Recycling

Making sure that you buy materials that are eco friendly is a great way to protect the earths natural resources, but did you know that recycling composting could actually work hand in hand to help preserve the natural resources we will have now and in the future? Here are some ways you can recycle the goods you use each day while creating a nutrient-rich soil for planting new food.

Recycling composting is the same process in some respects. Most people think of recycling as separating goods like glass materials, paper plates and cups, and plastics into respective bins so that they can be transported to factories where parts of these products will be used again to create new products. However, when you participate in composting, you are recycling the materials you may have used for food or fertilizer in the past to create new soil for plants to grow in. Therefore, compost is natures recycled plant and animal materials, and you can compost as often as you need to in order to create organic plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables that are safe for the whole family.

There are a number of different kinds of composting that you can do, just like there are different ways to recycle. You can use vermicomposting, which is a method of using earthworms to break down the materials in soil in order to make them nutrient-rich. You can also purchase compost devices that you can store in your backyard in order to keep pests away from the compost you are creating.

When you participate in recycling composting, you are doing your part to make sure that the cities energy supply does not run out any faster. Each time trash is collected from a neighbourhood or business, it is transported to a landfill, where it is packed underground with other trash. However, this method is starting to cause more and more damage to the environment, because space is running out to store the garbage. The trash is sometimes burned at these locations as well, which causes harmful chemicals to be released into the environment. Using recycled materials also reduces the use of harmful chemicals in products, such as CFCs, which are present in many Styrofoam products.

If you want to know more about recycling composting, you can visit your local community center to find out where the recycling centers are in your area. You can also contact the Environmental Services department for your state if you feel that more needs to be done to cut down on pollution in your area.

The rapid evolution of information technology is a double-edged sword. While constant improvements allow us to keep doing more in less time, the downside is that electronic equipment quickly becomes obsolete and needs to be replaced by newer, faster models. One obvious drawback of improving technology is the cost of replacing older models, but what happens to the old equipment? Many computer components are highly toxic to the environment, and virtually all electronic equipment utilizes some form of computer technology. What do we do with the computer we’re replacing? The group Local Self-Reliance estimates that about 75% of obsolete computers and other IT equipment is being stored, creating a time bomb waiting to go off. It will be a dark day for the environment when we all finally decide to dispose of this clutter.

Mercury, chromium, and lead are a few of the hazardous materials found in batteries, cathode ray tubes, and circuit boards. These toxins will be released into the environment if all this outdated equipment disposed of in traditional ways. Soil and water will be affected if this material is dumped in a landfill, and incineration releases toxic ash into the air.

This is why we shouldn’t simply trash our obsolete computers. Many organizations are dedicated to recycling old computer hardware. Recycling helps the environment and enhances quality of life for all of us. There are many volunteer and nonprofit groups that provide recycling services, recovering over 112 million pounds of valuable materials each year from old computers and other electronic equipment. Glass, plastic, steel, and precious metals can all be reused. Most of us don’t realize that even keyboards, CDs, floppy disks, ink cartridges, and power cords contain easily reusable materials. Some peripheral hardware can be utilized with a new computer, such as speakers and reusable disks.

Staples is one company that has instituted a green policy, where old equipment can be dropped off seven days a week for a $10 handling fee. Company spokesperson Mark Buckley estimates that in this country alone, 13,000 computers are disposed of daily.

According to Mark Buckley, of Staples, which has a green policy on accepting old equipment 7 days a week in a drop-off scheme, for a handling fee of 10$, estimates that 13,000 computers are disposed of every day in the U.S. While the company keeps many of the component parts, Staples hands off CR tubes and other hazardous materials to Amandi Services, which makes television components utilizing their own recycling technique. Another organization utilizing new technologies to complement and enhance the usual pulverizing and shredding is Creative Recycling. Their reclamation utilizes very efficient dust filters and negative air pressure in a controlled atmosphere. The output of this system includes various metals, plastic, and glass. The company aims to provide cost-effective solutions for government organizations and has invested millions of dollars in equipment in an attempt to lead the development of new recycling technology.

Not many people have noticed that recycling legislation has been passing in Europe for the last five years. That was when the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive was drafted, forcing computer manufacturing companies to pay for the recycling of old equipment in a safe manner. Unfortunately, since the industry operates with very small profit margins, most people believe the costs will be passed on to consumers in the form of higher computer prices. The additional cost per computer could be as much as $50, according to industry analyst Gartner. And while most people wouldn’t balk at paying a small premium to have their old equipment disposed of properly, the European Union is requiring more stringent demands of green components in the future. This will also increase manufacturing costs in the short term, raising prices even higher.

There aren’t many companies currently recycling computers in England, but the computer companies themselves are beginning to step up and provide alternatives for recycling old equipment. Dell is one computer manufacturer pioneering new ways to recycle old computer equipment. Find out more about computer disposal and recycling by visiting their website at http://www.computer-recycling-center.com.

Compared to Europe, this country is fortunate to have many local outlets for computer recycling. But don’t wait too long to drop off your old computer at a local recycler, because the cost is only going to get higher.

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


Recycling has become the most general world-wide issue of public interest over the last decades, as alarmingly high pollution levels and weather changes made everybody think about saving good materials from being thrown away. Specialists claim that, in two hundred years, men cut down 95% of the old forests. So, it was definitely high time to recycle wood and find new ways to do so.

Extravagant architects and homeowners, designers and builders are following a new direction that could save thousands of acres of forest. They try reusing reclaimed wood for its special looks and quality. More than 45 millions board feet of reclaimed wood are being sold just in the United States while ten years ago the figure barely reached 7.5 million. It’s obvious that the idea to recycle wood grew stronger every year.

Numbers are encouraging as every million board feet of recycle lumber replaces one thousand acres of forest that should have been cut. This program to recycle wood goes beyond the idea of making a profit, it’s the pleasure of mixing ecology with industry.

Most of the reclaimed wood is of a higher quality than anything you’d get on the market today. Reclaimed timber is air dried and is also seasoned to a good condition. Its color varies from golden brown to gray, making it perfect for building a room with a historical aspect.

Despite the fact that recycle wood ideas are inspiring we must be aware that not every one of us is able to work with recycled timber, and not all wood is reclaimable. Materials need to be handled with extra care and installed with attention.

Untrained builders may not realize which type wood can be used and which not, and this confusion is triggered by the similar evidence of reuse. Furthermore, some materials are rare, and once used there is no other for corrections or improvements; under such circumstances the architect should be familiar with proper knowledge to offer alternative solutions.

Recycle wood companies usually offer very hard essences of timber that has a much higher quality and resistance than any other wood variety on the market; its price varies depending on hardness and quality. Good timber was in the past what steel is in our modern society, this is why most of the old forests disappeared. Deforestation was a massive phenomenon of the 19th century when cities were expanded and new land was claimed for agricultural purposes.

Vanessa

MIKE SELVON asked:


The Environmental Protection Agency wants you to learn the three “R’s” when it comes to your trash. Those three words are very important if you want to continue living on a clean planet and one that is not overflowing with yesterday’s garbage.

Reduce reuse recycle is your mantra to repeat to yourself each time you go to throw something away. Once you learn the three “R’s” you will be able to set a better example and help your environmental services program combat the never ending supply of garbage.

The first “R” in the three refers to reducing. This means to reduce the amount of garbage you generate. Try to buy items that are going to last longer so you do not have to buy them as often. Sure, there will be some items that do not have a long shelf life but you can still try to find those items that do.

Some packaging contains harsher chemicals than others. It may cost you a dollar or two more but try to go with items that have less packaging.

In the quest for reduce reuse recycle; reusing is next on the agenda. Try to reuse as many products as possible in your own household. Plastic milk jugs make great pitchers for tea and water.

They can also be used as plant holders once you decorate them a bit. On a municipal level, reusing also occurs when recyclables are turned into different products, such as asphalt for paving roads or new notebooks.

The final “R” relates to recycling. This means utilizing a recycling program from your sanitation department or local environmental services. You can ask them what materials are accepted locally and then get the appropriate recycling containers into which you can place that material for pick-up.

Plastics go into one container. Paper goes into another container and glass goes into a separate container. Then all three, along with garbage that cannot be recycled, is picked up by your local sanitation or recycling program. As well, you can recycle your food waste products by starting a compost heap.

Just remember to “reduce reuse recycle” and you will be doing your part, not just for yourself but for future generations. It is remarkably easy to get started and once you have mastered the basics you will be a recycling guru. If you need help getting started or just want more information, then visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website at “Epa”.

Kev

Kevin Dark asked:


Times were when a computer that broke down would be taken to the repair shop and fixed for further use. Now, no sooner does the computer break down than you will feel the urge to simply junk it and purchase a newer system that offers more features. These days it has become very easy to go the green way and try and also make a savings and in this you will be helped by big companies such as HP that take in your old computers to take a load of your shoulders.

Companies such as HP have some very novel ideas about how to get rid of your ageing computer equipment while still helping to preserve the earth and all of its beauty. In some of these recycling processes, you will find that the community benefits and so does the environment. You will be able to use the new technology to your advantage while also choosing the path of trading in old equipment for the newer ones. There is also the possibility that you will be paid for certain items of equipment that are no longer required.

New technology can benefit you in other ways as well and if you spare a thought for a moment and pause to reflect on how your old technology equipment can be used in a more humane way, you should not have any problem understanding that there are others that are not as fortunate as you and who would appreciate your generosity in donating your old computer for a worthy cause.

With newer recycling technologies emerging and affecting us all it has become possible to recycle computers as well as rechargeable batteries and other computer equipment through some state-of-the-art processes that companies such as HP employ to make absolutely certain that your no-longer wanted equipment gets a decent new lease of life and the environment and nature are not adversely affected.

Multinational companies have their own novel ways of recycling computer equipment using the best technological means and it is not just confined to North America, but will also help people in far off Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines as well as Thailand. Everything computer can be recycled using these new recycling technologies though some multinationals only accept their own branded equipment. Nevertheless it is a step in the right direction while you may need to provide some proof of having purchased their product before it gets accepted into their new recycling technology programs.

To ensure that the recycling does not harm the environment or nature, these latest computer recycling technologies makes it possible for other parties to use this obsolete equipment in such a way that a new product emerges and thus keeps the environment protected against wasteful and harmful toxins.

With better material recovery techniques, this new computer recycling technology focuses not on incinerating the equipment, but to get the maximum possible recovery. Of course, not all of the material is recoverable. Also, because of certain difficulties in technically achieving total recycling, some amount of equipment does end up becoming useless. Even then, there is hope for recovering energy and thus recycling is practiced as close to recovering waste as is possible.

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Michael Arms asked:


Recycle cell phones? Absolutely!
Did you know that you can actually recycle your old or used cell phones? If you’re like most people, you probably have an old cell phone or two hidden in a drawer somewhere. In a few months or years, you’ll rediscover these hidden phones and having no further use to you, these old units will most likely end up in your garbage bin and thence, in your city’s landfill.
But there’s a better, more environmentally-responsible, even more profitable way to dispose of your old cell phones. Cell phone recycling is the answer.
There may be around 700 million used or old cell phones in America today, with approximately 125 million discarded cell phones added every year. According to a study done by a market intelligence firm iSuppli Corporation in 2007, 36.8 percent stored their cell phones in their drawers, 10.2 percent threw their cell phones away or declared these as lost or stolen, and only 9.4 percent recycled their used or old cell phones. In actual numbers, that’s 10 million cell phones rotting away in our country’s landfills and 37 million cell phones gathering dust in the drawers of America - and that’s from 2007 alone!
Why should you recycle your cell phones?
Like other electronic wastes, cell phones in their circuit boards and batteries, contain such harmful heavy metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium. Dangerous chemicals like brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are also found in the plastic casing of most cell phones. According to Dr. Anne Marie Helmenstine, author and leading authority in biomedical sciences, lead has been found to cause development problems in children and diminishes brain functions even in adults. Cadmium exposure can lead to “liver and irreversible kidney problems (often fatal), respiratory and bone density problems. Compounds containing cadmium are also carcinogenic.”
Most of our landfills today are scientifically designed to contain chemicals leaking from the solid waste, but will you gamble the health of your children and your’s on the chance that cell phones and other electronic wastes we so carelessly throw to our landfills will not leach chemicals into our underground water systems? The likelihood of these dangerous and deadly chemicals seeping into our water systems is just too high. By dumping cell phones and other electronic wastes in our landfills, we are practically poisoning ourselves.
Is there money in cell phone recycling?
Yes. As a matter of fact, cell phone recycling can be quite lucrative. You can make money by selling your used or old cell phones to recycling and refurbishing companies like Pacebutler Corporation in Edmond, OK who will pay as much as $50 for each cell phone you turn in and will even pay for the shipping of packages containing at least 4 cell phones. The refurbishing company then turns around, and refurbishes these cell phones to be marketed to wholesale buyers abroad, bringing communication capability to people from developing countries in South America and other areas.
On a much larger scale, recycling companies like Umicore in Belgium, who process unserviceable cell phones and e-waste, are able to extract such precious metals and other materials from cell phones like gold, silver, platinum, copper, coltan, plastic and glass, etc. from these. Did you know that there’s more gold found in one metric ton of cell phone and other electronic waste than 17 tons of gold ore excavated and refined through the traditional mining process? The good news is, after the entire recycling process is over, less than half of 1% of the entire electronic waste processed, is deemed unfit to be returned to the production cycle and is then just burned for energy generation.
The precious metals present in each cell phone are basically just trace amounts, so it’s impractical and patently dangerous (because of the industrial chemicals necessary) for you to try and extract these minerals from your cell phone at home. It may seem like a joke, but it was in the news last month - a man who fancied himself as an “urban miner” got poisoned by the industrial chemicals he was using, while “mining” cell phones. The giant recycling firms make money by processing tons and tons of cell phones and other electronic waste.
How do you recycle cell phones?
Give your old or used cell phones to friends or family. Perhaps the most practical and easiest way to recycle cell phones is by extending the life cycle of old phones by giving these away to a friend or a family member. Most of the cell phones we hide or throw away in exchange for a newer model or after we switched to a different provider are still perfectly usable. You can give it to a friend or a younger sister, and you’re sure that cell phone will have a year or two more of use before getting permanently retired. But then again, if you go by this route, you’re merely extending the life cycle of your old phones. You can put in a word for the environment by asking the person you’re giving your phone to, to recycle it properly when the time comes.
Recycle cell phones through the manufacturer or service provider. Did you know that you can actually return your old cell phones to the manufacturer? The leading US manufacturers and service providers like AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint all have cell phone take-back programs, complete with free shipping and/or discounts in subsequent purchases. These companies will ensure that the cell phones are recycled or refurbished in a responsible and environmentally-sound process. It’s a win-win solution, too. The companies win by having access to a steady stream of recycled materials for manufacturing of new items. You win by making sure the your old phones are recycled responsibly and by getting the discounts from your purchases.
Donate your cell phones to your favorite charity. Many charitable and non-profit organizations today are able to raise funds for their respective charities and projects by collecting used and old cell phones, and then selling them to recyclers and refurbishers. If you want to start such a project in your own city or neighborhood, you can network with other non-profit organizations and even ask for material support from the recycling companies. People, even kids, are doing it. If you live near a zoo, chances are you’ve seen cell phone collection boxes near the zoo entrance. The fact is, by raising funds for a worthy cause by collecting and reselling old cell phones, you are putting to good use something that would have been useless, even harmful if disposed improperly.
Recycle cell phones through recycling and refurbishing companies. Selling your old or used cell phones to companies like Pacebutler Corporation is a fast and convenient option. You can actually process everything online in a few minutes. All you need to do is access the company’s website, check for the actual buying prices of your cell phones’ model, and request for a shipping label. Once you have the pre-paid labels, you can box and send your old cell phones to the company. The turn-around time is very fast for these online transactions, too. Generally, the company sends you your check within 4 business days after receiving your cell phones.
To summarize, we have outlined here the paramount importance of recycling your old or used cell phones, in the light of potential impact on the environment and people’s health. There is still so much room for growth in our cell phone recycling efforts, as we’ve seen in the numbers above. But things are looking up, as more and more people become aware of the importance and the absolute necessity to recycle cell phones, we should be able to move forward in increasing the cell phone recycling rate nationwide.
Recycle your cell phones today. As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says, “it’s an easy call to make.”

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Barney Garcia asked:


Computer recycling refers to the practice of salvaging useable components from obsolete electronic devices or safely disposing off electronic devices. It is a practice that each one of us must inculcate because inappropriate handling of discarded computers and other electronic devices can cause environmental hazards.

Studies estimate that over 40 million electronic pieces become obsolete annually. These pieces have constituents such as lead, cadmium, barium, and mercury, which are hazardous to the environment. In a landfill, these materials seep into the ground and then into our food and water supplies. This can cause serious health concerns over a long period.

Obsolete Computers: Environmental Threats
Obsolete computers that are simply dumped in the garbage drums are the biggest threat to the environment. The computer monitors have cathode ray tubes containing four to five pounds of lead that contaminates the environment acutely. Besides lead, the computers have many other hazardous elements such as mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium. When inhaled over a long period, these elements cause high blood pressure, liver and nerve disease, blood with poor iron, and even brain damage to the exposed group. This causes great concern, considering several million computers become obsolete annually.

Therefore, we must handle the obsolete electronic devices carefully. Moreover, different Environmental Laws have banned the illegal landfills by the disposals of computers and other electronic equipment. These laws necessitate sending the un-functional computers to a reputable recycler for harmless recycling. The laws also specify the need for regular recycling to avoid such computers from piling up.

There are several methods to deal with old computers. Some of them are as follows:

· Give It For Reuse: If your computer is in a decent condition, you can sell it to a company or an individual so that it can be used further, or simply donate it to someone needy.

· Trade It In: There are many computer dealers (e.g. HP) who offer trade-in promotions on computers and peripherals.

· Auction It: You can sell the computer on eBay or any other auction site. You can also organize a quick garage sale and see if any of your friends or neighbors wants the computer.

· Set up a Server: You can continue using the old computer as a server to store and share data.

· Salvage Some Parts: You can see which parts of your computers are in good working condition. You can salvage those parts and use them in your new computer.

Go for computer recycling and safe the planet earth!

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Mitch Endick asked:

The big push in the flooring business today is how to address the growing issue of recycling. Consumers are becoming more and more conscious of how their buying choices affect the environment both inside and outside their homes.

When it comes to flooring, industry, government and concerned citizens have begun to work together on ways to reduce the potential negative environmental consequence that comes from disposing of used flooring materials.

The short answer to the question of whether you can recycle used vinyl flooring is yes. Vinyl flooring products are no exception to the recycling movement and like many types of plastic products, strategies and methods for safely disposing of and reusing these materials are growing, often into profitable businesses.

There are two ways of looking at the recycling of vinyl flooring. One way is to consider how the disposal of used vinyl flooring can be accomplished in an environmentally friendly way. The other involves the decision to use vinyl flooring and whether the vinyl flooring product you choose contains a significant amount of recycle content. You can help reduce adverse effects on the environment by choosing to go as green as possible.

Vinyl flooring products like tile and sheet flooring have been around for many years and the chemical compounds used in the manufacturing of these products are not very green. The durability and the ease of installation make these products popular flooring choices for many people and can be used in a wide variety of locations around a home or business. Some of the environmental concerns about vinyl flooring begin at the very beginning of the products life cycle, the manufacturing process and end when the product is removed or replaced and discarded. In the middle, there are some environmental advantages to choosing vinyl flooring over carpet floor coverings.

Unlike carpet that can trap and hold dirt and bacteria, vinyl flooring, like other hard flooring products is easier to keep clean and sanitary than fabric floor coverings. In general, there are fewer chemicals needed to maintain modern vinyl flooring especially with the introduction of no wax floor finishes. So with the potential of less exposure to cleaning solutions and the problems that can be associated with properly disposing of waste cleaning solutions, vinyl flooring seems to have some significant advantages.

A significant environmental benefit can be realized from the growing practice of properly recycling or disposing of old vinyl flooring. The idea behind recycling is to keep used vinyl flooring out of the landfill and to prevent disposal methods like burning that can have very serious environmental and public health consequences. The increased availability of recycled material can be an incentive to manufacturers to increase the amount of recycled material used in the production of new vinyl flooring.

Linoleum was phased out several years ago but is making a comeback because it is easier and less hazardous to dispose of.

Before you recycle old vinyl flooring it may be necessary to know what type of material you are dealing with. Some products made with PVC or polyvinylchloride is not recyclable. A good idea might to be to check with your local flooring retailer for help in identifying what the old flooring is made of. Your local flooring retailer may also be able to advise you on proper disposal methods and the location of a recycling facility that will accept old vinyl flooring.

Many flooring retailers participate in a recycling program and might be willing to take the old flooring off of your hands. Some retailers may charge you a disposal fee, but the money could be well spent knowing that the old flooring is properly disposed of.

Vanessa

James Hunt asked:


Waste management is an issue that every city, whether large or small, must deal with each day so that they can successfully handle the waste that accumulates in astronomical numbers. Without a waste management system in place cities would be soon over run with the overwhelming amount of refuse and waste that they need to dispose of. One of the most successful waste management systems that is now in place in most cities in North America is a recycling program. These types of waste management systems ensure that many of the waste products that could otherwise end up in the landfill are actually put into the waste management program instead. Items such as paper and cardboard, tin cans, plastics, newspapers, and glass are recycled and reused to make products once again. Without this type of waste management system in place city landfills would be full in no time, creating waste problems for everyone.
There are other types of waste management systems in place around the world. Many large cities use a variety of tools to keep track of the programs that they’ve implemented. It’s important that this type of management be evaluated regularly so that there systems can be updated and keep efficient. Many cities have integrated the recycling program of waste management into a cooperative union, creating employment for many people who are on financial assistance. This allows for successful waste management that saves the city thousands of dollars while at the same generating income from the sell of recycled material to the appropriate industry.
Successful waste management is run by city engineers who have a working knowledge of the system. Most people who live in large cities aren’t aware of the huge network of waste control that takes place behind the scenes. It’s this reliance on city management programs that determines how well a city functions.

Vanessa

Guna seelan asked:


Recycling is the process of reusing natural resources or man made resources which slows down consumption and subsequent depletion. Although many people and organizations are doing a lot to encourage recycling, most people are not doing enough. If everyone done there part then not only would the earth’s limited resources last longer, but the earth as a whole and everyone on it would benefit as a result.

Recycling Saves Trees and Wildlife Habitat – Around 95% of forest areas in the USA have been cut down, and around 50% worldwide. This is only going to get worse as regions of the world become more commercialized and as shortages increase the value that can be generated from cutting them down. With the decrease in forest areas, wildlife that previously lived in forest areas has nowhere to go and as such wildlife dies as a result.

Recycling Cuts Toxic Chemical Consumption and Slows Down Global Warming - Toxic chemicals can be reused from already consumed products meaning that the need to cause further harm from their creation can be reduced and even avoided completely in the case of many chemical products. The creation of products which involve using natural resources such as fossil fuels that burn carbon dioxide is not needed for a large amount of products. For example, glass can easily be recycled but is not being done as much as it could because it is not as cost-effective for manufacturers.

Recycling Can Help Curb Water Pollution – Water pollution is caused by a variety of factors, however the most prominent of these is in the manufacturing process where water is used to help make products, and it is then polluted before being put back into water reservoirs, lakes and the ocean. This is, for the most part, an unnecessary evil which could be stopped and reduced by using removed parts of the manufacturing process through using already created raw materials and manufacturer’s materials which form the essence of products that have already been consumed.

Recycling Stops the Continued Growth of Landfill Sites – Landfill areas give off chemicals into the air and pollute water that is under the ground as well as causing acid rain from their evaporation. This is something which could be stopped by putting less chemicals and pollutants into the ground, and instead reusing them to make products which humans consume and use.

Recycling Creates Prosperity in the Economy – Recycling creates new jobs through adding new dimensions to the economy as well as creating work for specialist companies that consult on recycling; waste management companies who split waste into reusable and non reusable parts; and increased margins for companies that use finite resources. In a study conducted by the Conversation Commission it was found that in 12 Southern States of the United States over $18Billion was created by the recycling industry alone. Considering the small fraction of the earth’s population that accounts for, recycling creates opportunities world wide and also reduces the inherent state costs of dealing with pollution, which in turn increases the amount of money that the private sector and individuals have and can potentially generate as a result.

Vanessa