Earth911 (earth911.com) has an excellent article on substitutions for commonly used, disposable and single-use office supplies.
Reusable Replacements for the Office
Some of the suggestions:
1) Refillable dry erase markers
- each refill container replaces more than 20 disposable markers & they are 100% recyclable at the end of their life
2) Staple-free staplers in place of staples & paper clips
- These cut a small strip of paper and use it to "stitch" documents together.
- We have experimented with these in the office (I have one on my desk) and they are not good for documents that will be frequently handled as they are not as sturdy as normal staples nor are they good for documents with more than about 5 pages. Feel free to give my "stapler" a try!
3) Use digital "sticky notes" and notepads to replace traditional sticky notes
- Check out Noryne's computer to see what these can look like!
- Post-It also has a digital version for $9.99
- One thing I do is take paper that is used on 1 side and cut it down into 8.5x5.5 note pads held together with a binder clip. While this doesn't eliminate waste, it does reduce it! I also use the back sides of Page-A-Day type calendars for notes
4) Use refillable pens & pencils
- When the ink or lead runs out, simply refill them!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Water usage in the yard
The following tips on how to conserve water in your yard come from Whole Living magazine.
Adjust your Lawn Mower: A taller lawn will shade plant roots and, as a result, hold soil moisture better than grass that's been closely clipped. Keep your blades at least three inches tall in the growing season, and cut them shorter in the fall to promote fresh growth.
Choose Native Plants: Water used on lawns and gardens accounts for up to 40 percent of total household use. Select species that are native to your area, and they'll have a much better chance of thriving with what Mother Nature provides.
Start Scheduling Your Sprinkler: You should never water midday; you'll lose too much to evaporation. In general, water in the evenings, unless it has been damp - then do it in the morning to avoid mildew problems. Consider using a soaker hose
Use Organic Fertilizer: Natural options (compost, bonemeal, peat) add nutrients without exposing your plants to the toxic chemicals found in conventional fertilizers, which can seep into the ground and contaminate water supplies.
Don't Go Nuts with the Flowers: Annuals, such as petunias and impatiens, typically require more water than most perennials
Rethink Your Lawn: In Oregon in the summer, you'll need a lot of sprinkler activity to maintain a huge grassy lawn. Consider tearing it out and using Xeriscaping methods to create a low-water usage landscape.
Mulch: Keep a two-inch layer over your flower bed to help your soil retain moisture
Monitor the Weather: Keep track of how much water your plants are getting with a rain gauge so that you don't do double duty with the house.
Monitor the Soil: Insert a trowel into your lawn or garden. If there's moisture two inches below the surface, it doesn't need water.
Sweep Up: Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your porch, driveway, or sidewalk. As most water in Sandy ends up in the storm system, which ultimately ends up in No-Name Creek or Tickle Creek, this is also a great way to prevent chemicals, dirt, and pollutants from ending up in our streams.
Additional Resources:
- Water-Efficient Plants for the Willamette Valley
- Portland Plant List - September 2011
- Native Plant List
- Water Efficient Landscaping
- Water Wise Landscape Design
- Natural Landscaping and Native Plants
- Xeriscaping
Adjust your Lawn Mower: A taller lawn will shade plant roots and, as a result, hold soil moisture better than grass that's been closely clipped. Keep your blades at least three inches tall in the growing season, and cut them shorter in the fall to promote fresh growth.
Choose Native Plants: Water used on lawns and gardens accounts for up to 40 percent of total household use. Select species that are native to your area, and they'll have a much better chance of thriving with what Mother Nature provides.
Start Scheduling Your Sprinkler: You should never water midday; you'll lose too much to evaporation. In general, water in the evenings, unless it has been damp - then do it in the morning to avoid mildew problems. Consider using a soaker hose
Use Organic Fertilizer: Natural options (compost, bonemeal, peat) add nutrients without exposing your plants to the toxic chemicals found in conventional fertilizers, which can seep into the ground and contaminate water supplies.
Don't Go Nuts with the Flowers: Annuals, such as petunias and impatiens, typically require more water than most perennials
Rethink Your Lawn: In Oregon in the summer, you'll need a lot of sprinkler activity to maintain a huge grassy lawn. Consider tearing it out and using Xeriscaping methods to create a low-water usage landscape.
Mulch: Keep a two-inch layer over your flower bed to help your soil retain moisture
Monitor the Weather: Keep track of how much water your plants are getting with a rain gauge so that you don't do double duty with the house.
Monitor the Soil: Insert a trowel into your lawn or garden. If there's moisture two inches below the surface, it doesn't need water.
Sweep Up: Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your porch, driveway, or sidewalk. As most water in Sandy ends up in the storm system, which ultimately ends up in No-Name Creek or Tickle Creek, this is also a great way to prevent chemicals, dirt, and pollutants from ending up in our streams.
Additional Resources:
- Water-Efficient Plants for the Willamette Valley
- Portland Plant List - September 2011
- Native Plant List
- Water Efficient Landscaping
- Water Wise Landscape Design
- Natural Landscaping and Native Plants
- Xeriscaping
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Smart Irrigation Month - part 2
As I found out yesterday, July is Smart Irrigation Month (at least according to the EPA WaterSense program). Yesterday's tips were about smart watering. Today here are some specific tips for irrigation and sprinkler systems.
Check for WaterSense!
Use smart technology.
Tips for Irrigation Systems
Look for the Label
If you have a standard clock timer controller, consider replacing it with a WaterSense labeled weather-based irrigation controller (WBIC). WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers can help landscapes save water by scheduling irrigation events only when plants really need it.
Adjust your irrigation system with the seasons.
Familiarize yourself with the settings on your irrigation controller and adjust the watering schedule regularly to conform to seasonal weather conditions. A good rule of thumb – when you adjust your thermostat due to seasonal temperature changes, adjust your irrigation controller watering schedule as well.
Set sprinklers to water the lawn or garden only—not the street or sidewalk, because they don't grow!
Play "zone" defense.
Schedule each individual zone in your irrigation system to account for the type of sprinkler, sun or shade exposure, and the soil type for the specific area. The same watering schedule rarely applies to all zones in the system.
Check for WaterSense!
A certified irrigation professional can design, install, maintain, or audit your system to ensure optimal efficiency using the proper amount of water to maintain a healthy landscape. Ask if your irrigation contractor is a WaterSense partner, which means he or she has been certified through a program that focuses on water efficiency.
Inspect your irrigation system monthly.
Check for leaks, broken or clogged heads, and other problems, or engage an irrigation professional to regularly check your system. Clean micro-irrigation filters as needed.
Get your head adjusted.
Correct obstructions in sprinkler heads that prevent sprinklers from distributing water evenly. Keep water off pavement and structures.
Flip to a rain shutoff switch.
Rain shutoff switches, required by law in many states, turn off your system in rainy weather and help compensate for natural rainfall. This inexpensive device can be retrofitted to almost any system.
Use smart technology.
Consider installing water-saving technologies such as WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers, soil moisture sensors, efficient sprinkler heads, and micro or drip irrigation.
Install low-volume micro-irrigation for gardens, trees, and shrubs.
Micro-irrigation includes drip (also known as trickle), micro-spray jets, micro-sprinklers, or bubbler irrigation. Micro-irrigation devices irrigate slowly and minimize evaporation, runoff, and overspray. For more information on drip or micro irrigation, see this video
on drip irrigation installation from our partners at Cascade Water Alliance.
on drip irrigation installation from our partners at Cascade Water Alliance.Monday, July 2, 2012
Smart Irrigation Month
Did you know that July is Smart Irrigation Month? Neither did I until it popped up on my Twitter feed this morning.
The EPA's WaterSense program offers these tips for smart watering:
Save it from a rainy day.
The EPA's WaterSense program offers these tips for smart watering:
Don't overwater. Learn plants' water needs and water appropriately.
If you step on your lawn and the grass springs back, it does not need to be watered. Watering plants too much and too frequently results in shallow roots, weed growth, disease, fungus, and stormwater runoff. Water your trees and shrubs, which have deep root systems, longer and less frequently than shallow-rooted plants. Check with your Cooperative Extension Serviceor water utility for advice on watering needs in your area.
or water utility for advice on watering needs in your area.
Water when the time is right.
The best time to water is in the early morning (4 to 7am)—to reduce evaporation—when the sun is low or down, winds are calm, and temperatures are cool. You can lose as much as 30 percent of water to evaporation by watering midday.
Save it from a rainy day.
Saving water from storms is a great way to supplement efficiency measures. Rain barrels or cisterns can be used to harvest rain water for irrigation and other outdoor water uses.
Be creative with alternative water sources.
Use water from the air conditioning condenser, dehumidifier, bath, or sink on plants or in the garden. When using household wastewater, be careful not to use water that contains bleach, automatic-dishwashing detergent or fabric softener. Use properly treated wastewater for irrigation where available.
Sweep driveways, sidewalks and steps rather than hosing them off.
Check your garden hose for leaks at its connection to the spigot. If it leaks while you run your hose, replace the nylon or rubber hose washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.
The City of Sandy offers rain barrels that are reclaimed from the barrels used to hold the chemicals that are added to our drinking water to residents of the City. The barrels are triple-washed, and come with the connectors necessary for hose adaptors and to collect the water from your downspout. These are offered annually at the SOLVE-IT in Sandy event in April, but put your name on the list now by e-mailing Utilities
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Spring Cleaning - Green Cleaners (1 of ??)
So, back to writing after another hiatus, and I'd like to continue with what I was last writing about - Spring Cleaning. There are a ton of products on the market - all of which are targeted towards different rooms, surfaces, dirt, etc. BUT, an easy way to save money & avoid some of the fumes and toxic chemicals is to make some of them yourself. After all, what did our ancestors do before we had all of these chemicals?
Earth911.org is a great website with information on a wide variety of green subjects. The main use is to determine where to recycle items. Type in your location & what you want to recycle, and they'll tell you where you can take it! But they also have articles and e-mails with green tips, tricks, and savings.
Here's their article on 5 cleaners that you can make yourself (link at the end of the article). I'll follow up next week with information about Green commercial cleaners.
-------------
http://earth911.com/news/2011/11/11/save-cash-go-diy/
Earth911.org is a great website with information on a wide variety of green subjects. The main use is to determine where to recycle items. Type in your location & what you want to recycle, and they'll tell you where you can take it! But they also have articles and e-mails with green tips, tricks, and savings.
Here's their article on 5 cleaners that you can make yourself (link at the end of the article). I'll follow up next week with information about Green commercial cleaners.
-------------
The main ingredients
Most homemade household products contain the same ingredients. The first – and probably most obvious – is soap, which you can purchase in bars, liquids or flakes for less than $3. Soap itself is completely biodegradable and nontoxic. But when choosing your soap, opt for brands without synthetic scents, colors or other additives for the most eco-friendly results.
Once soap is dissolved in water, adding common kitchen ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and salt is usually enough to get things clean. But for added power, some recipes use powdered wash soda (also known as sodium carbonate) and borax (also known as sodium tetraborate). Both ingredients are mineral-based and available in the laundry section of most grocery stores for about $4.
1. Laundry detergent
Store-bought detergents can cost up to $10 for 32 loads, which can really add up over time. But it’s easy to get the same fresh-smelling clothes the all-natural way for less than half the price.
Adding soap flakes to the warm water at the start of your wash cycle is a quick and easy substitute for detergent. If you’re washing in cold water, simply dissolve your soap in a small pot of water on the stove and pour about a cup in with each load. And skip the fabric softener. Adding 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle will soften clothes just as well.
You may run into problems with basic detergent recipes if you have “hard water” – meaning your water supply is very rich in minerals. When added to hard water, soap flakes can stick to your clothes and leave them a little less than clean. For hard water areas, add 1/3 cup of wash soda to water before adding clothes, and use dissolved soap in place of detergent (the wash soda softens water and helps clothes come out clean). Add 1/2 cup of borax for added cleaning power.
2. Glass cleaner
Pricey bottles touting a streak-free shine for all your glass surfaces can sell for as much as $5. But did you know a homemade alternative costs less than 20 cents?
Just mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar with 8 cups of warm water to give your windows, mirrors and glass countertops a shiny finish. You can apply your mixture with a towel. But if you prefer the spray-on method, pick up a reusable spray bottle from a local discount store, or reuse the bottle from a purchased glass cleaner.
3. Toilet cleaner
Cleaning the toilet is probably the ickiest (and most necessary) job in the house. And while many of us spend a bundle on “extra-strength” cleaners in an effort to stave off bacteria, all-natural methods can be tough on germs too – and cost way less. So, ditch those brand-name cleaners, and sub in a DIY alternative for less than a dollar.
To get the bowl clean, simply sprinkle in about 1/4 cup of baking soda and drizzle with vinegar. Let the mixture sit and fizzle away for about 1/2 hour, and scrub clean with a toilet brush. Your porcelain throne will be just as clean without the harsh chemical smells.
4. Tile and grout cleaner
It’s tough to clean tile and grout without being left with a sore elbow. And you may think that expensive cleaners make things easier, but a $10 price tag and a fancy label isn’t the only way to get the job done. About 50 cents worth of baking soda or vinegar is enough to leave your tiles clean and your elbow rested.
Usually, mixing 1/4 cup of vinegar with about 15 cups of water will be enough to clean your tile. But if you’ve got some tough spots, you may need something a little stronger. Make a paste using 1/4 cup of baking soda and a tablespoon of liquid soap and scrub it onto tough areas with a scouring pad.
5. Wood polish
You want to keep your wood furniture looking nice, but is $5 for a little can of polish really worth it? To get all your wood finishes looking shiny and spotless, skip the pricey polishes and do it yourself on the cheap.
For ugly rings on your wood tables, just make a paste using equal parts baking soda and toothpaste. Yes, we said toothpaste. Use a plain, non-gel toothpaste and apply your mixture over the ring with a cloth. Wipe off the film with a wet cloth, buff with a dry one and your table will be good as new.
To give surfaces a glossy sheen, mix about 1/2 cup of vinegar and a tablespoon of olive oil and apply like your usual polish. Vinegar will pull dirt out of your wood surfaces, while oil leaves them shiny and moisturized
http://earth911.com/news/2011/11/11/save-cash-go-diy/
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Spring Cleaning - Organizing
Day 2 of the Spring Cleaning topic, Organizing.
This will be a short & simple post, since it is a short and simple topic.
So, how does organizing fit in with sustainability? Its easy- if you know where things are and what you have, you won't spend time searching for it or have to go out and buy a new item. How annoying is it to search and search for the tape, finally get a new roll, and THEN find the roll that you were originally looking for? Or to find out that your produce has gone bad in the back of the refrigerator because you forgot that it was there?
So, I don't have any real tips on organizing, other than to say a) pare down what you own (see yesterday's post), and b) then arrange it in a way that makes sense & works for you! For example, I have my books at home grouped by subject - it would be too exhausting to try and file them alphabetically by author, but at least if I'm looking for a book about rock climbing, I have a good idea where I would find it. I also like making use of existing objects around my house to organize things with - such as tomato sauce jars for screws and nails, spice jars for Q-tips (I have some cool little spice jars that work perfectly), etc. The more that you can re-use, the better.
And just think how happy you'll be when you don't have to waste time searching for something that you *think* should be *here*.
Tomorrow - the "big" topic regarding Spring Cleaning - better (for you & the environment) cleaning supplies!
This will be a short & simple post, since it is a short and simple topic.
So, how does organizing fit in with sustainability? Its easy- if you know where things are and what you have, you won't spend time searching for it or have to go out and buy a new item. How annoying is it to search and search for the tape, finally get a new roll, and THEN find the roll that you were originally looking for? Or to find out that your produce has gone bad in the back of the refrigerator because you forgot that it was there?
So, I don't have any real tips on organizing, other than to say a) pare down what you own (see yesterday's post), and b) then arrange it in a way that makes sense & works for you! For example, I have my books at home grouped by subject - it would be too exhausting to try and file them alphabetically by author, but at least if I'm looking for a book about rock climbing, I have a good idea where I would find it. I also like making use of existing objects around my house to organize things with - such as tomato sauce jars for screws and nails, spice jars for Q-tips (I have some cool little spice jars that work perfectly), etc. The more that you can re-use, the better.
And just think how happy you'll be when you don't have to waste time searching for something that you *think* should be *here*.
Tomorrow - the "big" topic regarding Spring Cleaning - better (for you & the environment) cleaning supplies!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Spring Cleaning
After a week of writer's block, I'm back!
Its a bit early, but with the few days of warm weather we've been having here (mixed with days of snow - truly March), I'm thinking about spring cleaning - get rid of the clutter, simplify, get things clean and shiny for the spring and summer.
So, the different aspects of spring cleaning:
- Getting rid of things
- Organizing
- Cleaning
I'll cover one of these topics each day, and there'll be a quiz on Friday with answers on Monday.
So, for today - let's get rid of things & simplify!!
First of all, why? We're in a society where more is often equated with better. However, several studies and a book (The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less by Barry Schwartz) determined that too many choices make us unhappier - "Is there a better choice that we could have/use?", "I bet that there's something better on TV" - instead of just enjoying what we do have.
In addition, in The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, she finds that for many people, outer order contributes to inner calm. Many of us are trying to be calmer, more rational and relaxed human beings, and being confronted by clutter upsets these senses.
Sometimes we buy things to satisfy a "fantasy" about ourselves - for example, tablecloths ("I'd love to use a tablecloth, if I get one, it will make me use it"). And then, it sits in the linen closet, reminding us that we not organized enough to use it and making us feel guilty. These items that don't make you happy should GO.
“If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
-- William Morris
Ok, so we know WHY to simplify, but now HOW & what to do with the things we want to get rid of.
If you have things that no longer make you happy, but still have useful life left in them, see about donating them! Many charitable organizations will take gently used items. In the Sandy area, the Sandy Community Action Center accepts clothing (clean & in good condition), baby items, canned or dried food, and small household items. Goodwill also accepts items in good conditions, including computer parts which they refurbish, reuse, or recycle responsibly. Computer parts can also be taken to FreeGeek, where they will be refurbished, reused, or recycled. Refurbished computers are then "earned" by volunteers, donated to non-profits, or sold in the thrift store. The Sandy Lions Club accepts eyeglasses and hearing aids for recycling. I'll add other links and information as I find them.
Another resource is the local Freecycle network, where items can be offered for free. There are the following networks in our areas: Mt Hood, Gresham, Clackamas. You'd be amazed at what people will take - even if its not working. Then again, you'll be amazed at what people won't taken - even if it does work!
So, if the items that you no longer want to keep are broken, dirty, or no longer in good condition - the best option is to see if they can be recycled. At Earth911.com you can type in what you're trying to get rid of, and the website will let you know where you can take it. Many more things are recyclable than what goes in the curbside pickup.
Once you've exhausted all of those options, then its time to consider throwing the item in the trash. Sometimes this is the only way, but make sure that you've taken anything hazardous (i.e. batteries) out before you put it in the trash.
Its a bit early, but with the few days of warm weather we've been having here (mixed with days of snow - truly March), I'm thinking about spring cleaning - get rid of the clutter, simplify, get things clean and shiny for the spring and summer.
So, the different aspects of spring cleaning:
- Getting rid of things
- Organizing
- Cleaning
I'll cover one of these topics each day, and there'll be a quiz on Friday with answers on Monday.
So, for today - let's get rid of things & simplify!!
First of all, why? We're in a society where more is often equated with better. However, several studies and a book (The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less by Barry Schwartz) determined that too many choices make us unhappier - "Is there a better choice that we could have/use?", "I bet that there's something better on TV" - instead of just enjoying what we do have.
In addition, in The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, she finds that for many people, outer order contributes to inner calm. Many of us are trying to be calmer, more rational and relaxed human beings, and being confronted by clutter upsets these senses.
Sometimes we buy things to satisfy a "fantasy" about ourselves - for example, tablecloths ("I'd love to use a tablecloth, if I get one, it will make me use it"). And then, it sits in the linen closet, reminding us that we not organized enough to use it and making us feel guilty. These items that don't make you happy should GO.
“If you want a golden rule that will fit everybody, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
-- William Morris
Ok, so we know WHY to simplify, but now HOW & what to do with the things we want to get rid of.
If you have things that no longer make you happy, but still have useful life left in them, see about donating them! Many charitable organizations will take gently used items. In the Sandy area, the Sandy Community Action Center accepts clothing (clean & in good condition), baby items, canned or dried food, and small household items. Goodwill also accepts items in good conditions, including computer parts which they refurbish, reuse, or recycle responsibly. Computer parts can also be taken to FreeGeek, where they will be refurbished, reused, or recycled. Refurbished computers are then "earned" by volunteers, donated to non-profits, or sold in the thrift store. The Sandy Lions Club accepts eyeglasses and hearing aids for recycling. I'll add other links and information as I find them.
Another resource is the local Freecycle network, where items can be offered for free. There are the following networks in our areas: Mt Hood, Gresham, Clackamas. You'd be amazed at what people will take - even if its not working. Then again, you'll be amazed at what people won't taken - even if it does work!
So, if the items that you no longer want to keep are broken, dirty, or no longer in good condition - the best option is to see if they can be recycled. At Earth911.com you can type in what you're trying to get rid of, and the website will let you know where you can take it. Many more things are recyclable than what goes in the curbside pickup.
Once you've exhausted all of those options, then its time to consider throwing the item in the trash. Sometimes this is the only way, but make sure that you've taken anything hazardous (i.e. batteries) out before you put it in the trash.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Paper Quiz - Answers!
Pop quiz to see if you read my posts over the past 2 weeks about paper. I'll post the answers on Monday. Feel free to respond in the comments, or ask questions!
1) I have a large report that is stapled together. Do I really have to take the staple out before putting it in the recycling bin?
Nope! The recycling process can handle miscellaneous staples, paper clips, etc.
Nope! The recycling process can handle miscellaneous staples, paper clips, etc.
2) Did you notice that paper towels and toilet paper come on cardboard rolls? Can these be recycled?
(some brands are doing away with the cardboard rolls to save resources!)
YES! They can. Paper towels can also be composted in our compost bucket at City Hall. And the cardboard boxes that tissues come in can be recycled, too.
YES! They can. Paper towels can also be composted in our compost bucket at City Hall. And the cardboard boxes that tissues come in can be recycled, too.
3) I just printed out 10 pages of labels and stuck them to the envelopes. What should I do with the backing paper?
They have to be thrown away :( The plastic coating that allows the labels to come off doesn't allow the paper to be recycled. Alternatives include printing the addresses directly on the envelopes (and then you save the time of sticking the labels onto the envelopes)
They have to be thrown away :( The plastic coating that allows the labels to come off doesn't allow the paper to be recycled. Alternatives include printing the addresses directly on the envelopes (and then you save the time of sticking the labels onto the envelopes)
4) All of our mail seems to come in those envelopes with windows. Do I need to throw these away?
NO! The recycling process can handle small amounts of plastic contaminants like these.
NO! The recycling process can handle small amounts of plastic contaminants like these.
5) After I microwave my frozen Lean Cuisine lunch, what should I do with the box that it came in?
It has to be thrown away :( The boxes that frozen food comes in contain "wet strength" - a chemical that keeps it from breaking down in water. Since the recycling process relies on water to break down the paper, this is a problem.
It has to be thrown away :( The boxes that frozen food comes in contain "wet strength" - a chemical that keeps it from breaking down in water. Since the recycling process relies on water to break down the paper, this is a problem.
6) We used paper plates for a sandwich-type lunch. No food got on the plates. Can we recycle them? NO! The plates often have either a plastic or wax coating, or wet strength added, so they don't break down in the recycling process
7) What about the paper cups that we used that had water in them?
No. Same reason as above.
No. Same reason as above.
8) I shred all my sensitive documents. Can I recycle them? What should I put them in? (hah - 2 questions here!)
YES! Shredded paper can be recycled. Most waste management companies ask that you put it in paper bags, but we can also work with Hoodview Disposal to have a special pick-up of large amounts of shredded paper in plastic bags.
YES! Shredded paper can be recycled. Most waste management companies ask that you put it in paper bags, but we can also work with Hoodview Disposal to have a special pick-up of large amounts of shredded paper in plastic bags.
9) Name 1 benefit of recycling paper and/or using recycled paper with high post-consumer waste content.
saved 3.6 million trees
- reduce air emissions
- save water
- prevented the release of waste into the wastewater system
- requires 40% less energy than making paper from virgin wood products
- releases 38% fewer green-house gases
10) At least on the Planning & Building side of City Hall, we use carbonless paper for hand-written receipts, building inspections, etc. What should we do with the scraps and other pieces that we don't need?
This was a trick question, since I just updated the answer in the blog about paper recycling. YES, it is!
Bonus Question: What is the one exception to question 5 above?
Amy's Organics. These have been confirmed to NOT use wet strength chemicals.
Amy's Organics. These have been confirmed to NOT use wet strength chemicals.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Paper Quiz
Pop quiz to see if you read my posts over the past 2 weeks about paper. I'll post the answers on Monday. Feel free to respond in the comments, or ask questions!
1) I have a large report that is stapled together. Do I really have to take the staple out before putting it in the recycling bin?
2) Did you notice that paper towels and toilet paper come on cardboard rolls? Can these be recycled?
(some brands are doing away with the cardboard rolls to save resources!)
3) I just printed out 10 pages of labels and stuck them to the envelopes. What should I do with the backing paper?
4) All of our mail seems to come in those envelopes with windows. Do I need to throw these away?
5) After I microwave my frozen Lean Cuisine lunch, what should I do with the box that it came in?
6) We used paper plates for a sandwich-type lunch. No food got on the plates. Can we recycle them?
7) What about the paper cups that we used that had water in them?
8) I shred all my sensitive documents. Can I recycle them? What should I put them in? (hah - 2 questions here!)
9) Name 1 benefit of recycling paper and/or using recycled paper with high post-consumer waste content.
10) At least on the Planning & Building side of City Hall, we use carbonless paper for hand-written receipts, building inspections, etc. What should we do with the scraps and other pieces that we don't need?
Bonus Question: What is the one exception to question 5 above?
1) I have a large report that is stapled together. Do I really have to take the staple out before putting it in the recycling bin?
2) Did you notice that paper towels and toilet paper come on cardboard rolls? Can these be recycled?
(some brands are doing away with the cardboard rolls to save resources!)
3) I just printed out 10 pages of labels and stuck them to the envelopes. What should I do with the backing paper?
4) All of our mail seems to come in those envelopes with windows. Do I need to throw these away?
5) After I microwave my frozen Lean Cuisine lunch, what should I do with the box that it came in?
6) We used paper plates for a sandwich-type lunch. No food got on the plates. Can we recycle them?
7) What about the paper cups that we used that had water in them?
8) I shred all my sensitive documents. Can I recycle them? What should I put them in? (hah - 2 questions here!)
9) Name 1 benefit of recycling paper and/or using recycled paper with high post-consumer waste content.
10) At least on the Planning & Building side of City Hall, we use carbonless paper for hand-written receipts, building inspections, etc. What should we do with the scraps and other pieces that we don't need?
Bonus Question: What is the one exception to question 5 above?
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Paper Substitutes
There are numerous substitutes for paper products - many of which we used to use before disposables and their convenience and cleanliness. For times when we must use disposable items, find ones with the highest percentage possible of post-consumer recycled content. If every household in the United States replaced just one roll of virgin fiber paper towels with paper towels made of 100 percent recycled paper, we could save 544,000 trees, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Office paper: While this cannot truly be replaced, its use can be reduced by the following actions:
- Print double-sided
- Use paper that has already been used on one side for drafts and non-important printing
- Keep documents electronically instead of printing them out
Paper cups and plates:
- Use durable plates, glasses and mugs, and wash them in the dishwasher
Paper Towels
- Use rags or sponges for spills
- Use hand towels and wash weekly/as needed
Napkins
- Use cloth napkins whenever possible. A large collection from scrap material is an easy way to make sure that you always have enough clean ones.
Remember that the 3 R's of the environmental movement start with REDUCE, and then REUSE, with RECYCLE as a last resort.
Office paper: While this cannot truly be replaced, its use can be reduced by the following actions:
- Print double-sided
- Use paper that has already been used on one side for drafts and non-important printing
- Keep documents electronically instead of printing them out
Paper cups and plates:
- Use durable plates, glasses and mugs, and wash them in the dishwasher
Paper Towels
- Use rags or sponges for spills
- Use hand towels and wash weekly/as needed
Napkins
- Use cloth napkins whenever possible. A large collection from scrap material is an easy way to make sure that you always have enough clean ones.
Remember that the 3 R's of the environmental movement start with REDUCE, and then REUSE, with RECYCLE as a last resort.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Benefits of Paper Recycling
There are numerous reasons to recycling paper, and a typical piece of office paper can be recycled five to seven times before the fibers become too short to be used again!
Recycling paper helps preserve natural resources:
In 2007, the Metro regional area recycled 457,000 tons of paper, which:
- saved 3.6 million trees
- reduced air emissions by 566,884 tons (equivalent of 68,000 cars for one year)
- saved 1 billion gallons of water
- prevented the release of 2,100 tons of waste into the wastewater system
- requires 40% less energy than making paper from virgin wood products
- releases 38% fewer green-house gases
Paper recycling saves space in landfills (although that is not currently an issue in the PNW), protects forests, saves energy, and is cost effective. In addition, reducing paper usage to begin with, and buying paper with high post-consumer recycled content further helps preserve our natural resources.
Tomorrow I'll discuss alternatives to the paper that we use on a daily basis.
Recycling paper helps preserve natural resources:
In 2007, the Metro regional area recycled 457,000 tons of paper, which:
- saved 3.6 million trees
- reduced air emissions by 566,884 tons (equivalent of 68,000 cars for one year)
- saved 1 billion gallons of water
- prevented the release of 2,100 tons of waste into the wastewater system
- requires 40% less energy than making paper from virgin wood products
- releases 38% fewer green-house gases
Paper recycling saves space in landfills (although that is not currently an issue in the PNW), protects forests, saves energy, and is cost effective. In addition, reducing paper usage to begin with, and buying paper with high post-consumer recycled content further helps preserve our natural resources.
Tomorrow I'll discuss alternatives to the paper that we use on a daily basis.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Paper Recycling
As an office, the material we seem to use the most is paper. And beyond just copying & printing, there are also paper towels, paper napkins, those boxes that microwave lunches come in, etc. Sometimes its hard to know what is and is not recyclable (and why), and what the benefits are.
We'll start with what IS recyclable here in Sandy, follow-up tomorrow with the benefits of paper recycling, and finally discuss on Thursday options to replace the non-recyclable paper materials we use:
Please put the following IN the recycling bins!
Copy paper (ideally used on both sides; staples, spiral bindings & paper clips are OK)
Glossy magazines
Newspaper
Envelopes with windows
Junk Mail
Catalogs & Phone books
Paper Bags
Cardboard Boxes
Egg cartons
Paper back books
Tetra packs, aseptic milk cartons, & juice boxes (rise out, do not flatten, remove all plastic lids, etc)
Sticky-notes (the adhesive is water-based & dissolves in the recycling process)
Amy's frozen food boxes (these are the only known frozen food box that do not contain the wet-strength chemical)
Beer & soda cartons
Shredded paper - in paper bags
The following items are NOT recyclable. (I've indicated the reasoning in parentheses)
- Paper towels, toilet paper, tissues
(These often contain wet-strength chemical additives, as well as usually being made with a fairly high percentage of recycled paper, so the fibers in paper towels are too short to be woven into new paper products. BUT they CAN be composted! For my sake, please don't put toilet paper or tissues in the office compost, though - paper towels are OK!)
- Label backing sheets (i.e. the non-stick "paper" that sheets of labels are stuck to)
(The plastic coating on these does not break down in the recycling process)
- Anything with food on it
(Grease from the pizza, food, etc. seeps into the paper or cardboard which makes it unrecyclable, stained fibers, gross-factor, etc)
- Cardboard-type food containers that are stored in the fridge or freezer EXCEPT Amy's organics boxes.
(These contain a chemical called wet-strength which prevents them from falling apart in cold, moist environments. This also keeps them from being recyclable. Check out the following link for more information!
http://www.enviromom.com/2009/02/portland-more-on-those-freezer-boxes.html).
- Plastic coated envelopes
(Plastic)
- Paper cups & plates
(Often these have a wax or plastic coating, are made with short fibers that can't be reused, or are contaminated with food - see the note above on food-contaminated paper)
I am going to follow-up to find out if carbonless paper (i.e. the paper we use for receipts, building inspections, etc) is recyclable. I'll update this when I know more! [EDIT: The answer is YES, this is recyclable!]
We'll start with what IS recyclable here in Sandy, follow-up tomorrow with the benefits of paper recycling, and finally discuss on Thursday options to replace the non-recyclable paper materials we use:
Please put the following IN the recycling bins!
Copy paper (ideally used on both sides; staples, spiral bindings & paper clips are OK)
Glossy magazines
Newspaper
Envelopes with windows
Junk Mail
Catalogs & Phone books
Paper Bags
Cardboard Boxes
Egg cartons
Paper back books
Tetra packs, aseptic milk cartons, & juice boxes (rise out, do not flatten, remove all plastic lids, etc)
Sticky-notes (the adhesive is water-based & dissolves in the recycling process)
Amy's frozen food boxes (these are the only known frozen food box that do not contain the wet-strength chemical)
Beer & soda cartons
Shredded paper - in paper bags
The following items are NOT recyclable. (I've indicated the reasoning in parentheses)
- Paper towels, toilet paper, tissues
(These often contain wet-strength chemical additives, as well as usually being made with a fairly high percentage of recycled paper, so the fibers in paper towels are too short to be woven into new paper products. BUT they CAN be composted! For my sake, please don't put toilet paper or tissues in the office compost, though - paper towels are OK!)
- Label backing sheets (i.e. the non-stick "paper" that sheets of labels are stuck to)
(The plastic coating on these does not break down in the recycling process)
- Anything with food on it
(Grease from the pizza, food, etc. seeps into the paper or cardboard which makes it unrecyclable, stained fibers, gross-factor, etc)
- Cardboard-type food containers that are stored in the fridge or freezer EXCEPT Amy's organics boxes.
(These contain a chemical called wet-strength which prevents them from falling apart in cold, moist environments. This also keeps them from being recyclable. Check out the following link for more information!
http://www.enviromom.com/2009/02/portland-more-on-those-freezer-boxes.html).
- Plastic coated envelopes
(Plastic)
- Paper cups & plates
(Often these have a wax or plastic coating, are made with short fibers that can't be reused, or are contaminated with food - see the note above on food-contaminated paper)
I am going to follow-up to find out if carbonless paper (i.e. the paper we use for receipts, building inspections, etc) is recyclable. I'll update this when I know more! [EDIT: The answer is YES, this is recyclable!]
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Styrofoam cups
I decided to do a post about styrofoam cups. I assumed that I would be able to find tons of data on how bad for the environment styrofoam cups are, their toxicity, etc. Instead, I found that, as compared to paper cups, styrofoam cups have less impact on the environment. I also found very little recent data - the arguments pro and con are generally both from the 1990s. But, just to prove that I am not a dogmatic, hardheaded individual (well, I am, but at least I can admit when I learn something new or am wrong), I will go ahead with my post.
To begin with, most of us call everything that is made from a white, insulating foam "styrofoam". In fact, the proper terminology is expanded polystyrene foam. Styrofoam is a trademarked named for expanded polystyrene foam manufactured by the Dow Chemical Company. I'm just going to use the term styrofoam for the rest of this article, however.
Let's start with the process of making styrofoam cups versus paper cups. One important thing to consider is that most paper cups made for hot liquids are created from virgin material (i.e. fresh trees), bleached, given a plastic or waxy liner, and then given a cardboard sleeve. In general the cardboard sleeve is recyclable, but the cups are not because of the liner. Therefore, everything that I have found so far says that styrofoam cups have a lower environmental impact for creation - both resource extraction and greenhouse gas emissions - even though styrofoam is made by expanding hydrocarbon beads.
Proper disposal is a non-issue, because, although styrofoam cups will never biodegrade, in a modern landfill, neither will anything else, including paper cups. Styrofoam, such as the blocks used when shipping electronics, can be recycled, but very few places take it, and in general cups and other styrofoam with food residue on it cannot be recycled. Since the paper cups have a plastic or waxy lining, they cannot be recycled either. Therefore, these two items are a draw in this area.
If we think about the transport of these items from their place of creation to their place of end use, styrofoam wins out again - it is so lightweight (up to 98% air) that less fuel is required to transport it.
Additionally, styrofoam cups are in general much cheaper than paper cups.
NOW, before you go running off to buy boatloads of styrofoam cups, there is one part of this analysis that is missing. That is the comparison of disposable cups of any type to ceramic mugs. One study found that while an individual styrofoam cup has a lower environmental impact than an individual ceramic mug, the ceramic mug can be re-used hundreds of times while the styrofoam cup is thrown away. This study came to the conclusion that if you use more than 46 styrofoam cups (i.e. less than 1 per week), a ceramic mug would have a lower environmental impact. Paper cups, with their even higher environmental impact, only require 3 to have a higher impact than a ceramic mug. (http://www.triplepundit.com/2007/12/askpablo-disposable-cups-vs-reusable-mugs/).
This, of course, does not include the cost of washing the ceramic mugs, and I have not been able to find a new study that addresses this issue. An old (1994) study by University of Victoria chemistry professor Martin Hocking found that you could use over 1,000 styrofoam cups before they had a greater environmental impact than a ceramic mug. However, with the more efficient dishwashers we now have, plus the fact that many of us don't wash our mug after just 1 use, the number is probably much lower.
A few other things to consider:
1) Improperly disposed styrofoam can be a hazard to wildlife as well as a nuisance. Because it is so light-weight, it flies very easily and travels great distances. When ingested by wildlife, it can cause blockages in their digestive tract.
2) Styrofoam is manufactured from a potentially toxic molecule called styrene. Styrene is classified by the EPA as a potentially cancerous chemical. I have found reference to some research claiming that "Styrofoam cups lose weight when in use, meaning that styrene is oozing into the foods and drinks we consume. It then ends up stored in our fatty tissue, where it can build up to levels that can cause fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, blood abnormalities—and even carcinogenic effects." (http://www.newfrontier.com/asheville/earth-talk4.htm)
3) Polystyrene is a petroleum-based product. This means that we have to extract more oil out of the ground in order to manufacture more styrofoam - recycling of styrofoam results in the downcycling of the material - so you can't make more cups from old cups.
Other options include the newer compostable cups and dishware. There has not been a study yet that looks at the impact of these versus the other options. Compostable dishware can be challenging, though, as not everyone has access to a compost program, and many of these items - especially silverware - can only be composted in a commercial system (trust me, I tried valiantly to get my worm compost system to destroy those forks from New Seasons).
For me, I'm going to avoid styrofoam - I feel that I'm exposed to enough chemicals in normal daily life, that if there is one that I can avoid, I'll do it. I usually have a ceramic mug or a travel mug with me. But I won't be quite as hard on the styrofoam cup users - at least until there is something better available.
To begin with, most of us call everything that is made from a white, insulating foam "styrofoam". In fact, the proper terminology is expanded polystyrene foam. Styrofoam is a trademarked named for expanded polystyrene foam manufactured by the Dow Chemical Company. I'm just going to use the term styrofoam for the rest of this article, however.
Let's start with the process of making styrofoam cups versus paper cups. One important thing to consider is that most paper cups made for hot liquids are created from virgin material (i.e. fresh trees), bleached, given a plastic or waxy liner, and then given a cardboard sleeve. In general the cardboard sleeve is recyclable, but the cups are not because of the liner. Therefore, everything that I have found so far says that styrofoam cups have a lower environmental impact for creation - both resource extraction and greenhouse gas emissions - even though styrofoam is made by expanding hydrocarbon beads.
Proper disposal is a non-issue, because, although styrofoam cups will never biodegrade, in a modern landfill, neither will anything else, including paper cups. Styrofoam, such as the blocks used when shipping electronics, can be recycled, but very few places take it, and in general cups and other styrofoam with food residue on it cannot be recycled. Since the paper cups have a plastic or waxy lining, they cannot be recycled either. Therefore, these two items are a draw in this area.
If we think about the transport of these items from their place of creation to their place of end use, styrofoam wins out again - it is so lightweight (up to 98% air) that less fuel is required to transport it.
Additionally, styrofoam cups are in general much cheaper than paper cups.
NOW, before you go running off to buy boatloads of styrofoam cups, there is one part of this analysis that is missing. That is the comparison of disposable cups of any type to ceramic mugs. One study found that while an individual styrofoam cup has a lower environmental impact than an individual ceramic mug, the ceramic mug can be re-used hundreds of times while the styrofoam cup is thrown away. This study came to the conclusion that if you use more than 46 styrofoam cups (i.e. less than 1 per week), a ceramic mug would have a lower environmental impact. Paper cups, with their even higher environmental impact, only require 3 to have a higher impact than a ceramic mug. (http://www.triplepundit.com/2007/12/askpablo-disposable-cups-vs-reusable-mugs/).
This, of course, does not include the cost of washing the ceramic mugs, and I have not been able to find a new study that addresses this issue. An old (1994) study by University of Victoria chemistry professor Martin Hocking found that you could use over 1,000 styrofoam cups before they had a greater environmental impact than a ceramic mug. However, with the more efficient dishwashers we now have, plus the fact that many of us don't wash our mug after just 1 use, the number is probably much lower.
A few other things to consider:
1) Improperly disposed styrofoam can be a hazard to wildlife as well as a nuisance. Because it is so light-weight, it flies very easily and travels great distances. When ingested by wildlife, it can cause blockages in their digestive tract.
2) Styrofoam is manufactured from a potentially toxic molecule called styrene. Styrene is classified by the EPA as a potentially cancerous chemical. I have found reference to some research claiming that "Styrofoam cups lose weight when in use, meaning that styrene is oozing into the foods and drinks we consume. It then ends up stored in our fatty tissue, where it can build up to levels that can cause fatigue, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, blood abnormalities—and even carcinogenic effects." (http://www.newfrontier.com/asheville/earth-talk4.htm)
3) Polystyrene is a petroleum-based product. This means that we have to extract more oil out of the ground in order to manufacture more styrofoam - recycling of styrofoam results in the downcycling of the material - so you can't make more cups from old cups.
Other options include the newer compostable cups and dishware. There has not been a study yet that looks at the impact of these versus the other options. Compostable dishware can be challenging, though, as not everyone has access to a compost program, and many of these items - especially silverware - can only be composted in a commercial system (trust me, I tried valiantly to get my worm compost system to destroy those forks from New Seasons).
For me, I'm going to avoid styrofoam - I feel that I'm exposed to enough chemicals in normal daily life, that if there is one that I can avoid, I'll do it. I usually have a ceramic mug or a travel mug with me. But I won't be quite as hard on the styrofoam cup users - at least until there is something better available.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Disposable Dishware - EcoTips
Center for Earth Leadership
ecotips
Why we care
Americans throw away 113 billion disposable cups, 39 billion disposable eating utensils, and 29 billion disposable plates each year. The strain on landfills is obvious, but these products also consume more energy and materials than durable ones even when washing is considered. Most paper disposables have plastic liners that prevent them from being recycled. Plastic disposables do not biodegrade and may end up as part of the floating flotsam in the ocean that kills wildlife. Even bioplastic causes problems: It's a contaminant in plastic recycling streams, does not break down in home composting systems, and may be unsuitable for commercial composting facilities.
Simple, positive change
• Make a commitment to carry a reusable mug. If 50 customers a day in every U.S. Starbucks did this, the equivalent of almost 300,000 trees a year would be saved.
• If you forget your mug, ask for a ceramic mug for in-store orders and forgo the plastic lid for to-go use.
• Carry your own containers and utensils for take-out meals. Check www.ReusableBags.com.
• If you are serving a large crowd:
o Ask guests to bring their own tableware.
o Borrow extra from a neighbor or guest.
o Rent supplies from a rental shop.
• Have lightweight, washable tableware set aside for picnics and potlucks.
• Be proactive in your work place, school, church, or other organization. Work places can buy washable tableware for lunches. A number of schools in Portland have held silverware drives to replace disposables.
Questions or feedback? Contact Jeanne Roy at jeanne@earthleaders.org.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Copy Paper Eco-Tips
Center for Earth Leadership
ecotips
Papermaking is one of the largest and most resource intensive industries in the world. Logging can destroy ecosystems, cause erosion, and release carbon into the atmosphere. According to US government figures, pulp and paper manufacturers are the fourth largest industrial emitters of greenhouse gases and in the top five in emissions of toxic chemicals into water and air. Paper is also the largest component of our land filled waste. The good news is that recycling greatly reduces these impacts, and paper fibers can be recycled about eight times before becoming too short for papermaking.
Simple, positive change
• Purchase 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Post-consumer means the fiber was returned to a manufacturer through a recycling program. Paper labeled only recycled can refer to factory scrap that never left the mill.
• Today's recycled paper is perfected for use in copiers. Choose from these brands available locally:
o Harbor 100 from Arvey’s, Paper Plus, or Paper Zone
o Boise Aspen 100 from Blue Ribbon Business Products
o Office Max 100 from Office Max
o Staples 100 from Staples
o Envirocopy from Office Depot
• Non-chlorine-based bleaches are best for the environment. Look for recycled paper that is PCF (processed chlorine free) or virgin paper that is TCF (totally chlorine free).
• The Forest Stewardship Council certifies forest products that use fibers harvested in a responsible manner. Look for FSC when purchasing paper with virgin content.
• 100% tree-free papers, such as kenaff or bagasse are also a good choice.
Questions or feedback? Contact Jeanne Roy at jeanne@earthleaders.org.
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