Hello,

Thank you for asking about poly-coated paper. Again whether an item is recyclable or not depends on where you live. Call your recycling service provider and/or city/county agency that contracts with the service provider and ask them about recycling guidelines for your area.

Poly-coated paper in simple terms is plastic coated paper (examples: paper plates/cups with a shiny finish, cardboard with a shiny coating/packaging). Since it is difficult for a recycling company to separate two recyclables from each other (in this case paper and plastic) it makes it very difficult to recycle most poly-coated paper. It often winds up gummy/gooey clump in the pulper at the paper recycling mill. The paper and cardboard are recyclable but the thin sheet of plastic is hard to recycle.

I hope this helps! Thank you for recycling!

Best,
Kim

Label backing paper recycling

Hello to Kathleen who was trying to recycle the "paper" that is on the back of labels (and stickers, etc.). Recycling and composting programs differ in each city, county and state. Since I don't know where you live it is difficult for me to recommend a recycler or composter for you. Call your local City or County Solid Waste and Recycling Utility Department, they may have a great solution for you.

As an FYI that type of material is typically NOT recyclable in the "regular" recycling program, because it really isn't paper and usually doesn't have any fiber content (fiber is needed to make new paper). That material is usually a plastic based product (not waxed) if it was wax you could scratch it and a small ball or piece of wax would appear. If that wax appears contact your local composter and see if they can handle the volume you have. I also still recommend calling your local city/county utility department and see if they can recommend someone that can help you with this material and keep it out of the landfill! Thank you for checking in!

Duwamish Chocolate Fest - supporting the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition

Hello Waste Free Blog Readers:

Please join the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition/Technical Advisory Group for an evening that includes unique pairings of Fran's gourmet chocolates with local brews from Georgetown Brewing Company, Machine House Brewery, Two Beers Brewing Company, and Seattle Cider Company!

While there, learn about and celebrate the river's rich history and enjoy images from Tom Reese's "Choosing Hope: Reclaiming the Duwamish River.”  Plus take part in a small silent auction with great items (items that you would want and are at low value!)

Proceeds from this event will support Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition/Technical Advisory Group and its efforts to promote a healthy cleanup of the Duwamish River.

When: Thursday, September 24, 2015, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Where: Fran's Chocolates (Georgetown), 5900 Airport Way S  (Ample parking in the back)

Cost: $15 for one, $25 for two in advance / $20 at the door

Purchase your tickets in advance for the better price:  Click here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1900218

Help us restore Seattle's only river and ensure a healthy river and healthy communities at the Duwamish River Chocolate Fest!

Announcing the 2014 Master Recycler Composter (MRC) volunteer training!

Did you know half of what goes to Cedar Hills Regional Landfill could be recycled? 

King County Solid Waste Division invites you to its upcoming Master Recycler Composter (MRC) training. This free volunteer training and outreach program is accepting applications for 2014 through April 30^th and is open to King County residents outside of the cities of Seattle and Milton only.

We are looking for outgoing individuals who want to inspire others to reduce waste and recycle more. Learn all about the do’s and don’ts of curbside recycling, including food scrap recycling, and then put your training to work through volunteer outreach. The training will be in Kent, Saturdays May 3rd and 10th, with an optional field trip on May 17th. This FREE training is open to King County residents outside of the cities of Seattle and Milton only. For more information, see http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/mrc/index.asp 

This train-the-trainer program focuses on the do’s and don’ts of curbside recycling, including food scrap and food-soiled paper recycling. Program graduates put their training to work through volunteer outreach. This FREE training is open to King County residents outside of the cities of Seattle and Milton only.

Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can provide you with additional information. Thank you for helping to spread the word and improve recycling rates in King County. 

'Queen of the Sun', 6-9pm, Thurs, Dec 12, 2013 - Issaquah Sustainability Film Series

Continuing the City of Issaquah’s series of FREE film nights on sustainability, the documentary “Queen of the Sun” will be shown on Thursday evening, December 12, 2013.

What are the bees telling us? Queen of the Sun is a profound, alternative look at the global bee crisis from director Taggart Siegel. Taking us on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees and the mysterious world of the beehive, this engaging and ultimately uplifting film weaves an unusual and dramatic story of the heartfelt struggles of beekeepers, scientists and philosophers from around the world including Michael Pollan, Gunther Hauk and Vandana Shiva. Together they reveal both the problems and the solutions in renewing a culture in balance with nature.

After the film, a panel of experts, will lead a discussion about the film. Informational tables, as well as refreshments, will be available to attendees. In addition, door prizes will be given away after the movie.

Event details:
• 6:30-9 p.m, Thursday, December 12 (come early at 6 p.m. to speak with exhibitors and get a good seat)
• Blakely Hall, 2550 NE Park Drive, Issaquah, WA 98029 (located in the Issaquah Highlands)

The free movie nights are presented by the City of Issaquah’s Office of Sustainability and funded through a grant from the King County Local Hazardous Waste Management Program. For more information, go to www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/Index.aspx?NID=304 or call 425-837-3400.

Take the TAP Pledge!

Hi Waste Free Folks!

It has been a busy year in the rethink, reduce, reuse and recycling world (yes we have added a new R - Rethink). So I haven't had a lot of time to post to the Blog, but I have been saving up some great info to share with you!

Friends and I (finally!) saw the film "Tapped" (www.tappedthemovie.com). "Tapped" is about the bottled water industry. This is an eye-opening must see! The film is available through both the Seattle and King County Library Systems - free and reusable.

The movie was good, and the info below is such a GREAT way to reduce waste that I had to share it! Plus if you choose to take the TAP Pledge you will get 20% off a SteriPEN to sterilize your water - whether at home, while traveling, or during an emergency or disaster (think earthquake)! I am excited about this. Please read more below for the inside scoop.

The film was sponsored by a new organization called TAP - Travelers Against Plastic: www.travelersagainstplastic.org. If you have done any traveling you have probably seen first hand the amazing amount of plastic garbage suffocating our planet, particularly plastic bottles, as everyone wants clean, healthy water. Plastic is made from oil and this oil based product is everywhere - littering neighborhoods, cities, roadways, ditches and rivers (and in the bellies of our wildlife). Our planet is aprox. 71% water, and oil and water just don't mix! Since water flows downhill, all that plastic is making its way to our precious Oceans. (Please Google "The Great Pacific Garbage Patch" and know that this tragedy affects all 7 of our planets oceans!) 

A SteriPEN is a great, inexpensive solution to reduce plastic bottle waste. SteriPENs are an easy to carry, reusable device that sterilizes water while traveling (or at home). I will definitely be ordering this convenient device (I have heard about it for years, but this film definitely put me over the decision making edge!) I also think these will make GREAT holiday gifts. (Especially since my family and friends already have stylish blue recycling bins!) 

Thanks for reading and Happy Waste Free Traveling! 

Kim

Announcing the 2013 Master Recycler Composter (MRC) volunteer training!

Hello Waste Free Folks!

King County Solid Waste Division (Washington State) invites you and your community to its upcoming Master Recycler Composter (MRC) training. This free volunteer training and outreach program is accepting applications for 2013 through April 18th and is open to King County residents outside of Seattle only.

Announcing the 2013 Master Recycler Composter (MRC) volunteer training!

Did you know half of what goes to Cedar Hills Regional Landfill could be recycled? We are looking for outgoing individuals who want to inspire others to reduce waste and recycle more. Learn all about the do’s and don’ts of curbside recycling, including food scrap recycling, and then put your training to work through volunteer outreach. This FREE training is open to King County residents outside of Seattle only. Two options for training are available: in Renton, Thursday evenings from 6:30-9 p.m., April 25-May16 or in Kent, Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., May 4 and May 11. For more information, visit http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/mrc/index.asp.

Thank you!
Kim Ducote'

Join us - for a Free, Fun & Informative Event! Auburn's 1st Sustainability Movie Night - Thursday, Jan 17, 2013, 6-9pm

The City of Auburn Washington is hosting their 1st Sustainability Film Series Event and will be showing the film “Addicted to Plastics”. This free event will be held Thursday evening, January 17th, 6 - 9pm, at the Riverside High School Auditorium.


Event details:

This event aims to educate the community about plastics; the effects of plastics on the environment and human health; and the plastics industry.

“Addicted to Plastic” showcases three years of filming in five continents, including two trips to the Pacific Ocean. The documentary explores plastic's history during the last 100 years, as well as current solutions related to recycling and biodegradability.

After the movie, a panel of experts will lead a discussion on plastics and other related environmental topics. Information tables, as well as refreshments will be provided. In addition, door prizes will be given away after the movie.

• 6:00-9:00 p.m. January 17, 2013 (the movie starts at 6:30 p.m., but come early at 6:00 p.m. to talk with exhibitors and get a good seat).
• Target Audience: Ages 12 – Adult. No child care available.
• Auburn Riverside Theatre, Auburn Riverside High School, 501 Oravetz Road, Auburn, WA 98002

Questions? 206-551-4850 or Info@ResourceStewards.com

Thank you,
Kim Ducote
Resource Stewards, LLC on behalf of the City of Auburn Washington Solid Waste Department

Free "How to" Backyard Composting Workshops in Auburn

Hello Waste Free Folks,

Fall has arrived and it's time to prepare your yard and garden for a long winter's nap. Prepare for spring now by making homemade compost with your yard and garden leftovers - leaves, plants, fruit & vegys can all be transformed into your own homemade compost! Backyard composting is easy and in the spring you will have free, nutritious, healthy compost for your garden.

The City of Auburn (Washington) has three (3) free composting workshops scheduled in October & November 2012, class times and locations are listed below. There is no need to sign up, just show up. I'll look forward to seeing you there!

1) Saturday, October 20, 2012, 11am - Noon, at The English Home & Garden, 102 - 29th Street SE, Auburn, WA (the corner of 29th & A), phone 253 709-4265.

2) Saturday, October 27, 2012, 11am - Noon, at Del's Feed & Farm Supply, 1650 West Valley Highway S, Auburn, WA, phone 253 833-3550.

3) Saturday, November 3, 2012, 11am - Noon, at Coastal Farm & Ranch, 1425 Supermall Way SW, Auburn, WA, phone 253 218-2021

Happy Composting!
Kim

WA State Toll Free Marine Debris Line - 1-855-922-6278

Hello Everyone,

Happy Summer! I hope everyone in the Northwest is enjoying the fabulous summer weather (now that summer has finally arrived here!) I am also sending positive thoughts of better weather to those that are experience extreme weather challenges this year.

The information below was sent to me by the Puget Sound Partnership, announcing a new WA State phone number for us all to be aware of, and to share with citizens/students regarding reporting of Marine Debris. This number is specifically for the tsunami debris, but “probably” secondarily the garbage patch debris too (which personally I think should be referred to as a gigantic “stew” and not a patch.)

There is also a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration email if an item appears to have sentimental value to those who owned it. In this case NOAA requests that people move the item to a safe place and email the information to disasterdebreis@noaa.gov . 



Thanks for reading and sharing!

Best,
Kim Ducote
Resource Stewards, LLC

WA State announces toll-free line to report marine debris on beaches

by Linda Kent, Communications and Education Office

Washington State has a new toll-free reporting and information line – 1-855-WACOAST (1-855-922-6278) – that citizens can call if they spot marine debris on our coastal beaches. Our outer beaches have been experiencing an uptick in marine debris, especially Styrofoam and plastic bottles, most likely resulting from the March 11, 2011, tsunami that devastated Japan, claiming nearly 16,000 lives.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a portion of the tsunami debris that washed into the Pacific Ocean has been arriving on U.S. and Canadian shores, including Washington. On June 15, a 20-foot fiberglass boat washed ashore at Cape Disappointment State Park near Ilwaco. The Japanese consulate in Seattle confirmed the boat came from Japan and was swept out to sea by the tsunami.

NOAA predicts tsunami debris will show up on our shores intermittently during the next several years. However, it is unknown where and what types of debris might arrive.

In Washington, Ecology is one of several state agencies with a response role as Japanese tsunami debris washes up on our shores. Others include the departments of Fish and Wildlife, Health, Military-Emergency Management Division, Natural Resources, and Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. We are working closely with NOAA to assess and evaluate potential tsunami debris affects to:

• Our coastal communities.

• The public’s health.

• Our beaches, lands and environment.

This effort also includes working with our local and tribal government partners to help ensure that any needed response is well coordinated.

People who call 1-855-WACOAST can:

• Report oil and hazardous items to the National Response Center and Ecology by pressing “1.”

• Report large floating debris items that might pose a boating or navigation hazard by pressing “2.”

• Get instructions for reporting debris that is not large or hazardous.

Citizens visiting our coastal beaches are also encouraged to remove and dispose of small debris items such as Styrofoam, plastic, bottles, other synthetic materials, glass and metal.

If an item appears to have sentimental value to those who owned it, NOAA requests that people move the item to a safe place and email the information to disasterdebreis@noaa.gov.

More about tsunami debris

• Widely scattered debris has been arriving intermittently along Pacific Northwest shorelines. For more information, go to: http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/info/japanfaqs.html#FAQs.

• NOAA is actively collecting information about tsunami debris and asks the public to report debris sightings to disasterdebris@noaa.gov.

• Ecology’s Japanese tsunami debris Web page: www.ecy.wa.gov/news/2012/itn01_debris.html

• Washington Department of Health believes it is highly unlikely any tsunami debris is radioactive. Go to: www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/EmergencyPreparednessandResponse/FukushimaUpdate/TsunamiDebrisFAQ.aspx

Does the recycling symbol on your product mean that it is recyclable in your city? In a word - No!

Hello Everyone,

I frequently find myself defending the sanctity and delicacy of recycling programs. Almost every day I patiently answer questions as to why something can, or more often cannot, be recycled or composted. People frequently and emphatically say to me "Well there is a little recycling symbol on this product - so that means I can recycle it ... Right?!" Well in a word - No! Just because a manufacturer has decided to do a little "greenwash marketing" and put a recycling symbol on their product does not mean it is recyclable in your local 'hood. Granted the item might be recyclable somewhere in the world - but that somewhere may not be in your favorite recycling bin!

So here is the deal - a manufacturer wants you to feel good, and a little greener, about buying their product. They can, and will, put almost "anything" on their packaging that will serve them best! That "anything" will benefit them and their bottom line; and perhaps not you and most definitely NOT your area's recycling program. These inaccurately labeled products wind up at the recycling center and cost a lot of money to pull out of the recycling stream - this is called "contamination". A little bit of contamination can cause a huge headache at the recycling/composting facilities. Contamination undermines our programs and cost us more in the longrun by garbage and recycling collection fee increases.

One example is plastics - plastic wrappers, plastic containers, plastic everything - yuck! We eat out of it, we drink out of it and it's now contaminating our oceans (Google - The Great Pacific Garbage Patch for a real wake up call!) Almost all Plastics all have little recycling symbols on them and many mean nothing! In most of the Puget Sound area we now recycle by shape of the plastic containers - bottles, jugs, dairy tubs ...  but each city/county area takes something different! More confusion! The best advice I have to give you - is save the recycling instructions your city/county or recycling service provider sends you every year. Oops! You accidentally recycled your instructions (perhaps thinking it was junk mail ), there's a remedy for that too, waste free recycling instructions can be found online through your service provider or city/county solid waste division.

Oh and one more thing - let's work together to let manufactures know that we want them to quit sending us garbage! Learn all you can about a topic called Producer and/or Manufacturer's Responsibility. This is a concept where environmental and recycling industry experts work with Manufacturer's (well the ones that step up to the green plate anyway) so they will do a better job of choosing materials to manufacturer their products from that are really, truly recyclable! Check out the link below and/or sign up for the Northwest Product Stewardship Council Newsletter: http://www.productstewardship.net/
It is a great place to start! Thanks for recycling and reducing waste!
Kim

Join us for "Bag it" at Issaquah's Sustainability Film Series, Weds, Nov 2, 6-9pm

Hello Waste Free Folks,

You are invited to the City of Issaquah's free screening of "Bag it" at the Sustainability Film Series. This is our final film for 2011, and a great film for all ages!

With plastic use always on the increase in our world: touching our food and drinking water, blowing across the land, floating and sinking in our waterways - this film will educate, empower and enlighten all! Details below - I hope to see you there!

Thanks for doing your part to reduce waste!
Kim

ISSAQUAH (Oct 19, 2011): Continuing the City of Issaquah’s series of FREE film nights on Sustainability, the documentary ‘Bag It’ will be shown Wednesday evening, November 2, 2011.


‘Bag It’ follows “everyman” Jeb Berrier as he tries to make sense of our dependence on plastic bags. Although his quest starts out small, Jeb soon learns that the problem extends past landfills to oceans, rivers and ultimately human health.

The average American uses about 500 plastic bags each year, for about twelve minutes each. This single-use mentality has led to the formation of a floating island of plastic debris in the Pacific Ocean more than twice the size of Texas.

The film explores these issues and identifies how our daily reliance on plastic threatens not only waterways and marine life, but human health, too. Two of the most common plastic additives are endocrine disruptors, which have been shown to link to cancer, diabetes, autism, attention deficit disorder, obesity and infertility.

After the movie, a panel of experts will lead an informative discussion on plastics and other related environmental topics. Refreshments, environmental experts, informational tables and door prizes will be available to attendees.

Event details:
• 6:30-9 p.m. Nov 2 (come early at 6 p.m. to speak with exhibitors)
• King County Library Service Center Community Room
• 960 Newport Way N.W., Issaquah (Not the downtown library.)

The free movie nights are presented by the City of Issaquah’s Resource Conservation Office (RCO) and funded through a grant from the King County Local Hazardous Waste Management Program. For more information, go to www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/rco or call 425-837-3400.

"BAG IT" - Is Your Life Too Plastic? Fri, Sept 9, 6:30pm in Wallingford, Free film & panel discussion ..

Thanks to Marcia Rutan, passionate environmentalist extraordinaire from Seattle Public Utilities, for the free Meaningful Movies event info below. This film event looks great with an excellent lineup of local speakers conducting a panel discussion too. I have heard great things about this movie.

Honestly our society needs to wake up about plastics and how these petroleum based products are polluting and destroying the earth....and contaminating our bodies... Let's all learn together so we can all do our small part, to help repair the bigger picture. I hope to see you there! Details below.

Sustainably yours,
Kim Ducote

"BAG IT" - Is Your Life Too Plastic? This Fri, Sept 9, 6:30-9:30pm Film & panel discussion in Wallingford ...  An evening focused on positive solutions at a local level! ...AND A SELECTION OF SHORT FILMS STARTING AT 6:30!

Please join us following the film for a community conversation with our special guests:

• Michael O'Brien, Seattle City Councilmember

• Diana Crane, Director of Sustainability with PCC

• Trudy Bialic, Director of Public Affairs with PCC

• Jill Mcintyre Witt with Transition Whatcom

• Heather Trim with Zero Waste Seattle

• Dick Lilly with Seattle Public Utilities

• Leo Brodie with Transition Seattle

• Cathy Tuttle with Sustainable Wallingford

BAG IT (65 min, Suzan Beraza, 2010) is a film that examines our society's use and abuse of plastic. The film focuses on plastic as it relates to our society's "throw away" mentality, our culture of convenience, our over consumption of unnecessary, disposable products and packaging -- things that we use one time and then, without another thought, throw them away. Where is away? Away is over-flowing landfills, clogged rivers, islands of trash in our oceans, and even our very own toxic bodies. The main character in the film travels the globe on a fact-finding mission -- not realizing that after his simple resolution, plastic will never look the same way again.

Join our guests following the film for an evening focused how we can impact this issue at the local level!

Learn how you can get involved in the citywide/statewide movement to ban disposable plastic bags. For additional information, go to www.environmentwashington.org.

Download the flyer http://www.bridgings.org/images/Flyers/BagIt_Flyer.pdf Please help us get the word out. Thanks!

For more information on the Transition Movement, go to www.transitionseattle.com or www.transitionus.org. For more information on Sustainable Wallingford and what’s happening locally, go to http://greenwallingford.ning.com/.

(Event is FREE and open to the public! ...but Donations are kindly accepted).

LOCATION:

Keystone Congregational Church

5019 Keystone Place North

Seattle, 98103 (in Wallingford)

(0.4 miles west of the I-5 NE 50th St. Exit - Metro Bus Routes 16, 26 & 44)

Directions can be found at www.meaningfulmovies.org

Hey HP and Canon – make it easier to recycle printers too!

Hi Waste Free Folks,

Below is a guest post from Suellen Mele, Zero Waste Washington’s Program Director. Zero Waste Washington advocates for the design and production of healthier, safer products that are continually recycled and reused.

Personally - I LOVE this organization and their new post-card project (which is free to you!). I am especially excited about adding printers after having gone through FOUR printers in the past year - OUCH! The first printer quit after almost 8 years of use (pretty good, but could be better!) However, each subsequent printer purchased broke after very minimal usage (ARGH - right in the middle of deadlines too!) Fortunately two of the printers were still on warranty, however, the most recent purchase (Dec 2010) still needs to be returned sometime this week (life is busy, eh?). Needing a "backup printer plan" for my business, I broke down and purchased the store's "extended warranty" ... I hope it is worth what I paid for it.

So in my "four printers in one year" opinion, Zero Waste Washington's latest campaign to add printers into the ever growing and expanding electronics market for take-back is imperative for the future of waste prevention and sustainability. Also (listen up producers) this is a great marketing and sales niche for responsible producers and manufacturers that really do care about their customers, our environment and above all doing "the right thing".

Check out the guest post below, send in a post-card and support businesses and non-profits working to reduce overall waste by asking manufacturers and producers to be more responsible.

Oh and feel free to send me interesting or important items for the blog, and let me know what you think about any blog post - anytime!

Best always, Kim

Have a computer or TV to recycle? There’s a free and convenient solution! Have a printer to recycle? It’s not so easy.

That’s why Zero Waste Washington is asking the two biggest printer manufacturers in the U.S. for free and convenient recycling programs for desktop printers. You can join us by sending postcards asking HP and Canon to step up and do more.
We’re asking for something called producer responsibility, and it’s already happening for computers and TVs here in Washington. Throughout the state, you can recycle your computers, monitors, and TVs through the E-Cycle Washington program. Zero Waste Washington fought hard for this manufacturer funded program and, as a result, over 39 million pounds of electronics were recycled last year. That’s about 2,200 units diverted from landfills and incinerators each and every day!
With this approach, manufacturers take responsibility for their products from “cradle to cradle,” including providing and paying for recycling programs. Residents, small business and schools can drop off their unwanted computers, monitors and TVs for free recycling at about 260 locations throughout Washington. The manufacturers have agreed to recycle responsibly, which helps keep our discarded computers and TVs – that contain mercury, lead and other toxic materials - from being sent to developing countries. It’s good for the economy, too. E-Cycle Washington has brought additional recyclers to the state and created close to 80 new jobs.

But printers aren’t collected as part of the E-Cycle Washington program. The 2006 state legislation that mandated the program didn’t include printers or other peripherals. While some manufacturers have voluntarily set up printer mail-back programs (often for a fee), that just isn’t very convenient for most of us.
Zero Waste Washington thinks printer manufacturers can do better! We are working to have producer responsibility for desktop printers in Washington. You can help us make it happen! Please ask HP and Canon to make it easier and more convenient for consumers in Washington to take back printers for recycling. You can click here to sign on and we’ll send postcards to HP and Canon on your behalf.

Here’s one final reason to support producer responsibility. When manufacturers pay to recycle the products they make, they have a financial incentive to design products that are less toxic, longer lasting, and more recyclable. And that means less waste and greener, safer stuff for all of us.

Sign the Call for Producer Responsibility!

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.

"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

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

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!

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

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.