Tag: Recycling

Ecovillage Zero Waste Methods

Rio de JaneiroBrazil

Our reserve practices a zero waste approach toward all of our operations, and recycling methods are well integrated into each particular area of use. The separation of garbage facilitates both the transport and storage, though we maintain a low overall volume due to the care we take in choosing the products we use. We make sure to look for items that are reusable or have a low ecological impact, and contain smaller amounts of packaging or recyclable packaging.

Most of our waste produced is organic and is directed to composting, transformed into fertilizer, and used in the garden, thus restarting its biological cycle.

Many other materials are otherwise used in our studio, for the creation of artistic products or towards construction efforts, allowing for a good alternative to conventional materials.

Multi-Material Recycling at Local...

MiamiUnited States

I was not aware of some of the options for disposing of more complex materials (including light bulbs, batteries, and other items) until seeing some of these separated bins at our Home Depot. For the past few months now, I have made sure to put aside those items as they stop working and make a quick trip over to drop them off.

Drought-Proofed Public Park

BurbankUnited States

Our park uses recycled water for irrigation, in order to prevent a drain on drinking water for the community in times of drought.

EcoCamp Waste Sorting

Puerto NatalesChile

The camp sorts its output by organic and non-organic waste, paper, plastic, glass, and composting items. Even in such a remote location, where we do not have the resources available to recycle everything, we try as much as possible to recycle all that we can. We are also hoping to increase recycling capabilities in our area, not only to serve the camp, but the surrounding community as well.

City Cigarette Butt Recycling

PlanoUnited States

Our city has a ‘Cigarette Litter Prevention Program’, and has posted these small canisters in many areas in order to collect used cigarettes. Not only does this help to keep the streets clean, but it also serves to benefit the connected recycling process. While the cigarette butts are small, the organization has seen that their total accumulation is significant, and can be used to recycle into ‘plastic industrial products’.

Apartment Recycling and Sorting

SeattleUnited States

My apartment building offers a composting option in addition to the general waste and recycling bins.

Store Shopping Bag Recycling

Houston AreaUnited States

Kohl’s exhibits extensive efforts toward creating more sustainable operations, company-wide. Our store offers a bin to allow customers to recycle their plastic bags, whether from Kohl’s or other stores (this is mandatory for associates). Customers can also bring other items for recycling, including packaging materials or shipping envelopes. As well, the bags we use in-store are made out of recycled plastic, themselves.

Post Office Recycled Packaging

DallasUnited States

While waiting in line at the post office, I noticed these post-consumer waste packaging options. There were many, and in researching them, I also learned how much effort the USPS was putting into sustainability through its website :

https://about.usps.com/what-we-are-doing/green/welcome.htm

Recycling Bins for Glass

DenverUnited States

While paper and plastic recycling bins are common in public settings, it’s rare to see glass included. Now the product least likely to break down can be reused & recycled infinitely! 

https://www.peacecorps.gov/educators/resources/timeline-decomposition/

City Recycling Cages

ZipaquiraColombia

Thanks to these cages in our city, recycling has become easier for everyone.  If you have plastic bottles, cardboard, or glass at your house, instead of mixing it with organic matter, you take it out to these cages. It is also easier for our city’s waste collection team to take proper care of the recyclable waste.

Apartment Recycling for Community...

San AntonioUnited States

Our apartment complex has recycling bins in community mail areas, encouraging recycling directly at the source, where there is a high potential for mass paper waste. This has been an easy way to help residents responsibly dispose of unneeded letters and other mail that may otherwise be thrown away with regular trash.