Less waste - whether it is recyclable, compostable or garbage is the real answer.
However, manufacturer's and producer's are making more packaging and more "wasteful stuff"everyday (think about the new, single-cup Keurig Coffee Machines, with all those tiny little plastic cups full of grinds heading to a landfill near you ....ARGH!) The answer? Producer Responsibility - read more below from a great organization - Zero Waste Washington: http://zerowastewashington.org/
Thanks to Suellen Mele & Eva Dale, Zero Waste Washington and for this great information.
Do you think products should be designed to be non-toxic, easier to reuse and recycle, and longer lasting? Do you want manufacturers to be stewards of the products and packaging they make? Join a growing movement by adding your voice to Zero Waste Washington’s Call for Producer Responsibility. To sign on and read the full statement, visit:
http://zerowastewashington.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=40:a-call-for-producer-responsibility&catid=4:producer&Itemid=65
Producer responsibility means that manufacturers step up to take responsibility from “cradle to cradle” for the products they make. E-Cycle Washington is a great example. That program is recycling huge quantities of toxic computers, monitors and TVs from residents, schools and small businesses – all paid for and provided by the producers who make the products.
By signing the Call for Producer Responsibility, you will help us let manufacturers know that residents want producer responsibility here in Washington.
Please sign on and be heard.
Thank you!
Suellen Mele and Eva Dale
Zero Waste Washington
P.S. While you’re on our website, take a look at our campaigns and how you can get involved. Zero Waste Washington has been involved with breakthrough recycling programs in Washington State for close to 30 years. We’re championing a responsible and comprehensive approach to “stuff,” and see producer responsibility as an important part of the equation.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
"Save our Land, Save our Towns", free film event in Issaquah, Weds, March 30, 6-9pm
Hello Everyone!
Growing in popularity and back for our 3rd year, please join us for Issaquah's next sustainability film series event showing of: "Save our Land, Save our Towns" Wednesday, March 30, from 6-9pm at the King County Library Services Center (960 Newport Way NW, Issaquah).
"Save our Land, Save our Towns" is about saving our towns and countryside. The program follows the quest of small town newsman, Tom Hylton, to discover why America's towns have declined and what we can do to revive them. Hylton explores Depression-era policies that gave rise to sprawl, as well as talks to builders about laws that encourage sprawl.
After the film, a panel of experts, including representatives from The Cascade Land Conservancy, will lead a discussion about the film and the Issaquah Central Area Plan process.
Locally, The Cascade Land Conservancy has led efforts to conserve forests, farms, shorelines, parks and natural areas. Informational tables, as well as refreshments & door prizes, will be available to attendees.
Event details:
• 6 – 9 p.m. on Weds, March 30, 2011
o The film starts at 6:30 p.m., but come early for snacks and to talk to exhibitors
• King County Library Services Center (960 Newport Way NW) in Issaquah
For more information, call the Issaquah Resource Conservation Office (RCO) at 425-837-3400, or call me a call at 206-551-4850.
Sustainably yours,
Kim Ducote
206-551-4850
Growing in popularity and back for our 3rd year, please join us for Issaquah's next sustainability film series event showing of: "Save our Land, Save our Towns" Wednesday, March 30, from 6-9pm at the King County Library Services Center (960 Newport Way NW, Issaquah).
"Save our Land, Save our Towns" is about saving our towns and countryside. The program follows the quest of small town newsman, Tom Hylton, to discover why America's towns have declined and what we can do to revive them. Hylton explores Depression-era policies that gave rise to sprawl, as well as talks to builders about laws that encourage sprawl.
After the film, a panel of experts, including representatives from The Cascade Land Conservancy, will lead a discussion about the film and the Issaquah Central Area Plan process.
Locally, The Cascade Land Conservancy has led efforts to conserve forests, farms, shorelines, parks and natural areas. Informational tables, as well as refreshments & door prizes, will be available to attendees.
Event details:
• 6 – 9 p.m. on Weds, March 30, 2011
o The film starts at 6:30 p.m., but come early for snacks and to talk to exhibitors
• King County Library Services Center (960 Newport Way NW) in Issaquah
For more information, call the Issaquah Resource Conservation Office (RCO) at 425-837-3400, or call me a call at 206-551-4850.
Sustainably yours,
Kim Ducote
206-551-4850
Friday, February 4, 2011
Closed Loop Scoop, Feb 2011 - WA Department of Ecology
Hi Waste Free Folks:
Here is the latest Closed Loop Scoop publication from the Washington State Department of Ecology. Topics include:
• Clark County Came Up With Innovative Solutions
• Only Rain Down the Drain
• Lewiston, ID Public Works Uses Glass Crusher
• Shingles in Paving Lead to Promising Results
• State′s Recycling Rate Holds Steady
• Solid Waste In Washington State 19th Annual Report Available
• Cash Awards Available for Sustainable School Projects
Thanks to Christine Haun, WA DOE for sending this publication along.
Happy Reducing through Waste Prevention,
Kim
Here is the latest Closed Loop Scoop publication from the Washington State Department of Ecology. Topics include:
• Clark County Came Up With Innovative Solutions
• Only Rain Down the Drain
• Lewiston, ID Public Works Uses Glass Crusher
• Shingles in Paving Lead to Promising Results
• State′s Recycling Rate Holds Steady
• Solid Waste In Washington State 19th Annual Report Available
• Cash Awards Available for Sustainable School Projects
Thanks to Christine Haun, WA DOE for sending this publication along.
Happy Reducing through Waste Prevention,
Kim
Friday, January 21, 2011
Recyclable vs. Compostable = explaining coated and uncoated cardboard and paper
A facility manager recently asked me this question:
Can you please explain to me the difference between coated and uncoated cardboad and paper. I know you explained this to me during our meeting and it was a great simple explanation, but I can't seem to recall. Since we started our food collection program I've been getting a lot of questions from the tenants about how to identify the differences. Thanks.
Great question and one that is causing a lot of confusion these days! I will start off with two simple tips, then explain them in detail:
1) Polycoated means plastic coated, polycoated items can often be recycled but never composted.
2) Waxed items can be composted, but never recycled.
Coated materials are typically poly-coated, poly means plastic, so essentially they are plastic coated materials that keep moisture in, or out, depending on the product. Think frozen food boxes, milk cartons, juice cartons and even cardboard boxes that need to keep the products inside of them dry. If these items were “paper only” without a coating they would leak, or allow moisture in as the case may be. Items like coffee cups and paper plates are often polycoated, to stop them from leaking onto our laps while driving or enjoying a picnic. Polycoated materials can frequently be recycled, but never composted, because the poly film doesn’t degrade, or disperse, in the composting process – and who wants poly (plastic) compost in their organic garden!
Items like the Chinet brand of paper plates are not polycoated, neither are the very thin, plain (not shiny) white paper plates. These items CAN be put into the compost bin – because they do not have a polycoat. Waxed items can be composted - Dixie cups and waxed paper are good examples. Wax is acceptable in the compost bin and breaks down in the system.
Further confusing most folks, waxed items can never be recycled because the wax comes off during the paper pulping process (pulping = think of a huge blender with paper and water swirling around at 100mph) and the wax adheres to the soon to be new paper/cardboard, making it impossible to print on these items.
When in doubt as to whether an item is polycoated or not, take a photo, or save the item, and ask your service provider to look at it and let you know for sure. Compost and/or Recycling service providers are very good at determining whether an item is polycoated, uncoated, waxed – or garbage!
Let me know if you have additional questions. I am always happy to help!
Can you please explain to me the difference between coated and uncoated cardboad and paper. I know you explained this to me during our meeting and it was a great simple explanation, but I can't seem to recall. Since we started our food collection program I've been getting a lot of questions from the tenants about how to identify the differences. Thanks.
Great question and one that is causing a lot of confusion these days! I will start off with two simple tips, then explain them in detail:
1) Polycoated means plastic coated, polycoated items can often be recycled but never composted.
2) Waxed items can be composted, but never recycled.
Coated materials are typically poly-coated, poly means plastic, so essentially they are plastic coated materials that keep moisture in, or out, depending on the product. Think frozen food boxes, milk cartons, juice cartons and even cardboard boxes that need to keep the products inside of them dry. If these items were “paper only” without a coating they would leak, or allow moisture in as the case may be. Items like coffee cups and paper plates are often polycoated, to stop them from leaking onto our laps while driving or enjoying a picnic. Polycoated materials can frequently be recycled, but never composted, because the poly film doesn’t degrade, or disperse, in the composting process – and who wants poly (plastic) compost in their organic garden!
Items like the Chinet brand of paper plates are not polycoated, neither are the very thin, plain (not shiny) white paper plates. These items CAN be put into the compost bin – because they do not have a polycoat. Waxed items can be composted - Dixie cups and waxed paper are good examples. Wax is acceptable in the compost bin and breaks down in the system.
Further confusing most folks, waxed items can never be recycled because the wax comes off during the paper pulping process (pulping = think of a huge blender with paper and water swirling around at 100mph) and the wax adheres to the soon to be new paper/cardboard, making it impossible to print on these items.
When in doubt as to whether an item is polycoated or not, take a photo, or save the item, and ask your service provider to look at it and let you know for sure. Compost and/or Recycling service providers are very good at determining whether an item is polycoated, uncoated, waxed – or garbage!
Let me know if you have additional questions. I am always happy to help!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Kilowatt Ours - Issaquah's Film Series event, Thurs, Sept 16, 6-9pm
Wow! Believe it or not Issaquah’s last film for 2010 is next week.
We will be showing the film “Kilowatt Ours”. It’s fascinating, informative, inspiring and fun! And if you own a home, or will soon be purchasing a home, or are involved in the real estate industry – you will really find this event very informative, with great information and ideas on energy efficiency! This event is open to all and appropriate for students and adults.
Event details and City website link below. Please feel free to pass this event info on. I hope to see you there!
Free Event: Sustainability Film Series
September 16th, 6 pm - 9 pm
King County Library Services Center
960 Newport Way NW
Issaquah, WA 98027
The final movie night in the 2010 series will feature “Kilowatt Ours”.
In “Kilowatt Ours”, filmmaker Jeff Barrie offers hope as he turns the camera on himself and asks, “How can I make a difference?” In his journey Barrie explores the source of our electricity and the problems caused by energy production including mountain top removal, childhood asthma and global warming. Along the way he encounters individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities who are leading the way, using energy conservation, efficiency and renewable, green power all while saving money and the environment. This often amusing and always inspiring story shows, “You can easily make a difference and here’s how!”
Free Home Energy Audits!
The first 100 Issaquah residents to sign up at the event get a free Home Energy Audit (a $400 dollar value). One of the audited homes will also be given a free home weatherization (a $4,000 value).
Come early for snacks, and to talk with energy experts from our area that are ready to help
City of Issaquah’s event website link:
http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/Calendar.asp?View=EVENT&EventID=1409&Date=09/16/2010&SectionID=-1
Hope to see you there!
Best always,
Kim Ducoté
We will be showing the film “Kilowatt Ours”. It’s fascinating, informative, inspiring and fun! And if you own a home, or will soon be purchasing a home, or are involved in the real estate industry – you will really find this event very informative, with great information and ideas on energy efficiency! This event is open to all and appropriate for students and adults.
Event details and City website link below. Please feel free to pass this event info on. I hope to see you there!
Free Event: Sustainability Film Series
September 16th, 6 pm - 9 pm
King County Library Services Center
960 Newport Way NW
Issaquah, WA 98027
The final movie night in the 2010 series will feature “Kilowatt Ours”.
In “Kilowatt Ours”, filmmaker Jeff Barrie offers hope as he turns the camera on himself and asks, “How can I make a difference?” In his journey Barrie explores the source of our electricity and the problems caused by energy production including mountain top removal, childhood asthma and global warming. Along the way he encounters individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities who are leading the way, using energy conservation, efficiency and renewable, green power all while saving money and the environment. This often amusing and always inspiring story shows, “You can easily make a difference and here’s how!”
Free Home Energy Audits!
The first 100 Issaquah residents to sign up at the event get a free Home Energy Audit (a $400 dollar value). One of the audited homes will also be given a free home weatherization (a $4,000 value).
Come early for snacks, and to talk with energy experts from our area that are ready to help
City of Issaquah’s event website link:
http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/Calendar.asp?View=EVENT&EventID=1409&Date=09/16/2010&SectionID=-1
Hope to see you there!
Best always,
Kim Ducoté
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Closed-Loop Scoop - the latest edition
Hi Waste Free Readers:
Thanks to Layne Sloan, Department of Ecology, for the latest Closed-Loop Scoop News. Details below and at the link provided. Lots happening in our waste free world.
The August 2010 issue of The Closed-Loop Scoop is out! Articles include:
• San Juan County Using Recycled Paper
• Kitsap County Inducted into Waste Wise Hall of Fame
• Food Serviceware
• Port of Seattle Program Reduces Pollutants
• Puget Sound Energy's Grant Program
• Thurston County Wins National Award
• Beyond the Curb Report
To read the latest issue, follow this link: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/1007003.html.
Thanks to Layne Sloan, Department of Ecology, for the latest Closed-Loop Scoop News. Details below and at the link provided. Lots happening in our waste free world.
The August 2010 issue of The Closed-Loop Scoop is out! Articles include:
• San Juan County Using Recycled Paper
• Kitsap County Inducted into Waste Wise Hall of Fame
• Food Serviceware
• Port of Seattle Program Reduces Pollutants
• Puget Sound Energy's Grant Program
• Thurston County Wins National Award
• Beyond the Curb Report
To read the latest issue, follow this link: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/1007003.html.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Newsletter - NW Product Stewardship Council
Thanks to Lisa Sepanski, King County Solid Waste for forwarding the latest NW Product Stewardship Council newsletter. See below. For more information on the NW Product Stewardship Council visit: http://www.productstewardship.net/
Thanks for recycling!
Kim
June 2010
PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP IN THE UNITED STATES
PaintCare Develops Plan for Oregon Paint Product Stewardship Pilot Program
PaintCare's Oregon Paint Product Stewardship Pilot Program Plan has been posted to the DEQ website for public review . If you have any feedback, please e-mail it to Abby Boudouris at Department of Environmental Quality by June 15th at 3pm PDT.
New York State Passes E-Waste Law
The New York State Legislature passed a new electronics law requiring manufacturers to accept used electronics from consumers. Manufacturers will cover program costs through an initial registration fee and annual reporting fees. This bill supercedes the New York City e-waste recycling program that had been challenged by some electronics manufacturers and trade associations.
PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP IN CANADA
BC's fluorescent lamp recycling program kicks off on July 1
The BC fluorescent lamps recycling program begins on July 1, 2010. Residents will be able to take burnt out compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and fluorescent tubes (residential use only) to convenient retail and municipal collection sites. The product stewardship program has been developed by the Electrical Equipment Manufacturers Association of Canada (EEMAC), a council of Electro-Federation Canada, in concert with Product Care Association.
WHO IS THE NWPSC?
The Northwest Product Stewardship Council (NWPSC) is a coalition of local government agencies related to solid waste, recycling, resource conservation, environmental protection, water quality and other issues. Together with non-government agencies (NGOs), individuals, and businesses across Washington and Oregon, they form a network supporting product stewardship and extended producer responsibility (EPR). For more information, contact info@productstewardship.net.
Thanks for recycling!
Kim
June 2010
PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP IN THE UNITED STATES
PaintCare Develops Plan for Oregon Paint Product Stewardship Pilot Program
PaintCare's Oregon Paint Product Stewardship Pilot Program Plan has been posted to the DEQ website for public review . If you have any feedback, please e-mail it to Abby Boudouris at Department of Environmental Quality by June 15th at 3pm PDT.
New York State Passes E-Waste Law
The New York State Legislature passed a new electronics law requiring manufacturers to accept used electronics from consumers. Manufacturers will cover program costs through an initial registration fee and annual reporting fees. This bill supercedes the New York City e-waste recycling program that had been challenged by some electronics manufacturers and trade associations.
PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP IN CANADA
BC's fluorescent lamp recycling program kicks off on July 1
The BC fluorescent lamps recycling program begins on July 1, 2010. Residents will be able to take burnt out compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and fluorescent tubes (residential use only) to convenient retail and municipal collection sites. The product stewardship program has been developed by the Electrical Equipment Manufacturers Association of Canada (EEMAC), a council of Electro-Federation Canada, in concert with Product Care Association.
WHO IS THE NWPSC?
The Northwest Product Stewardship Council (NWPSC) is a coalition of local government agencies related to solid waste, recycling, resource conservation, environmental protection, water quality and other issues. Together with non-government agencies (NGOs), individuals, and businesses across Washington and Oregon, they form a network supporting product stewardship and extended producer responsibility (EPR). For more information, contact info@productstewardship.net.
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