101 Years of Recycling

I have to admit, I'm stuck on a few basic cleaning products these days. I really like Seventh Generation products. I've used their dish soap, laundry soap, and all-purpose cleaner. However, I was intrigued when my niece Erin told me about Arm & Hammer's new green cleaning products. Here's a blub from their web site:

Did you know that Americans throw away 60 billion pounds of plastic each year? Each ARM & HAMMER® Essentials™ Cleaners refill pack you buy means 2 less plastic spray bottles in landfills. And the refill pack uses 80% less packaging than 2 pre-filled spray cleaners. The ARM & HAMMER® Essentials™ Cleaners formula is biodegradable and uses powerful plant-based cleaners* — and contains no harsh ammonia or phosphates.

*With other biodegradable cleaners.

Plus, you’ll save money every time you refill your
ARM & HAMMER® Essentials™ Cleaners bottle — up to 25% compared to buying traditional cleaners. It’s simple: ARM & HAMMER® Essentials™ Cleaners are better for you and your family, and sensible for the environment.

OK... a nice sales pitch, huh? I continued to read more on their site. I think I knew some of this, but I wanted to share this also (from their website):

To consumers like you around the world, ARM & HAMMER® stands for simple solutions to household needs — and for active concern for the environment. We began using recycled paperboard in our packaging over 100 years ago — in 1907. We also launched the nation’s first non-polluting, phosphate-free laundry detergent in 1970. Today,
ARM & HAMMER® Essentials™ products continue to expand our commitment to the environment.

So...next time you grab your box of Arm and Hammer Pure Baking Soda, in the cardboard box, let it be a reminder of how they jumped on the recycling bandwagon...101 years ago.

Where is "Away"?

Last night, I attended the August meeting of the Kansas City Green Drinks group. The goal of Green Drinks KC is pretty simple: good times shared among people working in, or interested in, environmental and sustainability issues. This is only the 2nd month I've attended a meeting, and once again, I left the meeting informed, inspired, and with new contacts!



The next time you start to throw something "away", think about the above picture. Our society has been trained to think that once the garbage truck leaves our street, the garbage has gone "away". We carelessly and thoughtlessly throw "away" items that can be reused or recycled. What humans manufacture and think they are throwing away, is really disturbing all types of ecosystems. The reality is, the world is a closed loop. Nothing leaves the earth. The bottom line...we are the species responsible for polluting. The damage that we have done as a species, has reached the a calamity tipping point, between the earth and mankind. The earth will win, whether it be tornadoes, global warming, fire or other natural disasters, the earth will win. This is becoming an epic battle between man vs earth. Can man live in harmony with the planet. Yes. Is it too late? No. Waste is the byproduct of poor design. What can we do? Be thoughtful. Make conscious decisions.

• Purchase items with minimal packaging
• Write letters to companies demanding responsible packaging
• Reuse and recycle. Really. Think about everything you are throwing away. Can it be recycled or reused?
• Consume less
• Utilize services like freecycle.com

We can each do our part. Be Greener Every Day.

Recycling my closet...

How many times have you gone through your closet and said, “I don’t have anything to wear?”

One basic idea in recycling is to reuse, right? I know I’m guilty of keeping clothes hanging in my closet way too long. What’s too long? That’s up to you. Many “experts” say if you haven’t worn something in 12 months, it’s time to remove it from your closet.

Recently, I packed for a weeklong trip to New Mexico and Colorado. I needed mostly casual clothes, but also one outfit for a wedding. With a closet (actually more than 1 closet) full of clothes, I had to do laundry before I packed. I couldn’t leave without 2 of my favorite summer blouses, right? (I chose to ignore the dozens that were clean, and hanging in my closet…)
I’ve done it. There have been times when I can’t add another article of clothing to my bulging closet, full of items I don’t wear, and then I do it...I go buy more. I’m sure not practicing what I preach here…

One of the best ideas I’ve learned about recycling is the idea that when it comes to our attention that we are in possession of items we are no longer putting to use, pass them on. I love the idea of knowing that someone who couldn’t afford a new outfit it is wearing something of mine that no longer fits me (or I just grew tired of). The other part of that positive thought is that piece of clothing is no longer taking up space and collecting dust in my closet!

Why have items that we no longer have any use for taking up precious space in our lives? It feels great to have extra room in my closet. It took me a while, but that was one of the best things I ever did for myself: cleaning out my closet. Don’t get me wrong; I know I still have too much “stuff”. This is an ongoing process…the more I get rid of, the more I WANT to get rid of. I pass them on and that feels really good.

Do yourself a favor, go through your closet, find what you’re no longer wearing and pass it on. There are numerous organizations where your unwanted items will be put to good use.

You probably have your favorite charities you donate to. One that I use is Big Brothers, Big Sisters. It’s a great cause, and they will come to your house to pick up the goodies! Check them out here.

To read reviews of different charity organizations, check this out:

http://www.charitynavigator.org/

Reducing waste

The idea of recycling is to reuse an item rather than toss it into the trash and have it end up filling space in a landfill, right? What about this novel idea? Why not reduce the waste in the first place? How can you do this, without much effort? Take a look:

Be aware of the items you purchase and how they are packaged. Some manufacturers use layers of wrapping that will just get tossed into the trash because there isn't another use for it. Do a little digging, a bit of research to find items that have less packaging and stick to only buying them. I believe the manufacturers will get the hint when consumers start paying attention to the waste one product makes and opt for its competitor.

One way to reduce packaging waste is to buy in bulk. Buying in bulk cuts way down on the packaging and more often than not, you save money. If you think you have to buy too much when you buy in bulk, consider teaming up with a friend or family member...share the fun!

If you have to buy something that has an excess of packaging, try to figure out what you can use that excess for and then put it to good use.

A great way to curb the surplus in a landfill is to reuse things. One easy idea (and obvious to most) is to do this with is the plastic bags you get to carry your groceries home in. Rather than getting the bags home, emptying the contents and putting them away and throw the used bag into the trash, think about the different things you can use that bag for. Just by reusing items like this will cut down greatly on the stuff that is filling up our precious space-craved landfills. If you have an excess of bags, take them to a local retailer who recycles them. Whole Foods, and many other grocery stores have a bin close to the door, to put your used bags in. These bags are recycled into other products.

The best idea is to buy some reusable bags to shop with. I always take mine into the grocery store (Whole Foods has a big sign, asking people to go back to their car to get their reusable bags!). I'm now starting to carry a bag or 2 in my purse, and will use them in department stores, home improvement stores, and anywhere I might make a purchase.

Recycling, at its best, is prevention of excess. Keeping that in mind and taking the steps to incorporate minor changes into your life will reduce waste and will make it much easier for landfills not to get so over-filled. Prevention of waste takes just a little forethought, and any of us are capable of that.

Recycling Books

For quite a while, every time I order a book from Amazon, I think, "gee, I have lots of books that I should get rid of". This comment has landed me at Half Price Books a few times, with a crate full of books. I anxiously await my name to be called over the PA, calling me to the buying counter. If lucky, I'll earn enough to pay for lunch, or admittance to one of my nephew's basketball tournaments.

I've managed to get rid of dozens of books over the years, but lately I keep thinking, I'm just "pushing" these titles into a system where I don't know if anyone will "pull" from. (For those of you familiar with Lean Manufacturing, you can relate).

So...yesterday, I decided to post some books on Amazon. While it took me a few minutes to get into the groove, very quickly I was spending about 60 seconds posting each title. Will it earn me any cash? I didn't know, but I was soon to find out.

Within an hour or 2 of posting about 20 titles, I was getting ready to close my computer, but decided to check my email first. Sure enough, I had an email from Amazon reading: "Sold, Ship now...". Oh my gosh, had I really made my first sale within a few hours? Yes, I had. I was pleased to learn that there were other lower priced books that the buyer didn't choose. Why not? The price was lower, the condition similar...oh well, I decided not to dwell on the psychology of buying. I'll just package the book and get it ready to mail.

The story continues...early this morning I checked email, and....you guessed it. Another email from Amazon reading: "Sold, Ship now..." for another title. Very cool I thought. While my basic instinct said "POST EVERY BOOK YOU OWN", I decided that wasn't a wise choice. At least not today. Maybe tomorrow. We'll see...

So, back to the Lean Manufacturing reference. By posting these books on Amazon, I didn't have to "push" these books out to clutter up the shelves of Half Price Books. The 2 books are now in transit to the people who have decided to "pull" from my inventory. Thanks Stephen in Florida and Mindy in Colorado. Thanks for helping me recycle.

Recycling bins at school sporting events?

Yesterday was a basketball marathon day at one of our local high schools, Shawnee Mission South. (Rhys played 3 games). I always carry my reusable bottle, usually full of ice tea, but sometimes just water. As I sat and watched 3 hours worth of games, I stopped counting the number of plastic water, sports drinks, soda, or other beverage containers that went in the regular trash cans. I didn't see one recycling container in the gym. I'm not sure how many games were played yesterday, but let me try to estimate how many bottles were trashed. There were 2 courts being played during the 3 games, which meant 4 teams. On average, 7 players per game. 28 x3=84. 84. That's just the number of bottles used by the players. Add a few dozen for the fans, coaches, etc per game. I know there were a lot more than 3 games played yesterday.

At one high school, 2 days worth of games, there could easily have been over a thousand bottles. I think it's time to send an email to the school district to see what could be done to correct this. Better yet, I can call them tomorrow: Shawnee Mission School District Facilities Office (913) 993-6443.

To the recycling center

I've been carrying around glass bottles and jars for a week, just waiting to go to the recycling center. Here's a lesson I've learned...in the summer time, don't put your glass bottles and jars in your car, until you're ready to go to the recycling center. No matter how much you think you rinse them out, there are still remains of whatever started out in the jar. (this week I made my favorite quinoa salad, which has pickled jalepeno peppers in it. you can imagine what my car smells like)

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