Recycle Lady: mushroom-based packaging

Dear Recycle Lady,

Did you know that IKEA has committed to using biodegradable mushroom packaging? I came across an article about it the other day and I thought you would find this interesting. Reader

Dear Reader,

Many thanks for letting me know about IKEA’s commitment to mushroom-based packaging. The Yahoo news article, https://news.yahoo.com/ikea, tells of IKEA’s use of a mycelium-based material called mushroom packaging. The material is grown in a controlled environment in less than a week and provides a sustainable option for any packaging requirements that arise. Mycelium works with other plant-based materials such as hemp, husk, oat hulls, and cotton burrs. Agricultural products are combined with the mycelium, grown into a mold that fits packaging requirements, and sealed for several days. During this time the fungus grows around the product, filling empty spaces. This new material is then dried out with a heat treatment that kill spores and stops the growth process. Joanna Yarrow, Head of Sustainability for IDEA in the UK says that using mushroom-based packaging material was the retailer’s “small yet significant step towards reducing waste and conserving ecological balance.” Kudos for IKEA!

Dear Recycle Lady,

What is the difference between corrugated cardboard and paperboard? Are they both recycled with cardboard. Want to Know

Dear Want to Know,

Corrugated cardboard is made of three layers of paper; an outside liner and inside liner with a ruffled shape running between the two. These three layers are glued together to make a very durable and strong box. Approximately 95% of products in North America are shipped in corrugated cardboard boxes. Believe it or not, corrugated paper existed more than 100 years ago. Paperboard cartons were first produced in England in 1817. Paperboard is thinner than cardboard, and thicker and more rigid than paper. While it is lighter weight than cardboard, it is strong and is used in packaging. Cereal boxes are an example of paperboard. Both corrugated cardboard and paperboard packaging are sustainable, renewable, and recyclable in the same bin. One ton of recycled cardboard used to make new cardboard saves three tons of trees and nine cubic yards of landfill space.

Dear Recycle Lady,

If I put weeds in my composter are their seeds going to be killed in the compost? Composter

Dear Composter,

Kudos to you for composting. It is an effective way to reduce waste and help your plants flourish organically. According to helpmecompost.com, most weeds are killed in a compost pile as it reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some hardier weed species, such as dandelions, can survive. They are less likely to grow in a tumbler, than a pile, because of the dark environment. If you have a lot of weeds, try drying them out in the sun on a metal surface for 2 to 3 weeks. The weeds will then be crisp and safe to add to your compost.

Good News: After 60 years of being considered endangered in the land down under, humpback whales have been removed from Australia’s endangered species list, as population numbers have increased from 1,500 to about 40,000. (fto.com)

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.