Quick Eco Home Facts

Did you want to make your home more eco friendly? Learn the facts about energy use in the average home. Then get tips to make your home more environmentally friendly, starting with a quick list of natural household cleaners... read more

Learn About the Types of Plastics That Can Be Recycled

Recycling is extremely important when it comes to the environment, especially for plastics. They are everywhere, no matter where you look, yet in 2010 less than 10% of the plastics used ever made it to a recycler. Plastics are actually in high demand for recycling however, because they can be used to make new and more durable objects, including things like clothing and furniture. Acquaint yourself with the recycling symbols on your plastic containers and you’ll know which plastics can be recycled to help protect the environment. The number denoting each type below corresponds to the little number found inside the recycling symbol on the package, and listed under each type are some of the items where they are commonly found.

1.       PET or PETE

Polyethylene terephthalate is most commonly found in various drink bottles, peanut butter jars and cooking oil containers.

2.       HDPE

High density polyethylene is most often found in milk and juice bottles, butter and yogurt containers, and bottles for household cleaners.

3.       V or PVC

Vinyl or polyvinyl chloride can be found in containers for household cleaners, but also health and beauty items, medical equipment and vinyl siding.

4.       LDPE

Low density polyethylene is common in squeezable bottles and shopping bags, but it can also be found in more durable items such as carpet and furniture.

5.       PP

Polypropylene is often used to make medicine bottles, bottle caps, straws and some food containers.

6.       PS

Polystyrene is used for take-out containers, compact disc cases and disposable tableware.

7.       Other

These are usually heavy duty items such as gasoline containers, DVDs and computer housings.

Recycled plastics can be made into a wide variety of things, from flooring to lumber to trash cans. Furthermore, many of them can also be recycled right back into what they were before.

To find out more about plastic recycling in Milpitas, please visit this website.

Paper Recycling: A True Environmental Success Story

More than 60 percent of paper consumed in the U.S. has been recovered for recycling in each of the last three years – exceeding 66 percent in 2011. That’s great news for the environment and for the paper industry... read more

A Brief Lesson on Copper and Its Recycling

Copper is truly the unsung hero of nonferrous metals. Used by man for over 10,000 years, copper’s resistance to corrosion, electrical and thermal conducting properties and high malleability have made it an indispensable metal for the evolution of civilization. Since it is also a trace element necessary for the health and development of humans, animals and many plants, lives literally depend on it.

Quick Copper Facts

• Only about 12% of the world’s copper resources have been extracted, and almost all of what has been mined is still being used today.
• Brass and bronze are copper alloys, and the “Bronze Age” of human history stresses the importance of this metal to our cultural development.
• Because it retains its value and properties even through the recycling process, copper has an infinite life span.

The Many Uses of Copper

• As the first metal to be used by humans, copper’s first use was most likely tools.
• Because of its conductive properties, it is used in electronics, electric transmission and cooling and heating systems.
• Its resistance to corrosion accounts for its prevalent use in water systems, as does its ability to be shaped easily.
• It is also used in building materials and as an ornamental.

Why You Should Recycle Copper

• Copper disposed of in landfills can cause environmental contamination.
• Since repurposing copper is cheaper than mining it, bringing copper to a recycler keeps copper costs down.
• Although copper is a sustainable resource, it is non-renewable.
• Recycling centers pay money for used copper.

Whether you’re cleaning out your garage, renovating your home or just disposing of old or excess wiring, consider bringing copper to your local recycler.

For more information on copper & metal recycling in Santa Clara please visit this website.

Old Becomes New Again With Recycled Aluminum

Blocks of recycled aluminum are stacked as they wait being reprocessed for new cans or other uses. Recycling creates jobs, helps the environment, and protects our resources... read more

Go Green - 5 Benefits

The idea of “going green” has been gaining steam as people realize the impact our choices can have on our environment and the future of our planet. Being environmentally conscious can have a positive impact on our Earth, help conserve our resources for future generations, improve our physical health, and put more money in our pockets.

Going green can help save and conserve the Earth’s resources and lands. Fossil fuels, coal, and natural gas are not unlimited and they will eventually run out. These fuel sources cause pollution to our atmosphere when they are used, and land and water are damaged, often permanently, by trying to extract them. The sooner we learn to rely on more natural sources of energy, such as solar and wind, the sooner we can prepare for a future without these exhaustible resources.

Protecting our land is also a huge benefit to going green. Reducing the use of chemicals that poison the land and water, cultivating open space and lots of trees, and choosing to support companies that work to help sustain the Earth can propel this movement forward.

The choice to reduce, reuse, and recycle can also benefit your health. Instead of driving to the store, wasting fossil fuels and producing pollution in the process, walking can help keep you healthy and in shape, burn calories, and give you a breath of fresh air. Using products that are natural or created with natural ingredients can be better for your home as you reduce the use of chemicals in your home environment. Going green can be incredibly healthy for your diet as well. Eating organic fruits and vegetables benefits your health and supports the businesses that do not use pesticides or other chemicals that are harmful to the land. Choosing to consume less red meat can also lower your carbon footprint and be healthier for your heart.

Deciding to go green can be easier on your wallet and beneficial to your budget. Walking instead of driving reduces the travel costs typically spent on a car and gasoline. Even taking the bus or carpooling helps reduce the use of resources. Deciding to reuse materials in your home, such as bottles and cans, can mean you’re not spending money to buy new products and you’re also decreasing your production of waste.

One of the most important benefits to being environmentally conscious is the protection and sustaining the well being of our planet, both now and hopefully for generations to come. Preserving this planet and all it provides is a benefit that cannot be underestimated.

To learn more about a recycling center in San Jose, please visit this website.

E-Cycling for Big Impact

When most people think of recycling, they think of newspapers and plastic water bottles. Did you know that electronic waste is a growing problem? Learn more about electronic consumption and the value of recycling e-waste... read more

Keeps Clutter at Bay with a Mini Recycling Center

Whether you are in your home or place of business, you are generating trash on a regular basis. With so much of our waste going into landfills, it’s a great idea to recycle whatever you can. While most people view it as a chore, you can make the process easier and encourage it to become a habit among your family, friends and co-workers. Setting up a mini recycling facility in your home or office will make everyone aware of just how much they throw away that can actually be kept out of landfills and repurposed.

Materials That Can Be Recycled

Each area has different rules and regulations about what can be recycled. In some areas, municipalities provide receptacles and will come pick up your recycling, and some areas, you have to do it yourself. Either way, most places will accept the following:

• Glass
• Plastics
• Metals
• Paper

Some recyclers will pay for plastics, but almost all will pay for glass and metal.

Collecting Your Recyclables

You should make this as easy and convenient as possible to encourage use. Put the area in a place where people go to throw out other garbage on a regular basis or somewhere central but discreet that they pass by often. Above all, make sure the containers themselves are not cumbersome to use or move.

• Use containers with very wide openings.
• If containers have lids, it’s better if they are hinged.
• Receptacles with wheels make them easy to move and unload.
• Stackable containers will save space.
• Make the area a clean and organized and provide space for people to put things down.

Keeping an area set aside for recycling is good for the environment and will keep clutter from piling up at your home or office.

For more information on recycling in Santa Clara, please visit this website.