11.18.2008
11.14.2008
America Recycles Day 2008 – Final Update
Remember to pledge to increase your recycling efforts today via this Web site. You’ll also be registered to win some very cool recycled content prizes.
11.13.2008
America Recycles Day 2008 - Update 4
ARD News Release that went out on 11/10/08
Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Release: Immediate Contact: Chris Frazier
Date: Nov. 10, 2008 Phone: (919) 715-6515
*_CELEBRATE AMERICA RECYCLES DAY THIS NOVEMBER_***
*RALEIGH** - *America Recycles Day events are being held throughout North Carolina this month to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and buying recycled products.
Each year, millions of people become better informed about the importance of recycling as a result of the national America Recycles Day campaign. The campaign encourages Americans to pledge to recycle more and buy recycled products. The campaign's slogan, /It All Comes Back To
You/, presents multiple messages. A recycled product can return to consumers as a new product, recycling comes back to consumers as an improved environment, and it is everyone's responsibility to recycle.
"North Carolinians dispose of approximately 11 million tons of waste in landfills each year, much of which can be recycled," said Kelley Dennings, education and outreach coordinator for the N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance. "We hope that this annual event reminds people to recycle at home, at work and while out and about."
This year, those that electronically fill out the America Recycles Day pledge, which can be found at http://www.p2pays.org/ARD.html, will be registered to win various recycled content prizes that include a metal fire pit, office and kitchen supplies, and home and garden products.
Recycling conserves energy and natural resources, prevents air and water pollution and is increasingly important to the state's economy. In North Carolina, about 13,000 jobs are tied to the recycling industry. Numerous businesses are involved in the collection of an increasing range of
materials, such as construction waste, computers and collected household recyclables.
Recently, the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources challenged local governments to improve the performance of their local programs in order to reach the goal of "2 Million tons by 2012." The goal is to achieve an annual rate of 2 million tons of recycling through
municipal and county recycling programs. To reach 2 million tons of annual recovery by 2012, local government recycling programs would need to increase their performance by 48 percent from the July 1, 2007, baseline, which represents about a 10 percent improvement per year. By
pledging to recycle, North Carolinians can help contribute to the "2 Million Tons by 2012" goal.
To learn more about America Recycles Day activities in North Carolina or to sign an online pledge, go to http://www.p2pays.org/ARD.html.
Michael F. Easley, Governor William G. Ross Jr., Secretary
N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Release: Immediate Contact: Chris Frazier
Date: Nov. 10, 2008 Phone: (919) 715-6515
*_CELEBRATE AMERICA RECYCLES DAY THIS NOVEMBER_***
*RALEIGH** - *America Recycles Day events are being held throughout North Carolina this month to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and buying recycled products.
Each year, millions of people become better informed about the importance of recycling as a result of the national America Recycles Day campaign. The campaign encourages Americans to pledge to recycle more and buy recycled products. The campaign's slogan, /It All Comes Back To
You/, presents multiple messages. A recycled product can return to consumers as a new product, recycling comes back to consumers as an improved environment, and it is everyone's responsibility to recycle.
"North Carolinians dispose of approximately 11 million tons of waste in landfills each year, much of which can be recycled," said Kelley Dennings, education and outreach coordinator for the N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance. "We hope that this annual event reminds people to recycle at home, at work and while out and about."
This year, those that electronically fill out the America Recycles Day pledge, which can be found at http://www.p2pays.org/ARD.html, will be registered to win various recycled content prizes that include a metal fire pit, office and kitchen supplies, and home and garden products.
Recycling conserves energy and natural resources, prevents air and water pollution and is increasingly important to the state's economy. In North Carolina, about 13,000 jobs are tied to the recycling industry. Numerous businesses are involved in the collection of an increasing range of
materials, such as construction waste, computers and collected household recyclables.
Recently, the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources challenged local governments to improve the performance of their local programs in order to reach the goal of "2 Million tons by 2012." The goal is to achieve an annual rate of 2 million tons of recycling through
municipal and county recycling programs. To reach 2 million tons of annual recovery by 2012, local government recycling programs would need to increase their performance by 48 percent from the July 1, 2007, baseline, which represents about a 10 percent improvement per year. By
pledging to recycle, North Carolinians can help contribute to the "2 Million Tons by 2012" goal.
To learn more about America Recycles Day activities in North Carolina or to sign an online pledge, go to http://www.p2pays.org/ARD.html.
RECYCLING MYTH #8: Recycled bottles are just made into new bottles.
Here is EPA’s response:
Recycled materials are reprocessed and turned into a variety of new products. Recycled plastics are used in the production of toothbrushes, plastic construction timber and carpets, to name a few. Recycling allows for greater innovation when it comes to the manufacturing of new products.
Recycled materials are reprocessed and turned into a variety of new products. Recycled plastics are used in the production of toothbrushes, plastic construction timber and carpets, to name a few. Recycling allows for greater innovation when it comes to the manufacturing of new products.
11.12.2008
RECYCLING MYTH #7: Recycling just becomes trash.
Here is EPA’s response:
While it is true that contamination can render some materials unfit for recycling (such as food residue on paper products), recycling corporations work hard to find markets for materials that are recycled. With new technology to separate and salvage materials and emerging markets for these materials, recyclers often find it feasible to partner with their end users to identify opportunities for reuse. Some materials will eventually find their way to the landfill or incinerator simply because they should not have been recycled in the first place. Educating consumers about what can and cannot be recycled will help in reducing the amount of materials that eventually must be disposed as waste.
While it is true that contamination can render some materials unfit for recycling (such as food residue on paper products), recycling corporations work hard to find markets for materials that are recycled. With new technology to separate and salvage materials and emerging markets for these materials, recyclers often find it feasible to partner with their end users to identify opportunities for reuse. Some materials will eventually find their way to the landfill or incinerator simply because they should not have been recycled in the first place. Educating consumers about what can and cannot be recycled will help in reducing the amount of materials that eventually must be disposed as waste.
Glass Drinking Straws
Ever heard of glass drinking straws? Check out this site - http://www.glassdharma.com/. I personally try not to use a straw if I don't have to. It is a small piece of plastic but a resource consumer none the less.
Thanks to Cheryl who found the RE3.org blog and sent me an email about them.
Thanks to Cheryl who found the RE3.org blog and sent me an email about them.
UPDATED: Want to be a star?
N.C. DPPEA is teaming up with Time Warner Cable to create a new RE3.org commercial. To shoot this commercial, we need actors (aged 18-21) to spread the recycling word on screen. If you’re interested in being in this commercial, please:
- Provide us with your name, birth date and contact information.
- Take a picture of yourself with a recycling bin. If your entry is among those selected, you can star in our commercial!
*Submit your information and picture by noon on January 5, 2009 to Clare Estes at clare.estes@ncmail.net or Clare Estes, N.C. DPPEA, 1639 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1639.
*Filming will take place in Raleigh during the month of January 2009.
*Call (919) 715-6536 with questions.
Legal stuff -
-You must be 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license or other state-issued identification.
-You will be required to complete a release allowing the use of your picture, likeness, photograph and voice in the commercial.
-N.C. DENR DPPEA and Time Warner Cable will not provide any monetary compensation for being in the commercial.
-N.C. DENR DPPEA and Time Warner Cable assume no responsibility or liability for damages, losses or injury resulting from the making of the commercial.
-N.C. DENR DPPEA and Time Warner Cable are not responsible for late, lost or misdirected entries. All entries become the property of N.C. DENR Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance and will not be acknowledged or returned.
11.11.2008
RECYCLING MYTH #6: Material placed in a landfill will decompose.
Landfills are designed so that little oxygen or moisture flows through- two essential components of decomposition. Landfills are not meant to break down trash, but rather to bury it. This design helps prevent decomposing materials from contaminating groundwater. Thus recycling creates more space in landfills and lessens the chance of trash leeching into our soil and water.
11.10.2008
RECYCLING MYTH #5: Recycling isn’t easy. It is a burden on families.
As long as the community is able to provide adequate recycling opportunities and accessibility, recycling should not be difficult for the consumer. Providing bins and visuals in the community will help residents know what can be recycled. It is now easier than ever. Many communities accept commingled recycling so the material no longer needs to be separated by the individual. Also don’t worry about removing labels and caps – they are removed by machines during the separation process.
Here is the National Recycling Coalition response:
- More people recycle than vote.
- Nearly 140 million Americans have access to curbside recycling programs. Even more Americans have access to drop-off centers.
Here is the National Recycling Coalition response:
- More people recycle than vote.
- Nearly 140 million Americans have access to curbside recycling programs. Even more Americans have access to drop-off centers.
America Recycles Day 2008 – Update 3
Try to attend one of these upcoming ARD events.
EDGECOMBE AND NASH COUNTIES
- Rocky Mount, Nashville and Tarboro, N.C. Cell Phone Roundup
- (252) 467-4960 or Cornelia.McGee-Anthony@rockymountnc.gov.
- November 15, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Details: Wal-Mart Supercenters in Nashville, Rocky Mount and Tarboro.
Drop off cell phones, batteries, chargers, accessories and connection cords.
GUILFORD COUNTY - Greensboro and High Point, N.C. Kids, Cans and Cash
- (336) 373-2053 or Yvonne.Foust@greensboro-nc.gov.
- Details: Elementary school recycling challenge. Collect cans within schools from October 27-November 10.
GREENSBORO COLLEGE - Greensboro, N.C. ARD event
- (336) 272-7102 x269 or annwf@greensborocollege.edu.
- November 14
- Details: Test knowledge of what’s recyclable, view RE3.org commercials and complete pledge.
HENDERSON COUNTY - Hendersonville, N.C. ARD event
- (828) 694-6524 or aoutcalt@hendersoncountync.org.
- Details: TBA
N.C. STATE - Raleigh, N.C. Electronics and Shredding Drive
- (919) 515-9881 or analis_fulghum@ncsu.edu.
- November 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Details: Outside Reynolds Coliseum. Will have games and complete pledge.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY - Wilmington, N.C. Fall Nature Festival in Halyburton Park
- (910) 341-4340 or jeokeefe@nhcgov.com.
- November 15.
- Details: Cell phone recycling drive and complete pledge.
PERSON INDUSTRIES - Roxboro, N.C. Personality Festival
- (336) 599-7571 or LJeffreys@personcounty.net.
- November 15.
- Details: Complete pledge and get free prize.
RALEIGH, N.C. Recycle and Shred-A-Thon
- (919) 831-6494 or linda.leighton@ci.raleigh.nc.us.
- November 15, 9 a.m.-Noon, Capital Blvd. Shoppes (3033 Capital Blvd).
- Details: Win a paper shredder for home, meet Can Guy and win prizes.
UNC CHARLOTTE - Charlotte, N.C. ARD event
- (704) 687-4283 or dlhatley@uncc.edu.
- November 13, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Belk Tower.
- Details: Reusable swap of school supplies and clothes, and recycling info.
WAYNE COUNTY - Goldsboro, N.C. Recycled Ornament Contest
- (919) 731-1365 or Simonne.Cato@waynegov.com.
- November 14.
- Details: Arts Council is host site for contest that is being conducted in all K-12 schools.
11.07.2008
Social Marketing Month Activities by DPH
The Division of Public Health (DPH) just released their list of activities that they have planned for social marketing month. Feel free to attend.
November 13th--Audience Segmentation 201 Webinar, 11:00-12:00, 5505 Six Forks Road, Building 1, Pine Room
November 24th--Case presentation: Period of Purple Crying Media Campaign in NC (Heidi Hennick-Kaminski, UNC-CH School of Journalism), 11:45-12:45, 5505 Six Forks Road, Building 1, Pine Room
December 3rd--CDC E-Health Tools (CDC staff), 5505 Six Forks Road, 12:00-1:30, Building 1, Reaves Room
December 5th--Elements of Successful Social Marketing Programs & Other Wisdom (Christopher Cooke), 12:00-1:00, 5505 Six Forks Road, Building 1, Pine Room
November 13th--Audience Segmentation 201 Webinar, 11:00-12:00, 5505 Six Forks Road, Building 1, Pine Room
November 24th--Case presentation: Period of Purple Crying Media Campaign in NC (Heidi Hennick-Kaminski, UNC-CH School of Journalism), 11:45-12:45, 5505 Six Forks Road, Building 1, Pine Room
December 3rd--CDC E-Health Tools (CDC staff), 5505 Six Forks Road, 12:00-1:30, Building 1, Reaves Room
December 5th--Elements of Successful Social Marketing Programs & Other Wisdom (Christopher Cooke), 12:00-1:00, 5505 Six Forks Road, Building 1, Pine Room
RECYCLING MYTH #4: We are already recycling as much as we can.
Here is the National Recycling Coalition response:
- The national recycling rate is about 30%. U.S. EPA has set a goal of 35%.
- Many easily recycled materials are still thrown away. For example, 78% of glass containers, 60% of aluminum cans, 41% of steel cans, 45% of paper and paperboard containers and packaging are not currently recycled.
- Many Americans focus on recycling in the kitchen, but forget about products and packaging consumed elsewhere, like bathrooms, laundry rooms and garages.
- Americans are increasingly on the go, and we can do much more to make recycling convenient in public places, from downtown streets to shopping malls and sports stadiums.
- We are nowhere near our potential, especially if manufacturers make products easier to recycle.
- The national recycling rate is about 30%. U.S. EPA has set a goal of 35%.
- Many easily recycled materials are still thrown away. For example, 78% of glass containers, 60% of aluminum cans, 41% of steel cans, 45% of paper and paperboard containers and packaging are not currently recycled.
- Many Americans focus on recycling in the kitchen, but forget about products and packaging consumed elsewhere, like bathrooms, laundry rooms and garages.
- Americans are increasingly on the go, and we can do much more to make recycling convenient in public places, from downtown streets to shopping malls and sports stadiums.
- We are nowhere near our potential, especially if manufacturers make products easier to recycle.
RECYCLING MYTH #3: Recycling should pay for itself. If recycling made sense, the free market will make it happen.
Here is the National Recycling Coalition response:
- Recycling pays for itself in many ways, from the direct financial benefits of selling the materials to the many economic and environmental benefits.
- Recycling creates 1.1 million U.S. jobs, $236 billion in gross annual sales and $37 billion in annual payrolls. Recycling creates four jobs for every one job created in the waste management and disposal industries.
- Public sector investment in local recycling programs pays great dividends by creating private sector jobs. For every job collecting recyclables, 26 jobs are created to process the materials and manufacture them into new
products.
- Landfills and incinerators don't pay for themselves; in fact they cost more than recycling programs. Government supports lots of services that the free market wouldn't provide, such as the delivery of running water and electricity.
- If the market were truly free, long-standing subsidiaries that favor virgin materials and landfills would not exist, and recycling could compete on a level playing field.
- Thousands of U.S. companies have saved millions of dollars through their voluntary recycling programs. They wouldn't recycle if it didn't make economic sense.
- Scrap steel has become the steel industry's single largest source of raw material because it is economically advantageous to recycle old steel into new steel.
- For glass manufacturers, recycling makes economic sense because it extends the life of furnaces and reduces energy costs. Energy costs drop by 0.5% for every 1% of cullet used.
- More than 80% of U.S. papermakers use some recovered fiber to make their products.
- Recycling pays for itself in many ways, from the direct financial benefits of selling the materials to the many economic and environmental benefits.
- Recycling creates 1.1 million U.S. jobs, $236 billion in gross annual sales and $37 billion in annual payrolls. Recycling creates four jobs for every one job created in the waste management and disposal industries.
- Public sector investment in local recycling programs pays great dividends by creating private sector jobs. For every job collecting recyclables, 26 jobs are created to process the materials and manufacture them into new
products.
- Landfills and incinerators don't pay for themselves; in fact they cost more than recycling programs. Government supports lots of services that the free market wouldn't provide, such as the delivery of running water and electricity.
- If the market were truly free, long-standing subsidiaries that favor virgin materials and landfills would not exist, and recycling could compete on a level playing field.
- Thousands of U.S. companies have saved millions of dollars through their voluntary recycling programs. They wouldn't recycle if it didn't make economic sense.
- Scrap steel has become the steel industry's single largest source of raw material because it is economically advantageous to recycle old steel into new steel.
- For glass manufacturers, recycling makes economic sense because it extends the life of furnaces and reduces energy costs. Energy costs drop by 0.5% for every 1% of cullet used.
- More than 80% of U.S. papermakers use some recovered fiber to make their products.
11.06.2008
RECYCLING MYTH #2: There is plenty of landfill space, so why bother. Also, landfills are safe disposal options.
Here is the National Recycling Coalition response:
- Recycling's true value comes from preventing pollution and saving natural resources and energy, not landfill space.
- Recycling is largely responsible for averting the landfill crises.
- The number of landfills in the United States is steadily decreasing - from 8,000 in 1988 to 1,858 in 2001. The capacity, however, has remained relatively constant. New landfills are much larger than in the past.
- Landfills can be major sources of groundwater pollution. For example, leachate from solid waste landfills is similar in composition to that of hazardous waste landfills.
- Municipal solid waste landfills are the largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States, accounting for about 34% of these emissions, which are a potent cause of global warming.
- Recycling's true value comes from preventing pollution and saving natural resources and energy, not landfill space.
- Recycling is largely responsible for averting the landfill crises.
- The number of landfills in the United States is steadily decreasing - from 8,000 in 1988 to 1,858 in 2001. The capacity, however, has remained relatively constant. New landfills are much larger than in the past.
- Landfills can be major sources of groundwater pollution. For example, leachate from solid waste landfills is similar in composition to that of hazardous waste landfills.
- Municipal solid waste landfills are the largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States, accounting for about 34% of these emissions, which are a potent cause of global warming.
11.05.2008
RECYCLING MYTH #1: There are no markets for recyclables.
In honor of America Recycles Day coming up on November 15, I am going to post a common recycling myth and response each day. Tell me your thoughts. Do you get these same questions? How do you respond?
Here is the National Recycling Coalition response:
- Demand for recycled materials has never been greater and, in many cases, exceeds the supply currently provided by the American public.
- Rapid industrial development, particularly in China and other Asian nations, has created a huge surge in demand for recyclables.
- Domestic and international markets exist for all materials collected in curbside recycling programs, as long as they meet basic quality standards. In fact, there is intense competition among users for many recycled materials.
- The recycling industry is comparable in size to the auto and truck manufacturing industry. It's a large industry that demands lots of raw materials.
- A recycled aluminum beverage can returns to the grocer's shelf as a new, filled can in as few as 60 days after collection, which tell us that the markets are functioning efficiently.
Statistical Sources for the following 10 blog posts came from NRC's Environmental Benefits Calculator, NRC's Recycling Economic Information Study, U.S. EPA, Steel Recycling Institute, American Forest & Paper Association, BioCycle Magazine, Resource Recycling Magazine, American Plastics Council, Glass Packaging Institute, Aluminum Association and WorldWatch Institute unless otherwise noted.
Here is the National Recycling Coalition response:
- Demand for recycled materials has never been greater and, in many cases, exceeds the supply currently provided by the American public.
- Rapid industrial development, particularly in China and other Asian nations, has created a huge surge in demand for recyclables.
- Domestic and international markets exist for all materials collected in curbside recycling programs, as long as they meet basic quality standards. In fact, there is intense competition among users for many recycled materials.
- The recycling industry is comparable in size to the auto and truck manufacturing industry. It's a large industry that demands lots of raw materials.
- A recycled aluminum beverage can returns to the grocer's shelf as a new, filled can in as few as 60 days after collection, which tell us that the markets are functioning efficiently.
Statistical Sources for the following 10 blog posts came from NRC's Environmental Benefits Calculator, NRC's Recycling Economic Information Study, U.S. EPA, Steel Recycling Institute, American Forest & Paper Association, BioCycle Magazine, Resource Recycling Magazine, American Plastics Council, Glass Packaging Institute, Aluminum Association and WorldWatch Institute unless otherwise noted.
10.31.2008
SWANA School Recycling Webinars
Guest Blogger - Scott
SWANA National is offering three “e-Sessions” on school recycling issues on November 5, 12, and 19, one featuring North Carolina’s own Lisa Grant, recycling coordinator with Onslow County. School recycling programs have been one of the hottest recycling initiatives across the state in the past few years and are a good potential use of local disposal tax proceeds. For more information on the SWANA e-sessions, see: http://swanastore.stores.yahoo.net/sweco.html.
SWANA National is offering three “e-Sessions” on school recycling issues on November 5, 12, and 19, one featuring North Carolina’s own Lisa Grant, recycling coordinator with Onslow County. School recycling programs have been one of the hottest recycling initiatives across the state in the past few years and are a good potential use of local disposal tax proceeds. For more information on the SWANA e-sessions, see: http://swanastore.stores.yahoo.net/sweco.html.
10.30.2008
GreenStudentU.com
Guest Blogger - ClareGreenStudentU.com is a college student-geared blog dedicated to offering students “green information” and the latest in green topics and worldwide green events. It has different blog sections for separate topics including one geared specifically to living green while on campus, which can be a hassle. I recently took a whirl around the site and found it to be very informative. I especially liked the “encyclopedia” tab, where you can find detailed information and guides about many green topics, including the “Green Vehicle Guide” that actually explains the differences among “green” cars. Plus, they have a link to the UN’s “Free Rice” game that’s great for procrastinators like me (I don’t feel so guilty putting off that research paper if I can help reduce world hunger).
America Recycles Day 2008 - Update 2
We have a new NC based America Recycles Day web site. Check it out.
This year when people take the recycling pledge, they can pledge to:
-Find out what is recyclable in their community
-Lead by example in their neighborhood by recycling
-Recycle batteries, cell phones and other e-waste
-Email elected officials asking them to increase funding for recycling
-Tell 5 friends that recycling is the easiest thing they can do to stop global warming
Everyone that electronically signs the pledge will be registered to win state-wide recycled content prizes. Prizes include - metal fire pit, office supplies, kitchen supplies, home and garden products, etc.
Resources we can provide:
-Draft ARD news release and community resolution
-ARD high-res artwork
-ARD posters and promo items
-Recycled Content Product Kit
-NC Recycling Cycle graphic
Please let me know if you are planning an event and we will post it on our site. If you need any of the above resources, please contact me.
This year when people take the recycling pledge, they can pledge to:
-Find out what is recyclable in their community
-Lead by example in their neighborhood by recycling
-Recycle batteries, cell phones and other e-waste
-Email elected officials asking them to increase funding for recycling
-Tell 5 friends that recycling is the easiest thing they can do to stop global warming
Everyone that electronically signs the pledge will be registered to win state-wide recycled content prizes. Prizes include - metal fire pit, office supplies, kitchen supplies, home and garden products, etc.
Resources we can provide:
-Draft ARD news release and community resolution
-ARD high-res artwork
-ARD posters and promo items
-Recycled Content Product Kit
-NC Recycling Cycle graphic
Please let me know if you are planning an event and we will post it on our site. If you need any of the above resources, please contact me.
10.29.2008
Green Lolla
Guest Blogger - ClareStraight up, I didn’t go to the Lollapalooza concert this year (or ever). But after checking out the concert’s green efforts, it makes me consider taking the trek next year. On its special green page, you can read all about what it is doing to make the concert as eco-friendly as possible. This girl really liked Lolla’s “Green Street,” a section of the vendors dedicated solely to eco-friendly merch. But her description of all the tasty organic food has me realizing its lunchtime, so check out both links and let me know what you think.
10.28.2008
Pictures from the State Fair
We completed our NC State Fair recycling pilot project on Sunday. I'll post a full recap soon. However, take a look at some of our pictures from the 11 day event.
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