Coastal Environmental Partnership

I-BeamDesign pallet house

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I-BeamDesign pallet house

Thank you I-BeamDesign

Prototype built for Prince Charles Royal Gardens in conjunction with IBM, The Financial Times, and The Earth Awards. – LONDON, UK. 2010

This shelter was designed for refugees in Kosovo, back in 2006. Now it is being developed by i-beam design for use as inexpensive and efficient low-cost housing not only for people displaced by natural disasters but also as a solution for affordable pre-fab housing. In most cases in a disaster relief effort, many of the pallets will arrive as part of the transportation of food and materials; so the basic materials are there already. The shelters can be built by hand at a rate of 500-600 pallets per day. One transitional shelter measuring 10’ x 20’ would take 80 pallets to build and cost approximately $500.

Lego My Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Couture Jewelry Made From LEGOs

by Mary Mazzoni Earth 911

Inspired by haute couture and reclaimed materials, San Francisco-based artist and jewelry designer Emiko Oye has experimented with loads of unconventional mediums – including circuit boards, recycled plastics and scrap metals.

But in 2006, the reware artist stumbled upon an even more unconventional material for her creations – LEGO® building blocks. Since then, Oye has been using the colorful toys to craft couture jewelry inspired by everything from early 20th Century royalty to current designers like Vivianne Westwood.

"The Duchess," Emiko Oye. 2008. Photo: Christine Dhein

One of Oye’s first ventures into the world of LEGO® jewelry design was for her “My First Royal Jewels” exhibition collection in 2008 – which the artist called a modern-day interpretation of early 20th Century creations from the likes of Harry Winston and Cartier.

Although her LEGO® pieces reflect wealth and luxury, it is the personal connection viewers make with the unique material that keeps Oye interested. “People would see my work, and I could see them kind of go inside their memories and bring out happy moments,” Oye remembered. “People really connected with the material on a personal level…That’s what’s fun for me is the personal story.”

"Queen Margherita," Emiko Oye. 2007. Photo: Christine Dhein

Also included in Oye’s “My First Royal Jewels” collection, this show neckpiece – dubbed “Queen Margherita” – converts into three bracelets, two necklaces and one broach. Oye used coated copper wire, rubber cording, silver and steel in addition to LEGO® pieces to complete the neckpiece.

The initial Royal Jewels collection was created as an interactive installation at the San Francisco Museum of Craft+Design in 2008, where the public was invited to try on a repurposed piece as if it was their own.

"Dawning," Emiko Oye. 2010. Photo: Emiko Oye

Many of Oye’s pieces are inspired by famous art, including this one modeled after Louise Nevelson’s “Dawn’s Wedding Feast,” a recycled wood installation that debuted in 1959. By expertly crafting LEGO® pieces into unique shapes, Oye transforms the children’s toys into chic and sophisticated statement jewelry fit for a queen.

"Winter's Brush," Emiko Oye. 2011. Photo: Aura O'Brien Photography

This piece, called “Winter’s Brush,” is currently on display as part of The Art of Seduction exhibit at The Rouse Gallery in Columbia, Md. To evoke a sensual appeal, Oye combined recycled makeup brushes with LEGO® blocks for a look mimicking “The Russian Bride’s Attire,” an 1889 oil painting by Konstantin Makovsky.

"Dia de los Muertos de Westwood," Emiko Oye. Photo: Christine Dhein

LEGO® blocks aren’t the only materials that inspire Oye. She also creates pieces from other reclaimed materials – like this one made from found jewelry and costume jewelry. This piece – entitled “Dia de las Muertos de Westwood” – was made as a donation for Ethical Metalsmith‘s Radical Jewelry Makeover exhibition in 2008.

In addition to creating showpieces, Oye also launched a ready-to-wear line called emiko-o reware – which includes versatile pieces priced as low as $15. “I really wanted to be accessible to the everyday person as well as making statement pieces in art-type settings,” Oye said of the collection. “These pieces are ready-to-wear for anyone.”

To check out more of Oye’s work and browse her reware collection, head to her online store or Etsy shop.

NBA All-Star Game Goes Green

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

NBA All-Star Game Goes Green

by Mary Mazzoni Earth911

All-Star Game events are expected to draw more than 100,000 fans to the Orlando area. Photo: Flickr/rondostar

The NBA is teaming up with Sprint, Keep Orlando Beautiful and the Natural Resources Defense Council to make sure the 2012 All-Star Game is their most sustainable event to date.

Sprint and the NBA will partner with the city of Orlando, Keep Orlando Beautiful and Creative Recycling to host the NBA All-Star E-Recycling Day at Orlando Festival Park on Saturday, Feb. 18.

Fans who drop off their old electronics will receive two tickets per car to the NBA All-Star Jam Session – a four-day interactive basketball event featuring 500,000 square feet of All-Star entertainment – on Feb. 23 or Feb. 24 while supplies last. If that’s not enough of a reason to show up and recycle, former NBA player Bo Outlaw will also be on hand to welcome participants.

A collection drive for mobile phones will also be held at an Orlando-area Sprint store on Feb. 17, and former All-Star Nick Anderson will be in attendance.

READ: Green Sports Alliance Quadruples in 4 Months

“All-Star E-Recycling Day underscores the NBA and Sprint’s shared commitment to raise environmental awareness and encourage fans to do their part,” said Todd Jacobson, NBA senior vice president of community relations. “Thanks to guidance from the NRDC, the NBA and its teams continue to take steps to reduce our energy consumption and waste and hopefully together with Sprint and our fans we can continue to make a difference.”

In partnership with NRDC, the NBA will also introduce additional greening efforts to make NBA All-Star 2012 environmentally friendly and sustainable. Eco efforts include expanding recycling in the arena and Jam Session, increasing environmental education programs, utilizing sustainable flatware and conserving energy, NBA representatives said.

iPhone Case is Made from Trash

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

This iPhone Case is Made from Trash

by Mary Mazzoni Earth911

Photo: Miniwiz

Looking for an eco-friendly case for your iPhone 4S? Check out the innovative Re-Case from Miniwiz, a carrier that uses trash and agricultural by-products to protect your phone in style.

The company combines by-products from the rice farming industry with post-consumer thermoplastics – including plastic bottles and bottle caps – to form its POLLIBER™ material, which is used for the Re-Case along with other products like the Re-Wine wine case and Polli-Brick™ building materials.

Reprocessed rice husks counteract the strength polypropylene loses as it is recycled – meaning a highly durable and recyclable material that is “able to be manufactured at an unbeatable minimum of CO2 emissions,” the company said.

Made from “100 percent trash” in accordance with the company’s slogan, the Re-Case not only holds your beloved iPhone but also credit cards for maximum functionality.

In addition to eco benefits, the ripple design of the Re-Case creates a tactile effect that is said to have stress-relieving properties, according to the company. So, checking those work emails may become surprisingly relaxing!

The Re-Case is available in six colors on Amazon and in the Miniwiz online store for $24.95

Your Guide to Winter Composting

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Your Guide to Winter Composting

by Mary Mazzoni Earth911

Many people assume that chilly temperatures and snowy conditions rule out composting for the winter. But you can actually recycle your own organics year-round with a little extra maintenance. So, get out those shovels and empty those food scrap bins! Here is Earth911′s guide to winter composting.

Chilly temperatures and snowy conditions can make composting seem impossible. But recycling your own organics year-round is much easier than you'd think. All it takes is a little extra planning and maintenance. Photo: Flickr/andyarthur

1. Prepare for the slow-down

Composting is a biological process that decomposes organic material under aerobic conditions – meaning oxygen is required for bacteria to break materials down. The only trouble is – cold temperatures often slow or even stop decomposition, as aerobic bacteria often become more sluggish in the winter.

Even when the temperature drops, some microbes responsible for the breakdown of organic matter can remain active in the compost pile, according to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Since the digestion process generates heat, the center of your pile may still remain warm and actively composting.

However, the outer (visible) portion of your pile will cool to outdoor temperatures. So, you may notice increased decomposition time in these areas. Don’t worry about it. Once the temperature warms up, microbial activity will resume as normal as long as you maintain a healthy balance in your pile.

READ: How to Troubleshoot Your Compost Pile

2. Build a shelter

Constructing a shelter for your compost pile is the No. 1 way to help keep it active for the entire winter season. Start by building a protective barrier around your pile with cinderblocks, bricks, sand bags or plywood, suggest the University of Illinois Extension. A barrier between your compost pile and the frigid winter air will help keep internal heat from escaping, promoting active decomposition.

Not sure where to get started? Check out these detailed plans for a compost pile shelter from the Greater Vancouver Regional District – which include necessary materials and measurements as well as step-by-step instructions. If your’e feeling extra-ambitious, use metal sheeting or plywood pieces to add a roof overtop.

SEE: How to Start a Compost Pile

3. Keep it dry

Compost piles should always be kept moist to ensure proper decomposition. But loads of winter snow and spring rain can actually drench your pile, which will force air out of pore spaces – killing your bacterial buddies. So, try to keep your pile dry and protected during the winter to ensure a healthy balance.

If you haven’t installed a roof over your pile, the best way to keep it dry is to cover with a tarp. Securely fasten the tarp of your choice over your pile using stakes, and keep an eye on it to make sure the wind doesn’t knock it free. In addition to keeping out precipitation, a tarp will also help trap internal heat for a more active pile.

READ: 8 Things You Can Compost Today

4. Add the right stuff

A balanced compost pile requires carbon-rich (also called brown) materials to give bacteria energy and nitrogen-rich (also called green) materials to help them grow strong and reproduce. While equal quantities of both materials are your best bet during the spring and summer, your pile needs more “brown” matter during the winter season.

Brown materials, which include leaves, tree branches and other yard waste, give microbes the energy to continue decomposition despite chilly temperatures. So, add as much of these materials as you can when temperatures are low.

So, what about food scraps and other “green” materials? Frigid temperatures impede bacteria’s ability to process these materials. So, give them a helping hand by shredding your green materials to particles less than two inches in size, suggests the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. Smaller particles allow your pile to heat uniformly and will insulate it from outdoor temperatures, the organization said.

Compost shredders (like this one from Improvements) are available in stores and online for less than $200. But if you don’t want to shell out the cash for a store-bought shredder, check out this tutorial from Mother Earth News – which will show you how to make your own shredder from a self-propelled rotary lawn mower.

READ: Get the Most Outta Compost

5. Dig a hole and bury it

If you’re wary of loads of non-decomposed waste sitting on top of your pile until spring, take a different approach to composting until temperatures warm up. The Texas AgriLife Extension Service suggests digging a trench in the garden or flowerbed and adding organic waste (like kitchen scraps) little by little, making sure to bury the waste after each addition.

Don’t have a garden at home? Just dig a one-foot hole anywhere in the yard and cover it with a board or bricks until it is full of organic waste. Once your hole is full, bury it with soil, and dig another one to keep composting all winter long.

Junk Mail Art

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Amazing Junk Mail Art

Sandhi Schimmel Gold creates creates beautiful mosaic portraits out of junk mail. Gold starts with a painting, then collages tiny, hand-cut paper "tiles" to the pieces. Her work features celebrity portraits in vibrant colors.

The idea behind Gold's art is to make a statement about beauty and consumption. Here's her artist statement:

My work reflects our society's obsession with beauty through advertising - and the endless images that bombard us daily. It is a purposeful intermix of images derived from advertising and thousands of incongruent pieces - images and text - from advertising that arrives through my mailbox. Assembled like a mosaic; thesel paper tiles create an entirely new image - an eclectic and tactile portrait reworked in my imagination, utilizing materials that would otherwise go to waste.

Of course, reusing junk mail is nothing new, but these beautiful portraits definitely take the idea of repurposing in a different direction and send a strong message at the same time!

by Becky Striepe on February 17, 2012 GreenUpgrader

Recycled Glass Countertops

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Stunning Recycled Glass Countertops

by Mary Mazzoni Earth911

Americans generated 11.5 million tons of glass in 2010 – about 27 percent of which was recycled, according to the EPA. Nearly 90 percent of recycled glass is used to make new containers. But creative greenies are finding some slightly more unconventional uses for the material – filtering water, crafting jewelry and even decorating casinos.

Photo: Glass Recycled

Whaley’s company Glass Recycled mixes crushed post-consumer and industrial glass with epoxy resin to form stunning terrazzo designs for countertops, flooring and landscaping.

“The art of traditional terrazzo is difficult, costly and not very friendly to the environment,” the company said on its Website. “But with our techniques, we’re ‘upcycling’ glass that’s headed to landfills. In other words, we’re turning ‘trash glass’ into useful products.”

Photo: Glass Recycled

Most companies that use recycled glass for decor combine the material with cement to create their terrazzo. But Glass Recycled uses a unique epoxy resin, which increases color and design possibilities, the company said.

Take a close look at this sparkling terrazzo design, and you’ll notice different colors of recycled glass in varying shapes, providing a truly unique look. Each Glass Recycled product utilizes 80 percent recycled glass or porcelain, according to the company.

Photo: Glass Recycled

Glass Recycled offers more than 400 terrazzo designs to suit any room of the house, like this blue and silver pattern that’s perfect for the bathroom. The Texas-based company reuses all production waste, and all of its products can be pulverized and reutilized to make new designs.

Photo: Glass Recycled

In addition to creating materials for countertops, flooring and landscaping, Glass Recycled also helps companies turn their own glass into new products that they can sell.

“Our goal is to create a ‘closed loop’ of recycled glass, where glass continues to be reused and recycled without ever reaching a landfill,” the company said.

Photo: Glass Recycled

If you just have to have these stunning countertops in your eco pad, check out Glass Recycled for price lists, color choices and specifications

Yarn Made From Recycled Newspaper

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Yarn Made From Recycled Newspaper

by Mary Mazzoni Earth911

Photo: Ivano Vitali/artnest.it

The list of “trashy fashion” creations grows longer every day – shoes made from plastic bottles, underwear made from wood and even a gown made from Ford Focus parts. But when we saw Italian artist Ivano Vitali‘s crochet pieces made from recycled newspaper, we had to take a closer look.

Vitali tears recycled newsprint into strips and expertly twists into balls of yarn without adding glue, coloring or silicone, reports ecouterre. He then uses custom-made needles and hooks – some as long as 8 feet – to crochet the newspaper yarn into stylish and functional fashion pieces, the site reported.

The artist, who has been dappling in the use of recycled materials for more than three decades, calls his creations “zero-impact global art,” as it requires nothing but trash (and loads of man-hours).

Photo: Ivano Vitali/artnest.it

Vitali uses his innovative newspaper yarn to crochet everyday pieces like vests, socks and this stylish poncho, which was created using a giant crochet hook for a unique appearance. His work also includes tapestries, hats and even a wedding gown made from newsprint.

To get a closer look at Vitali’s crochet collection made from newspaper, head to the artist’s online portfolio – which includes current installations and exhibitions dating back to 1994.

EPA: Cruise Ship Sewage Discharge Banned

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Federal environmental regulators have given final approval to a rule that bans cruise ships and large cargo vessels from releasing sewage into the ocean within three miles of California's coast.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday that the new rule will strengthen existing state law which bans cruise ships from releasing a host of toxic pollutants into coastal waters.

EPA Regional Administrator Jared Blumenfeld said the rule bans all sewage discharges, treated or not, along California's 1,624-mile coast and around major islands.

Blumenfeld said the "no discharge zone" will prevent more than 20 million gallons of vessel sewage from entering the state's coastal waters.

The rules will cover cruise liners, which can hold 6,000 people at a time, and cargo vessels of 300 gross tons or more

Gifts Made from Recycled Materials

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Gifts Made from Recycled Materials

Radical reuse at its coolest.

Bike Chain Bottle Opener

Photo credit: Courtesy of bambeco.com

The perfect gift for a bicycle enthusiast who also likes to kick back with a drink after a century ride, this bottle opener is made from a bike chain. It's a great conversation starter. (bambeco.com, $11)

State Agencies Launch Program to Recognize Green Travel-Related Businesses

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

State Agencies Launch Program to Recognize Green Travel-Related Businesses

RALEIGH – The N.C. Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach, in partnership with the Center for Sustainable Tourism at East Carolina University, have launched the NC GreenTravel Initiative, a program that recognizes state travel-related businesses that employ healthy environmental practices.

“This program is a way to spotlight North Carolina’s commitment to sustainable practices and recognize businesses that have integrated greener practices into their daily routine,” said Edythe McKinney, director of the Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach. “Hopefully those who visit businesses recognized as NC GreenTravel sites will see how conservation and waste reduction can be integrated into their home or business.”

According to many business analysts, using sustainable practices in the tourism industry brings environmental benefits and can also help businesses save money through reduced energy and water use, and reduction of waste. In addition, it can generate more income for those “green” businesses that cater to the growing sector of the public who are interested in purchasing environmentally friendly products and services.

While several other states have created programs to certify “green” hotels, North Carolina’s NC GreenTravel Initiative goes a step beyond by awarding special recognition to hotels, restaurants, museums, parks, attractions and other tourism-related businesses for their environmental sustainability accomplishments.
Businesses seeking recognition by the NC GreenTravel Initiative can submit an online application. The application features categories related to recycling, energy management, water conservation and other sustainable actions, along with an associated score. Once the points are tallied, the business is awarded recognition on one of three levels based on its overall score.

Applicants that are recognized by the NC GreenTravel Initiative will receive a wall certificate and door decal identifying them as members of the NC GreenTravel community. They will also be listed as a sustainable travel business on the NC GreenTravel website at www.ncgreentravel.org/.

For information about the program, contact Tom Rhodes, NC GreenTravel program coordinator, at tom.rhodes@ncdenr.gov or 919-707-8140; or Alex Naar, director of sustainable tourism outreach at East Carolina University, at naara@ecu.edu or 252-737-1346.

Love the Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Happy Valentine's Day

North Carolina's Disposal Rate Drops to Historic Low

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

North Carolina's Disposal Rate Drops to Historic Low Due to Economy, Increased Recycling

by N.C. Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources on Thursday, 9 February 2012 at 10:41

North Carolinians threw away less per capita in 2010-2011 than at any time in nearly 20 years, according to the state’s latest report and analysis of solid waste management.

The 2010-2011 North Carolina Solid Waste and Materials Management Report indicates a historic drop in the state per capita disposal rate, which fell below one ton per person for the first time since fiscal year 1991-92. Continuing recycling efforts and decreased statewide construction contributed to this development. For 2010-11, the state per capita disposal rate was .99 tons; the previous rate, also historically low, was 1.07 tons per capita.

“Our data shows yet again that the state’s disposal rate is influenced heavily by the economy,” said Dexter Matthews, director of the state Division of Waste Management. “We are pleased to note that continually expanding state recycling efforts are also contributing to the reduction reflected in this report.”

More information can be found online at http://t.co/ll9x688p, including a link to the full report.

Stick Your Neck Out

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Touchdown For Waste Management

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Packers, Waste Management to recycle materials from disassembled scoreboards

As the Lambeau Field expansion project continues, the Green Bay Packers are working with recycling partner Waste Management to recycle the dismantled scoreboards.

Due to the rarity of scoreboards being recycled, the amount of what can be recovered is unknown. However, the materials that are hoped to be salvaged for recycling include steel, aluminum, vinyl, ad panels, wiring, circuit boards, LED display units, and all lighting fixtures.
The boards will be partially disassembled at Lambeau Field while the vinyl ad panels, steel and aluminum are taken to a local refinery, where they will be processed and supplied to steel mills, foundries and manufacturers as feedstock. The video panels will be dissembled to recover recyclable metals and plastic, which will be graded, processed and shipped for further processing. The lighting will be processed to remove mercury, gas and other elements of concern, in order to recover the glass and metal for recycling.

“As part of our green initiative that we focus on each year, we hope to get all of the components of the scoreboards to be recycled,” said Ted Eisenreich, Packers director of facility operations. “We started taking the scoreboard down a week and a half ago, and we thinking in the next couple of weeks it will be completely done.”

“Electronics are full of metals, glass and even plastic that we can readily recycle,” said Dan Roddan, Waste Management account manager. “Waste Management is thrilled to join the Packers in this innovative effort to save energy and natural resources.”

The installation of new Mitsubishi Diamond Vision video boards, which will measure 108 feet wide and 48 feet high, will begin this spring and the boards will be operational for the 2012 season.

The expansion of Lambeau Field will also include approximately 6,700 new seats in the south end zone, a new gate and rooftop viewing platform in the north end zone.

The Packers are financing the costs of the $143 million project with no involvement of public tax money, including general and sales taxes. Components include a traditional loan and proceeds from the stock sale. The team may also obtain funding from the NFL and the stadium district’s user fee program.

Kraft Foods = Zero Waste

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Kraft Foods achieves zero waste at 36 plants

FBR Staff Writer Published 03 February 2012

American food company Kraft Foods has announced that its 36 facilities have achieved zero-waste-to-landfill status, including 24 plants in Europe and 12 facilities in North America.

In addition, many plants have reduced manufacturing waste significantly through partnerships to put waste to work, the company said.

In 2007, Kraft Foods introduced a program with the global recycling company Sonoco Recycling, using its Sonoco Sustainability Solutions (S3) service offering to substantially lower waste in plants. The program is aimed at sending zero waste to landfills.

Global Sustainability vice president Christine McGrath said that Kraft Foods has 36 facilities in 13 countries that send zero waste to landfills, and the company has reduced its manufacturing waste by 50% since 2005.

"Our strategy is simple: generate less waste and find new uses for the waste we do produce," McGrath added.

Kraft Foods markets biscuits, confectionery, beverages, cheese, grocery products and convenient meals in approximately 170 countries. Its popular brands include - Cadbury, Jacobs, Kraft, LU, Maxwell House, Milka, Nabisco, Oreo, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Tang and Trident.

Furnish Your Home with Reclaimed Hardwoods

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Sustainable Choice: Furnish Your Home with Reclaimed Hardwoods

By Tyler Farmer

February 8, 2012 1.800.recycling

Rich in character and region specific, repurposed wood planks are becoming a huge hit in green home-makeover projects.

When the calendar turns to a new year, it is almost inevitably chalk full of improvement projects. Many people target bettering themselves physically, while others focus on their surroundings by sprucing up the home. Renovations offer nearly limitless projects to undertake, and those with a sustainable slant might want to start from the ground up (literally) by concentrating on the booming usage of reclaimed wood flooring.

Fitting snuggly into the “reuse” column of the Three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), reclaimed wood offers the option of a beautiful and earth-friendly way to update a home while limiting dependence on environmental resources.

Aged Woods' Bunkhouse Plank reclaimed oak flooring

To many, an old barn is nothing more than an eyesore, but for those committed to sustainable building practices, old barn siding or dilapidated flooring in a century-old building is a gold mine of reusable resources.

Companies like Aged Woods, Inc. of York, PA, offer customers the chance to own antique planks that have been “carefully re-milled from recycled wood” salvaged from “old weathered and distressed barnwood.” The company promotes the environmental benefits and multitude of uses of reclaimed wood as “the sustainable choice to add unique and authentic rustic character to residences, retail stores, restaurants, casinos, country clubs, etc.”

Further, Aged Woods, Inc. distinguishes between various types of woods commonly used for flooring: antique oak, antique white pine, antique yellow pine and antique maple. Other, rarer species are also offered from the company, including antique American chestnut, antique hickory and antique heart pine. Amazingly, this wood is reclaimed from “agricultural out-buildings, i.e. barns, ranging in age from 75 years to as much as 200 years.”

It is not hard to see why reclaimed wood is the smarter, more eco-friendly choice. Utilizing wood that has previously been employed in another structure means that new trees are not cut down and milled for new construction. What’s more, reclaimed wood is commonly region specific, meaning the reclaimed wood utilized in a given remodel or new construction project most likely came from a nearby demolition.

Taking wooden planks from demolished buildings even provides something that no freshly cut timber can: a sense of history. Aged Woods, Inc. explains this further when mentioning that such old wood “retains the patina and character imparted by the signs of old-time craftsmen and decades of wind, rain and sun.”

Reclaimed wood can be used for furniture and decorative purposes as well. In fact, the uses of reclaimed wood (or other building materials) might only be as limited as one’s practicality.

In Seattle, homeowners now grasp this idea fully and can boast about the reclaimed wood in their homes. Many local homes have utilized reclaimed wood that was the flooring from Garfield High School for decades. It’s not a stretch to imagine that these homes now have a piece of history, as music legend Jimmy Hendrix, former NBA star Brandon Roy and record producer Quincy Jones all walked the floors of this school.

If you are thinking of tidying up your property with some home-makeover work in the coming months, be sure to consider reclaimed wood. Who knows what amazing stories you might discover with this environmentally sustainable option?

Lunch the Green Way

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

A Step Up: Innovative Lunch Boxes

By: Lauren Brostowitz Earth911

Most of us are familiar with the notorious, resource-gobbling, brown paper lunch bag. But did you know that before metal lunch boxes and paper bags gained popularity, oiled goatskins were used to tote food? With recent advancements in lunch box design and functionality, and a growing emphasis to reduce one’s carbon footprint, it’s silly to pack like it’s the dark ages, be it goatskin or paper.
When used in place of a disposable paper bag, each reusable lunch box or bag has the potential to eliminate thousands of disposable bags over its lifetime, preserving natural resources, protecting the environment and saving you money in the process. So whether it’s back to school, back to work or simply enjoying a relaxing day in the park, the benefits of a high quality reusable far outweigh those outdated lunch packing methods of the past. Take a look below at some of our favorite innovations in lunch box technology and make the switch today.

Get Insulated!

Research from the journal Pediatrics found that more than 90 percent of food packed by parents wasn't kept at safe temperatures, leaving children at risk for foodborne-illness. Lead-safe, vinyl/PVC-free insulated and thermal lunch boxes and bags help keep heat-sensitive food at safe temperatures for hours. Designs include built-in coolers (no ice pack necessary, just pop it in your freezer and wait) and bags made from a revolutionary material, Neoprene. Completely water and abrasion resistant, (there's a reason why it's the material of choice for wetsuits), Neoprene’s insulating properties make it extremely lightweight and durable.

Made from Recycled Content

When it comes to sustainability, lunch boxes and bags made from recycled content help promote closed-loop systems in which resources consumed are then recycled and repurposed, helping to reduce the consumption of raw materials. Consider that one ton of paper from recycled pulp saves 17 trees, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 7000 gallons of water, 4200 kilowatt hours (enough to heat your home for half year), 390 gallons of oil, and prevents 60 pounds of air pollutants. From recycled PET (post-consumer recycled plastic) to organic and recycled cotton, you can rest assured that your lunch box or bag fulfills the three R’s - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Stainless Steel Tiffins

The saying, “Why fix what isn’t broken” holds true for stainless steel tiffins. Used widely for centuries in India, tiffin carriers or dabbas are a kind of lunch box that typically come in two to three-tiers. Tiffin carriers are opened by unlocking a small catch on either side of the handle, then removing the individual containers, making packing multiple dishes in one carrier easy and mess-free. Made from high-quality, non-leaching stainless steel, tiffins will not impart taste or odors, or leach toxins into its contents, and it’s recyclable.

Bento Boxes

Bento boxes, modeled after traditional bento box containers, have been used in Japanese culture for centuries to pack single-portion takeout meals. Updating this classic design, popular bento boxes today integrate the old with the new, offering removable containers and separators that let you pack different dishes in a single reusable container. No baggies, wraps, or disposable packaging needed. Bento boxes are an excellent way to build and transport tidy nutritious meals for adults or children. Typically made from BPA free polyethylene, polypropylene or copolyester, Bento Box style lunch boxes are guaranteed to be dishwasher safe and are FDA-approved for food use.

Go Reusable!

It has been estimated that a person taking a disposable lunch to school will spend an average of $4.02 per day or $723.60 per school year. A person who packs a waste-free lunch will spend about $2.65 a day or $477.00 per school year. That equates into about $250 in savings per person/year.
Replace paper lunch bags today with a high-quality reusable lunch box or lunch bag from reuseit.com and start saving today!

Green Valentines

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

@NCGP NC GreenPower

If you want to wrap your Valentine's gifts, look for 100% post-consumer recycled papers printed with soy or vegetable inks.

LG Unveils Sleek New Solar-Powered Phone Charger

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:29:00 +0000

LG Unveils Sleek New Solar-Powered Phone Charger

By Beth Buczynski

January 31, 2012

1.800recycling.com

The sleeve utilizes fewer materials than traditional chargers and equals big energy savings.

Mobile phones featuring recycled materials, energy-efficient features and eco-friendly packaging are exciting and essential to the reduction of waste in the electronics industry.

But recycled material or not, most phones still need electricity to fuel all their gadgets and apps, and unfortunately, that electricity usually comes from fossil fuels or nuclear power plants. Most, but not all.

LG recently unveiled an attractive pair: a mobile phone with a specially designed solar power charger that will allow you to permanently declare your independence from the electrical outlet.

Unlike other after-market solar chargers, the LG PCB-100 mobile phone accessory can give you enough juice for a short phone call with just 10 minutes of exposure to direct sunlight. But the best part is that this solar charger is actually a sleeve that can be placed on the LG POP all the time, which means it can charge while sitting on a windowsill or sun-soaked desk, all the while providing added protection to the phone.

As a new smartphone owner, I can attest to the fact that keeping it charged is a constant battle. Because constant charging not only uses up a lot of energy, but also lessens the life of the phone’s battery, I’m constantly carrying around my charger so I won’t be stuck without a phone when the power gets low. I love the idea that this solar charger can be fitted over the phone so the phone can charge whenever it is exposed to sunlight, and I can leave the bulky charger at home where it belongs.

Unfortunately, the LG PCB-100 solar charging sleeve can’t draw power from artificial light, which means it won’t be useful if you spend all day cooped up in a cubical without access to genuine sunshine. But, this is a nonetheless a bright, shiny step toward smartphone sustainability.

Taking out the Super Bowl's trash

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Taking out the Super Bowl's trash

WTHR-TV

Downtown Indianapolis is preparing for today's fast approaching Super Bowl. Signs are going up, streets are being closed, and businesses are preparing for the tens of thousands of fans to descend on the city. One of the most important companies to Indy's Super Bowl success though, lies off of a gravel road on the outskirts of Zionsville.

Republic Waste Services is the company tasked with handling the trash for Super Bowl week. With the NFL experience, downtown concerts and of course, tailgating, the garbage is certain to pile up quickly.

General Manager John Drier says Republic is prepared to handle the challenge. "We've got about 30 additional employees and everyone is assigned to a certain job. We've got a game plan set aside for just this event," said Drier.

Handling a large event downtown is nothing new for Republic. The company services Lucas Oil Stadium and the Convention Center on a daily basis.

"The only thing that's really new is the Super Bowl Village, or Georgia Street, which is a whole new area we're not used to servicing," said Drier.

With over 400 trash containers to deposit, the recycling plant off of Robinson Road will be busy all week. The machines and employees work daily to separate and recycle glass, cardboard, newspaper, plastic containers, and even grocery bags. Republic has lofty goals on what they hope to recycle during their busiest week all year.

"If we recycle half the waste that comes out of those three venues, we'd consider that a pretty good success," said Drier.

While working to process all the extra garbage will be a hassle, one of the biggest challenges comes in form of passing through security areas. "Everyone has to be credentialed, and you can only get in from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. So we've got to get in, get our work done, and get out," said Drier. Screening could prove to be the main issue, as getting through security could take anywhere from 20 minutes to a couple hours.

Despite the similarities to events in years past, Republic knows that the week of the big game is going to be unlike anything they've ever handled. "On a normal game - a normal Colts game - there's about 20 tons. Not quite 20 tons of trash that comes out of the stadium. And it's hard to estimate what this is going to generate, but we think it could be upwards of 500 tons," said Drier. 500 tons is a tough number to visualize. But in football terms, it's over 3,300 Jeff Saturdays and weighs more than one million NFL footballs.

In regards to the potential for littering around the city and parking lots, Drier hopes for the best and pledges, "If [Super Bowl fans] do they're part, we'll do our part!"

Don't Forget Today's Cleanup

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

JUDI LLOYD: Keeping New Bern clean

Craven County Clean Sweep sponsors three annual clean up events on the first Saturdays of February, May and October to help keep New Bern streets and waterways free of litter. The upcoming one will be Feb. 4, but if that day is not convenient, you can choose another day that fits your schedule.

You can choose to help out in any of these ways: by walking along the streets in your own neighborhood; by using your boat to clean up the waterway of your choice; by meeting with others at Lawson Creek Park at 9 a.m. on that Saturday to be assigned a spot or by simply picking any other “trashy” area that’s been bothering you. The amount of time you spend on this is totally up to you – it can be 15 minutes or a few hours. You will feel a sense of pride when you look back on the stretch of land you finished cleaning!

The Craven County Extension Office will supply the bags, which when full you just leave on the side of the road for them to pick up. Call 252-633-1477.

And, YES, cigarette butts are trash; they are not biodegradable unless unfiltered. Really, just look along the streets. Please do not throw your butts out of the car window; that’s what your car ashtray is for.

Clothing made with recycled coffee beans

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Clothing made with recycled coffee beans warms you up without caffeine

When the weather turns cold, it's not uncommon for folks to warm up with a nice steaming cup of coffee. But who would have thought that everyone's favorite bean could help keep you warm on the outside as well as in? Californian high-tech sports apparel company Virus apparently did, because their Stay Warm line of cold-weather clothing is made from recycled coffee beans.

Called coffee charcoal, the fabric has incredible natural insulating properties. Virus says that their studies show that wearing this fabric next to the skin can raise surface temperatures by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Moisture wicking and quick-dry properties also go a long way towards keeping you comfortable in cold weather.

The Stay Warm line is meant to be worn as an underlayer; since the fabric isn't wind-resistant, you'll need something else on top of it to keep the cold winter wind out. The garments start at $30.50 for a pair of "performance boxers" and go up from there — but the cost might be worth it if you can have your coffee and wear it, too!

[via Gizmag]
This article was written by Katherine Gray and originally appeared on Tecca

Recycling Mattresses

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

VIDEO: Recycling Mattresses, Teaching Job Skills

by Alexis Petru 01/30/12

Although mattresses contain recyclable materials like metal and wood, the process of dismantling them is so labor intensive and cost prohibitive that most mattresses end up in the landfill.
But Nashville-based nonprofit Spring Back Recycling is not only diverting unwanted mattresses from the dump, it’s also providing jobs and job training for men and women who were formerly incarcerated or are currently homeless.
The mattress recycling venture was launched in March 2011 as a partnership between Nashville’s Belmont University and the local Belmont Church: College students run the business side of the operation, handling marketing and accounting, while the church secured a local warehouse and recruited employees from the homeless community.
Spring Back employees separate mattresses into their material streams – including cotton, metal, wood and foam – and then sell the material to local scrap buyers for recycling. Rather than rely on donations, the nonprofit is trying to make its operations self-sufficient, using revenue from selling recyclables to pay employee salaries and warehouse rent.
Belmont University finance Professor John Gonas, who oversees the operation, recently told NPR that he hopes to license Spring Back’s model to encourage similar job training and mattress recycling programs in cities across the U.S

Clean Sweep Cleanup This Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Bobbi) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

JUDI LLOYD: Keeping New Bern clean

Many people I’ve met here have chosen New Bern as their home and are extremely proud of our fair little city on the “inner banks.” We enjoy having family, friends and tourists visit New Bern and remark what a wonderful place it is. So, let’s do something about the trash on the sides of our roadways.

The Craven County Extension Office will supply the bags, which when full you just leave on the side of the road for them to pick up. Call 252-633-1477.

There is now a permanent electronics recycling place, sponsored through Craven County, at the Tuscarora (Cove City) solid waste facility. Computers and TVs are the main items that they want as those items are now banned from the landfill. The hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. There is no charge for this service. The storage pod is located across from the scale house.

There is no reason for New Bern to not keep a neat appearance with all this help from its loving citizens. Let’s all make an effort to pitch in this month!

Judi Lloyd lives in River Bend and can be reached at judilloyd@yahoo.com