Dear Recycle Lady,
What exactly is a carbon footprint?
Need Information
Dear Need Information,
An individual’s carbon footprint is a measurement of the carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere based on the amount of energy you use. According to nature.org, a carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) that are generated by our actions and activities. Sometimes called the greenhouse footprint, your carbon footprint can be measured with a carbon footprint calculator. They can be found on several sites, such as www.carbon-calculator.climatehero.me or www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/carbon-footprint-calculator. The average carbon footprint for someone living in the U.S. is 16 tons, which is one of the highest rates in the world. We can all lower our carbon footprint by making small changes in our lifestyle: walking short distances, instead of driving, eating locally grown produce instead of produce that uses fuel to be brought in, and take shorter showers which uses less hot water, thus less energy to heat the water.
Dear Recycle Lady,
What is single stream recycling? Is it used at the Recycling Center in Ronceverte?
Puzzled Recycler
Dear Puzzled Recycler,
Single stream recycling was introduced in the mid-1990s as a way to put all recyclables in a single bag, with no sorting required. In other words, all paper, metals, plastics, aluminum, cardboard, junk mail, and any other recyclable items, were all put in the same bag and taken to a recycling center. Large cities have dedicated equipment that sorts all these recyclables and places them in the proper bins. However, the Recycling Center doesn’t have this equipment. Thus, any bags of mixed recyclables that are left at the Center are sent to the landfill. The Center just doesn’t have the number of employees, or the time required, to sort mixed recyclables.
Dear Recycle Lady,
I read that sponges contain microplastics that are hazardous to humans. What about cellulose sponges? Are they safe to use and are they recyclable?
Uses Cellulose Sponges
Dear Uses Cellulose Sponges,
Congratulations on your choice to use cellulose sponges instead of sponges made of plastic. Since cellulose sponges are made of coniferous wood and cotton fibers, they are safe to use. Cellulose sponges are more durable than the other kinds of sponges. Although they are not recyclable, they are 100% biodegradable and sustainable. Sponges should not be used to wipe up raw egg, raw meat or other substances that contain bacteria. Cellulose sponges can be cleaned with an antibacterial soap or by putting them in the microwave or dishwasher.
Bad News: Over 2,345 fossil fuel lobbyists have been allowed to attend the UN Climate Summit going on now in Dubai – more than any single country’s delegation.
Reuse and Reduce: Make your own greeting cards with left over wrapping paper. Cut a piece of cardstock to the size of your envelope, then decorate it with your leftover wrapping paper.
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.