Dear Recycle Lady,
Why is the month of July called Plastic Free July? Ardent Recycler
Dear Ardent Recycler, the month of July was first called Plastic Free July in 2011 by the Australian Plastic Free Foundation. Its purpose was to raise awareness of the harmful effects that single-use plastics have on the environment, to encourage individuals to make more sustainable choices, and to inspire everyone to reduce their use of single-use plastics. It is now a global movement with over 100 million people from 190 countries striving to make positive changes in their daily lives and to live more sustainably. To help make a difference and be part of the solution, join the millions who have accepted the Plastic Free Foundations’’ challenge. Go to https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/thanks-for-taking-part to sign up for the challenge. Think of the impact that could be made if all of us participated in Plastic Free July by making just one positive change in the use of single-use plastic! Purchasing compostable eating utensils instead of plastic ones for your picnic, keeping a reusable coffee cup at the office instead of using single-use Styrofoam cups, or taking a reusable bag when shopping instead of using a single use bag are all small choices that can make a big difference.
Dear Recycle Lady,
What is green banking? Bill Payer
Dear Bill Payer, according to https://www.greenfi.com/resources/green-banking, green banking means promoting environmentally friendly practices and reducing carbon footprints from banking activities. A green bank provides sustainable financial services, such as paperless statements and deposits and electronic products and services. Several new services are available with green banking: Eco Loans that require consumers to save water or cut down on coal use, and Green Loans that lend funds to projects or ventures that have environmental benefits. Green banking also strives to use less power and less energy by installing energy efficient technology products and waste management. Check with your bank to see if green banking is available for your use.
Dear Recycle Lady,
I have several empty cans of spray paint. Can these cans be recycled? Do It Yourselfer
Dear DIY,
Your aerosol cans of spray paint, or any other product, can be recycled, but only if they are free of both product and propellant. If you hear sloshing liquid when you shake the can, it is not empty. To be sure that it is empty, press the can’s nozzle in a well-ventilated area until nothing comes out. Never puncture a hole in the can to remove the contents as the can will explode and may hurt you. Do not attempt to remove the can’s nozzle either. To be sure no propellant is left in the can, continue pressing the nozzle until you hear no hissing sound at all. To determine which recycle bin to put the can in you must determine whether the can is made of steel or aluminum. If in doubt, use a magnet to check. It will stick to a steel can, but not an aluminum one. if you don’t have a magnet available, there is large one outside the steel can bin at the Recycling Canter. Both of these metals are of high value and can be recycled infinitely into new metal products.
Good News: Researchers are developing bags that can dissolve in salt water, a promising step toward reducing ocean plastic pollution.
Bad New: The world’s largest penguins, the emperor penguins, have been classified as endangered. Their main threat is the loss of sea ice due to global warming.
Have questions about recycling, or interesting information about recycling? Dear Recycle Lady is sponsored jointly by the Greenbrier Recycling Center and Greenworks Recycling.
