Dear Recycle Lady,
On your Bad News for the Environment note last week you said that an Oceana report estimates that Amazon’s plastic packaging waste in 2021 totaled 354,500 tons. Currently, there is an ongoing petition on Change.org asking Amazon to offer a plastic-free packaging request when orders are placed. This petition is available at www.change.org/p/amazon-com-get-amazon-to-offer-plastic-free-packaging-options.
For Plastic-Free Packaging
Dear For Plastic-Free Packaging,
Thanks for the information about the Change.org petition. We can all make a difference by signing this petition requesting that Amazon offer a plastic-free packaging option. There are several biodegradable and/or recyclable materials available today that are as effective as, and similar in price to, plastic and bubble-wrap. The goal of Change.org is to get one million signatures and 772,370 persons have already signed the petition. I would encourage all readers interested in helping the environment to sign the petition asking Amazon to provide a plastic-free packaging option. It will take only couple minutes as it requires only your first and last name and email address.
Dear Recycle Lady,
I just made my first visit to our county landfill. I noticed that several cells have been covered. Are there any plans for a baseball field, a park or walking trails?
Landfill Visitor
Dear Landfill Visitor,
Visiting the Greenbrier County Landfill is an interesting thing to do. All visitors are welcome and will be given a tour complete with explanations. The landfill was first opened in 1976. It consists of 80 acres of land, which has a life expectancy of approximately 85 years. Currently, there is one cell open, and a new cell is being opened that spans five (5) acres and is 100 feet deep. When opened, this cell will have a life span of approximately 5 years. Additionally, there are one and a half cells that have been capped and cannot be reopened. When all 80 acres of the landfill have been used and all cells have been capped, by law this property must remain unused, but state maintained, for the next 30 years. Consequently, there have been no plans made for the future use of this property!
Dear Recycle Lady,
Does the Endangered Species List really make a difference in the comeback of an endangered species or does the species listed become extinct?
Concerned
Dear Concerned,
Yes, the Endangered Species List does make a difference. In 1978, the American Bald Eagle, our national bird, was placed on the Endangered Species list. Loss of habitat, hunting and the toxicity of DDT had reduced the Bald Eagle population down to some 800 birds by the 1950’s and 1960’s. In 2007, after 35 years of protection, the Bald Eagle was removed from the Endangered Species list when officials counted at least 10,000 mating pairs of Bald Eagles. According to the New York Times, there were 30,000 Bald Eagles living in the US in 2007. Now, it is estimated that there are more than 50,000 Bald Eagles living in Alaska and the lower 48 states. Hawaii is the only state that does not have a Bald Eagle population. The really good news is that in 2019, a study by the Center for Biological Diversity found that the Endangered Species Act has saved 99 percent of protected species from extinction.
Interesting Information: The Earth is teeming with a remarkable diversity of life, but when it comes to the majority of life on Earth, nearly 95% of it is found in the ocean. We’re truly living on a blue planet, one that we need to love and take care of. (fto.com)
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.
