Dear Recycle Lady

Dear Recycle Lady,

Last week you requested information on what to do with old Christmas trees. Here’s a suggestion: give them to goats. My goats love them. https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/maryland/want-to-know-how-to-get-rid-of-your-christmas-tree-try-feeding-them-to-the-goats

Love My Goats

Dear Love My Goats,

Great suggestion for anyone with goats! According to the website, goats love pine needles, which are full of nutrients such as antioxidants and minerals. Plus, they are a natural winter dewormer for goats. Trees must be free of tinsel and snow flocking. Readers, any other suggestions for reusing old Christmas trees or wreaths?

Dear Recycle Lady,

I just heard that topping off the gas tank when putting in gas is bad for the environment. How can that be true? I thought added gas meant added mileage.

Doubting Thomas

Dear Doubting Thomas,

Topping of the gas tank is bad for the environment. According to www.automoblog.net/topping-off-learn-why-you-should-never-top-off-your-gas-tank, gasoline fumes are toxic and harmful to breathe. They are also toxic to the ozone layer. When topping off, a spillage of gas is likely that releases air pollutants that are toxic, flammable, and carcinogenic. It also can get gasoline on hands or clothing, which can be harmful to you. Additionally, when you hear the gas pump click indicating the tank is full, some of the gas you pump after that is going into the hose for the next customer, not in your gas tank. Thus, topping off actually costs you money! Plus, topping off your gas tank can evaporate vapors into your vehicle’s vapor recovery system and ruin the engine.

Dear Recycle Lady,

I received a flat FedEx mailing envelope that had an address label on one entire side that was covered with plastic. Does this plastic need to be removed before recycling the mailer with cardboard?

Interested Recycler

Dear Interested Recycler,

Yes, the plastic covering on the mailer should be removed before recycling as plastic coverings (polystyrenes) are a contaminant. Be sure to remove any Styrofoam, plastic bags, or packing material that may have come in the mailer before adding it to the cardboard bin. Tape and staples do not need to be removed.

Dear Readers,

For the last several years, the public has been asked to cut plastic six-pack rings so that animals and birds couldn’t get tangled up in them. Now we need to do the same thing with the strings on face masks. Reports of wildlife and birds getting tangled up in discarded masks are beginning to increase. Please cut the strings on all face masks before properly disposing of them. This small action will prevent injuries to both wildlife and birds.

Have questions about recycling, or interesting information about recycling? Send questions or requests to recyclelady@greenbrier-swa.com.  Dear Recycle Lady is sponsored jointly by the Greenbrier Recycling Center and Greenworks Recycling.