Recycling beyond curbside

Thanks to Nancy for all her great information about innovative recycling opportunities around the metro and online. It may be a bit more work than just sorting for curbside pick-up, but think of what is being kept out of the landfills or incinerators! Also, the existence of these programs prove that so much more can actually be recycled than is currently collected...so let's press our municipality to start up collecting some of these materials as well!

• mattresses: Hennepin Co. Recycling Center and Transfer Station, 8100 Jefferson Hwy., Brooklyn Park
• christmas lights: holidayleds.com or Home Depot (check w/ the store; may be seasonal or one-time)
• packing peanuts: reusable at any UPS store
• plastic bags: It's In the Bag program, available at most grocery stores. Many more kinds are recyclable than just grocery and newspaper bags. must be free of all food, clean and dry. remove "zippers."
  
• CDs: recyclable through greendisk.com. Off-site: Lifecyclers Inc. and John’s Twin Ports Recycling, both in Duluth. More info available here.
  
• CD and DVD cases: recyclable them through Greendisk.com or give them away via Craigslist or twincitiesfreemarket.org
• plastic containers: recyclable at Eastside Food Coop and the Coon Rapids Recycling Center. Eastside Food Co-op (2551 Central Ave NE, Mpls) accepts #1, #2, #4, #5, #6 (no foam). Full details available here. The Coon Rapids Recycling Center accepts plastics marked #1-6 (plus styrofoam). Full details available here. Preserve's "Gimme 5" program accepts #5 plastics. Click here for a previous blog post on Gimme 5.
  
• milk cartons, juice boxes, soy milk, soup, broth boxes: recyclable in St. Louis Park, St. Paul, Roseville, Maplewood and Lauderdale's municipal recycling programs (managed by Eureka Recycling). They look waxy but actually are 70-85% paper, which is separated from the plastic coating in a pulping process.
  
• Styrofoam blocks: Coon Rapids Recycling Center (1831 111th Avenue NW (one block east of Hanson), Coon Rapids)
• incandescent light bulb, compact fluorescent light bulb : recyclable at Ikea
• cassette tape, zip disc and other electronics: recyclable through Greendisk.com.
• worn-out blue jeans: Lands End collected them to be made into insulation for habitat for humanity.
• plastic garden pots: accepted at garden centers metro-wide. More info here. And check with your garden center if it isn't listed!
  
• plastic screw-top bottle caps: Aveda makes them into new shampoo bottles. bring to any Aveda store.
• ink cartridges: many organizations collect them ie. Recycling for Raptors, Minnesota Valley Humane Society, etc. only specific brands and types. Check individual websites for guidelines
  
• eyeglasses: Edina Eye Clinic collects for the Lions Clubs. Check with other eye clinics as well.
  
• old shoes: recycle at REI

Get money for your charitable organization for recycling drink pouches, candy wrappers, cookies wrappers, flavia freshpacks, frito lay chip bags, kashi packaging, energy bar wrappers, toasted chips, bear naked bags and wrappers, cell phones, corks, yogurt containers. 2-5 cents per piece.http://www.terracycle.net/ they send you pre-paid envelopes and boxes.

Check here for even more information on recycling more obscure materials!

For me personally, the most exciting opporunity is the ability to recycle plastics taht aren't collected curbside! The Eastside Food Co-op and Coon Rapids Recyling Center accept plastics marked #1-6. It's a bit of a haul, but super-recycler Nancy has offered to accept your plastics at her house and transport it to one of these other great programs! If you are interested, please email me and I will let you know her address (b/c I am NOT posting it directly on the blog). Please SORT your plastics before dropping them at Nancy's.

Greening Your National Night Out

Here are some of the ideas discussed at last night's EcoParents meeting. Click here for a PDF file with these ideas, if you want to email it to your block captain. Also, there are leftover compostable utensils. If you are interested in sets for your block party FOR FREE, email me (ecoparents@lindenhills.org) and I'll put some on my front porch for you to pick up before National Night Out! (but you have to contact me first!)

1. Encourage attendees to bring their own reusable plates and flatware, and cloth napkins. OR, provide compostable plates & flatware for attendees (available at Linden Hills Co-op, Twin Cities Green, Whole Foods, and Litin Paper). Avoid disposable plastic plates, plastic cups, and plastic utensils!
2. Provide well-marked containers for recyclable materials (e.g., cans, bottles). Consider providing separate containers for the different types of recyclable materials (i.e., glass, plastic, metal). Place all disposal containers in one common location. Consider posting a knowledgeable person by the ‘disposal station’ to help direct people as to what goes where, to prevent contamination.
3. Provide a well-marked container for collection of compostable materials (e.g., food scraps, non-recyclable paper, pizza boxes, etc…). If you live in Linden Hills, or somewhere else where organics are collected curbside, simply provide a container lined with a compostable bag for compostable materials and have a volunteer take the organics home to their compost cart. If you live in a Minneapolis neighborhood where organic materials are not collected curbside, you may rent a compost cart from the city of Minneapolis for $20 for an event. Or, collect only non-animal product food scraps which are appropriate for a backyard compost bin.
4. Avoid juice boxes and plastic cups! Instead, bring compostable cups (e.g., paper or wax-covered, not plastic) and a pitcher/cooler of juice and/or water. Or, even better, encourage attendees to bring their own water bottles or reusable cups. If possible, avoid bottled water.
5. Encourage attendees to bring items in reusable or recyclable containers, including recyclable cans and bottles, and reusable serving pieces. Avoid plastic wrap. Use containers with their own lids instead.
6. Encourage attendees to consider packaging when purchasing and preparing for their block party contribution.
7. Encourage attendees to focus on local, seasonal, minimally processed foods, due to the overall environmental impact of processing and transportation of foods.
8. Avoid individual serving-sizes and single use items.
9. Avoid plastic tablecloths. Instead, use cloth tablecloths or avoid tablecloths altogether!
10. If you have games and/or prizes at your block party, avoid ‘cheap’ prizes that are likely to end up as trash. Pay attention to the packaging of prizes. Avoid plastic wrapped candy and toys, and make sure that all toys are free of phtalates and BPA. (www.healthytoys.com, www.healthylegacy.com, www.BPA.zrecs.com)

If your block party implements these or other 'green' ideas, email me so that we can post your experiences and successes on the blog!!

EcoParents Rebate Program - Deadline extended

If you haven't yet applied for the EcoParents Rebate Program, you're in luck...the deadline has been extended to July 30, 2009! Click here for the rebate form, with all the details.

To assist EcoParent participants in implementing action steps to reduce waste and/or toxicity in their homes, Linden Hills EcoParents is offering a rebate program.

• The rebate is good for a percentage of the purchase price of item(s) that assist in the implementation of action steps related to waste and/or toxicity reduction, up to a maximum of $30. For items purchased from a Linden Hills retailer, the rebate is good for 50% of the pre-tax purchase price. For items purchased from a non-Linden Hills retailer, the rebate is good for 30% of the pre-tax purchase price
• “Linden Hills Retailers” are defined as those located within the boundaries of Linden Hills as well as those in the Morningside Business Association.
• Purchases from home-based businesses are acceptable, provided a receipt is issued.
• The rebate is available only to active participants in the Linden Hills EcoParents program. “Active” participation is defined as having attended at least two (2) EcoParents meetings and/or events.
• The rebate may be combined with other discounts or specials, as offered at individual retailers.
• Each participant may request an EcoParent rebate only ONE time between November 17, 2008 and July 30, 2009. No rebate requests will be accepted after July 30, 2009. A maximum of two rebate requests per household will be accepted, but only if there is more than one active adult participant from a single household.
• Item(s) purchased before November 17, 2008 are not eligible for a rebate.
• Clothing is not an eligible item.
• Contact Keiko Veasey at ecoparents@lindenhills.org with any questions about the EcoParents Rebate Program.
• To request a rebate, please complete fully the form and return with original receipts attached to EcoParents Rebate Program, c/o Keiko Veasey 4436 Abbott Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55410 or bring to any EcoParents event.
• Please allow up to 8 weeks for processing of any rebate request.

EcoParents Mtg: July 28 - How to get rid of it!

Mark your calendars...the next EcoParents meeting date is set (tentatively)!

Ever wonder what you're 'supposed' to do with a particular material? Batteries? Paint? Lightbulbs? Leftover medicine? Come learn about online resources to get your answers...and hopefully ask a resource person directly as well! Also, learn about disposal alternatives.

Linden Hills EcoParents: How to get rid of it! & Greening your NNO Party!
Tuesday, July 28 (tentative)
Linden Hills Park Building (43rd & Xerxes Ave S)
6:30-8:30 pm


PLUS - GREENING YOUR NATIONAL NIGHT OUT BLOCK PARTY! National Night Out is Tuesday, August 4 (one week after the EcoParents meeting). In additional to the above info, we'll be talking about what we can each do with our own (or neighboring) block parties. Come to get easy ideas and free stuff to help green your own block party!

Rain Barrel Sale

Not that's there's been any rain, but...

The Recycling Association of Minnesota is sponsoring a rain barrel sale. Pre-orders only. Orders are being accepted now until July 27, 2009 online only.

The rain barrels being offered are 32 "x 24" with a capacity of 54 gallons. (Click here for specification sheet.) The regular price is $115, but they are on sale during this special event for just $65!

Pre-ordered rain barrels will be available for pick-up at Minnetonka Public Works Facility (11522 Minnetonka Blvd, Minnetonka) for two days on August 14-15 only.

Minnehaha Creek Clean-Up Event - July 12

Citizens for the Minnehaha Creek Corridor (CMCC) is co-hosting a clean up event this Sunday, July 12th. There will be gloves and trash bags provided, as well as free food and beer. Click here for event details.

The CMCC is a very young group and is always looking for more people who want to participate. Their goal is to help protect the creek and to educate others through a variety of activities.

You can learn more about CMSS on their website or the Facebook page. If you have any questions, you may also email Jennifer.

Source Separated Organics - Curbside Collection!

If you live in Linden Hills and are not yet participating in the pilot project to collect source separated organic materials at your own curbside (what could be easier?), it's not too late to sign up!

Just in case you missed the update received in the mail from the city, here are the current statistics on participation in the pilot:

• 41% of eligible households are participating in the project (a total of 1,054 households)
• An average of 432 pounds per house per month are collected! (wow...that's a lot!)
• Weekly participation (of those with green organics carts) averages at 62%

ONLY 41% OF ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS ARE PARTICIPATING THOUGH??? Seriously? I'm sure all you fabulous EcoParents in Linden Hills are participating, but let's each make an effort to find a couple of neighbors or friends who are not currently signed up and get them signed up!! If just 30 of us each got 2 new households to sign-up, then we could help divert an additional 311,000 pounds of waste from the 'trash' stream and into fabulous compost!!

To sign up, or for more information, contact Susan Young at the City of Minneapolis via email or telephone(612.673.2917 or 311), or check out the webpage for Linden Hills Power & Light. For FAQs about the pilot project, click here.

2009 Sunscreen Guide from Environmental Working Group

The Environmental Working Group recently published their 2009 Sunscreen Guide. They found that, 3 of 5 brand-name sunscreens either don’t protect skin from sun damage or contain hazardous chemicals — or both!!

Despite their sobering findings, the EWG study did find that 19% fewer sunscreens contain oxybenzone, a hormone disruptor approved by FDA as an active ingredient in sunscreen...and which we learned at the last EcoParents meeting to avoid!

They also published the EWG Shopper's Guide to Safer Sunscreens, which recommends the following sun protection products:

• California Baby - any sunscreen
• Mustela - “Sun Cream” or “Sun Lotion, Bebe”
• Mission Skincare - “Face Stick”
• Neutrogena - “Pure & Free” or “Sensitive Skin”
• Blue Lizard - “Face”, “Baby”, or “Sensitive”
• Jason Natural or Earth’s Best - “Mineral Based”
• Solar Sense - “Clear Zinc Sport Stick”
• CVS - “Sport Sunstick”
• Coppertone Water BABIES - “Pure & Simple”

They also offer the following tips for making decisions about sunscreen purchases:

BUY

• SPF 30 or higher for best protection.
• At least 7% zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for broad spectrum protection.

AVOID

• Oxybenzone or benzophenone-3: skin absorption, allergies, hormone problems
• Spray and powder sunscreens: inhaling sunscreens can pose extra risks
• Fragrance: allergies, reproductive problems
• Sunscreen with added bug repellent: you can get too much of the pesticide in your body

Thanks to EcoParent Jennifer for passing along this link!

Garden Center Plastic Pots

I realize that it's probably a bit late in the season for a post about planting, but I'm a bit slow when it comes to anything remotely related to the garden.

Did you know that many garden centers will accept the plastic pots you purchase most plants in? They will either reuse or recycle those plastic pots, which are NOT currently accepted in Mpls recycling program.

I know that Linden Hill's own Sunnyside Gardens will accept all plastic pots, and I believe that Bachman's has specific collection days. Call and check though...

Nice to know that they don't have to go in the trash though, eh?

Safe Personal Care Mtg Highlights

Here are some of the highlights from last night's EcoParents meeting with Jesse Avery, wellness coordinator for National Cooperative Grocers Assoc:

Regulation of personal care products falls between regulatory schemes b/c they aren't really food (USDA) nor are they drugs (FDA). So, most 'standards' are developed by the industry...which results in much confusion! But, there are 2 emerging standards: NSF "Made with Organic" and NPA "Certified Natural"

Major Chemicals to Avoid in Body Care Products include:

• Nitrosamines: carcinogens created as by-product of combinations of ethanloamines. Look for diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine (TEA) in the ingredients list
• Lead: found in some lipsticks, source is unknown, but probably a by-product of colorants.
• Parabens: preservative linked to cancer, hormone disruption, immune and reproductive toxicity, and more. Look for methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben on ingredient list.
• Phthalates: not usually listed as ingredient, but found in synthetic fragrances. Look for 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on ingredient list. Banned in the EU.
• Hydroquinone: used as a skin lightener in anti-aging products, but linked to cancer, immune & reproductive toxicity Banned in the EU.
• 1,4-dioxane: not listed as an ingredient b/c it's a chemical by-product, but very common in products that produce suds. Potent carcinogen, reproductive toxcicant, neurotoxin, respiratory toxicant, and environmental pollutant. Look for chemicals with the words myreth, oleth, laureth, ceteareth, PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, or oxynol.
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: a very drying irritant detergent
  
• Oxybenzone: chemical sunscreen, carcinogen, hormone disrupter
  
• BHA: masking ingredient typically found in cosmetics, banned in the EU, immune system toxicant, carcinogen, liver toxin, neurotoxin.
  

So, what to do?? Some great alternatives to look for:

• Jojoba Oil
• Rose Hip Seed Oil
• Castille Soap
• Shea Butter
• Beeswax
• Pure Essential Oils
• Aloe Vera Gel
• Mineral sunscreeens
  

There was just so much more information than be captured in a short post, but hopefully with this (and the online resources) will help us more more informed choices for our families.

Online resources for safe personal care products

Thanks to Jesse Avery for a very informative EcoParents meeting last night! We certainly learned a lot about personal care products, so that we can make more informed choices for our families. Whew...it was a lot of info though! Here are a few of the online resources he shared with us to help us keep on top of this important issue.

• Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Database
• Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
• Aubrey Organics Dictionary of Natural Cosmetics
• Organic Consumers Association - Coming Cleam campaign for organic integrity in skin care products

Stay tuned for a brief summary of some of Jesse's recommendations about what to avoid in personal care products, and safe alternatives...

And a HUGE THANK YOU to the Linden Hills Co-op for their generous donation of samples and gifts, as well as their assistance in finding our speaker!