Archive for February, 2008
Plastics
Well, I found my answer and I’m wishing it were a better one. Turns out that just because there is the recycling “chasing arrows” symbol on plastics, doesn’t mean it’s recyclable. I refer to an article regarding these misconceptions: http://www.ecologycenter.org/ptf/misconceptions.html
This article explains the number system on plastics: http://earth911.org/blog/2007/08/17/green-forum-plastic-recycling/
I’m going to have to really process this information before I can speak on it any further. My initial thoughts, however, are that this is unacceptable. All plastics should not carry the chasing arrow symbol, that we know to be the recycling symbol, if it is not recyclable.
Recycling
Recycling is a huge topic, one that I’ll be referring to often. As for the part I play, I recycle everything I can at the curbside for pick-up. Then I collect the rest (glass, foil, styrofoam, etc.) to be dropped off at the recycling center.
You can find out where you can recycle things in your area on http://earth911.org/recycling/. Simply put in the items you’re curious about and your zip code and it will give you the closest recycling centers information. If you are in the Kansas City area, contact me and I can definitely help with that.
I also collect recyclables from my family members who I know won’t make the trip themselves.
Right now, I am trying to find out more about where I can recycle certain plastics not accepted at curbside pick-up or the recycling centers; and why they’re not accepted in the first place. I will keep you posted on what I find out.
earth911.org has so much good information on this topic. This is just one of the articles I found helpful: http://earth911.org/blog/2007/12/14/five-tips-for-better-recycling/
Some history
Okay, just to give some background on me and why I’m going green. Turns out it’s easy to go green when you grew up poor. My family was very big on turning off the lights to “save a buck”. We bought most everything secondhand and lived by the idea that you waste not, you want not. This is definitely still ingrained in me today. I love to go to garage sales, I’m a big wheeler dealer. I have always saved paper scraps, to my husbands chagrin (he thinks I’m a pack rat, which I’m not). I’m just mindful of wastefulness but never so much as since I had my baby. He is why I’m doing what I’m doing. Read my about the author page to find out more.
I’m Going Green and I’m Taking You With Me!
On this blog, I will be reviewing environmentally friendly (“green”) products, discussing changes that we can make, changes I have and will make. I will also be calling out companies whose practices are harming the environment. I will be contacting those companies regarding changes that need to be made and providing info so that you can do the same. My goal is to inform, empower and create change.
