| LII.org (Home) | About LII IPL.org Suggest a Site Subscribe to New This Week Contact |
|
|
 |
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|
|||
Garbage, Recycling, & Reuse
 Websites presented in alphabetical order The Best of Care2: Holiday Decorating and Entertaining 
 "Dozens of great holiday ideas ... to help us wrap, decorate, entertain, celebrate, and contact and give gifts to friends and family" in an environmentally friendly manner during the winter holidays. Provides decorating suggestions for mantles, tables, and tree trimmings. Projects include snowflakes made from recycled paper, pinecone placeholders, edible centerpieces, an eco-friendly dreidel, and a Kwanzaa candleholder. Also includes links to decorating ideas for other holidays. A website "for people who Care2 make a difference." http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-best-of-care2-holiday-decorating.html Topics: Christmas, Environment, Holidays & Observances, Holidays and Observances Individually Last updated Jun 6, 2007 Bring Your Own Bag
Website for a campaign to remind people to bring "your own bags every time you go to the store. It's one simple way to go green in your daily life." Includes some statistics about paper and plastic bags, a list of bagging solutions from around the world, tips to remember your bags (such as keeping them by your door), and links to related sites. From the San Francisco Bay Area Recycling Outreach Coalition. http://igotmybag.org/ Topics: Environment Last updated Apr 14, 2008 Building With Books
This site offers an alternative for disposing of undesirable books: build them into furniture. The site documents the exhibition of lamps, umbrella stands, picture frames, and related objects, along with "photographs of the process, [and] publicity posters." The project was the result of a classroom and library collaboration at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). http://courses.csail.mit.edu/iap/bookbuild/art.html Topics: Crafts, Environment, Home & Housing, Librarianship, Printing, Publishing, and Book Arts, Technology Last updated Jul 11, 2007 CollectiveGood Mobile Phone Recycling
"If you have a spare mobile phone sitting on a shelf or in a drawer, you can recycle it here in an environmentally and socially responsible manner." CollectiveGood is a commercial enterprise that remanufactures or recycles donated cell phones. The site includes a list of affiliated charities. The donations may be tax deductible. http://www.collectivegood.com/ Topics: Charity & Nonprofit Resources, Environment, Technology Last updated Nov 14, 2002 Common Wastes & Materials: Scrap Tires
Collection of resources about waste management and recycling of scrap tires in the U.S. Features background information, statistics, a FAQ, information about scrap tire markets (such as tire-derived fuel, civil engineering applications, and rubberized asphalt), laws and statutes, regional resources, a page on tire fires, publications, and related links. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/tires/index.htm Topics: Automobiles, Environment Last updated Nov 1, 2008 Computer Recycling: Educational Resources
This site was created "to assist you in locating information or contacts needed to reduce the amount of electronic equipment going to landfills." Includes links to sites for recycling computers, monitors, floppy disks, parts, components, peripherals, and more. A few broken links. http://www.ce.cmu.edu/GreenDesign/comprec/resources.html Topics: Computers, Computers, Environment, Technology Last updated Dec 21, 2001 Deck the Halls With Less Waste This Year!
This collection of holiday waste reduction tip sheets features ideas for no-waste gift-giving and gift-wrapping, reducing waste when opening gifts, and options for recycling Christmas trees. From the California Integrated Waste Management Board. http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/PublicEd/Holidays/ Topics: Christmas, Crafts, Environment, Holidays & Observances, Holidays and Observances Individually, Judaism, Technology Last updated Nov 2, 2004 Earth 911
Contains community-specific environmental information. Topics include reuse, recycling, hazardous waste disposal, composting, local agencies, environmental groups, state and local programs, and more. Includes a glossary and "green" shopping tips. http://earth911.com/ Topics: Environment, Technology Last updated Dec 21, 2008 FamilyFun: Have a Happy Green Holiday
Collection of children's craft activities for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve that "give a gift to Mother Earth ... [by turning] holiday and household surplus into festive decorations and eco-friendly packaging." Includes instructions for a bubble packaging advent calendar, new uses for old greeting cards, fabric wrapping (inspired by Japanese furoshiki), and more. From FamilyFun magazine. http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/have-a-happy-green-holiday-710551/ Topics: Environment, Holidays & Observances Last updated Oct 29, 2009 Freecycle
"The Freecycle Network is made up of many individual groups across the globe. It's a grassroots movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. ... Membership is free." Members of Freecycle receive and may post email messages about free items. The site includes a FAQ and information for becoming a member and starting a new group. http://www.freecycle.org Topics: Activism, Environment, Finance, Internet, Technology Last updated Jun 6, 2005 Garbage: How Can My Community Reduce Waste?
An introduction to the problem of global waste management, with some possible solutions. Topics include solid waste, sewage, hazardous waste, and sustainable living. Offers annotated links to sites for further reading. http://www.learner.org/interactives/garbage/intro.html Topics: Environment, Technology Last updated May 5, 2008 Gift Wrapping Alternatives
Features ideas for gift-wrap made from calendars, children's artwork, old maps, and other materials. Also includes instructions for making fabric gift bags and trimming gifts with natural materials such as evergreen branches. http://eartheasy.com/gift_wrapping.htm Topics: Christmas, Crafts, Environment, Holidays and Observances Individually, Judaism, Technology Last updated Nov 2, 2004 Green Holiday Tips From the Sierra Club
Suggestions for making the winter holidays more eco-friendly. Ideas include recycling old cell phones, making your own wrapping paper, buying energy-saving LED lights, getting a pesticide-free tree, and donating your time or money to an environmental group. Also includes a link to a "holiday survival guide," which provides material about environmental issues for dinner table discussion. From the Sierra Club. http://www.sierraclub.org/holidays/ Topics: Environment, Holidays & Observances Last updated Nov 21, 2007 How to Recycle Anything
An A-Z guide about how and where to recycle household items. Covers items such as aerosol cans, batteries, books, cell phones, computers, crayons, formal wear, jam jars, keys, office envelopes, tires, toothpaste tubes, and zippered plastic bags. Also describes some items that are not recyclable such as fake plastic credit cards and juice bags. Includes related links. From RealSimple magazine. http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/tips-techniques/recycle-anything-00000000006117/ Topics: Environment Last updated Mar 30, 2009 The Imagination Factory
Devoted to teaching children and their caregivers "creative ways to recycle by making art," The Imagination Factory contains activities for drawing, painting, sculpture, fiber arts, collage, crafts, marbling, printmaking, and holidays; the Trash Matcher , a list of waste materials (aluminum cans, cardboard tubes, egg cartons, rubber bands, etc.) matched to art projects; and links. http://www.kid-at-art.com/ Topics: Environment, Holidays & Observances, Senior Health, Technology Last updated Nov 22, 2002 National Recycling Coalition: America Recycles Day (ARD)
"America Recycles Day (ARD), November 15, is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products." The site features information and tips about recycling (such as on the benefits, how it works, and interesting end products), list of events throughout the country, links to news stories, and a recycling pledge. From the National Recycling Coalition. http://www.nrc-recycle.org/americarecycles.aspx Topics: Environment Last updated Oct 28, 2008 One Person's Garbage ... Another Person's Treasure: Dumpster Diving, Freeganism, and Anarchy
This 2005 essay provides an introduction to the "anarchist political" aspects of the practice of dumpster diving, the act of searching through trash to find usable items. Includes a short bibliography with links to related sites. From Verb, an interdisciplinary journal published and sponsored by the Humanities Center at Lehigh University. http://verb.lib.lehigh.edu/index.php/verb/article/view/19/18 Topics: Activism, Environment Last updated May 16, 2007 Organic Materials Management: Home Gardening
This site provides ideas for reducing gardening waste. Topics covered include grasscycling (leaving clippings on the lawn when mowing), xeriscaping ("landscaping with slow-growing, drought tolerant plants to conserve water and reduce yard trimmings"), composting, erosion control, and purchasing recycled gardening and landscaping products. From the California Integrated Waste Management Board. http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Organics/Gardening/ Topics: Environment, Gardening, Plants, Plants by Name, Technology Last updated Mar 8, 2005 Pack the 3R's While on Holiday Travel
This page suggests ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle during the holiday season, such as using electronic airline ticketing and hotel checkout systems, asking about alternative fuel when renting a car, and letting a hotel know it is not necessary to change sheets and towels every day. Also includes general holiday waste reduction tips, particularly for cooking and entertaining. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/osw/inforesources/news/2007news/12-pack.htm Topics: Christmas, Environment Last updated Nov 4, 2008 Plastic Loose Fill Council (PLFC)
This organization was founded "to develop, promote and implement the original use and subsequent recovery, reuse and recycling of polystyrene loose fill, commonly known as 'packing peanuts.'" The site features a database of collection centers in the U.S., the phone number of a packing peanut hot line, and answers to environmental questions about reuse of plastic loose fill. http://www.loosefillpackaging.com Topics: Environment, Technology Last updated Feb 6, 2006 Plug Into eCycling: Recycle Your Cell Phone
Background and details about this U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiative, launched in early 2008, to encourage cell phone recycling. "[D]espite the large number of programs, most consumers still do not know where or how they can recycle their cell phones. Consequently, less than 20 percent of unwanted cell phones are recycled each year." Includes a fact sheet and podcast, places to drop off and mail in cell phones, and related material. From the EPA. http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/partnerships/plugin/cellphone/ Topics: Environment, Technology Last updated Dec 6, 2008 Product Stewardship: Packaging
Initiatives, legislation, and other resources on sustainable packaging and packaging waste reduction. Includes publications and websites about programs (in the U.S. and other countries) involving product design, recycling and reuse, and toxics reduction. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/partnerships/stewardship/ Topics: Environment, Industries Last updated Dec 6, 2008 ReadyMade
This site is a companion to "a bimonthly print publication for people who like to make stuff." Taking inspiration from Dada artist Marcel Duchamp, these people like to "make stuff" from found objects. The site features articles (such as instructions for making bowls from old LPs and building a sod couch), an eclectic set of links, and discussion forums. http://readymade.com/ Topics: Crafts, Environment, Magazines, Technology Last updated Aug 10, 2009 ReCork America
Website for a program to recycle natural wine corks, which when recycled "can become flooring tiles, building insulation, automotive gaskets, craft materials, soil conditioner and sports equipment." Includes a list of private collection locations in California and Oregon and a FAQ about the program. From an alliance of concerned businesses, individuals, and ecological organizations. http://www.recorkamerica.com/ Topics: Environment, Wine Last updated Dec 1, 2008 Recycled Tissue and Toilet Paper Guide
Printable, pocket-sized guide to toilet paper and bathroom tissues that have partial or total recycled content and are bleached without toxic chlorine compounds. "Recycled tissue products help protect ancient forests, clean water, and wildlife habitats." Greenpeace "also recommends using reusable cloth hankies instead of facial tissues as using handkerchiefs further reduces our impact on ancient forests." From Greenpeace. http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/campaigns/forests/tissueguide Topics: Consumer Research & Advocacy, Environment Last updated Mar 2, 2009 Recycler's World: Computer & Telecommunications Recycling Section
A good selection of links "along with a list of companies, associations and publications related to the Computer & Telecommunications Recycling industry in general." http://www.recycle.net/recycle/computer/ Topics: Environment, Technology Last updated Dec 21, 2001 The Recycling Bin #2: TV Antennas
This short article describes how to recycle rather than throw away obsolete television antennas. Includes information about how to determine which metals make up the antenna and how to separate aluminum from other parts. Article notes that safety goggles should be worn. From GroundReport.com, "a global news platform that enables reporters around the world to publish videos and articles and earn money based on traffic." http://www.groundreport.com/US/The-Recycling-Bin-2-TV-Antennas Topics: Environment, Television Last updated Dec 1, 2008 Recycling for Charities (RFC)
This nonprofit organization collects old wireless electronic devices (cell phones, PDAs, digital cameras) and ink and toner cartridges for proper disposal. "For every charity phone donation you provide, ... [RFC] donate[s] one dollar to the foundation or cause you select." Includes an overview of activities and a list of dozens of participating charities. http://www.recyclingforcharities.com Topics: Charity & Nonprofit Resources, Environment, Technology Last updated Jul 17, 2006 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Explains the necessity of recycling and explains how to do it, including how to recycle electronics, grass clippings, oil, and batteries. Also has details on materials and waste exchanges and waste minimization. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Solid Waste. http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/index.htm Topics: Environment, Technology Last updated Nov 3, 2008 Reduce.org
This site provides suggestions for reducing personal production of waste materials. "When you avoid making garbage in the first place, you don't have to worry about disposing of waste or recycling it later. Changing your habits is the key." Topics include office paper, composting, purchasing decisions, junk mail, transportation, holiday activities, and more. From the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. http://www.reduce.org Topics: Environment Last updated Apr 16, 2007 Resin Identification Codes: Plastic Recycling Codes
This chart lists the recycling codes (1-7) found on plastics, with descriptions, and information about properties, packaging applications, and recycled products. Includes information for polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), vinyl (polyvinyl chloride or PVC), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). From the American Plastics Council, an industry group. http://www.americanchemistry.com/s_plastics/ Topics: Environment, Technology Last updated Feb 1, 2007 Share the Technology
A database "to help computer equipment donors connect with nonprofit organizations and individuals with disabilities seeking donations." Locate organizations in your area needing equipment, or list equipment you are willing to donate. Also provides information on how to recycle ink-jet and laser cartridges. http://sharetechnology.org/ Topics: Computers, Computers, Environment, Technology Last updated Aug 27, 2006 The Story of Stuff With Annie Leonard
"From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. 'The Story of Stuff' is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled [video] look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns." Includes full movie, fact sheet, annotated script, reading list, and foreign-language subtitled versions. Sponsored by the Tides Foundation and Funders Workgroup for Sustainable Production and Consumption. http://storyofstuff.com/ Topics: Environment Last updated Apr 23, 2009 Take Back My TV
Website for a campaign promoting responsible recycling of televisions, which may be necessary for those discarding older analog TVs after the 2009 conversion to digital television. Site presents a recycling report card for 17 TV manufacturers and retailers, material about the digital TV conversion and potential e-waste, and details about why electronics recycling is important to the environment. From the Electronics TakeBack Coalition. http://www.takebackmytv.com/ Topics: Environment, Television Last updated Feb 14, 2009 The ULS Report
Collection of material about packaging and the environment. Features 2007 reviews of research comparing the environmental impact of milk containers and analysis of life-cycle data for paper and plastic grocery bags, and suggestions of "42 Ways to Trim Your Holiday Wasteline," about reducing waste and preventing pollution during the holidays. Also includes back issues of the ULS (Use Less Stuff) Report from 1994-2000. From an author who wrote a book on the subject. http://use-less-stuff.com/ Topics: Environment, Industries Last updated Jan 2, 2008 Washington State Department of Ecology Kids Page
"This interactive Web site is designed to teach [children] about the importance of waste reduction, recycling, and solid waste management (or how we take care of our garbage)." Includes trivia, games, puzzles, a coloring book, composting instructions, and informaton about recycling aluminum, tin, glass, paper, and plastics. http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/kidspage/ Topics: Education, Environment, Internet Guides & Search Tools, Mysteries and More, Technology Last updated Jun 24, 2004 Wastes: Back-to-School
List of tips for reducing waste at school. Includes ideas for school supplies, lunches, transportation, and decorations for special events. From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). http://www.epa.gov/osw/wycd/funfacts/school3.htm Topics: Education, Environment, Technology Last updated Sep 7, 2008 WoodWise
Resources on engaging in "economic action to end deforestation." A consumer guide features ideas for responsible use of forest products, such as reducing paper product consumption, finding sustainable wood products, and buying recycled wood items. Also includes information about a campaign to encourage magazines to use post-consumer recycled paper. From Co-op America. http://www.greenamericatoday.org/programs/woodwise/ Topics: Agriculture, Environment, Plants, Technology Last updated Sep 28, 2009 |
|||
| Copyright © 2009, Librarians' Internet Index, LII. All rights reserved. Financial support for LII (Librarians' Internet Index) comes from the The iSchool at Drexel, College of Information Science and Technology and the IPL Consortium. LII is hosted by The iSchool at Drexel, College of Information Science and Technology. |