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What You CAN’T Recycle in Philadelphia (on the Streets)

Julie — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 07:00:43 +0000

One of the most popular questions we are asked is “Can I recycle this?”

Now that we’ve gone over what you can recycle for curbside efforts in Philadelphia – plastics and beyond – here’s a list of what you can’t recycle:

Metal: Aluminum foil, pots/pans, paper clips
Glass: Light bulbs, window glass
Mixed Paper: Hard back books, tissues, paper,towels, napkins, wax-coated cups or containers, food-soiled paper, fi le folders
Plastic: Styrofoam, plastic bags, PVC pipe, packing inserts or “peanuts.”
Other: Styrofoam, chemicals, rubber, wood, and ceramic or porcelain plates or cups containers

Posted by Julie

Recycling Update! You can Recycle ALL Plastics in Philadelphia!

Julie — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 07:00:36 +0000

Good news for Philadelphia!

You no longer have to worry about asking me what you can & can’t recycle checking those pesky numbers on your plastics containers – they’re ALL recyclable (which just started August 1st).

Here’s what you can recycle:

Recycle All Plastic Containers! (Courtesy from the Philly Streets Dept website)

You’ve been recycling plastic containers marked:
#1: Soda, water bottles
#2: Milk jugs, detergents, shampoo bottles

Now you can add:
#3: Rigid plastic containers and juice bottles
#4: Plastic tubs and lids from butter, margarine or similar products
#5: Yogurt containers and deli trays
#6: Plastic cups, plates and to-go containers
#7: Many mixed plastic containers and plastic products

What plastics you still can’t recycle:

Styrofoam, plastic bags, PVC pipe, packing inserts or “peanuts.”

Remember to rinse your containers out & take off the caps!

Confused about what, when or how to recycle? Read more on the Streets Recycling Section.

I think this news makes me the happiest girl in Philadelphia.

Posted by Julie

Philadelphia Streets Dept Installs 20 BigBelly Eco Stations in West Oak Lane

Julie — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:26:25 +0000

Philadelphia Streets Department has installed 20 BigBelly solar-powered eco stations on Ogontz Avenue in West Oak Lane, funded by the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Program (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.)

Philly’s well on their way to its goal of nearly 1,000 (949 in total; 394 have recycling capabilities) BigBellies that will be installed by the end of 2010. Last year’s 474 BigBellies (210 with recyclers) have saved $850K with an estimate of ten years at $13 million.

Other benefits of Big Belly include:

A BigBelly can hold as much as 5 x’s of a wire trash can.
Solar-powered eco stations decrease collection trips from 17 to five times per week.
Employees required to service trash unit is decreased from 33 to nine – Employees who formerly collected trash now collect recyclable materials in the City’s curbside recycling program.
Cut fuel use & greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70%

“The BigBelly eco stations are a win economically and environmentally and we are excited to partner with OARC to provide Ogontz Avenue business corridor with 20 of these trash compactors, 10 of which include recycling capabilities,” said Streets Department Commissioner Clarena I.W. Tolson.

Way to go, Philly! Keep up with the UnLitter Us Movement & Greenworks plan!

Posted by Julie

Feedback Friday: How Much Are You Recycling, Philadelphia?

Julie — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:52:01 +0000

Let’s break it down by the numbers…The average American:

Generates an average of 4.6 pounds of trash per day
2.5 lbs of that trash goes to landfills
Only 2.1 lbs of trash is recycled or incinerated

How much are you recycling, Philly? What can you recycle that you aren’t currently? What are you having problems recycling?

Let us know in the comments.

Posted by Julie

Happy Earth Week! UnLitter Us & How to Continue the Success Philly!

Julie — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 02:04:21 +0000

Philly’s 3rd Annual Spring Cleanup had its biggest cleanup ever thanks to greenies like you with its UnLitter Us Campaign!

Over 11,000 volunteers worked at 231 official project sites to collect over 1.3 million lbs of trash, 140K lbs of recycling, 50 parks & recreation centers cleaned and 763 neighborhood blocks cleaned!

Incredible numbers, Philly! But how can you keep it up for this Earth week (and always…)

Here’s some suggestions:

Join Philly’s Recycling Pays Program – Earn sweet points towards your fav places & merch for recycling! How much easier can it get?
Shop local businesses like the Big Green Earth Store (or visit them for Earth SaturDay this weekend)
Eat green desserts at the Night Kitchen Bakery
Cheer on the Phillies or Eagles – they both have BIG recycling initiatives at stadiums
Know what you can recycle – Click here for specifics on paper, metals, glass, plastic & more!
Eat a Vegan hot dog & veggie cheese steak at Citizen’s Bank Park veggie-friendly menu
Visit one of Philadelphia’s Green Events for Earth Week!
Give up driving frequently & walk around your Philly neighborhood with pride
Restyle your house with local, eco-friendly Adam Rung Woodworks furniture

Readers, how else are you celebrating Earth Week in Philly?

Posted by Julie

Quick Tip: Snail Mail and Receipts – Just say No

Beth — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:06:10 +0000

When it comes to saving paper … here’s an oldie but a goodie .

Say ‘no thanks’ to receipts from the ATM, the coffee shop, cabs, drug stores – anywhere you can! I try to let the salesperson know I don’t need one before they ask – so they can forgo printing all together.

These days most of us are paying bills online. But, what about those catalogues you still receive that you don’t even glance at? Opt-out! Send customer service an email or give them a phone call. Your mailbox will be less cluttered and you’re passing on an important conservation message.

Posted by Beth

Quick Tip – Recycle your old iPod & MAC

Julie — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:00:46 +0000

Don’t throw out your ipod or MP3 player when it stops working – You can recycle it! Apple’s Recycling Program offers a 10% discount on your next purchase when you bring your old iPod in for recycling. You can also recycle old cell phones, old computer systems and Macs!

If you’re in the market to buy new electronics, Apple also sells refurbished iPods & MACs. Try buying a ‘reincarnated’ one over a new to save some green.

Posted by Julie

Lessons from Japan

Julie — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 03:00:15 +0000

Though I’ve given some negative press to Japan – for the slaughtering of dolphins - I do have great respect for the country. I had the amazing opportunity to spend 10 days in Japan with my Mom and one of my best friends. We explored everywhere from Nakatsu to Hirsohima, Kyoto, Tokyo, Nara, Nikko and Beppu.

Of course, I made sure to observe enviro-habits abroad. One of the most interesting things I noticed is how efficient the country is. When the Japanese put out waste, they have to separate their plastics, aluminum, glass, and any other recyclables in separate bags from one ‘burnable’ waste area. If this isn’t done, fines ensue. (With a country so small, it’s risky not to take drastic recycling efforts).

One night I stayed at the Earth Embassy at the base of Mount Fuji. American Jacob Reiner founded this organic farm, education center and restaurant to better the local area - especially with delicious produce. We met five volunteers who stay anywhere from a week to several months – investing their time for the greater good. (I also enjoyed a banana and garlic pizza from the delicious café – don’t knock it until you try it…)

Eco-Lessons that I imported from Japan for you?

In the same way Japan is efficient with their space, we should be efficient with ours. The earth is a lot smaller than we think - we need to take care of it.
Be efficient. Although we have the luxury of extra space with bigger (everything!) in America, think responsibly before you buy. Sometimes bigger is better – and sometimes it’s wasteful. i.e: Is an SUV really neccessary?
Respect nature. When the Japanese kill an animal (or fish) to eat, they waste practically nothing. While I’m not suggesting you should eat like you’re a contestant on “Fear Factor”, you can reduce your animal products or use what you buy and prepare.
Purchase refillable containers. The Japanese typically buy foil refill bags of laundry detergent, shampoo and other household goods instead of constantly buying the larger plastic containers.
Take advantage of public transit! We took trains everywhere in Japan - so cheap and easy! It’s easy to take advantage of driving or taking cabs in Philadelphia, instead take SEPTA or a bus to your destination. Endure those commuting delays with reading, writing or relaxation.
Conserve water – Bathe with a friend. While I’m (kind of) kidding about this, the Japanese take onsens, or communal baths. They use soap/shampoo outside of one larger bath and only go in the bath while clean. Sharing bath water not appealing? Instead shut off the faucet when shampooing, shaving… you get the idea.
Be kind to others. I was impressed with how helpful the Japanese were. When you brighten someone’s day, you can make our planet a little happier too.

For some more info on how to be an eco-tourist in Japan, see this TreeHugger article.

Posted by Julie

Big Belly Solar Trash Cans in Philadelphia!

Julie — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:32:41 +0000

Huge confession … I’m getting trashy. Or at least excited about trash.

(Seriously!)

If you reside in Philadelphia/have visited recently, you’ve noticed the Big Belly Solar Trash cans popping up all over Center City. The city of brotherly love decided to test trash receptacles last year and has exploded to over 500 units. At least 210 units have a corresponding recycling bin component, which is a first for the city. (No more excuses about not seeing a recycling bin nearby!)

The Big Belly cans are the only solar-powered cordless compaction system. Using the sun’s energy, the trash condenses waste automatically to be 1/4 of the size, equaling reducing overflow, cutting collection trips and cutting greenhouse gas by 80%! These bins can hold 200 gallons of trash (versus the average 55 gallons) and can operate on ONE WEEK the energy it takes to make 1 pot of coffee… Talk about efficient!

The receptacle itself is green, made of galvanized steel and recyclable ABS plastic sides. And for those who question the city’s priorities in the middle of this “recession”, these puppies will be saving the city over $12 million over 10 years.

Fore more information, check out Big Belly Solar’s site shoutout to Philadelphia.

Posted by Julie

Dave Matthews Band: Recycling Bonus

Beth — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:19:13 +0000

These days when you purchase a new cell phone most companies provide means to recycle or refurbish your old phone.

Just in case you need further incentive - The Dave Mathews Band (whose latest CD, Big Whisky and the Groo Grux King, came out a few weeks back) has partnered with Musictoday and Collective Good to implement a cell phone recycling program with a bonus…

All you have to do is fill out the form at Collective Good and print your FREE shipping label. When CG receives your old phone you’ll you’ll receive a $5 coupon code valid for use in the DMB store.

What’s so bad about cell phone waste anyway?

In addition to the massive amount of landfill space that cell phones could take up, they also contain nasty toxic chemicals such as:

• arsenic (used in some semiconductors)

• brominated compounds ( example: flame retardants)

• lead

These and other cell-phone toxins enter the environment when phones are tossed instead of recycled.

Posted by Beth