Recycle 2 Save

A Recycled Basket (all items inside are made from recycled content) donated to a local customer for an employee event.  I find it absolutely amazing all the things that can be recycled and I love to point out items that are a product of recycling (I mean, it's pretty much my job to do that). Everyday new technology allows items previously destined to live decades in a landfill (or nearly forever) to become something new. I think that it's essential that people know what can be recycled and the actual impact that recycling has. To see that my water bottle, when thrown in the recycling bin (along with a few "friends") has now become a tee shirt encourages me to never take the easy road (and when required) walk a few extra steps to ensure that my items are recycled Lately I've read that cigarette butts, diapers, mattresses, carpet, waxed drink containers can all be recycled. Part of me gets really excited, we all need to use less items that end up in the la...

Whether this week or in a few days to come .. wishing all little ones and big ones alike a great start to a new school year! Keep it green! 

CRI Single Stream Operations. Here are some shots of our single stream system chuggin' away. The material is pouring in and the recycling process has begun. Single stream might seem like an easier recycling solution but just like when you were sorting it yourself, please keep out garbage! Nearly all items that were labeled trash in the past continue to be. While getting some quick shots to post here I saw a some obvious garbage that needed to be sorted out. As a general rule the following items are always considered non recyclable  during standard curbside collection or drop off (really, they were out there) Mattresses (although I've heard they can be recycled it has to be a special collection item and if mixed in with the recycled will be trashed) Diapers (clean or especially dirty) Food Waste (Again, we compost but it cannot be mixed in with your recycling it just makes garbage) Doggie & Kitty "Bi-products" (I know that no one wants to han...

I recently read a blog post (which CRI shared on Facebook) about the "secret" confessions of someone who tries to be green but struggles with not so eco moments. The blog really spoke to me. I make a large effort to keep it green. I do really well most times but there are still areas that I could use some real improvement. I have a paper towel addiction. I've tried to opt for sponges and reusable towels but nothing has quite done the trick for me as well as paper towels (especially in a pinch with many'o spills with small children). Reusable towels created more laundry and I could never get them to look clean again after cleaning up something like grape juice or strawberries. I'd pull them out in front of company and be convinced that they were judging us as someone who "forgot" to do the wash. I feel guilt as I pull a towel off the roll - the good news is that when you compost.. it's not so bad (yes, now I'm justifying). The nice thing about...

I see on sites like yours that you accept most plastics 1-7. Why is it that where I live they take only #'s 1&2?  I even know they bring it to you. Should I throw it in the bin anyway and let them figure it out.. since obviously they can be recycled? Thanks!  Kaylee You are not alone Kaylee, I have heard this question frequently. A local township or drop off center has the ability to decide how they'd like the recycling in their area handled. They can determine what type of program best fits their residents. Plastics #'s 1&2 are typically the most common and highly recyclable plastic, with a steady rebate (when kept separated, clean, and contaminant free). A lot of thought typically goes into the decision of what items they will allow for collection. 1. Cost : The number one factor is typically cost. We'd like to pretend that the environment is all that matters but in a time when budgets are being cut and programs dropped or suspended, money plays a very i...

  We have the ability to make everyday Earth Day. Celebrate our Earth today.  

We only had one answer but he was right on. Way to go, you showed us your skills!   The above corrugated is coated with wax (used mostly for produce). The wax coating makes recycling it with other corrugated items not possible and recycling in general quite difficult. Some companies may be able to handle this item but at a minimum must be kept separate. The above corrugated is very recyclable and so is the plastic which is wrapping it but together they are garbage. If the plastic is removed both items can be thrown in (separate) recycling bins.   The above items are box cutting, this material is commonly used for soda can packaging, cereal, boxed pasta, etc. They do not have the "honey combed" makeup that you'd find in corrugated boxes. They are fully recyclable but do not have the same value and reuse potential that corrugated does.     Thanks so much for participating.. if you enjoyed Recycling 101 let me know and we...