Ask Liz First » Reuse

Recycle Your Old Cell Phones

Liz — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 23:05:18 +0000

‘Tis the season for gift giving and many of those gifts will include new cell phones and other small electronic devices. With that, comes the need to dispose of all the recently discarded cell phones, etc. There are several ways to get rid of your old cell phones and do it in an environmentally conscious way.

An excellent resource is your local domestic violence organization/shelter. Even though a cell phone’s provider service is discontinued, as long as the phone is in good working order and is charged up, it will still make emergency calls to 911.

Local organizations collect the unwanted cell phones, clear all the owner and call history information, and reissue the phones to those who are in need of a phone for possible emergency situations.

Many retail locations now accept cell phones and rechargeable batteries. Home Depot, Sears, Lowe’s, Staples, just to name a few. You can also go to Call2Recycle’s website and search by your zip code for more locations.

Why should you recycle your old cell phones?

As stated on the RecycleMyCellPhone.org website; cell phones are potentially hazardous waste because they contain lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic. If thrown in the trash and sent to incinerators or landfills, environmental contamination can occur from combustion and leaching into soil and groundwater.

Please take the time to gather up the unwanted cell phones, PDA’s and such from your home or office and find recycler or worthy organization to donate them to. Most non-profit organizations will even provide a donation receipt that you can use for tax purposes.

Take that extra step and find eco-friendly ways to dispose of these and other discarded items this holiday season.

Thrifty & Green Giving This Holiday Season

Liz — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 23:42:01 +0000

The holiday season is upon us and with it will hopefully include much joy, cheer and gift giving. But alas, the gift giving is getting tougher for many, due to these hard economic times. But, have no fear, as there are countless ways to stay joyful, while making your list and checking it twice. Ways which are not only thrifty, but also beneficial to the planet.

Believe it or not, it doesn’t have to cost a lot, to give environmentally conscious gifts. The possibilities are endless, and there are choices that require a little imagination and some that require none at all.

For those with little-to-no imagination, how about a “Dress Up Box” for that little girl that loves to play Dress Up. Pull together some of those unused dresses and shoes from the closet, as well as some jewelry from your (numerous) jewelry boxes. You certainly know more than one little girl that would go CRAZY with those treasures. And, don’t forget to drag out some of the the hats & purses that are stuffed way back in some box or closet elsewhere, in your house.

A live, re-plantable tree is obviously an easy gift decision and requires no real creative juices. Normally, the large, national discount chain stores and home improvement stores, carry these trees. Many local landscaper suppliers also carries a variety of types and sizes with prices starting at $20 on up. Most of us know that plants are good for creating oxygen and reducing CO2 emissions, but your gift will also be a year-round remembrance of you, to the receiver.

Send a “virtual Christmas card” this year via one of the many online services that offer this service at very reasonable prices. One online company named after its originator, Jacquie Lawson, provides a year-round variety of e-cards at a very modest annual fee. Check them out at www.jacquielawson.com. For those who don’t like or have online capabilities, be sure to purchase cards made out of recyclable materials. And, for those with a little creative flair, pull out last year’s Christmas cards and do a little cut and paste for personalized and one-of-a-kind Christmas greetings.

Another low cost gift that could even be given to an entire family is a membership to a junk mail reduction service. One of them is www.41pounds.org. For only $41.00, you can give those you love, 5 years of reduced junk mail. It’s a service that guarantees to reduce 80 to 95% of unwanted junk mail and catalogs. PLUS, your gift is helping the planet by saving trees and reducing greenhouse emissions.

Buying local is another way to help the planet and not putting too much strain on your pocketbook. There are numerous local businesses that offer great holiday gift-giving ideas. And, just by taking the time to check them out, you’re sure to find reasonable and thoughtful gifts for those on your holiday shopping list.

Whatever you do, let it be with love and from your heart. Tis the reason for the season.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours.

Recycling Awareness Events sponsored by Oregon Rural Action

Liz — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:18:23 +0000

: Come to learn about recycling in the Malheur/Payette/Washington county area

Did you know: “Recycling an aluminum beverage can rather than landfilling it saves enough energy to operate a 60W incandescent light bulb for 4.3 hours, or to operate the equivalent compact fluorescent bulb for 20 hours!” * Or, that making paper from recycled paper uses 30 to 55% less energy than making paper from trees!!!

As Americans we get a lot of encouragement to consume, to buy stuff. And lots of that stuff with all of its packaging then becomes trash and ends up in our landfills, resources wasted! We of the Snake River Chapter of ORA are encouraging consumers to take action to learn about what can be recycled and where to take it. Most papers and cardboards can be recycled for example. We are also presenting information on the many benefits of recycling.

If you are unsure of what kinds of plastics, papers, and metals can be recycled, then join us Saturday Nov 13, between 10 and 2 at an America Recycles Event at Silverhawk Realty, Gayway Junction, Fruitland. There will also be activities for the kids.

Western Recycling of Fruitland has graciously offered attendees a bonus coupon of an additional 5¢ per pound for aluminum. You can bring your recyclables to this event.

They can then be recycled with Western Recycling. Also, attendees have the option of donating their recycling income and rebates to Second Chance Animal Shelter of Fruitland, should they desire to do so.

You are also invited to join Snake River Chapter members and friends at our November meeting where we will have a presentation by Liz Amazon on Recycling and its impacts….and on why choose recycled!

Wednesday, November 17^th at Ontario Library, 6pm

Contact Nancy Gledhill at 208.642.2760 for further information

We are a chapter of Oregon Rural Action, working to promote social justice, agricultural and economic sustainability, and stewardship of the region’s land, air and water.

*http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/iwarm/index.htm

Ban The Plastic Bag

Liz — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:18:00 +0000

Most people have the opportunity to use and/or throw away plastic bags or single-use plastic, every single day. The problem is that they are doing just that, and the results have become detrimental to life on this planet.

Toxic impacts to wildlife, the environment and human health are readily increasing. That’s why there’s a Bill in California to ban plastic bags and single use plastic known as AB 1998.

Please watch the below video and then take the pledge on the Plastic Pollution Coalition’s website:

Ban the Bag AB1998 Plastic Pollution Coalition from Dianna Cohen on Vimeo.

Don’t forget to take the pledge and help Ban the Bag. It’s important EVERYWHERE, not just in California.

Renewed Expressions Consignment Boutique – Used Clothing Helps Planet & People

Liz — Sat, 22 May 2010 08:07:00 +0000

Did you know that over 20 billion pounds of clothing ends up in our landfills every year? An estimated 1 in 10 clothing items gets bought, never worn, and simply thrown away?

The alternative to donate and/or consign clothing has taken on a life of it’s own more recently. Repurposing and reusing, previously owned clothing, is considered chic with environmental enthusiasts and many others.

True, there’s always been a market for used garments, but most typically the stereotypical shopper was buying used merchandise out of financial necessity. While that still holds true, more consumers are aware of the positive environmental impact of recycling and reusing, previously owned clothing.

A recent visit to Renewed Expressions Consignment Boutique in Meridian, Idaho was very educational and tickled my shopping urges. Up to this point, I primarily donated my unwanted threads or sold them in a yardsale. I had no idea that there are systems in place with stores, to accommodate this sustainable market.

I toured the store and then met with owner, Kathy Reitz. In visiting with Kathy, I quickly perceived that she is a very grounded person and businesswoman.

Kathy has a vision for her business of just over 3 years and over 3,500 consigners. She desires to be a good employer and an honest businesswoman with integrity. Her goals in the business are to make sure her consigners make money and merchandise is priced fairly.

When the consigned articles first hit the Renewed Expressions racks, most are priced at 20% of its retail value and are newer than 2 years old. Besides everything being very fairly priced, there are always the “Red Slash” (1/2 price) deals and even a $3.00 rack!

From prom dresses, to jewelry, to shoes & accessories, the selections are abundant, with name brand clothing in very good condition. The clothes are normally in price ranges based on the type of garment; i.e., Skirts from $8.99 to $14.99, Pants from $8.99 to $16.99 and Tops from $6.99 to $12.99. Additionally, the store is impeccably clean and the entire staff, very customer service focused.

Do yourself and the environment a BIG favor, by seeking out opportunities such as this, to give old clothes, a second life. It’s a Win-Win for everyone. There’s money to be made and money to be saved. And, there’s lots of upscale clothing that has escaped the landfills and is waiting to find a new home.

Renewed Expressions Consignment Boutique is currently located at 1835 W Cherry Lane in Meridian. Their phone is 208/855-2800. Hours are 10am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday. For more information, feel free to stop in or call the store. If, you’re interested in consigning with them, you will need to call first for an appointment.

Renewed Expressions

Helpful Staff

Accessories Galore

Lots of Pretty Jewelry

Environmental Accountability

Liz — Fri, 21 May 2010 10:52:26 +0000

After almost one month, the daily reports coming in from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster are still very discouraging. Everyone is disappointed and outraged that this even happened, as well as the lack of success in stopping the spill. Without a doubt, this crisis will stimulate some serious discussions and actions for ensuring environmental accountability.

But why does it always take a life/environment altering event to inspire action? Why can’t we be more proactive with environmental accountability, instead of just reacting after the crisis?

There are probably numerous “good” answers to those questions, but I am going to propose one of SELFISHNESS. If everyone thought more about others than themselves (or their businesses), accountability in all aspects of life, including the environment, would be prevalent.

We can point our fingers at big business such as BP PLC and our government leaders, but what are you, as an individual doing to reduce your carbon footprint….even in your “own backyard”?

Do you recycle? And if so, are you recycling what is only convenient, or are you going above and beyond?

Do you purchase locally grown foods? Besides the health aspects, did you know that the overall process for getting local products to your door, reduces millions of pounds of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

Are you buying recycled and/or sustainable merchandise? And, I don’t mean just thinking you’re hitting the mark, when you “happen” to purchase a recycled item here or there. I’m talking, a concentrated effort to seek out recycled products that are remanufactured or can be reused in their current condition.

Started using “green cleaners” in your home, yet? Not only are they good for your planet, but the statistics are in; they’re good for your families health and longevity!

This is our home and our planet. Let’s be environmentally accountable even for our little piece of it.

Show Thanks With Less Waste

Liz — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:46:00 +0000

I realized after creating the title to this post, that it could be written two ways: ‘Waste’ versus ‘Waist’…LOL !! Since, this is my environmental focused blog, I do believe I’ll stick with the ‘household waste’ issues for now

According to the folks at RecycleWorks.org, household waste increases by more than 25% from Thanksgiving to New Years Day. There is added food waste, shopping bags, packaging, wrapping paper, etc.

Not only can you make easy choices to be less wasteful this Thanksgiving, they may even cost less than your usual holiday habits. Here’s a few suggestions to think about:

Shopping
Don’t forget to take those reusable bags. Not only are they better than using plastic and paper, but they’re much stronger and hold a lot more.

Setting The Table
I know! I know! Paper & plastic products are sooo much easier to use with all the folks coming over for dinner. But, think of the money you’ll save if you use your existing plates & silverware and run them in the dishwasher at the end of the meal?

Decorating
Don’t go out and buy more “stuff”. Look around the house and garage. I’m SURE there are several cool things already in your treasures, that would make great decos, with some slight modifications.

Recycle
Put the food scraps in your newly created composter. And ask your guests to sort out the paper, plastic items into your new recycling area.

By the way, that ‘new recycling area’ doesn’t have to be anything fancy. I use old garage bins and cardboard boxes to service my family’s recycling needs. Don’t go crazy, just be a little more savvy.

The saying, “Waste not. Want not.”, couldn’t be more applicable here. Remember, baby steps is okay!

Have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving!

Reuse With Green & Clean Octoberfest Fun

Liz — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:29:00 +0000

I recently talked to Allen Montgomery of Montgomery Farms in Ontario, Oregon. His family has launched their third year of offering a corn maze for clean family fun in the Fall & Halloween season.

“The MAiZE” at Montgomery Farms is situated just outside the Ontario City limits at 668 Sugar Ave. It offers miles of fun with 3 different paths (or mazes), to choose from. In addition, there are several other attractions for the amusement of children and adults, alike. Some activities include a Hay Ride, Cow Train, Corn Cannon & Produce Launcher.

There are numerous opinions about growing corn and the uses for it, in the environmental community. No matter those opinions, corn will be grown and used in one form or another. And, I can’t think of a better way than offering folks a family-friendly place to play and celebrate during the Fall, using a “plain old cornfield”!

You see, after The MAiZE finishes off its season with a fireworks show the night November 7th, then the process of combining/bailing & grazing cattle kicks in. Also, throughout the duration of The Maize’s run, local wildlife will be able to glean the rewards of the spoils from such activities as the Corn Cannon and Produce Launcher.

So, don’t miss an excellent opportunity to spend some quality time with your friends and family and literally helping Montgomery Farms create additional uses of what would normally just be considered a, “plain old cornfield”. To me, it’s kind of like “Reuse” in the Three R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). The difference is, that the Reuse is taking place with the “before-product”, opposed to the “end-product”!

The MAiZE is open Monday thru Thursdays – 5pm to 9pm. Fridays 5pm to 11pm & Saturdays 1pm to 11pm. Be sure to go to their website for price information and even group reservation forms.

Reusable Bags – Paid For Themselves Over & Over

Liz — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 07:24:00 +0000

Well, it was 2 years ago this month, that I watched the Earth Day Show that Oprah aired. That was also my launch pad into becoming more environmentally conscious and focusing on my family’s health and well being.

I have made a lot of changes (transitions) in my lifestyle since then, and one of them was purchasing and using reusable bags for shopping. I must admit that its taken me awhile to get into the habit of using them, but it’s become a pretty solid one these days.

I’m still using the same reusable bags that I purchased online from EcoBags, two years ago. My initial order included four canvas/cotton tote bags and an assorted pack of string vegetable bags. I’m careful not to overload the reusable bags, and because of that, they’re like brand new.

All my EcoBags are still in pristine condition. No rips, tears, discoloration, nothing ! And a bonus that I really like is that string bags are very stretchable. So, when I’ve purchased more at the market than will fit in my canvas totes, I can spillover into the string bags.

Besides keeping plastic bags out of the oceans and landfills, I was able to more than recoup my initial expense for them, when stores were offering a .05 cent credit, for bringing your own bags to the store. But, even if I hadn’t received that great unexpected rebate, I’m still helping the planet and making it Earth Day, everytime I go to the store!

Don’t Be A Drip – Tips For More Environmentally Responsible Behavior

Liz — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 06:25:00 +0000

DRIP, DRIP, DRIP…No, there’s not any name calling, going on here today. Instead, we’re going to share some practical tips for being more environmentally responsible AND saving money too. -Take that Recession- POW!

A couple of posts back, I talked about the ecobutton™ and the Smartstrip, as ways of reducing electrical power consumed. The power used from idle devices, or even some devices when turned off, is known as Phantom Power.

The next suggestion was eluded to, in the title of this post: water dripping. Three easy suggestions are: Getting leaky faucets fixed, not running the water when brushing your teeth, and/or installing fixtures that have EPA WaterSense efficiency standards.

The “Three R’s”: Reduce – Reuse – Recycle, pretty much speak for themselves.

Use environmentally safe cleaning products: One of the most economical all-purpose cleaners is Basic H2® Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate by Shaklee. This product even carries the Green Seal. The Green Seal endorsement comes from a independent, non-profit organization that tests and endorses products from environmentally responsible companies. One 16-ounce bottle of Basic H2®, dilutes into over 200 bottles of all-purpose cleaner. Not only is it safe for the planet, it’s safe for folks that are sensitive to scents and/or have allergies. Then, once you’ve used up the 16-ounce bottle, if not recycled, you would only be putting “1″ plastic bottle into the landfills, versus over 200 bottles of the “other brand”.

I hope some of you will write back and share some other great planet saving ideas. Also, tell us which ones you are personally incorporating into your daily routine.