Recycle Lady 7-8-22

Dear Recycle Lady,

Are wool dryer balls better than plastic dryer balls? Like My Plastic Dryer Balls

Dear Like My Plastic Dryer Balls,

The jury seems to be still out as to whether wool dryer balls are better than plastic dryer balls. According to www.answerbag.com plastic dryer balls are “a hazard to both human health and the environment” as they are made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). However, other websites only say that because plastic dryer balls are made of PVC plastic, they are not environmentally friendly. Some studies say plastic dryer balls may crack after extended use and that they can be noisy, while other studies say they are not as noisy as wool dryer balls. There are studies that say plastic dryer balls do not perform as well as wool dryer balls, that they take longer to dry the clothes and that they leave clothes rather damp. Other studies say just the opposite. It seems to be a matter of personal preference as to which kind of dryer balls you use. However, all studies agree that dryer balls, whether wool or plastic, are preferable to the chemicals found in dryer sheets and fabric softeners.

Dear Recycle Lady,

What is Plastic Free July? When did it begin? Recycler

Dear Recycler,

Plastic Free July is a month dedicated to reducing the amount of plastic going into the environment every day, encouraging each participant to pledge to reduce, or eliminate, one kind of plastic during July, and hopefully, to continue that reduction in the future. Plastic Free July began in 2011. This year more than 100 million people from 190 countries have pledged to participate in the Plastic Free July Challenge. For more information and to accept the challenge, go to www.plasticfreejuly.org/take-the-challenge/. Plastic Free July challenges participants to make at least one eco-friendly swap, such as requesting no utensils or straws in your take-out orders, eliminating plastic cling film by using beeswax wrap, taking reusable shopping bags with you to eliminate single-use plastic bags, taking your drink in a reusable bottle, using a Swedish dishcloth instead of paper towels or using bar soap instead of liquid soap that comes in a plastic bottle. Small changes by millions of people bring great results. Consider taking the pledge today.

Dear Recycle Lady,
I have several aerosol cans that are partially full. Can they be recycled, or should I empty them first? Spray Can User

Dear Spray Can User,

Aerosol cans that are partially full cannot be recycled until they are empty. Anything left in an aerosol can is considered hazardous waste (including whipped cream and hairspray!). To ensure that the can is empty, press the nozzle down until nothing comes out. Never pierce or crush the container to remove any remaining contents in the can as it could explode and hurt you. Remove the cap before putting the can in recycle. The Recycling Center accepts all empty aerosol cans. Put them in the bag or bin with steel cans.

Dear Readers. Did you know that only 5% of the ocean has been explored and charted by humans? It has been estimated that millions of species living in the ocean have yet to be discovered! (fto.com). Legendary ocean explorer Sylvia Earle says that “With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you’re connected to the ocean.”

Have questions about recycling, or interesting information about recycling? Send questions or requests to recyclelady@greenbrier-swa.com. Dear Recycle Lady is sponsored jointly by the Greenbrier Recycling Center and Greenworks Recycling.