The nightmare with shrink wrap labels on recyclables

As more consumers are getting the message and upping their recycling efforts, plastic recyclers are facing a different, more challenging issue – the use of full shrink wrap labels by manufacturers on otherwise recyclable containers.

Exciting recycling venture

I’ve written a number of articles about plastic waste and about innovative companies that are working to torn it into useful new products. I just saw this video about a company in India, Daman Ganga, whose recycling process is creating super useful products that specializes in recycling of “difficult to recycle” packaging products.

Recycling – what and where

This is the 2nd segment of the short series on recycling opportunities.

The list of what’s recyclable continues to grow, as do the opportunities of where and how to do so. Here is a current list and links to help you locate drop-off points.

Recycling and Product Responsibility programs reduce landfill waste

This is Part 1 of a 2-segment feature on California-based recycling and Product Stewardship programs. Check out Part 2 for recyclable specifics.

The growing consumer demand for green products means that responsibly managing not-so-green products is crucial. California, which often leads the way with environmental issues, is working to create green solutions for “stuff” that until recently wasn’t recyclable.

Here’s the growing list of California’s recyclables.

Exciting partnership diverts unwanted books from landfills

Kevin Malinowski of Green Marketing and Maurice Jackson, co-manager of Goodwill Columbus, behind piles of donated books that will be recycled through a new partnership between the two   Photo Courtesy of Green Marketing.

Despite the growing diversity of recycling programs across the U.S., all kinds of books – from textbooks to romance novels – often meet the sad fate of ending up in landfills once they’re used up. But an exciting new partnership is working to correct this.

Recycling as entertaining incentive

Here’s a fascinating idea on how to make recycling more popular – make it entertaining! It’s a fascinating idea that could well be worth a try. Check out the video and see if you think it would work in your town.

Colored plastic bags may contain lead

Colored plastic bags may have toxic chemicals in them

According to recent tests conducted by the Vermont-based nonprofit Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse, bright solid-colored plastic bags may contain high concentrations of lead.  This industry/public interest advisory group – formed in an effort to reduce the amount of heavy metals in packaging and packaging components that are sold or distributed throughout the U.S. - screened 125 single-use shopping and mailing bags for the presence of the four regulated metals: lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium in the inks used to print or color the bags.

Give unique upcycled gifts this holiday

With holiday-related “to do’s” dancing in our heads, the scurrying and worrying has begun. What to get for family members who are impossible to buy for? Where to find classy or unique gift for your husband, wife or that special someone?

If you want to be more green with this year’s gifts, check out Hipcycle.com, one of the leading online retailers for upcycled items.

TerraCycle now accepts and upcycles cigarette butts

After a long two years of planning and tweaking, TerraCycle, the recognized leader in upcycling items that previously were considered non-recyclable, is now accepting used cigarette butts for its latest Brigade.

TerraCycle partners with Tom’s of Maine to cut landfill waste

Once again, TerraCycle has partnered with a well-respected company to expand its Brigades and help keep waste out of our landfills.

Tom’s of Maine – known for its high quality natural toothpastes and other personal care products – has teamed up with TerraCycle to create the Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Brigade. This free recycling program  accepts toothpaste tubes and caps, mouthwash bottles and caps, deodorant/antiperspirant containers, plastic soap wrappers and floss containers, regardless of brand.

To learn more about this Brigade. one of over 50 different ones sponsored by TerraCycle and a great way to keep single-use waste out of landfills and earn money for your school or non-profit, see the full article at http://bit.ly/O9aiqu.