Eco Green Tips

You have probably wondered many a time what these mysterious symbols on the bottom (or some other place) of a plastic containers mean. Is it simply for recycling purposes or does it also signify something related to one’s health? Which plastic is recyclable and which is not so readily accepted at your curbside recycling program? And can you recycle every type of plastic to begin with?

Here is the break-down of the most common recycling symbols found on plastics:

# 1 PET or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)—mostly utilized in single use bottles and containers because it’s easy to recycle and inexpensive to produce. It’s found in water and soft drink bottles, mouthwash bottles, oil and salad dressing containers, peanut butter containers and some food trays. This type of plastic is always recyclable and is recycled into polar fleece, furniture, fabric, tote bags, carpet paneling and sometimes into other plastic containers.

# 2 HDPE (high density polyethylene)—most adaptable and therefore used in a variety of products, such as mils jugs, juice bottles, bleach, detergent and other cleaner containers, shampoo bottles, yoghurt and butter tubs, motor oil containers, some trash and shopping bags and cereal box liners. This type of plastic is easily recyclable and is recycled into other plastic containers, e.g. laundry detergent and oil bottles, pens, floor tile, recycling containers, pipes, benches, fencing, picnic tables etc.

# 3 PVC (polyvinyl chlorine)—durable and withstands harsh conditions so it’s used in products such as piping, siding, clear food packaging, wire jacketing, medical equipment, windows, etc. It isn’t easy to recycle but when recycled it makes paneling, decks, speed bumps, mud flaps, roadway gutters, mats, flooring, cables, etc. PVC contains chlorine so its production releases dioxins, which are known human carcinogens.

#4 LDPE (low density polyethylene)—found in squeezable bottles, frozen food bags, dry cleaning and shopping bags, clothing, furniture and carpets. It isn’t commonly received at your curb recycling programs but more communities begin to accept it. It is normally recycled into trash can liners, paneling, shipping envelopes, compost bins, floor tiles etc.

# 5 PP (polypropylene)—has a high melting point so it is present in containers used for hot liquids. It’s found in some yoghurt containers, ketchup and syrup bottles, medicine bottles, caps and straws. It is becoming increasingly acceptable at your local recycling programs and is recycled into products such as signal lights, battery cables, brooms, brushes, auto battery cases, ice scrapers, landscape borders, bicycle racks, rakes, bins, pallets and trays.

# 6 PS (polystyrene)—made into rigid or foam items (Styrofoam) and known for leeching toxins into food or liquids. It is also difficult to recycle therefore not many places will accept it, although that is slowly changing. When recycled it is made into egg cartons, vents, rulers, foam packaging, insulation, light switch plates and carry-out containers. 

# 7 Plastics—a number of various plastic resins that don’t fit in any of the previous categories are all put into # 7. Some of them include plastics containing the known hormone disruptor and human carcinogen BPA. This type of plastic is found in 3- and 5-gallon water bottles, sunglasses, beverage mugs, DVDs, iPod and computer cases, signs and displays, nylon and certain food containers. These plastics have not been recycled until recently and are made into custom-made products and plastic lumber.

photo credit: ground.zero

Recent reports state that the coral reefs off the southeast coast of Taiwan have turned black with disease threatening already fragile sea eco-systems as well as Taiwan’s growing tourists industry.

A possible cause for the occurrence could be untreated sewage. Garbage and excrement are dumped into the waters on Green Island, one of the places where the coal turned black.

Studies performed by Taiwan’s scientists have shown that coral is significantly contaminated in waters up to 5 meters (16.4 feet) deep and 300 meters offshore the remote islands. This poses a serious problem not only for the tourism industry (not many will like to see a black coral reef) but also for the environment.

Coral reefs are fragile as well as beautiful structures under the sea created by polyps (tiny animals), which are extremely important as nurseries and refuge for many small fish and other sea creatures. In addition, the reefs protect the coastlines from erosion, supply millions of people with a significant source of food as well as potential resources for medicine.

The reports were sent to the Taiwan government and the scientists are planning to check other offshore areas supporting coral for any problems or signs of disease.

photo credit: andre.tomasi

The one thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Valentine ’s Day are flowers, especially red roses. About 200 million roses that are sold in the US are grown in Central and Latin America, where they are treated with toxic pesticides.

So what can you do to make a better choice when shopping for a bouquet of red roses for your better-half? Firstly, buy locally, which will ensure that the product is at least slightly more eco-friendly (limits the transportation issues) and supports your local communities. Secondly, go for more environmentally conscious flowers.

Below, you will find a list of certifications and labels to look for when shopping for roses (or flowers in general):

VeriFlora Certified—requires farmers to use the least amount of chemicals and the most organic methods and practices possible. They also require that farming would enhance biodiversity by, for instance, using native cover plants. VeriFlora certification is distributed by an independent and trustworthy institution called Scientific Certification Systems.

Fair Trade Certified—this type of certification stresses workers rights. It makes sure that farmers and workers are paid a fair wage and that at least 10% of the profits are put back into the community. The certification also trains growers in safe handling of agrochemicals and introduces them to organic farming practices, thus significantly reducing the need for use of hazardous chemicals.

Certified Organic—this certification ensures that flowers are grown without the use of synthetic, petroleum-based pesticides and fertilizers and it is more likely that the farmers will be US-based rather than coming from South America, which cuts on carbon emissions.

       
photo credit: garryknight

If you’re one of the millions of people celebrating this day with many gifts that include chocolates, flowers and champagne, you may want to re-think the old-fashioned ways and swap them for the more eco-friendly ones. There are many choices available for the environmentally conscious Valentine gifts and celebrations.

Here are some tips for making this year’s Valentine even more special by making it a bit greener:

Jewelry—go for vintage, which not only will ensure that you’re gift will be unique, it will also make it the greenest choice. If, however, you’re special someone does not quite like the vintage jewelry, make more conscious choice when purchasing new pieces, e.g. conflict-free diamonds and fair-trade gold.

Flowers—most cut flowers are treated with pesticides, so purchase certified ones, e.g. Rainforest Alliance, which certifies that flowers were grown under sustainable conditions; or a potted plant or flower so your loved one may enjoy it longer.

Chocolate—choose organic or fair-trade certified chocolate, which ensures that the cocoa beans were grown on sustainable plantations as opposed to conventional mass-produced chocolate.

Cards—go for cards made of recycled paper or, better yet, skip the paper card altogether and simply send your beau an e-card. Imagine the amount of trees saved.

Dinner—choose a restaurant that uses organic or local food. Or stay at home and make your own meal (together). You can also make this day into an all-out-and-about day and enjoy a picnic, a stroll on the beach, in the woods etc.

Use your creativity and make this day even more special by celebrating not only the love in your life but also Mother Nature by making slightly altered choices and decisions.

photo credit: youngthousands

Are you familiar with the new-shower curtain smell that comes out at you right after opening the package? That oh-so-new smell is actually a toxic fume released from the PVC, which you brand new shower curtain is made of.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is the main ingredient in many plastics, conventional shower curtains included, is also known for releasing toxic fumes because it contains many chemicals, some of which are phthalates. Phthalates are carcinogens as well as known hormone disruptors in humans.

An Environmental Protection Agency released a study, in which they state that PVC in shower curtains can produce air toxins in your home for up to a month after purchasing. A recent study performed on five unopened plastic shower curtains bought from Bed Bath & Beyond, Kmart, Sears, Target and Wal-Mart, which tested their chemical make-up, have found high concentrations of phthalates (which make plastics more pliable). Moreover, the tests found over a hundred VOCs (volatile organic compounds), of which several are listed by the EPA as air pollutants (such as toluene, ethylbenzene, phenol, methyl isobutyl ketone, xylene, acetophenone and cumene).

So what can you do to minimize the harmful effects of the chemicals in plastic? First of all, stay away from products containing PVC and phthalates. Secondly, buy shower curtains and liners made of natural fabrics, such as cotton or bamboo. And thirdly, skip the curtain and install glass door.