New York Times: The Hazards Underfoot

Filed under: Earth 911 - October 30, 2008

By Jay Romano

FEW people would be comfortable living next to a hazardous-waste dump. Many, though, may be living inside a hazardous-waste storage center and not even know it.

“There are products we use every day that may be hazardous and should be treated as such,” said John Senn, of the federal ’s Manhattan office. “And disposing of these materials properly is extremely important.”

But how does one know what’s hazardous and what’s not? Many products come with a warning label, he said, “but there are also things that are hazardous that people may not be aware of.”

The rules vary by state, and much useful information is on government Web sites. In New York, for example, the Department of Environmental Conservation spells out what is deemed hazardous and how and where it can be disposed of (www.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/hhwma.pdf).

Maureen Wren, a department spokeswoman, said the agency estimates that more than 100,000 tons of hazardous household wastes in the state are put in trash cans and end up in landfills or incinerators. Some don’t make it that far but are dumped in backyards or streams. For example, toilet and drain cleaners are corrosive acids that should not go in household trash. Disinfectants; bleach, oven and drain cleaners; and other such items often contain lye, hydroxide, hypochlorite and other items that should not go in the trash.

Paints, degreasers and other cleaners in aerosol containers can explode under heat or pressure. If the contents are not hazardous, Ms. Wren said, they can be emptied by spraying them into a box or bag outside and letting them dry. Cans of paint or degreasers should be held for hazardous-waste disposal. (Check the can for instructions.)

Automobile antifreeze, she said, has ethylene glycol. Notwithstanding its toxicity, she said, it is attractive to pets and other animals for its sweet taste. It may be possible to get rid of it in areas with sewage facilities (ask your plant), but it should not be poured on the ground or into a drain leading to a septic system.

Even things that seem innocuous can be hazardous if gotten rid of improperly. Waxes and polishes are solvent-based and should be used up or stored for proper disposal. Even mothballs are flammable and toxic, Ms. Wren said, and unused ones should be treated as hazardous. Septic-tank cleaners and drain openers have toxic chemicals. And while such items are meant to be poured down the drain, some places, like Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island, prohibit the use of some of them because of potential groundwater contamination.

Ms. Wren said that because oil-based paints contain solvents and because latex paint made before August 1990 may have mercury, they should not be put in the trash. But if paint is allowed to dry completely, it can be disposed of as regular trash.

Pesticides, paint thinners, solvents, motor oil, wood preservatives and swimming pool chemicals should be used up or held for hazardous-waste disposal.

Trey Granger, of Earth911.com, a Web site with information on recycling, said some products with hazardous substances can be recycled. Refrigerators and air-conditioners, which often contain Freon, can be taken to a scrap-metal dealer to recapture the Freon. Fluorescent lights (which contain mercury), automobile batteries (lead) and electronics like cellphones, computers and computer monitors (mercury and lead) usually can also be taken to a recycling center. (To find centers that accept a particular waste, Earth911.com has a locator on its home page.) Some places charge, Mr. Granger said, but generally between $10 and $20 an item.

Mr. Senn, of the EPA, said that for other hazardous wastes, check with local authorities to see if there is a central site for disposal or specific collection days.

Grist Magazine: How to Green Your Garage

Filed under: Earth 911 - October 28, 2008

Alt-rock band Weezer kept a Dungeon Master’s Guide, 12-sided die, and KISS posters there. Yours likely has a jumble of old tires, extension cords, motor oil, tire pumps, or camping gear. Not to get all SAT on you, but a garage is to a house what a junk drawer is to a kitchen: the messy catchall for random crap.

Just thinking about cleaning it up elicits a groan, and those of us who are vehicle-free aren’t exempt — somehow dusty cast-offs accumulate all the quicker sans automobile. But how to dispose of the paint cans, lawn spray, and used oil that surround your two- or four-wheeler? We can help you stop the gnarly chemical invasion … but we can’t help you with that garage band.

Here’s how to start.

Level One: The Baby Step

Don’t be a land luber. You know what they say: Change your oil, change your life (or was that underwear?). If you’ve got used juice from an oil change kickin’ around, don’t use it for weed control or pour it down a storm drain, and don’t throw it away, even in a sealed container — dumping’s illegal in many states. Plus, oil runoff hurts the finned and could come back to bite you in seafood, not to mention tainted drinking water. One oil change’s worth of used oil can contaminate a million gallons of fresh water, so those heavy metals don’t rock. Put old oil in a clean plastic container that has never held other chemicals and take it to a repair shop for proper disposal. (Type your zip code and “used oil” into this locator to find one of the 30,000-plus places that will recycle it.) And use the recommended grade of motor oil in the first place — your trusty steel steed will guzzle less gas.

Level Two: The Next Steps

Do the can-can. Murphy’s Law dictates that remodeling projects require half as much paint as you actually bought. To store leftover paint safely, cover it with cling wrap before putting the lid on with a mallet (a hammer could dent it) and keep it away from pets and babies (and extreme temperatures). Older paint might have a high lead content, and latex paint from before 1990 may have mercury, so don’t, uh, drink it. Don’t put it in the garbage or down the drain either; it’s less than legal in some places. Instead, plug your zip code and “paint recycling” into Earth 911’s locator or, if it’s not puce-colored, consider donating it.

For future projects, this calculator (or a wise, splattered soul in the paint department of your local store) can help estimate how much you need. And next time, seal the deal with Green Seal-certified paints or other eco-friendly brands. If that’s too spendy, at least choose latex over oil; Earth911 says it’s less harmful to people and the planet. Or make your own — it’s way cheaper. Mother Earth News has instructions for two types of paint and an oil glaze.

Green your green. You may be waging a war on weeds and bugs, but did you know that the origin of many insecticides and herbicides was nerve gas designed for war? Organophosphate insecticides boomed in popularity after DDT was banned in the ’70s, and other chemical baddies abound: 19 out of 30 commonly used lawn pesticides are linked with cancer, and 21 out of 30 have reproductive effects. A world of ick. So dump the pesticide habit — but not down the drain; that can eff with wastewater treatment systems. In some states, empty containers may be trashed after being triple-rinsed and wrapped in newspaper; as always, check your state’s guidelines. The EPA says your local health department, solid waste management authority, or enviro agency will be able to tell you about pesticide disposal in your community; smile without surprise if you need to take it to a commercial hazardous waste facility or save it for a hazardous household-waste collection day.

Instead of spreading toxic gunk on your lawn, opt for richer soil, as well as mowing high and often; watering less often but deeper; and raking some compost into your grass twice a year. (Your autumn leaves can be made into mulch, too.) This factsheet [PDF] can help identify weeds, their contributors, and natural remedies; organic options include milky spore powder, chinch bugs, and sod webworms. And sometimes luck be a ladybug.

Tool around without vinyl. Sure, you won’t be licking your rake, but the manufacture of its leaf-grabbing PVC fingers spews gunk like cancer-causing dioxins into the air, and once it’s raked its last, it releases more chemicals when incinerated (since PVC ain’t easily recyclable). Bad for you, animals and the Earth. Instead, get a quality, long-lasting garden buddy made from aluminum or steel. The hose knows this problem too, but rubber alternatives to PVC hoses will last longer, and soaker hoses are even made out of recycled material. While you’re ditching equipment, downshift from gas-powered yard tools to old-school ones relying more on elbow grease. Think rake instead of leaf-blower, push mower instead of gas, and even a pair of sheep shears to replace your Weedwhacker. In these tight-waddy times, who isn’t looking to lower their electricity bill and spend less on gas?

Level Three: The Big Steps

Plug it in. Sure, the Tesla Roadster ain’t exactly in the budget, but the industrious can convert their ride to electric with parts that won’t break the bank. Tips abound online. And Prius-driving do-it-yourselfers can retrofit their cars to run completely on electricity with 20 batteries, technical know-how, and a handful of other components. Bonus points for buying clean electricity to juice your EV, or for using solar panels mounted on your garage.

Throw it out. Take the plunge and ditch your car (hey, you knew that was coming). Enjoy having more space, saving money on gas and insurance, and belching less exhaust into the atmosphere. Check tax info to see if you can get a great end-of-the-year tax write-off by donating your car to charity. Habitat for Humanity, for instance, accepts cars and other vehicles cluttering up your life like RVs, trucks, boats, and motorcycles; those donations help their Cars for Homes program to build much-needed housing. And the sigh of relief that comes with simplifying your life? Invaluable.

Resources

Chemicals and car fluids
Ask Umbra on disposing of toxic chemicals
U.S. EPA’s used-oil management program
Earth911’s tips on recycling car fluids
Ask Umbra on electric cars
Grist on how to green your car

Paint disposal and eco-friendly paint
Ask Umbra on paint disposal
Ask Umbra on buying eco-friendly paint
Paint amount calculator
The Natural Paint Book
Yolo Colorhouse no-VOC paints
American Pride no-VOC paints

Gardening without pesticides
Beyond Pesticides
Tips for a natural lawn
Grist on how to green your yard &mdash even more
Ask Umbra on organic pesticides
Ask Umbra on lawn mowers
Ask Umbra on fighting pests with pests
How old-school gardening can be green and gas-free

Donating your car to charity
Center for Car Donations
Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program
American Lung Association’s donateyourcar.com
Earth Share of Washington car donation program
Cars for Breast Cancer
Center for the Homeless car donation program
Animal Humane Society’s car donation program

Start Up Company Sees Growth Despite Economy

Filed under: Pets 911, Press Releases - October 27, 2008

Germantown, NY- Pet Commerce Direct a New York LLC launches the Animal Shelter Store. The pilot ecommerce website is located at www.animalshelterstore.com and focuses on fundraising for animal charities and safe pet product shopping.

The woman owned, home based business is seeing increasing sales despite nationwide economic uncertainty. The reason for growth seems to be directly related to the store’s charitable associations and selection of safe, recall free pet foods, treats and other supplies. The Animal Shelter Store encourages shopping for those who want to buy the safest pet foods while supporting their favorite animal welfare organizations.

Store sales are consistently divided by approximately 40 percent pet food and natural treat sales, 40 percent pet lover gift sales including Cesar Millan merchandise, and 20 percent generic pet supply sales. The average order is approximately $46, double what was anticipated in early projections. October sales were up 400 percent in comparison to the June.

As of October 15th the site featured more than 1600 pet products, 150 animal shelters and rescues and had more than 2,000 customers. The store’s owner believes several key factors have contributed to the store’s acceptance by animal shelters and rescues and concerned pet lovers.

Visible Donation Amounts- When customers go shopping and place products in their shopping cart, the shopping cart software automatically shows how much money is being donated from that item to their favorite animal shelter or rescue.

Highest Payouts- Pet Commerce Direct consistently pays no less than 15-25 percent of product profits [difference between the sale price and wholesale] for each item in the store. On a per sale basis, this is the highest payout for any online animal welfare fundraising program. “Our priorities are in line and t the shelters get paid first because they deserve every penny of it” says owner and co founder Bobbi Jo Forte.

Monthly Checks- Shelters and rescues don’t wait until they earn a specific amount to receive payment. Between the 15th and 20th of each month checks are mailed for the previous month’s donations whether the amount is for $50.00 or $.50. Forte believes “paying each month encourages shelters to more actively participate and promote the program by rewarding them for even the smallest of donations”.

Multiple Ways to Give- Loyal supporters can either come to the store via a banner on their favorite shelter website, or they can select their favorite shelter from a drop down menu at checkout, doubling the chances that they will give credit to a participating organization.

A Focus on Product Safety- Product selection at the Animal Shelter Store is strict. Every food brand has been carefully selected because of their manufacturing safety record and lack of involvement in nationwide food recalls. Other manufacturers are chosen because of their commitment to the environment such as West Paw’s completely eco friendly pet product line. The store also sells Cesar Millan products, Holiday gift items, natural pet treats, condition specific remedies and pet apparel. More than 1600 pet products are now available in the store.

The parent company Pet Commerce Direct is currently in the contractual stages of building a custom store for Pets911.com and is hoping to provide services to other qualified pet portals. “The business model will remain the same” says Mrs. Forte, referring to the focus on donations and quality products. However new stores will be branded with the other company’s logo and color scheme. The company is offering store management services as well for high traffic pet websites who have interest in e-commerce and supporting the animal welfare industry but who don’t have the resources or staffing to run a store.

For more information about the program or about the future business endeavors of the company, please contact Bobbi Jo Forte.

Yahoo! Green: Stores that Recycle Your Stuff

Filed under: Earth 911 - October 27, 2008

Wondering what to do with all the broken, used up, and unwanted stuff accumulating in your home? In some cases, you can take it back to a store. A growing number of retailers are offering programs that make it easy for you to responsibly recycle castaways. So, next time you go shopping consider packing more than just your reusable shopping bags. Here’s a sampling of some national programs.

Aveda collects water, soda, detergent, and shampoo plastic bottle caps at its retail stores and some of its salons. Caps are recycled and used to make new Aveda packaging.

Best Buy takes cell phones, rechargeable batteries, and ink jet cartridges at all its U.S. stores. You can learn about its weekend recycling events and other programs at the company’s website.

Home Depot has a recycling program for compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), cell phones, and rechargeable batteries available at all of its stores in the continental U.S. and Canada.

Ikea takes plastic bags, CFLs, and batteries at its 35 U.S. stores.

Office Depot will give you a $3 coupon for every ink or toner cartridge you bring in. Drop off old cell phones and rechargeable batteries for free. For other tech trash, Office Depot sells Tech Recycling boxes (for $5, $10, or $15 depending on size) that you can fill with an unlimited amount of electronics and hand back. Check out its website for more details and other recycling programs.

Radio Shack accepts old cell phones and rechargeable batteries. They also have an online program that’s worth looking at.

Staples offers free recycling for smaller electronics (like cell phones, PDAs, and rechargeable batteries) and computer peripherals (such as mice, key boards, and computer speakers). Bring in your old computer, printer, or other office technology and pay a $10 fee for recycling. You’ll also get $3 in Staples Rewards when you recycle HP, Lexmark or Dell ink and toner cartridges. Find your nearest store here.

The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. accept clean packaging peanuts for reuse at many of their locations. Each franchise is individually owned so you should call your local store before making the trip. Click on these links to find your closest options: The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc.

Wal-Mart takes plastic bags, used car batteries, motor oil, and oil filters at all of its locations.

Whole Foods Market has different programs in each of its stores so find out the details about your local market. Here’s a small sampling of what you can potentially unload: Crocs, batteries, cell phones, inkjet cartridges, CFLs, plastic grocery bags, light plastics (six pack holders, dry cleaning, bags, newspaper bags, etc.), and wine corks (in Northern California starting in November).

Try searching Earth 911’s extensive database for other local options.

EarthTalk: Where Do Lead-tainted Toys That Have Been Recalled End Up?

Filed under: Earth 911 - October 25, 2008

The biggest problem with the recall of millions of lead-tainted toys over the last few years has been getting shops and consumers to comply. According to Mattel —which has issued dozens of recalls in recent years, including some 2.2 million Chinese-made toys contaminated with lead paint— historically only about six percent of recalled toys are returned. For those that do come home to roost, Mattel sells or reuses the zinc and some of the resins they contain, and then recycles as many of the other components as possible, off-loading the lead to companies that specialize in the safe disposal of hazardous materials.

But what becomes of the 94 percent or so of the recalled lead-tainted toys that don’t make it back to Mattel? Many of them no doubt have found a comfortable home with a child somewhere long before word of the recall—ignored or missed by parents—got out. Of the remaining toys, some of those that were recalled in the summer of 2007 ended up on auction website like eBay and business-to-business sites like Made-in-China.com—and then eventually into the hands of unwitting consumers, many of them overseas.

Unfortunately, there is still no federal law or regulation against reselling recalled toys, although some members of Congress are trying to change that. For its part, eBay has agreed to try to keep recalled products off its auction website, but enforcement can be a challenge.

The fact that these toys got out there for sale in the first place is the real shame, as research has shown that kids who have been exposed regularly to lead or lead paint have lower IQs and may experience learning disabilities as well as behavioral problems.

The good news might be that recalls are getting more exposure than ever, with better results. Illinois-based RC2 Corporation has already gotten back upwards of 70 percent of the 1.5 million lead-tainted Thomas & Friends wooden railway toys it recalled just last year. While there is still no nationally accepted procedure governing the disposal or recycling of such items, individual companies are bound by the laws of their respective states regarding disposal of the harmful materials. Those who worry about lead leaching out of landfills and into groundwater and soils would like the see the federal government mandate strict safety rules for dealing with lead and other hazardous materials.

Consumers unsure about whether a particular toy or other item has been part of a recall should check online at the “Recalls and Product Safety” section of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website. If a given product has been recalled, you can probably return it to the store where you bought it and let them deal with the hassle of getting it to the manufacturer. Or if you know an item was recalled for hazardous materials, you can drop it off at your local municipal hazardous waste collection facility. The website Earth911 provides a comprehensive national database of such facilities coast-to-coast.

CONTACTS: Mattel Product Recalls, service.mattel.com/us/recall.asp; RC2 Recall Information, recalls.rc2.com; U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, www.cpsc.gov; Earth911, www.earth911.com.

GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; submit it at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek/, or e-mail: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php.

Plenty Magazine: Can I Recycle Newspaper with Art Supply Paint on It?

Filed under: Earth 911 - October 24, 2008

Q. I’m an art teacher, and we use a lot of newspaper that ends up with tempera paint on it. Can we recycle it just like regular newspaper?  What about regular drawing paper with tempera paint on it? Thanks for the help.

—Tami, CT

A. Unfortunately, no, you can’t recycle those contaminated papers as you would clean ones. But here’s what’s interesting—it’s not for the reason you’re probably thinking, according to Trey Granger of eco-resource guide Earth 911. Assuming you’re using water-based tempera, the paint itself isn’t the problem—it’s the water. Once newspaper —or any paper— gets wet, the fibers are ruined and paper mills will no longer be able to recycle it. The same goes for watercolors, finger paint, and poster paint. Paper with oil or latex paint on in should also probably be put in the trash, but you’ll want to check your local regulations to be sure. That’s always a good idea for tough recycling questions; usually the best way to find answers specific to your town is to track down your local recycling coordinator. He or she probably works for either the department of sanitation or the public works department.

—Sarah Schmidt

EarthTalk: Used Motor Oil and Water Pollution

Filed under: Earth 911 - October 18, 2008

Motor oil leaked from individual vehicles —or outright dumped by homeowners and commercial garages— constitutes a significant chunk of storm water runoff, the fallen precipitation that runs off of roads and parking lots and inevitably finds its way into local water bodies.

These pollutants include not only leaked motor oil —which may contain toxic substances like lead, benzene, zinc or magnesium— but also fertilizers, insecticides, plastic debris, cigarette butts, paints, solvents, sediments and other hazardous waste. Topsoil and natural vegetation would ordinarily filter many of these pollutants out, but the impermeable pavement that covers much of the surface where these pollutants originate carries it right into storm drains and into streams, rivers, lakes and the ocean where it can poison marine life —which we might eat— as well as entire riparian or coastal ecosystems.

This pollution also finds its way into underground aquifers that supply our drinking water, so reducing it is a human health measure and could also save municipalities millions of dollars a year in drinking water treatment facilities and operational expenses.

While government agencies try to craft and implement development and zoning standards to help reduce storm water runoff problems caused by commercial and industrial entities, there is still much that individuals can do to reduce their impact as well. Indeed, upwards of 40 percent of oil pollution in the U.S. comes from the improper disposal of used motor oil by individuals.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends keeping on top of automotive maintenance to prevent and repair leaks, and disposing of used motor oil and other automotive fluids and batteries at designated drop-offs or recycling locations (consult Earth911.org to find one near you). Also, it is preferable to wash your car at a commercial car wash instead of in your driveway. By law, car washes must treat their wastewater before disposing of it.

Besides handling and discarding your motor oil and other automotive fluids responsibly, cutting back on or eliminating fertilizers and pesticides from your lawn or garden will also reduce your negative impact. Also, don’t over-water your lawn, as that can create extra run-off as well. And if you are embarking on a residential landscaping project, try to incorporate permeable pavement (which allows run-off through it into the soils below) as well as rain barrels to collect water, and rain gardens, grassy swales and driveway-side vegetative strips— all planted with region-appropriate native plants of course— to help filter contaminants out before they hit the storm sewers.

Taking these small everyday steps may seem like a hassle, but the benefits for the environment and human health are immeasurable.

CONTACTS: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov; Earth911, www.earth911.org.

GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; submit it at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek/, or e-mail: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php.

WSMV: Phone Books . . . Bad But Beautiful

Filed under: Earth 911 - October 14, 2008

By Dan Miller

The accompanying photo shows a couple of old phone books, which happen to be two of my favorite possessions. One is a 1957 edition, the other circa 1965, from my hometown in Georgia.

Though these phone books are surprisingly thin, each contains both the white and yellow pages. Augusta was, after all, a considerably smaller city in those days. Back then, most everybody listed their telephone number and address proudly and conspicuously. In fact, I didn’t know a single person with a private, unlisted number.

As odd as it might sound, nowadays I take great pleasure looking through these old directories and finding familiar names from years gone by. Even the ads in the yellow pages stir up warm memories. I occasionally surprise myself at how many numbers of old friends and family I can still recall.

I thought about my old books today when I happened across an article on the dark side of telephone directories. One expert says discarded phone books —the white and yellow pages— account for at least 30 percent of the space used in our landfills.

You’d think, in this age of recycling, it would be getting better. But I dunno . . . every year, at least two or three thick yellow pages, and the somewhat thinner white pages, mysteriously show up on the front porch at home . . . and the same number show up in my office at work. And when I consider all the other houses and businesses and universities getting stacks of phone books, it’s really unsettling.

According to the recycling organization known as Earth911, so many phone books are manufactured every year that if you laid them end to end, they’d circle the earth 4.28 times. And what eventually happens to them? Well, on average, they say 660,000 tons of phone books end up in landfills every year.

We should do better than that. According to the American Forest & Paper Association, for every 500 phone books recycled, we save between 17 and 31 trees, not to mention 7,000 gallons of water, 463 gallons of oil, 587 pounds of air pollution, and 3.06 cubic yards of landfill space.

The thing is, I hardly ever —and I mean ever— use present-day phone books anymore. Do you? Every year I haul several of them to recycling, still wrapped in that protective plastic cover. With so many on-line directories, websites, even GPS available, does anyone really use the big, bulky phonebooks?

Why are these things still plopped on our doorsteps every few months? The answer, of course, is advertising. As long as they’re profitable —and apparently they still are— they’ll keep showing up on our porches every year. Bottom line . . .

Recycle those old phone books. But don’t forget to set aside one or two just to keep. They’ll soon be a relic of the past. You’ll thank me 50 years from now.

Washington Post: Let’s Talk Trash (and How to Reduce It)

Filed under: Earth 911 - October 12, 2008

By Jenny Mayo

Most Americans take the matter of trash rather lightly, considering it only briefly, if at all, during that weekly trip to the bin, curb or dump. But the truth is, our country’s garbage is a heavy-duty problem, weighing in at about 250 million tons a year.

In the natural world, yesterday’s living things break down to nourish today’s living things. Most of modern society’s trash, however, goes into landfills, which disrupt that circular flow of energy and elements.

Landfills are like parking lots in which natural resources become trapped in garbage gridlock. Under layers of waste and deprived of the air and water that aid decomposition, a newspaper buried in a landfill might remain intact for more than 30 years and a disposable baby diaper 10 times as long.

Landfills are the country’s top producer of methane, a greenhouse gas, and yield carbon dioxide and other, sometimes toxic, gases. Additionally, they can send hazardous substances such as pesticides and heavy metals into our soil and water.

Fortunately, it’s easy to chip away at the heap of issues associated with trash. Here are a few ways to begin:

Shop smarter. Not buying materials with hazardous ingredients ensures that those substances don’t end up at the dump. Purchasing products that are used or recycled cuts landfill waste, conserves resources and supports the recycling industry. Even better: Stick with the things you have. When you must buy new, go for the more durable option. Also, nearly a third of our garbage consists of containers and packaging, so look for products in smaller (or no) packages, and buy in bulk when possible.

Compost. Food scraps and yard clippings make up a quarter of our waste. Chop that figure up and make garden fertilizer in the process by starting a compost pile at home for fruit, vegetable and yard waste. There are many composting methods, from indoor worm bins to backyard piles. If that doesn’t work for you, your community may offer yard waste collection, shredding this landfill space-zapper into mulch.

Recycle. It can be costly and in some cases produces nasty byproducts, but most environmentalists agree that recycling’s benefits outweigh its drawbacks. Recycling one aluminum can, for example, saves enough energy to power a TV for three hours. Americans recycled 45 percent of their beverage cans in 2006; just think what we could power if we doubled that.

eCycle. To prevent your computer, cellphone and other electronics from leaking dangerous substances, local governments typically offer “eCycling” (electronics recycling) programs, and there are store- and manufacturer-sponsored take-back initiatives. Similarly, your community should have a household hazardous waste program (usually a drop-off point) for such things as paint, rechargeable batteries, cleaners and even those otherwise-eco-friendly compact fluorescent bulbs. To find household waste and eCycling facilities near you, visit http://www.earth911.org or http://www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd.

Lynchburg News Advance: Animal Shelters Offer Good Opportunity for Pet Ownership

Filed under: Pets 911 - October 7, 2008

By Niro Rasanayagam

One crisp October morning five years ago, we adopted our dog Elliott. For months we had mulled over getting a dog and whether we were ready for one. We analyzed our lifestyles, our budget, our living situation and the timing for whether this was the right time to get a dog.

Knowing millions of dogs are euthanized in animal shelters across the country, we were certain our next pet would come from a local humane society or breed rescue. We weren’t able to rationalize buying our pet from a pet store or breeder for hundreds of dollars while local shelters had thousands of dogs to select from, at a fraction of the price. While this was an easy decision, other decisions were more complicated.

For example, would we get a purebred or a mixed breed dog? My husband and I had grown up with purebred dogs, and we each had our favorites. In the end, however, we decided we simply wanted a companion animal. It really didn’t matter whether we had a purebred or a mixed breed dog since we were not planning to “show” our pet at competitions or breed him/her in any way. We were also encouraged to learn mixed breeds are generally much healthier than purebreds because they have far fewer breed-specific genetic problems. There was even a good possibility of finding a purebred in a shelter. Purebreds account for about 25 to 30 percent of all dogs in animal shelters. We decided to keep an open mind and look for both purebreds and mixed breed dogs.

More important to us was the dog’s characteristics: his size, age, exercise needs, temperament and compatibility with children. We spent a lot of time speaking with adoption counselors at the humane society, got advice from an experienced dog trainer, and spoke with friends and neighbors with dogs we admired.

Given our preferences and lifestyle, we then narrowed our breed/mix choices and started looking for the next member of our family. We made several heartbreaking trips to area shelters—heartbreaking because we were only able to adopt one dog, and so many dogs needed a home and came so close to being that “perfect fit.”

It was easy to be impulsive. The adoption counselors, however, encouraged us not to compromise; it was important to find the right match. Weeks went by. Then one day, I saw Elliott’s face peering out at me as I did the customary search on Petfinder.com. The profile read, “spunky lab/shepherd/coonhound mix puppy found abandoned in house by realtor … .” This dog seemed to have all the breeds and characteristics we were looking for, and he was cute. I was smitten!

A week later, after several interactions with Elliott, we brought him home—thrilled and excited we had found our perfect dog. While this story has a happy ending, Elliott has tested that assumption of perfection on more than a few occasions. He is a big, boundless, and, yes, spunky dog, and so is his love. I cannot imagine our lives without him or our other dog Sara Lee, whom we adopted a few years later. It’s easy to adopt the second time around. By then, you realize just how much adopted pets have a way of knowing, and showing, exactly what you’ve done for them.

Getting a dog is a serious affair. Give this decision the time and research it deserves. If you decide now is the time to adopt a dog, here’s information on what local humane societies are doing in October to help mark Adopt-A-Dog month.

Lynchburg Humane Society will be having a Howl-O-Ween Pet Party and Adoption Center Open House on Oct. 18 from noon to 3 p.m. Bring your two- and four-legged family members. Join in the fun, games, and win some prizes! Have a spooktacular time and see why dog enthusiasts love this event. For all dogs adopted in October, LHS will provide a leash, collar, temporary ID tag, treats, toys, and adoption package with a training DVD and helpful information on how to care for your pet.

Bedford County Humane Society currently has 13 dogs in foster homes now looking for permanent families. There are also several more dogs available for adoption through the Bedford County Animal Shelter.

Humane Society of Amherst County will be profiling all their adoptable dogs in the local New Era Progress paper in October and is offering $5 off each dog adoption.

All area shelters list their adoptable pets on Petfinder.com. Other popular sites include Pets 911 and 1-800-Save-A-Pet.com.

For more information on a breed rescue group for a dog breed that interests you, you can call the Lynchburg Humane Society to locate the closest rescue, or call the Humane Society of the U.S. at (202) 452-1100 and ask for the Companion Animals Section.

Torrance Daily Breeze: Newspaper Recycling

Filed under: Earth 911 - October 7, 2008

Q: Newspaper recycling

Is there anyplace in the South Bay where you can recycle newspapers for cash?

—BOB RITTER

Torrance

The Yellow Pages listings for recycling centers and the toll-free phone number or Web site of Earth 911 should yield local sites where you can recycle newsprint for money.

Earth 911 compiles recycling information from several sources. Call 800-CLEANUP (800-253-2687) or go online to earth911.org to find regional listings by ZIP code.

Because hours and items collected are subject to change, you may want to call the location before dropping off recyclables. Not all locations may pay for newspapers. You also might want to call around to find the best price.

—Stephanie Walton

Yahoo! Green: Surprise! Five Things You Can’t Recycle

Filed under: Uncategorized - October 6, 2008

By Lori Bongiorno

Most of us feel less guilty when we toss something in the bin headed for the recycling plant rather than the landfill. Turns out, though, wishful thinking may do more harm than good. If you include some items that aren’t recyclable, you run the risk of your entire batch being shipped off to the nearest dump.

The best thing you can do is educate yourself about local recycling rules. In the meantime here’s the short list of common items that don’t belong in the recycling bin, no matter what your zip code:

Figuring out which plastics you can recycle is often confusing. It’s generally well known that most curbside programs only take plastics labeled #1 and #2 on the bottom, but many people are shocked to hear that shape sometimes plays a role. For example, many communities don’t accept tubs (mouth wider than base), but will take bottles (base wider than mouth) even if the numbers are the same because these plastics are manufactured differently, says Darby Hoover of the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Check in with your local waste or sanitation department to find out what the specific rules are in your area. You can also log onto http://www.earth911.org/ for a wealth of recycling information from helpful articles to its extensive database where you can type in your zip code for a listing of local resources.

Ventura County Star: Carefully Dispose of Unwanted Medicine

Filed under: Earth 911 - October 5, 2008

By David Goldstein and Howard E. Hope

What should you do with expired or unwanted medications? The answer depends on the type of medicine you want to discard and the options you find most convenient. Regardless of the type, however, the worst thing to do with unwanted drugs is to flush them down the toilet.

A statewide No Drugs Down the Drain Campaign began Oct. 4 and runs through Saturday. Ventura County and its 10 cities have listed drug drop-off centers on the Earth 911 Web site at http://www.earth911.org. If you type “medicine” into the site’s Find a Recycling or Re-Use Location tool bar at the top of the page, along with your ZIP code or city, you can see options for drop-off. Medications taken to these locations are typically sealed into containers and delivered, along with other hazardous waste, to incinerators for destruction.

The advantage of using city- or county-sponsored household hazardous waste collection centers is the assurance that your drugs will be handled in a thorough, secure manner.

Collection centers, however, are not allowed to accept drugs labeled as “controlled substances,” such as narcotics, tranquilizers or stimulants.

At a county-sponsored collection event last weekend, one diligent citizen under orders from his wife cleaned out his medicine cabinets after decades of accumulation. Unfortunately, he combined all his family’s pills, creams, and suppositories into one big plastic bag and took it to the collection center, along with hazardous waste. Technicians had to go through the bag thoroughly before determining there were no controlled substances and accepting it for disposal.

Controlled substances should instead be taken to a participating law enforcement office, doctor’s office or pharmacy. Few currently participate, so before dropping off drugs, call ahead. Starting Monday, the city of Camarillo and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department will offer a drug drop-off site at the Camarillo Police Station, 3701 E. Las Posas Road.

Featuring prominent labels describing its purpose, the drug drop-off box looks like a mailbox.

The disadvantage of using hazardous waste drop-off centers for drugs is the inconvenience. Drop-off centers are also expensive for public agencies. Fortunately, observing certain precautions can make drug disposal in the trash safe, private and legal. According to the California Integrated Waste Management Board, “The only typical pharmaceuticals in a home that are likely to be considered hazardous waste are those prescribed for chemotherapy.” Otherwise, it is legal to discard drugs in your curbside garbage cart.

If you are using the regular garbage as your disposal method, here (adapted from http://www.nodrugsdownthedrain.org) are a few tips to avoid problems:

Medications always should be stored in childproof containers, out of the reach of children.

In 2002, the U.S. Geological Survey released a report of stream samples collected in 30 states. Of 139 streams tested, 80 percent had measurable concentrations of pharmaceuticals. To keep an eye on the environment, use an official drop-off center or your trash to discard medications.

On the Net:

http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/hhw/pharmwaste

— David Goldstein and Howard E. Hope are environmental resource analysts for Ventura County. Representatives of government or nonprofit agencies that want to submit articles on environmental topics for this column should contact Goldstein at 658-4312 or david.goldstein@ventura.org.

Norwich Bulletin: Deirdre Reilly: Oh, the Joys of Pre-Menopause

Filed under: Pets 911 - October 1, 2008

By Deirdre Reilly

Pre-menopause can do some pretty interesting things to women. I use the word “interesting,” because this newspaper couldn’t print what I’d really like to say menopause, or pre-menopause, does to women. It can make you weepy, irrational, very, very, nauseatingly hot, and it can cause you to move like a robot to the fridge for ice cream when you should be asleep. (Who will watch all this good “Law and Order” if you don’t, you ask yourself in the flickering darkness over a bowl of Heath Bar Crunch.) And sometimes, pre-menopause can make you get a puppy.

This is what happened: Right before the school year began, I went to a nearby mall to take my 9-year-old school shopping. We happened to pass by a pet store, where puppies played in the window. “Aww, can we go in?” my little boy inquired, pleading. “No,” I said, laughing, “you have one dog, two cats and a tortoise. We’re all set.” My little boy thought about this and said, “OK, lets just look, but you’re right.” We did go in and look, though, and made a fuss over the adorable puppies.

Here’s where it gets scary: The pre-menopausal mind apparently stores away images of cuteness. It needs to rely on cuteness to see it through some tough times, like when you have to walk home from the store because you can’t find your car, or your skin is so dry you hurt a stranger with it in passing, or you cry for a day and a half over the “Little House on the Prairie” episode where Mary gets engaged and Pa tears up. You can call up a cuteness memory to see you through. This explains why women, at a certain point, start buying datebooks with rainbows on them, and find appliquéd sweaters charming, or buy earrings in the shape of whales. It’s cute, and it’s a little reminder that life is good, and can be fair, even if for some reason God allowed the hot flash to exist.

My pre-menopausal mind had to go up to that same mall the next day with my 19-year-old son to get a few things. After we made our purchases, I suggested we go back to see the puppies. My son became wary; he had seen the mood swings and resulting impulses all summer. (I disagree, however, that I can’t teach small children badminton and charge for it—why not? And I think every home should have a bit of Boca Raton in it, or I never would have bought the fake palm tree for the patio.) Anyhoo, Matt, my son, said, “Yeah … why don’t we skip the pet store. Want to get some ice cream?” (He’s clever, that one.) I pulled him into the pet store, and we began looking into the different cages. In one, sitting way in the back, was a teeny tiny puppy with the exact same colors as my big hound dog at home. See where I’m going? (If you have menopause, you do.) They matched. The dogs would match. It was a sign.

“I need to see that puppy,” I said to the clerk, interrupting a small child who was hesitantly asking him where all the butterflies go in the fall. “Can you get him right now?” The clerk went and got the tiny puppy, and we went into a little room, where the puppy looked up at me and said in ESP to my menopausal mind, “Let’s get out of here, pronto. I do match your other dog, and that’s cute! And, may I say, you look great.” I waved to the clerk, who was advising a customer. “I’ll take him,” I said to the clerk. “Wrap him up.”

It was as easy as buying a sweater! And not much more thought went into buying “Neely” than would go into buying a sweater. Anyhow, I got him home and he did match my hound dog, so my instincts were right. My husband wisely didn’t say too much; he deals with my menopause by getting involved in watching sports even more deeply; he may crawl into our TV before it’s all through, and I’ll never see him again.

Now, to those people who will look down on me for buying a puppy from a pet store, I have to say, you’re right. It is not good to encourage puppy mills, which supply many pet stores. But Neely was already there, and we connected, and it’s a done deal. But if you have pre-menopause and need a puppy, go to a breeder, or even better visit a shelter, which is where I got my first dog.

The dogs are getting along famously, and I’m happy I got my new little family member. If a puppy helps right now, then I say there are worse ways to get through this “interesting” time. And to the little boy who wanted to know where the butterflies go; they go to Boca, sweetheart. Unless they have pre-menopause; then they go to the mall!

Note: To find your local animal shelter, please visit www.pets911.com. Plenty of wonderful animals are looking for loving homes.

Center for American Progress: It’s Easy Being Green: Keeping TVs Alive

Filed under: Earth 911 - October 1, 2008

If next February’s transition to digital-only TV broadcasting makes you a little nervous, step back and take a deep breath. The Environmental Protection Agency has created a handy page to help you determine if your TV will be affected. If it will be, you can extend the life of an analog TV by using a converter box or connecting it to a cable, satellite, or other pay service. If you decide to buy a digital TV and scrap your analog one, options exist beyond setting it on the sidewalk for the garbage truck. The same goes for an old computer, cell phone, or video game system lying around the house. Old electronics don’t disappear when you throw them away. Besides, someone else might be able to use it.

Electronics waste, or “e-waste,” is a fast-growing category of municipal solid waste. People discard electronics for a variety of reasons, including broken electronics that are not worth fixing or upgrading to new technology or to features or options that are not available on their old device. Nevertheless, the junk adds up. According to the EPA, in 2005, discarded electronics totaled about 2 million tons. It’s estimated that only about 15 to 20 percent of this e-waste was recycled. If you’re talking about TVs, 2 in 10 consumers replaced their sets in the last year, and 3 out of 10 that disposed of their sets threw them in the trash.

E-waste also accounts for 70 percent of the overall toxic waste in landfills. Electronics often contain lead and mercury, which can contaminate soil and drinking water. Even in small amounts, lead is harmful to humans, especially children. Older televisions use cathode ray tube models, which are 20 percent lead, or four to eight pounds per unit. Cell phones—with an average shelf life of about 18 months—also use lead for their coatings. With an estimated 500 million cell phones ready for disposal once new product lines come out, that’s 312,000 pounds of lead released. And if throngs of cathode ray tube owners ditch their TVs with the digital transition, that’s some seriously lead-heavy landfills.

So, before throwing out your old TV, cell phone, or computer, examine your options. If you can’t fix it, lease it, or upgrade it, consider donating it through an organization such as the Electronics Industry Alliance or Computers 4 Kids. Many organizations will accept used electronics and refurbish them for use in schools, charities, or for economically disadvantaged or disabled citizens. Despite being outdated, electronics in working condition retain value and are not necessarily at the end of their useful life.

If you decide to recycle your old device, first be sure to remove all the data from a computer hard drive or other information-storing device. Several websites, such as the Telecommunications Industry Association, Earth 911, and myGreenElectronics, provide useful information for locating recyclers in your area. Many large municipalities, including the District of Columbia, offer recycling centers for electronics. In addition, retailers such as Best Buy will recycle products for customers, employees, and consumers. Seventeen states and New York City have passed laws establishing statewide e-waste recycling programs, and several states have laws banning electronic waste from landfills. But no national approach has been adopted.

The TIA site also provides a section of questions for potential recyclers to find out how they manage waste. Some recyclers do not accept electronics from households, or export the waste to other business partners. Some states do not have laws in place to enforce recycling. Even in states that do have laws, recyclers sometimes circumvent them anyway, which means some of the waste ends up being diverted to other countries, where it pollutes landfills and the environment. It’s important to find a service that you can trust to take care of your device.

One man’s trash can be another man’s treasure. But if that trash is clearly unusable, see if you can find a way to keep its toxic materials out of landfills and conserve valuable resources. Chances are that TV or cell phone served you well, and it deserves a better future than an overcrowded landfill.

North by Northwestern: The Secret to Recycling in Evanston

Filed under: Earth 911 - October 1, 2008

By Marine Soman

‘Gone Green’ is NBN’s new column about how to live as a student while helping the environment.

I don’t buy organic underwear, drive a hybrid car, or compost. I color my hair intermittently even though I know the chemicals hurt Momma Earth. And though I’d like to buy all organic food from Whole Foods, food at Jewel costs less and schoolbooks aren’t getting any cheaper. But I always, always, recycle. Correction: I always did.

The first time I didn’t, the guilt was immeasurable. My hand hung there, over the trashcan, loaded like a gun with bullets of glass and plastic. I felt like I was killing a small animal or dumping motor oil straight into the ocean. So I turned my shame into outrage. “What do you mean the building doesn’t have recycling? Why won’t the City of Evanston pick up my recyclables?”

The City of Evanston doesn’t pick up recyclables from apartment buildings because they don’t pick up anything —garbage or recyclables— from multi-family locations and businesses, Suzette Eggleston, the Superintendent of Streets and Sanitation for the City of Evanston explained to me. Property managers are responsible for trash removal and recycling. Some include recyclables pickup, but others don’t. (Mine doesn’t. Jason Foster, a leasing consultant at Evanston Place, tells me that they do, and have been for at least ten years. He also says that it only costs them $6.25 a month per apartment, a rent hike I’d willingly incur.)

What Evanston does provide for us apartment dwellers is a drop-off location (2222 Oakton St.) where anyone can bring recyclables every Friday (noon-7 p.m.), Saturday and Sunday (8 a.m.-5 p.m.). Eggleston says the center gets a lot of use, though it does require people to transport their own recyclables.

This is the biggest challenge facing college students, especially the ones without cars, says Trey Granger, fulfillment and public relations manager for Earth911.com. It’s especially challenging for students who grew up with access to curbside recycling, he says. “They have to make more of a commitment. It’s not as simple anymore as putting stuff in a recycling bin. They have to go search for it.”

And that’s when I realized I was conveniently green. I recycled because it was always accessible to me. Horrified at my self-revelation and newly determined to care about the environment for “all the right reasons”, I also wondered how many otherwise well-intentioned off-campus students like myself, who had dutifully separated their trash into blue and black bins when they lived in dorms, were now lumping it all together.

Probably many. Which is why volunteers led by SEED pro-recycling chair Steven Pflaum spend Sunday afternoons driving empty beer cans and vodka bottles to landfills while the rest of us sleep off the hangovers caused by said items. The students who started the organization began with reactions like mine when they moved off-campus, and after a series of other attempts, settled on the following system as most efficient: They borrow a school community service van and spend anywhere from one to three hours driving around town to the apartment buildings of students who have e-mailed them to arrange a pickup. The volunteers bring the recyclables to the Evanston drop off center, and repeat the whole thing a week or two later. “A year ago we switched the perspective of what we were doing to the individuals,” said Pflaum, “and since then the program has slowly been building through word of mouth, people who request and people who volunteer.”

Soon the volunteers can start sleeping in on Sundays, because plans are in the works for a commercial franchise to pick up garbage in Evanston and provide recycling containers to all buildings, including multi-family units. That means that when the conversions begin in a few months, Eggleston says, apartment building owners will have to contract the city’s franchise hauler and, as a result, apartment dwellers will have easy access to recycling. The city expects to fully implement the program by April.

In the meantime, I’ll be setting up Sunday pickups with SEED. I’ll also be making a conscious effort to be environmentally aware and responsible even when it’s not convenient. Accountability is key; this is just one of the unanticipated responsibilities of off-campus life. The environmental habits we set now may be with us for life. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recycling just one ton of aluminum cans saves the equivalent of 1,655 gallons of gasoline. How far could you drive on the cans you threw out after that party last weekend?