April 2006
Multifamily RethinkWaste Nexus
Transforming the Way We Think about Trash
Earth Day is April 22. What will you do to celebrate? The Earth Day Network selected Climate Change as the theme this year, so here are a few ideas to get you in the mood to celebrate Earth Day everyday.
And, consider refreshing your recycling program with new posters. Contact RethinkWaste for new posters at info@rethinkwaste.org or (650) 802-4349.
Reduce :: Buy Recycled Products and Reduce CO2 Emissions
It's a fact: recycled-content products use less energy to manufacture than from raw materials. Use your purchasing power to help reduce your CO2 emissions by trying something new:
- Recycled-content paper with a twist: Purchase recycled paper containing 30% or more post-consumer waste of 18 pound sheet basis instead of the usual 20. Your printer will love it.
- Clothes: Some companies make it their mission to make clothes from recycled materials, such as water bottles.
- Pens: Check out pens made from recycled cardboard or plastic.
Think outside the box to buy your recycled-content products.
Reuse :: Garage Sales, Antique Stores, and Swap Meets...Oh My!
You've passed them: garage and estate sale signs, antique and reuse stores. But, have you checked them out? You'd be amazed at the finds you can make at these bargain stores. You can find nostalgic and eclectic items.
Looking for something reuse-oriented to do on Earth Day? Try the Maker Faire at the San Mateo Event Center. Learn to make things with items that might otherwise be discarded. Includes a clothing Swap-o-rama.
Want to host a garage sale and make some money from your stuff? Join the Countywide Swap Meet on May 13. Contact RecycleWorks at (888) 442-2666 or at www.RecycleWorks.org for information. Fee to sell, free to attend.
By participating in reuse purchasing, you are reducing the total amount of chemicals spewed into our air and water used to create new products. Thanks for participating.
Recycle :: Choose a New to You Item to Recycle
Effective February 9 of this year, it is illegal to dispose of household batteries as well as fluorescent light tubes and bulbs in the garbage. Consider your options and choose to recycle something new:
- Rechargeable batteries can be recycled by dropping them off at a rechargeable battery place. Many are located at neighborhood retailers. Find them at www.call2recycle.com.
- Try recycled-paper greeting cards instead of those with music.
- Use compost for your potted plants instead of chemical fertilizers.
Do your part to help the planet: reduce, reuse, and recycle!
More Info
- California Apartment Association: See Resource Center/Environmental Issues at www.caanet.org
- Call2Recycle: Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation offers a site to find battery collection sites; www.call2recycle.com
- Conservatree: Loads of information on everything recycled paper; www.conservatree.com
- Earth Day Network: Climate Change Solutions Campaign www.earthday.net
- Maker Faire: Two-day family friendly event featuring crafters, hobbyists, science clubs, and MythBusters; April 22-23, San Mateo Event Center, makezine.com/faire
- San Mateo County Household Hazardous Waste Program: www.smhealth.org/hhw
To be added or removed from this list, contact the RethinkWaste Recycling Coordinator at (650) 802-3500.
