tons by fiscal 2015 under the plan posted on the ministry's Web site."
Via: Time.Com Link
"PHILADELPHIA (March 24, 2008) – ... ARAMARK today announced a variety of environmentally-friendly practices that it will incorporate into its operations at Major League Baseball stadiums."
"... ARAMARK is working c... to enhance existing in-stadium environmental efforts as well as implement new programs to reduce environmental impact. ..."
“...Our environmental strategy provides us with an opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint, while continuing to deliver exceptional ballpark services and menus for our baseball partners and fans.”"
Ball Parks included are:
Citizens Bank Park,
Coors Field'
Fenway Park,
McAfee Coliseum,
Minute Maid Park,
Oriole Park at Camden Yards'
PNC Park.
Waste reduction / carbon footprint reduction efforts include " Recycling glass, plastic and cardboard generated from game day preparation, bio-degradable service ware and cups and napkins made from 100% post consumer fiber, Recycling frying oil to be used as bio-diesel fuel."
Via: Aramark Link
We all have heard the phrase "one man's junk is another's ...".
One way to "recycle" is to reuse and one way to reuse is to swap your stuff rather than throw it in the landfill.
The Chester County (PA) Refuse Authority has an online swap page where people can list stuff they are willing to part with ... and what they will take in return ...
" ... seccra-swap.com - the online place where people meet to get rid of their things of value.... Help one another to recycle and save precious space in our landfill. The environment thanks you. Don't throw it away, give it away!"
Via: SECCRA Link
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Not all recyclers take old phone books.
Know why ???
" ... fibers used to make the books’ lightweight pages are too short to be reformulated into new paper. ... mixing old phonebooks in with other waste paper can even contaminate the batch, hindering the recyclability of the other paper fibers."
" ... phonebook papers are 100 percent recyclable and are used primarily to ... make new phonebooks! ... Old phonebooks are also sometimes recycled into insulation materials, ceiling tiles and roofing surfaces, as well as paper towels, grocery bags, cereal boxes and office papers."
>>>>> To find out where to recycle your phone book, click the link and enter phone books and you ZIP, or city: Link
Here's some ideas ... " ... pages make excellent fire starters in a wood-burning fireplace or outdoor fire pit. Balled up or shredded phonebook pages also make nice packaging filler in place of problematic polystyrene “peanuts.”"
" ...can also be shredded and used as mulch to keep weeds down in your garden. The paper is biodegradable and will eventually return back to the soil. ..."
Via: About.Com Link
... "MetroPaint is a recycled interior/exterior latex paint that is filtered to industry standards and tested for performance and environmental safety. " ...Via Metro: MetroPaint
Used tires can be an eyesore and even a fire hazard (recall the incident of an illegal tire dump catching fire under I-95 in Philadelphia in March 1996).
The can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes due to the 
stagnant water they hold.
Here is an innovative solution.
>>> Lehigh Technologies has developed a method of cryogenic grinding tires that results in a fine powder that can then be used as a component for a variety of products ... and imparting some of rubbers properties (elasticity and flexibility) into the final products.
Reusing recycled rubber can help reduce the carbon footprint of a finished good.
" ... Lehigh's flagship plant - one of the largest and most advanced rubber powder manufacturing facilities in the world. This ... plant in Tucker, Georgia, ... generates no environmental waste of any kind and requires no air, water, pollution or other permits."
Via: Lehigh Technologies Link
Nokia has made a commitment to reducing its impact ....
Read how Nokia makes sustainable choices in:
- Design
- Manufacture
- Use and
- Take back and Recycling
Via: Nokia - Susatinable Choices Link
Plastic water bottles are everywhere and it looks like they wil be with us in the market place for some time. They are light, easy to take along when travelling and od not break. ... PErfect ... except so few are recycled.
This newly designed plastic water bottle is both highly recycleable and uses less plastic.
Read on for more >>>
"The lightest ½ liter bottle ... produced*, the new, 100% recyclable Poland Spring Eco-Shape™ bottle ... because it’s lighter, it requires less energy to make – resulting in a reduction of CO2 emissions." * See link below for details ...
Via: Poland Springs Link
Cell phones have grown in popularity and their life cycle has shortened. There are an awful lot of unused cell phones at best collecting dust ... at worst going into landfills and causing pollution.
ReCellular "... processed a record 6 million phones in 2007, solidifying the company’s position as the world’s foremost collector, refurbisher, and recycler of wireless phones."
"In 2007, ReCellular ... Raised more than $20 million for charitable causes for 50 non-profit partners ... and Diverted more than 1 million pounds of materials from landfills ..."
The 6 million phones equates to:
"10 million kilograms of carbon emissions ... or ... enough energy to power 11,400 homes for a year, and produce more than 10.3 million kilograms of carbon emissions. ... or ...A year’s supply of
gasoline for 6,000 vehicles ..."
Via: GreenerGadget.com Link
Via: ReCellular Link
New York City is hosting the Greener Gadget Conference on Feb 1, 2008. The one day event details:
10am - 6pm
McGraw-Hill Conference Center
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York City, NY
"... industry leaders, entrepreneurs, [and others] ... will gather to discuss the business case for the greening of the consumer electronics industry. ... featuring ... consumer electronics companies ..., innovators from academic thinktanks, members of startups ... and some of the leading minds in the word of sustainable design and business. Topics to be addressed include: design for sustainability, product life cycle management, take-back and recycling programs, energy efficiency, greener materials, and green lifestyle and product marketing. An attached gallery space will feature a green prototype office display and technology exhibits from companies on the cutting edge of green tech."
" ... will showcase revolutionary design and tech innovations that will shape the future of the consumer electronics and change your world... for the better."
Some discussion points:
Via: GreenerGadgets.com Link
Continue reading "Greener Gadgets Conference in N.Y.C. Feb 1, 2008" »
Some schools are already green. Others are just getting started. Many need help with a structured program to guide them. 
Green Flag promotes 4 key areas:
-- Indoor Air Quality - looking at mold, irritants, etc
-- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, - pretty self explanatory
-- Non Toxic Products - cleaning products and others
-- Integrated Pest Management - for grounds and indoors
"Schools across the nation are using the Green Flag School Program to make their schools healthier places to work and learn. ... Achieve recognition for ... your school already does, and improve your program with the support of teachers and field experts across the country. ... check out the Green Flag School Program today!"
Via: Green Flag Program Link
Airplane recycling is just like any other recycling ... sort of. Of course planes are bigger than household recyclables but older airplanes have a lot of steel and aluminum - materials that are easy to recycle.
"Steel, found in the landing gear of planes [left] ... is ...easy to recover. ... dealers sell steel ... to companies that make anything from new aircraft to food cans to bridges."
"... process of separating carbon fiber from plastic and metal composites is still being perfected. ..."
"Recycled carbon fiber is being tested for use in
tires, paint, industrial injection molds, and sporting goods ... also looking into using it in airplane baggage bins and galley carts, within car brakes, and even spinning it into yarn."
Via: ZDNet.com Link
Now that we are well into 2008, many are already putting their trees into the trash. 
There is a better way. Why no RECYCLE your tree.
To find a place to recycle your tree ... check out Link. Enter your State and City or ZIP Code and you will (hopefully) find a place nearby that will recycle your tree.
My local municipality (in southeastern PA) recycler trees ... Yeah!
Via: Earth 911 Link
Everyone seems to have a few old cell phones lying around. looking for a good way to get rid of them?
Read on for more ... and find out how recycling your cell phone can be easy as 1, 2, 3.
T
Via: CollectiveGood.com Link
It's getting close --- Here at the Green Dud's place it is less than C-1 (Christmas -1 day).
Here are some green ideas for a green Christmas:
(1) Buy a live (balled) tree instead of cutting down a livbe tree and throwing it in a landfill.
>> Get some credit back if you (like me) mulch the tree instead of throwing it in the trash).
>> Get some credit back if the tree was grown w/o extra chemicals and such.
(2) Get some new LED lights. they are brighter and use way less electricity and should LAST A LONG time. When your old strands are no longer working - Go with LEDS.
>> Added Bonus - no toxic mercury in LEDs!
(3) Use paper shopping bags to wrap your presents and then recycle them instead of throwing them out with the trash.
(4) Recycle what you can of gift packaging (cardboard and paper are an easy one ... #6 PS if you ahve a place to take it.
>> Get some extra credit for buying gifts with minimla or green type packaging.
(5) Whatever type of tree you choose - consider recycled ornaments.
Via: The Green Dude .... Link
Recovering the potential "fuel" in materials has been the driving force behind oil shale and oil sands. Global Resource Corp, a NJ company, has found a way to "crack "the energy" from materials using RF energy.
" ... GRC’s hydrocarbon specific frequencies are generated by much higher RF klystrons that actually crack the hydrocarbon chain into its characteristic fuels.
"... no CO2 or CO produced ... because there is no oxidation... "
"... designed klystron machinery for gasifying hydrocarbons where they exist or in fabricated systems. In-situ meaning processed deep in the ground, rock formations or anywhere naturally occurring and off-situ meaning processed above ground that is mined or material removed from site.
"... GRC ...now possess the technology that will free America from foreign oil imports.
Click the LINK to see a YouTUBE video of converting COAL into natural gas and hydrogen fuel.
Via: Global Resource Corporation Link
Happy Thanksgiving from the folks at Greentechnolog!
In keeping with our Green theme (or at least the Green Dudes) ... let take a look at what one can do to make this great holiday more green.
Here are some ideas for a GREEN Thanksgiving - or any holiday or event!
Via: Suite101.com Link
Generally I am all for going green. So when I first saw this ... hmmm. But .... there is more to it than meets the eye.
Here is one idea that at first may not make a lot of sense ... but when you consider the life cycle (i.e. how many have a very short life and end up in the can == garbage!) of the average umbrella - it makes sense.
>>>> Read on for all the details ... it is more interesting than it first seems.
I am not so sure makes all that much sense. But I appluad the innovation! A biodegradable umbrella!
"... the "Melt umbrella" ... Under the "correct conditions," it will melt into the soil--or rather, into soil. ... made of garden film, and ... waxed cardboard and bamboo. "... Most umbrellas bite the dust when too many of those metal spines break. And then the whole thing--metal spines, plastic handle and all--gets thrown out. It'll almost certainly break before it would decompose, right? So maybe a biodegradable umbrella is actually a great idea..."
Via: GoodClenTech.com Link
Green seems to be the buzzword. Green "this" and Green "that". Now Green is getting hot in the fashion industry and not just in the earlier frumpy fashions ... .
Envi offers "fashion conscious clothing for an eco-conscious lifestyle".
Q? What makes clothing green?
A The material(s).
"Organic cotton, hemp, soy fiber, and bamboo fiber ... made from plants that are grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides ... Organic wool comes from sheep that were not sprayed, injected, or treated in an inhumane manner...."
Via: Envi Link
Ever wonder what the numbers on the bottom of plastic bottles mean? They indicate the type of plastic (for bags or plastic items) and indicate how likely there are to be recycled.
Know which are most easily recycled?
Plastic bottles made from PETE (#1) and HDPE (#2) are the most typically recycled plastics for municipal recycling.
Plastic bags made from HDPE (#2) and LDPE #$) are the most commonly recycled at major supermarkets.
Other types of plastic are less commonly recycled.
But why the numbers?
In addition to telling you what they are made of - and if your municipality will recycle it - they prevent plastics from mixing as they are recycled. "... plastic types must not be mixed for recycling, ... Even a small amount of the wrong type of plastic can ruin the melt. ... industry has responded to this problem by developing a series of cryptic markers, commonly seen on the bottom of plastic containers. "
Via: The Consumer Recycling Guide Link
Paper or Plastic?
One of the negatives about plastic bags is that they contribute to trash and asre found "lost" most everywhere. Here's a possible option to eliminate on of plastic bag's major drawbacks - they do not decompose.
How about biodegradable plastic?
"Ecoflex® is BASF's completely biodegradable and compostable plastic. ... ideal for trash bags or disposable packaging as it decomposes in compost within a few weeks or in soil without leaving any residues. ... designed to process like Low Density Polyethylene into films, bags or coatings. ... is shelf and warehouse stable for one year."
"Ecoflex® ... is certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute in North American via ASTM D6400, and has biodegradable certifications with the European Standard EN 13432 on compostability as well as the Japanese standard GreenPla. ..."
Via: EcoFlex Biodegradable Plastic by BASF Link
Green building are much more common ... seems that the more there are there more demand there is and the easier for people to get their hands around what it is really like ... could this work for you?
Read on ...
First off ... what makes for a green building? An accepted standard is LEED - Leadership on Energy and Environmental Design. 
"(LEED) Green Building Rating SystemTM is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. ... we are committed to LEED standards to help minimize the impact upon the environment."
"Here are just a few ways we have incorporated “green design” into our new stores:
• "The rubber flooring ... [recycled] from old car tires, ... carpets have a high percentage of recycled content."
• "Fixtures .. from reclaimed wood and steel."
• "All new wood is certified ... from well-managed and sustainable forests."
•" Paints, carpets and adhesives contain minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to reduce toxic fumes."
• " ...a minimum of 75% of construction debris was sent to recycling facilities rather than landfills."
• "Our recycling program includes glass, metal, plastic, paper and cardboard."
• " ... indigenous plants in landscaping eliminates the need for irrigation systems."
• " ... lighting control system takes advantage of natural light brought into the store by the large windows."
• " ... sensors regulate climate control in each area of the store."
• " ... bicycle storage and changing rooms encourages employees to ride their bikes to work."
"Any phone that can be turned on can be used to call 911. It's always a free call and will connect you to the nearest local emergency operator. "
"Secure the Call ... non-profit coalition of over 30 organizations in the D.C. Metro-Baltimore area, i... take your donated phone and convert it into a 911 emergency only phone and give it back to our coalition partners for distribution. If you have a need for a 911 phone, we'll work to get you one.We need your old phones to make this program a success. We have hundreds of collection boxes throughout the Metropolitan area or you can send the phone to us via the Post Office or any delivery company. Thanks to you, the program works.
"... bring your old cell phones to be recycled and ... from ending up in a land fill. Secure The Call ... carefully wipes out all of your personal information on your cell phone, then reprograms it so that the phone to call 911-only, and tests them to make sure they work before shipping them out. ..."
Via: Secure the Call Link
... "Through this new reclamation process IBM is now able to more efficiently remove the intellectual property from the wafer surface, making these wafers available either for reuse in internal manufacturing calibration as monitor wafers or for sale to the solar cell industry, which must meet a growing demand for the same silicon material to produce photovoltaic cells for solar panels. When monitors wafers reach end of life they are sold to the solar industry. Depending on how a specific solar cell manufacturer chooses to process a batch of reclaimed wafers - they could save between 30 - 90% of the energy that they would have needed if they'd used a new silicon material source. These estimated energy savings translate into an overall reduction of the carbon footprint for both the Semiconductor and Solar industries. " ...
Continue reading "Solar Silicon Supply Boosted by Wafer Recycling at IBM" »
Paper.
Writing paper.
Copy paper.
Coated and uncoated paper.
Newspaper.
Paper comes in a wide variety of types: copy paper, printer paper, note book filler paper,etc.
What is the impact our choice(s) make? Which choice(s) minimize impact on the environment?
>>> Read on to Lean More.
Use the PaperCalculator to see what impact various choices of paper can make.
### 100 lbs of copy paper, 0% recycled content requires:
2 million BTUs
285 lbs CO2
954 gallons of wastewater
114 lbs of solid waste
### The same paper BUT with 25% recycled requires:
2 million BTUs
258 lbs CO2
844 gallons of wastewater
100 lbs of solid waste
Imaging the difference when multiplied across a large office or entire business.
Via: Environmental Defense Fund Paper Calculator Link
Want to carry your green lifestyle over to your, or your kids, lunch? It's easy and good for the earth.
>>> Read on for more ...
Did you know ... ."... juice boxes and individually wrapped ‘grab and go’ foods ... generate tons of trash. Each year the average child dumps 67 pounds of lunchbox trash ..."How to change this?
Besides being green-er and creating less trash this will ....
A source of good information is available at: wastefreelunches.org Link
Via: earth911.org Link
Yahoo picked 10 Cities that "in no particular order -- ... putting residents first. That means they're obsessed with clean air and clean water, renewable energy, reliable city buses, trams, streetcars and subways, a growing number of parks and greenbelts, farmer's markets and, very important, opportunities for community involvement."
"Portland, Oregon - ... More than 30 years ago, ... tore down a six-lane expressway to make room for a waterfront park. ... set an urban growth boundary to protect 25 million acres of forest and farmland, started a solid-waste program that recycles more than half of the city's trash and erected more than 50 public buildings that meet tough standards set by the United States Green Building Council. ..."
"Austin, Texas - Home to the first Whole Foods Market ... 205 parks, 14 nature preserves, and 25 greenbelts. ... plans to meet 20 percent of its energy needs with renewable energy and energy efficiency by 2020. ... a recycling center that dates back to 1970, a dozen outdoor farmer's markets, city buses that offer free rides on 'high ozone' days and an innovative "pay-as-you-throw" trash collection program that rewards residents for being less wasteful ..."
Minneapolis, Minnesota - ... more than 60 percent of downtown workers use public or alternative transportation ... Free parking for registered van and car pools, an extensive bike path and bike lane system and employer-sponsored showers ... Minnesota State Department of Commerce nudging businesses and residents to hook solar systems up to the city's grid, ..."
"Boulder, Colorado - ... city planners started preserving parkland in 1898. ... more than 90 percent of residents recycle, where new water meters are not allowed above certain elevation, thus protecting ridgelines and peaks, and where, when recent federal tax cuts gutted city budgets, residents voted themselves a third sales-tax hike to raise $51 million to buy and protect even more open land."
"Burlington, Vermont - ... More than one-third of all energy used in the city comes from renewable resources, ... laws don't allow the use of pesticides on public parks, land or waterways. ... residents formed an extensive network of citizen-based groups that take on everything from environmental programs to clean up toxic sites to watchdog groups to monitor pollution in Lake Champlain. ..."
"Madison, Wisconsin - ... first city in the United States to offer curbside recycling ... 15,000 acres of lakes and 6,000 acres of parkland ... recycling program gets a whopping 97 percent participation, with 265 tons of material... collected each week.... bike-friendly city with more than 100 miles of bike paths ...a place where there are three bikes for every car."
"New York, New York - ... More than 80 percent of NYC residents use public transportation,... New Yorkers burn gasoline at the rate the U.S. did in the 1920s. ... ... Per capita, New Yorkers use fewer resources and put less pressure on their surroundings than any other city of its size. ..."S
"San Francisco, California - ... bus, subway and ferry services that reach throughout the Bay Area, .. . more than half the city's residents use public or alternative transportation to get to work. ... Prevailing winds ... help keep pollution at bay. ... leader in green building, with more than 20 building projects registered for official green certification. And city residents are willing to tax themselves. Voters said yes to allowing the city to sell $100 million in revenue bonds to support renewable energy."
"Santa Monica, California - ... Three of every four of the city's public works vehicles run on alternative fuel, ... among the largest such fleets in the country. All public buildings use renewable energy. ... the city has cut greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 10 percent, ... an urban runoff facility catches 3.5 million gallons of water each week that would otherwise flow into the bay. ..."
"Chicago, Illinois - ... has 42 green-certified building projects, with more to come. ... city's nine museums and the Art Institute ... converted to run partially on solar power. ... one-third of all residents use public transportation to get to work. ...energy goals, likely to be met, is buying 20 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources this year. ... give tax incentives to homeowners who invest in Chicago's many historic homes and retrofit them with energy efficient heating and cooling systems, as well as water-saving plumbing. ..."
Via: Yahoo.com Link
Computer manufactures have embraced e-recyycling for some time. Dell, HP, and others have well established programs with either free shipping or coupons for discounts on future purchase.
>>>> Now Sony is joining them .... Read on for more info ...
"To encourage consumers to recycle ... electronic devices in an environmentally sound manner, ... The Sony Take Back Recycling Program allows consumers to recycle all Sony-branded products for no fee at 75 Waste Management (WM) Recycle America eCycling drop-off centers throughout
the U.S. ... also allows consumers to recycle other manufacturers’ consumer electronics products at market prices, and may include a recycling fee for some types of materials.
" ... first national recycling initiative in the U.S. to involve both a major electronics manufacturer and a national waste management company."
Via: Sony.com Newsroom Link
Recycling Fun Facts:
>>> Read on for some intersting information....
* "The first real recycling program was introduced in New York City in the 1890s. The city's first recycling plant was built in 1898."
* "By 1924, 83% of American cities were separating some trash items to be reused."
* "Every year, each American throws out about 1,200 pounds of organic garbage that can be composted.""
* "This chart shows the composition of an average garbage dump. Notice how much of it is recyclable!!"
Via: Recycling FunFacts Link
HP wants your old computers ...
>> ... to recycle.
HP set a goal of recycling 1 billion pounds and having achieved that wants to recycle another billion pounds.
"HP meets billion pound recycling goal, sets target for 2 billion pounds by 2010. Having met our goal six months early to recycle 1 billion pounds of electronics, we have set a new target for another billion pounds by the end of 2010, doubling our annual recovery rate." Because e-waste is not confined to one country or region HP have recycling services in 36 countries.
HP's recycling service provides an easy way to recycle computer equipment, printing supplies, rechargeable batteries and other items." Many items are free of charge to recycle - other require a small fee. See their FAQs page for more info Link
School is almost here (IT'S either A Groan from the kids or A Yippee fMor the parents). Either way you can go back to school the GREEN way.
Read on for more:
Treecycles Philosophy: "... educate the public on the importance of using environmentally friendly recycled paper, ... tissue products, ... office products and ... cleaning products. We provide access to a wide range of these environmentally friendly office products, ... tissue products, ... recycled paper products and ... cleaning products for both home and business. In keeping with our goal of education, our site contains information on recycled paper products and environmental issues. Please take the time to view this information - our choices as consumers do count."
Treecycle offers paper products (note book paper, pads and envelops) as well as pens and paper. All are made with Recycled and / or Post Consumer Waste materials.
More about Treecycle - The Mobro Principles
"Named for the infamous garbage barge that sailed around the world, looking for a place to dump its load, the Mobro Principles .are ... voluntary commitments to identify and encourage the use of recycled paper. The goals of the Mobro Principles include:"
"Treecycle has endorsed these principles and encourages you to do the same. Please call us for more information."
For a list of web resource on environmental issues Link
Via: Treecycle.com Link
Bottled water or Tap Water?
It's not just a question asked at restaurants. With clean water becoming more precious in parts of the western US, and the fact that at best only 15 -20 % of plastic water bottles are recycled one has to wonder how long bottled water will be around where it is not easily replaced by tap water.
Hear what Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson has to say ... 
"... another reason to skip bottled water -- Anderson said the stuff flowing from public taps is clean and safe. ..."One has to wonder why anyone would transport French or Swiss water for consumption in Salt Lake City," ... "
"The chief executive of Wasatch IceWater Co., based in Park City, agrees that bottles in landfills are a problem. Bob Sasser said his company's water, which comes from a well in the mountains, is sold in collapsible bottles."
"Sasser won't concede anything when it comes to taste. "I'm not a big fan of drinking chlorine or any of the chemicals they have to put in to purify water," he said."
Via: US Water News Online Link
The amount of and type of packaging determines the quantity of material that ends of as trash vs. degradable / recyclable material.
Here is a company that is developing a wide variety of "earth friendly" packaging materials.
Read on for more ...
" ... EarthShell Corporation licenses and commercializes proprietary composite material technology for the manufacture of EarthShell Packaging ... including cups, plates, bowls, hinged-lid containers and sandwich wraps, ... Based on a unique composite technology that combines organics such as starch from potatoes and inorganic materials such as limestone, ... is designed to be high performing and cost-competitive compared to other food service packaging options."
" ... an alternative within the $25 billion market for paper and plastic disposables. ... business model is to license this unique technology to operating partners who will manufacture, market, sell and distribute - EarthShell Packaging products. ... is committed to protecting its unique technology and holds over 100 patents covering material composition, manufacturing processes and product designs to protect the EarthShell technology."
Vision, Mission and Values:
"To make EarthShell Packaging the preferred choice in disposable food service packaging."
A History of Commitment
" ... founders Essam Khashoggi and Simon Hodson were committed to finding environmentally preferable alternatives to ... packaging ... offered by traditional plastic or paper packaging. EarthShell was created from the beginning with a focus on sustainable development ... ".
Via: EarthShell Corporation Link
" Here are some more of the 50 Easy Ways to go Green". For the complete list follow the link at the end of this BLOG post.
"Become a flexitarian - Swap out one meat dish a week for a veggie plate. ... raising produce is "cheaper," in terms of energy, than raising animals. Log on to vegweb.com to find tasty, meatless recipes..."
"Go for the gold- coffee filters ... - Spare trees by replacing paper filters in your coffeemaker with reusables (usually gold colored).""Compost - Instead of trashing food scraps, toss them into Gardener's Supply Company Kitchen Compost Crock, a ceramic countertop composter that's perfect for first-timers (gardeners.com)."
"Break out the bamboo -... is a far more sustainable natural resource than wood because it grows very quickly."
"Buy a laptop - It uses considerably less power than a desktop computer.
"Get off junk mail lists - Register with the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service (dmaconsumers.org) ... a significant reduction in mail after three months."
"Buy organic for baby - ... 100 percent organic cotton grown without harmful chemicals (hannaandersson.com)".
"Teach kids to be green - Give your little ones responsibility for your family's recycling ... ".
Via: MSN.com Link
The personal computer, and its associated parts such as monitors, mice, keyboards and other peripherals, are everywhere. Many families have more than one and many families have the old ones in their basement or other storage areas.
We have 2 active PCs with monitors and at least one in the basement. What to do with these ... as sooner or later everyone wants to UPGRADE.
"In 2005, the National Safety Council estimated that 63 million computers became obsolete. It is estimated as of 2007 these stored computers will amount to about 500 million computers.""
Want some help / Ideas? Check out these ways to recycle / re-gift your old computers (some of these links have appeared previously in other posts on this blog):
And as a reminder ... "... with whatever types of recycling, donation, or disposal programs you use, you always have to remember to securely wipe all data from your old computers. Don't forget that step."
Via: TechRepublic.com Link
There are many companies that offer Green Products. Many provide a wide range of products. All have neat web sites.
Seventh Generation's web site has lots of great Green Factoids and links to living the Green life.
We can all make a difference - one at a time. "Each individual can make a difference .... The choices we make everyday regarding the food we eat, how much water and energy we consume, the types of cleaning products we use, the kind of car (and how often) we drive, all can have a positive or negative impact on the earth."
What about the name? What is the meaning or message?
"... derives its name from the Great Law of the Iroquois that states, In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations."
"... provide interesting and relevant information through our product packaging and other initiatives including printed materials. .. "The Seventh Generation Guide to a Non-Toxic Home," a comprehensive guide designed to help consumers and retail buyers make better health and environmental choices ... perhaps the most important lesson ... is that "as goes the earth's health, so goes ours."
Interesting Factoid:
"If every household in the U.S. replaced just one 4 pack of 400 sheet virgin fiber bathroom tissue with 100% recycled ones, we could save: 1,450,000 trees, 3.7 million cubic feet of landfill space, equal to 5,500 full garbage trucks, 523 million gallons of water, a year’s supply for 4,100 families of four, and avoid 89,000 pounds of pollution!"
Via: Seventh Generation.com Link
Paper or Plastic?
How many times have you heard that one?
What is the best choice?
"The plastic bag's stranglehold ... just received its first blow. ... a first for the nation if fully passed, San Francisco's Board of Supervisors today [March 27, 2007] voted 10-1 to prohibit petroleum-based checkout bags in large markets and pharmacies."
"... would usher in the use of eco-friendly alternatives; biodegradable plastic or recycled paper bags ..."
Here are some facts about the ubiquitious plastic bag ...
"... only introduced to our shopping culture 25 years ago ... Between 500 billion-1 trillion are used each year worldwide. ... they are not biodegradable, only photodegradable. ... they break down into smaller and smaller pieces of the same material -- but only if exposed to sunlight. Animals choke on them, sea life becomes entangled ..." 
"... burden of not only the environmental impact, but also the disposal of plastic bags. San Francisco alone spends $8.5 million a year on disposal. ... new alternatives, made from corn by-products, have markets in San Fran nervous over costs, durability, and quality. ... On the flip side, corn farmers have another potential windfall in their sights. San Francisco may only be the beginning of a massive national sweep. If more corn-based bags are needed, what will this do to the price of food? Agriculture experts are already concerned over ethanol's effect on production in the U.S.
What can you do ... you ask???
>>> Bring your own bag from last time or better yet ... buy and use a permanent shoppong bag. Many stores offer these for sale.
Via: Sustainableisgood.com Link and Via: GreenOptions.com Link
The ubiquitous plastic bottle of water is everywhere.
While there are many questions about the relative merits of tap vs. bottled water such as taste, quality, etc. there are the facts that bottled water can have a significant impact on the environment:
- the petrochemicals used to make plastic bottles
- the energy used for transport; sometime across the world
- the remaining waste if not recycled.
- the depletion of local water supplies
Granted; some areas have better water than others and plastic bottles are handy (and safe) to use while traveling) but .... some major cities like Philadelphia and New York are quite proud of the taste and quality of their tap water ....
"The City of New York is trying to persuade its people to give up bottled drinks and consume tap water instead to help protect the environment."
"City officials say their campaign will save people money, and reduce waste."
"According to environmental groups, four out of five plastic water bottles end up on landfill sites and the production process contributes to global warming. ... Distribution process sometimes involves shipping water halfway around the world."
"But the Bottled Water Association says it is unfair to single out an industry that is promoting recycling and introducing biodegradable packaging."
Via: BBC News Link
Everyone knows about Subaru and their fuel efficient line of cars .... BUT ... did you know that:
- Their Indiana Manufacturing plant has achieved ZERO LANDFILL status
- They are the first auto plant in the U.S. to achieve this satus.
Details below:
"Consider this: When you carry out your trash at home ... next collection day, you'll be sending more trash to landfills than the entire Subaru manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana
(SIA). ... was the first auto assembly plant to achieve zero landfill status - nothing from its manufacturing efforts goes into a landfill. It's all reused and recycled."
" Here are some more of the 50 Easy Ways to go Green". For the complete list follow the link at the end of this BLOG post.
"Around the house - "
"Save money in the bathroom - ... (with) water-efficient showerheads ... a family of four can cut water usage by as much as 280 gallons a month-and yet not feel much difference in water pressure."
"Bring home superhero plants - Certain greens can help remove indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. ... Golden pothos, English ivy, and peace lilies are all easy-to-grow toxin fighters."
"Recycle rechargeables - ... in certain states-Florida, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Vermont-it's illegal to throw them away. ... you can find a nearby store that will recycle them for you; just go to rbrc.org and type in your zip code."
Ikea is encouraging its customers reduce the use of "throw-away" plastic shopping bags and to use a reusable bag. The driver is to charge for a "throw-away" bag and donate the moneys to an environmental group. Details below:
"... join us in reducing plastic bags usage by 50% - from 70 million to 35 million in the first year. Beginning March 15th we will charge 5 cents for every "throw-away" plastic bag. All proceeds* from the first year of this program will be donated to American Forests, ... to plant trees and offset CO2 emissions. "
"WHY? The amount of plastic shopping bags that we all use once and toss is overwhelming.
- The average family of 4 accumulates 1460 plastic shopping bags a year
- 100 billion are given away each year in the US
- Plus it can take up to 1,000 years for a plastic bag to break down in the environment."
"REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE! IKEA has a great alternative to "throw-away" plastic bags- the IKEA Blue Bag. We've reduced the price on this large, reusable and durable bag to 59 cents. One of these bags can replace hundreds of "throw-away" plastic bags and has lots of great uses!"
"* A maximum contribution of $1,750,000 within 12 months"
Buying Recycled Products Makes sense - right? After all using recycled materials instead of new materials results in less energy expened and less waste.
A win-win!
What kinds of materials can be recycled ...?
* Aluminum,
* #1 and #2 Plastics,
* Glass bottles (not mirrors, lightbulbs, and / or plates)
...are commonly collected along with trash in many municipalities. Many public areas like parks, shopping centers, train stations, etc have facilities for recycling.
For example ....
- In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, SEPTA, the regional rail carrier, has bins in the 3 center city stations for newpaper recycling.
CO2 Action Tip Via: WholeFoodsMarket.com Link
Green Flower Pots? What dos that mean to you? To me it means a flower pot made out of a recycled material - preferably not a plastic.
In my time as a backyard gardener I have seen #2 (HDPE or High Density Poly Ethylene), #5 (PP - Polypropylene) and unmarked plastics used as flower pots. The #2 are easily recycled - the #5 take a little more effort (see a future blog entry for details). Basically you need to find someone that will hold them until another gardener takes then to reuse them .... or a site that will recycle #5 PP. Some are even made of paper formed into a "6-pack" container.
Well -- something better is now available. An there is a HUGE supply of raw material .... Cow Poop.
"Matt Freund's CowPot (see www.cowpots.com for details) - made of genuine Yankee cow manure - is already available, a set of 15 small ones selling for $11.95 at Gardener's Supply Co. of Burlington, Vt. (www.gardeners.com). They're also sold at Agway and True Value stores."
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFB) have many positive qualities including:
However, CFB are manufactured with a small amount of mercury and therefore need to be disposed of properly. Improper disposal can result in ground and possibly water contamination from the mercury vapor in the bulbs.
"Most states do not have special requirements for the disposal of regular household mercury-containing fluorescent lamps (including compact fluorescents), although a few states and localities ban homeowners from disposing of such lamps in normal household trash."
"Many towns and cities offer recycling opportunities at local recycling centers or transfer stations. There may also be household hazardous waste collection days when fluorescent lamps are collected along with paints, pesticides, used motor oil, etc. Contact your local waste disposal officials for details. State requirements and recycling opportunities vary.
"For more information, including a list of companies that recycle lamps, visit www.lamprecycle.org."
"Please Note: Recycling companies at www.lamprecycle.org do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by GE or NEMA of the companies or their technologies. Persons contacting the listed companies should make their own investigations and determinations about the costs and appropriateness of the activities of the listed companies."
Via: GE Consumer and Industrial Lighting Link
We all know to recycle. It's good for the environment: it reduces waste, recycled goods use less energy than good created from raw materials.
But what kinds of things are available to buy?
>>> How about clothing and apparel?
My newest belt is made from recycled tires. It was made by Hempy's of California and so far holds my pants up quite fine. No news on the mpg though ...
"HEMPY’S is an American manufacturer and worldwide distributor of clothing and accessories made from sustainable materials including hemp, organic cotton, recycled cotton and recycled synthetics. We work primarily with small, family owned sewing contractors in our local San Diego region. HEMPY’S eco-friendly products are 'Made in the U.S.A.' and create jobs for American workers and help stimulate the domestic economy. For over 11 years we have remained committed to product quality, business integrity and customer service."
Via: Hempy's Link
It is possible to manufacture and be Green. Method Products, Inc. is one such Green company. They manufacture a line of Green cleaning products.
Read below for some very impressive details.
"Method (Products, Inc.) is the first line of high-design, people friendly, skin-friendly, lung-friendly household cleaning, laundry, air care, and personal care products. ... has made the impressive commitment to offset CO2 emissions from 100 percent of its operations, including manufacturing, office operations, employee commuting, and employee travel. This adds up to 1948 MWh of electricity (~1.9 million lbs CO2). ... also planted a reforestation project to cover an additional 700,000 lbs of CO2 produced by the shipping of products and employee movements."
By focusing on Biodegradable products, recycling and not using animal testing they are making a statement and products that work. GREEN CLEAN
Via: US EPA Green Partners Link
"Way too much of what is made these days ends up in the trash at the end of its useful life. At Patagonia, we're working to change that."
"In 2005 we launched our Common Threads Garment Recycling Program, through which customers could return their worn out Capilene® Performance Baselayers to us for recycling. We've now added Patagonia fleece, Polartec® fleece from other manufacturers and Patagonia organic cotton T-shirts to our list of recyclables."
"Our long-term goal is to take environmental responsibility for everything we make. Please help us by changing your clothes for good."
"...if you choose to recycle, you'll gain the satisfaction of knowing that your old polyester garments will not end up in a landfill or an incinerator, and that future Patagonia products will require significantly less virgin polyester (less oil) than products from seasons past.
>>> For details on recycling Patagonia clothes clink link and scroll to bottom LINK
Via: Patagonia Link
It was bound to happen. Weddings are going GREEN.
Some of the elements of a green wedding are:
Via: GreenWeddings.net Link
E-Waste is a fact of life. What can be done about it is up for discussion.
Like most items; the full cost, including the cost to the environment for its manufacture and disposal, is not the same as the purchase cost.
"Just consider PCs. Gartner estimates that in the next three years, 400 million will be replaced worldwide. That's a lot of plastic, glass, metals and chemicals to dispose of, with all their attendant environmental effects.
Cartoon fron www.jklosssner,com
One approach is to factor disposal costs into the Total cost of Ownership (TCO). This is not a likely scenario given the tight IT budgets most organizations face.
I guess the best we can do for now is reduce, reuse, and recycle by donating usable equipment to charities or giving it to employees or hiring asset disposal firms to properly dispose of it.
For now there are now easy answers ....
>>> Maybe a tax like that once imposed on recyclable bottles? It's an interesting idea.
Via: ComputerWorld, Feb 19, 2007 Link and Via: GreenDude
"HP recycled more than 164 million pounds (74 million kilograms) of hardware and HP print cartridges globally in its 2006 fiscal year – an increase of 16 percent over the previous year and the equivalent weight of more than 600 jumbo jet airliners."
"In addition, HP collected more than 2.5 million units of hardware globally – weighing
more than 50 million pounds (22.6 million kilograms) – to be refurbished for resale or donated."
"To date the company has recycled more than 920 million pounds (417 million kilograms) of hardware and HP print cartridges globally. This puts the company on track to surpass its goal of recycling 1 billion cumulative pounds (455 million kilograms) by the end of this year.(2007)"
Via: HP Link
eBay and a number of computer manufactures, retail stores, telecoms and charitable organizations have formed ReThink to "apply some fresh thinking to the problem of e-waste".
Every year, or sooner, new models of computers, cell phones and other electronic gizmos are being developed and sold. What happens to the older "stuff"? The older "stuff" is often referred to as e-waste and its disposal can be a problem.
eBay and others have joined forces to help solve the problem by providing "information, tools and solutions that make it easy – and even profitable – to find new users for idle computers and electronics, and responsibly recycle unwanted products."
To find out more about ReThink, and ways to sell, donate or recycle "e-stuff", check out www.ReThink.com
Become part of the Solution!
Via: ReThink Link
We all hear that we should recycle. It reduces the amount of trash sent to landfills and that means lower garbage costs. It means less garbage to possibly pollute and land and air. So it seems obvious to recycle.
Did you know that recycling ... : 
Did you ever wonder what happens to your trash? Every day we pile things into our garbage cans - collect them and take them to a can outside our home and then once or twice a week take it to the curb where a Garbage Truck picks it up and takes it "away". 
But where is "away" Did you ever wonder ... ?
"Every Californian generates approximately 6 pounds each of trash per day! There’s everything from paper, uneaten food, construction leftovers, cut grass, plastic, glass, metal, old batteries, computers, phones, and tons of other "stuff." ... What happens to that trash once it gets thrown away?"
"The trash ... gets picked up by your ... "garbage collector"--and then makes its way to a "materials recovery facility (MRF)" to be sorted. ... MRFs sort out the reusable and recyclable materials that accidentally get put into the trash can, like plastic bottles and glass."
"The things that can be used again are then taken to recycling facilities. ... The rest of the trash is transported to a landfill ... A landfill is not a simple hole in the ground to dump waste! A landfill is a lined opening to put trash. ... The trash is poured into the landfill and covered by a layer of soil so that the trash doesn’t fly away, get wet, or get into the surrounding area to affect wildlife. Each day’s layer of trash and soil is a "cell" of trash that gets stacked on top of one another like a row of dominoes. They repeat this process until the landfill is full."
You can imagine how big the landfill can get ... and see the need for and value of recycling. The less trash that actually makes it to the landfill the lower the cost that you are charged by your garbage collector ... and the less land that is needed for landfills ... and the less chance for landfills polluting the environment. The national average fee for of trash "tipped" at a landfill is $35. / ton.
Via: State of California Web Pages Link
California is the land of highways and cars.
Roads are everywhere and part of having road means road repairs and that means waste.
So, The State California has taken a stand and has a "Green Roads" program to reduce waste and recycle where possible ... resulting in less initial cost and less disposal cost. Some of the highlights:
"Our State has long been an innovative leader in the environmental arena ... protecting natural resources and diverting unnecessary waste from landfills. We have also recognized significant cost savings ... by using recycled-content and environmentally friendly materials."
Via: State of California Web - Green Roads Link
Recycling is one way to reduce waste sent to landfills but sometimes governmental "push" is needed. Many cities (two ex: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Radnor, Pennsylvania) require recycling of certain waste streams.
In California - the state has put in place a program to help pay for recycling by having retailers collect a fee.
"California has enacted landmark legislation to establish a funding system for the collection and recycling of certain electronic wastes." "Starting January 1, 2005, retailers collect the Electronic Waste Recycling Fee on covered electronic devices from consumers. Retailers remit these fees to the Board of Equalization (BOE)."
Plan goals are:
An example of the fees:
| Viewable Screen Size (measured diagonally) | Electronic Waste Recycling Fee |
| Greater than 4 inches and less than 15 inches | $6 |
| Equal to or greater than 15 inches and less than 35 inches | $8 |
| 35 inches and larger | $10 |
How does a socially responsible organization, WorldChanging, that is both socially responsible and green - publish a 608 page book? Think of the energy and waste involved!
One would think this would be an oxymoron - AND one would be wrong!!
"World: A User's Guide to the 21st Century" is broken into 7 sections:
Stuff, Shelter, Cities, Community, Business, Politics, Planet.
It may well be uniquely "green" book as "Publisher Harry N. Abrams ... bought wind-power credits to offset the energy used to produce the book, made from post-consumer recycled paper".
To counter the environmental impact of their multi-city book tour "the group is investing in greenhouse gas reduction ".
The book of course can be recycled!
More on WorldChanging.Com Link
Via: BusinessWeek Link
It seems that most everyone uses "dryer sheets" to control static cling in their clothes dryer.
We do at our house; you probable do at yours as well
But ... what happens to the used dryer sheets?
>> Into the trash can creating more waste !!
Shalkee has recyclable Fragrance Free Dryer Sheets "Nothing's more inherently good than soft, fresh bed sheets. Except, maybe these innovative dryer sheets. They're veggie-based. They're biodegradable. And they even break in two in the dryer for fair and just distribution of soft, static-free goodness to every, last humble pillowcase." When the dryer load is done simply "Remove and toss dryer sheets into your recycling bin." "Clean Credentials
Via: Shalkee Link
Epson Recycles Hardware and Toner
"Together with customers like you, we can reduce the burden on our environment through recycling. The fee for this service is only $10 per item which includes shipping and recycling costs. And, by participating in this program with Epson, you'll not only be helping to improve the environment, but you'll also receive a $5 coupon per item returned, good on your next purchase at the Epson Store!"
"As a participant, you can help us by sending back your used Epson products including:"
"We will recycle used Epson products through a licensed recycling facility which will evaluate the components and then shred the products. After the shredding process, the materials are separated into ferrous, non-ferrous and plastic components and then sent to other mills for further processing."
Via: Epson America, Inc Link
The State of Delaware passed a law effective January 1, 2007.
"On January 1st, most homeowners in northern Delaware will no longer be able to throw their grass clippings and other yard waste into the regular trash. A ban on yard waste at Cherry Island landfill will go into effect on January 1st."
"What is Yard Waste?
It’s plant material that comes from lawn maintenance and other gardening and landscaping activities"
"The ban won’t be fully enforced by DNREC until sometime later in 2007. The implementation period gives Delawareans time to gear up for spring. It makes more sense to put a ban in place during January rather than delay it until spring or summertime when lawn-care activities are in full swing. In the interim, DNREC will focus on getting the word out to Delawareans through education and monitoring efforts."
"The implementation period will also give waste haulers, local governments, landscape services, composters and other entrepreneurs the ability to develop and provide a range of options for yard waste disposal. Green Businesses! Incentives are available to businesses engaged in removing yard trimmings and other recyclables in Delaware."
Via: State of Delaware DNER Link
A tip for each month that will help Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
January's tip topic is Weathering Winter Without Waste"
Some of the tips ...
"Winterize your vehicle by checking your air filter and fluid levels, checking tires for tread wear and proper inflation, and checking the condition of your windshield wipers. Ensuring your vehicle is ready for weather changes will reduce damage, which prevents waste from broken parts, and will keep you safe on the road."For more tips see the link below.
Via: US EPA. Link scroll to the bottom ...
Reduce ...
Reuse ...
Recycle ...
Reduce
Reuse
Recycle
Via: US EPA Link
It happens to everyone. A new PC takes center stage on your desk and the old one ....
Hmmm. What to do with it?
Typical (bad) options include:
Better options exist! RECYCLE! The Electronic Industries Alliance website (Link) offers guidance on recycling and disposing of e-trash.
Gartner research indicates "that consumers and businesses worldwide will replace more than 800 million PCs over the next five years, with an estimated 64 percent being disposed of. Of those, 73 pecrent will be put in a landfill or stored rather than recycled"
The EIA Website gives guidance by state on recycling options. Link
Via: EIA Web Link
Want to reduce your holiday waste stream? Need ideas and resources? Look no further!
Reduce ... Reuse ... Recycle
Reduce:
* When shopping at the mall ... consider putting new purchases in the same bag as prior purchases. Do you really need another bag?
*Buy products that have little or no packaging.
Reuse:
* Consider bringing your own shopping bag ... canvas or mesh fabric bags last a L...O...N...G time.
Recycle:
* Take recyclable bags (typically those marked with a "2 - HDPE" or "4 - LDPE" to be recycled. Most grocery stores have collection bins for clean bags. Both newspaper bags and dry cleaning bags are typically recyclable and are often marked.
* Most glass used to package food is recyclable
For more tips see Link
Via: EPA
Ford has begun a program in Germany to encourage owners to recycle their older cars and buy new ones. "Ford-certified dismantlers help ensure that all recyclables are indeed salvaged from the retired vehicles".
To date "more than 300,000 vehicles have been recycled into 290,000 tons of metal". Along with reducing vehicle emissions and pollution by replacing older cars with newer, lower emission ones Ford "plants a tree with every vehicle retired".
In addition to recycling cars; Ford is recycling tires. Among the uses are "air deflectors and splashguards" and "ergonomic floor mats" that are used on assembly lines to make new cars.
Via: Ford Motor Company Web Site - Link
E-Waste is growing and when improperly disposed can lead to environmental and medical problems for those living near waste dumps.
"The world's richest nations are dumping hazardous electronic waste on poor African countries, says the head of the UN's Environment Programme (Unep)". Enep estimates that "up to 50 million tonnes of waste from discarded electronic goods is generated annually". 
When handled properly; e-waste can be recycled into a stream of sellable materials - when dumped improperly it can pollute the environment by releasing toxic materials such as lead that can contaminate water supplies.
"E-waste is thought to be the fastest growing part of municipal waste in the developed world." Partly this is due to the ever dropping price of electronic goods and the shorter cycle times for new products being developed.
A typical PC contains many toxic materials. See below for waste by the numbers (source BBC News).
Via: BBC News Tues Nov 28, 2006 Link
The need to safely disposing of "e-waste" is becoming a looming issue as the number of PCs continues to grow and the stockpile of unused PCs and peripherals pile up in storage closets and basememts. Add computer games, cell phones, televisions and other electronics and you get quite a lot of junk.
Let's be honest ... who does not have a horde of PCs and or peripherals that are not used but kept because you do not know what do to with them?
I personally have a good bit in the basement as well as much that I have safely - environmentally - disposed. Once, via Dells website, I recycled a box of computers and peripherals for $10. and received a coupon off a future Dell product. They sent a prepaid label and all I had to do was contact the shipper and leave the box at my front door!
For individuals some other options are to:
To find a place that will accept your e-waste check the major PC manufacturers:
Or Link
What are your experiences with PC recycling? What have you found that works for you?
How does Corporate America get rid of their surplus PCs?
Environmentalists and public officials are beginning to see that they need some unified plan and that allowing people to toss PCs and peripherals in with their trash is not a good idea.
The "Environmental Protection Agency estimates that people threw away 2.5 millions tons of electronic equipment, know as e-waste, last year". A "computer monitor contains about 4 pounds of lead, and other parts are filled with heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, cadmium and chromium".While not all e-waste recyclers are reputable many of the major manufacturers have programs of free or low cost recycling. "Hewlett-Packard, I.B.M., Dell, Sharp, Panasonic and Sony, among others, all advertise free programs on their Web sites. Some will arrange for pickups or pay shipping costs".
Among the issues are that "most people are unaware of the programs. And those who make themselves aware are not the problem, anyway" referring to people who toss e-waste out with the rest of their trash.
Link The New York Times Sat, Nov 11, 2006
Chemistry Professor Gabriele Centi, from the University of Messina in Italy, is researching chemical process techniques, such as catalysis, to convert the CO2 generated from combustion back in fuel. This would lower the amount of greenhouse gas that is released into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. ...
... "When hydrocarbon fuels are burned, they produce water and carbon dioxide (CO2). The technique, developed by researchers at the University of Messina, effectively reverses the process, creating hydrocarbons from carbon dioxide and water. " ...
Via MSN UK: Greenhouse gas reused as petrol
Gabriele Centi, of the University of Messina, is the coordinator of IDECAT. IDECAT is an EU-financed Network of Excellence on catalysis. The organization's objective is the creation of a European Research Institute on Catalysis, the reference body for European catalysis research. 
Around 40 research labs from 17 bodies in 12 countries are associated with IDECAT. IDECAT wants to strengthen the introduction of nanoscience concepts and technologies in catalysis with the aim of designing radically new catalysts and extending the use of knowledge on catalysis to new area of application - among others: sensors, advanced smart materials, coatings and energy.
Microchemical reaction systems are being evaluated for conversion of CO2 into fuel. ...
Via Pacific Northwest National Laboratory: Carbon Dioxide Conversions in Microreactors (pdf) : "NASA's In Situ Resource Utilization program is seeking novel methods for conversion of atmospheric CO2 to fuels during manned missions to Mars. Two possible methods for these conversions include Sabatier methanation and the reverse water-gas shift (WGS) reaction. The applicability of these reactions in microreactors is discussed. "
Another research group has a chemical catalysis pathway to polymers using CO2 as a raw material. ...
Sweet and environmentally beneficial discovery: Plastics made from orange peel and a greenhouse gas: "By using their catalyst to combine the limonene oxide and CO2, the Coates group produced a novel polymer -- called polylimonene carbonate -- that has many of the characteristics of polystyrene, a petroleum-based plastic currently used to make many disposable plastic products. The Coates research team is particularly interested in using CO2 as an alternative building block for polymers. Instead of being pumped into the atmosphere as a waste product, CO2 could be isolated for use in producing plastics, such as polylimonene carbonate. "
Australia is evaluating alternatives for carbon dioxide capture and sequestration, such as storing CO2 underground. ...
SECURING AUSTRALIA'S ENERGY FUTURE (PDF): "A set of technologies involves capturing carbon dioxide as part of electricity generation or other industrial processes and storing it deep underground in either depleted petroleum reservoirs or saline aquifers (known as geosequestration). These technologies could substantially lower emissions from coal and gas electricity generation. Some of the basic technology for achieving this exists. Technologies for separating carbon dioxide from natural gas, for example, are proven and the petroleum industry routinely reinjects gas into active oil fields to increase production. "
Solar alchemy turns fumes back into fuels: "The researchers chemically reduced CO2 to produce eight and nine-carbon hydrocarbons using a catalyst of particles of platinum and palladium confined in carbon nanotubes. These hydrocarbons can be made into petrol and diesel. "
Via University of Queensland, Australia: UQ trial project turns Greenhouse gas into useful product: "The environmentally friendly project aims to convert unwanted Greenhouse gases into methanol, a valuable chemical feedstock/solvent for manufacturing formaldehyde, acetic acid and dimethyl ether. "
DOE: Catalytic Methane Decomposition for CO2-Free Hydrogen Production: "To realize a greenhouse gas-free hydrogen economy, CO2 must be sequestered or not produced. This catalytic route offers a promising path for economical, environmentally sound production of hydrogen without production of CO2. "
Dell supports drop-off program for recycling of unwanted computers by local residents. ...
... "Reconnect San Antonio takes advantage of the existing donation and retail
infrastructure of Goodwill and the recycling experience and resources of Dell to offer a proactive, community-based solution to environmentally responsible electronics disposal. The goal of the pilot program is to divert nearly two million pounds of used computers and computer equipment from landfills over one year and to provide consumer education on the importance of proper computer disposal, while creating job opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers throughout the San Antonio region. " ...
RECONNECT is a comprehensive electronics recovery, reuse and environmentally responsible recycling opportunity for consumers in participating communities.
HP expands its product return and recycling program in order to reach more customers and create convenient ways for people to discard used or unwanted electronic equipment in an environmentally responsible manner. ...
... "The company will host a series of product collection events in the United States throughout the summer to raise awareness and increase the rate of electronics recycling among consumers. The collection events, which will accept a range of products from any manufacturer, will be held from June through September in Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico and Oregon.
During the local product collection events, customers can drop off a broad range of products from any manufacturer at no charge. All products collected will be recycled at one of HP's approved recycling facilities across the United States. These facilities operate under HP's global recycling standards, which ensure responsible product recycling.
HP is on target to meet its global goal to recycle 1 billion pounds of hardware and HP print cartridges by the end of 2007. In 2005, HP recycled approximately 140 million pounds of hardware and HP print cartridges globally – an increase of 17 percent over the previous year. Since the company began recycling, it has recycled 750 million pounds in total. HP's recycling program operates globally in more than 40 countries, regions and territories and seeks to reduce the environmental impact of IT products, minimize waste going to landfills and help customers conveniently discard products in an environmentally sound fashion. Plastics and metals recovered from products recycled by HP have been used in new HP products, as well as a range of other uses, including auto body parts, clothes hangers, plastic toys, fence posts, serving trays and roof tiles. " ...
Recycle Electronic Equipment: Environmentally Responsible: Via HP: HP Expands Global Recycling Program ...
Hey - someone killed the link to my avatar picture. Here is the "nerw" green dude with the green dude son ... pretty neat!.
On a recent trip to Rhode Island, I found some new topics - seventhgeneration.com and a small boarding school on Aquidneck (sp?) Island with an on-site windmill. Look for a post soon on both.
*****************
Green Dude lives in the Western suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He has been recycling since a young boy ... starting with Cub Scout paper drives for fund raisers in the early 1970's!
Much later while living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (mid 1980's) he collected glass bottles and tin cans for a weekly community based recycling program - well before the city had mandatory recycling.
He has managed to keep compost piles at home and recycles into mulch egg shells, coffee grinds, all matter of vegetables along with grass clippings and leaves. I know, if I were truly GREEN I would have sheep "cutting the grass" but that is not in the cards or the zoning.
This fall he recycled all the leaves in his yard instead of bagging and having the trash men pick up. This was accomplished with a mulcher / shredder that reduced leaves 8:1 or more!
More to follow ....
Orig: 29-Jan-2007.
Updated: 5-Nov-2007
