Dear Recycle Lady,
Last week you mentioned using rags and having a rag bag. Aren’t microfiber cloths a good alternative to using paper towels?
Recycling Reader
Dear Recycling Reader,
The answer to this question is complicated. Microfiber cloths can be found in most households. They last a long time and work with just water, so no toxic chemicals are used. They make cleaning easier and faster, and some microfiber cloths are made of recycled materials. However, microfiber is a type of microplastic that sheds particles of plastics smaller than 5mm (3/16th inch); tiny fragments of plastic that are harmful to our environment. Preliminary evidence suggests that washing these microfiber cloths introduces microplastics into water. So, are microfiber cloths a good alternative? Yes and no. They are better for the environment than paper towels and their impact on the environment can be minimized with a few simple steps. First of all, limit the number of times you put your microfiber cloth in the washer and only wash it when it is really dirty. Use it as many times as you can before throwing it out. Purchase high-end microfiber cloths that are less prone to shedding fibers and can be used a lot longer. When possible, use cloth cleaning rags instead of microfiber cloths.
Dear Recycle Lady,
Did you see this article about researchers making a plastic that includes bacteria that digests plastic? Maybe it will help eliminate some plastic waste.
Interesting News
Dear Interesting News,
Thanks for sending this great website. According to the article, plastic waste remains in the environment because of its stable chemical structure and because there aren’t bacteria available with the enzymes necessary to digest the plastic. Fortunately, a number of strains of bacteria that can digest some common plastics have been identified by an international team of researchers. Their initial problem in looking for a solution was the high temperatures used for making plastic. Several experiments with B.subtilis spores led to a strain that could be incorporated into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) plastic and trigger the spores to begin digesting it. The researchers also found, much to their surprise, that the spore-containing plastic was stronger than the pure plastic. The team cautions that TPU breaks down relatively easily and this is not the answer to all our plastic problems. However, it is a beginning and is worth exploring further. For readers who want a full explanation see website: https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/04/researchers-make-a-plastic-that-includes-bacteria-that-can-digest-it/.
Dear Recycle Lady,
Can milk cartons be recycled?
Milk Drinker
Dear Milk Drinker,
Milk cartons are made of paperboard, which sounds like they should be recyclable. However, the paperboard is covered with a thin layer of food-safe polyethylene plastic (#1 PET), which makes the carton non-recyclable. If you want a container that is recyclable, then purchase milk in plastic jugs. The most eco-friendly, sustainable choice for milk containers would be the returnable/reusable glass jugs available at most grocery stores.
Great News: Fifteen Girl Scouts from Lewisburg Troop 31919 processed an unbelievable 387 pounds of recyclable plastic film this week! An amazing accomplishment for the Scouts and the many persons in the surrounding communities that are supporting this Trek project. Special boxes for depositing recyclable plastic film are located at Amy’s Market, Lewisburg Elementary School, Lewisburg United Methodist Church, St. James Episcopal Church, and the Greenbrier Recycling Center in Ronceverte. Please check each piece of plastic film to see if it is recyclable before depositing it in one of these bins. When in doubt, throw it out.
Have questions about recycling, or interesting information about recycling? Send questions or requests Recyclelady7@gmail.com. Dear Recycle Lady is sponsored jointly by the Greenbrier Recycling Center and Greenworks Recycling.
