Dear Recycle Lady,
I read that ocean waves and tides are being explored as a way to generate clean energy. Is this true?
Love the Ocean
Dear Love the Ocean,
According to sciencefocus.com, it is true. Ocean waves are more predictable than wind and they are a huge store of untapped energy. Companies are now exploring how to harness this energy of ocean waves and tides and use it to generate clean, renewable electricity. A Scottish company, Pelamis Wave Power, is one of the companies that is exploring the use of 750kW wave-power machines (P2s) to generate energy on three of six UK off shore sites. Since Atlantic Ocean waves have an average potential energy of 40kW per day, 65 P2 machines could power up to 33,000 homes a year using the energy generated. As fto.com says, “It’s Mother Nature’s way of saying, I’ve got the energy; let’s make it work!”
Dear Recycle Lady,
Can empty amber-colored prescription bottles be recycled? What can I do with left over pills?
Reader Who Recycles
Dear Reader Who Recycles,
Good question. Prescription medicine bottles are made of #5 polypropylene plastics and are generally not recyclable and not biodegradable. Before you throw these bottles in the trash, be sure to black out your personal information to protect your identity. Fortunately, there is some good news about these non-recyclable bottles. According to GoodRxHealth.com, environmentally conscious groups are working on alternative bottles for prescriptions. Tikkum Olam Makers are working on a promising alternative that is 100% compostable and biodegradable and ECOvials has another promising alternative that is plant-based.
The best way to dispose of unused pills is to take them to a local pharmacy (CVS and GMAP) for proper disposal. They can also be put in a small ziplock bag and taken to the Greenbrier County Courthouse. If none of these options are available, put the pills in a bag with coffee grounds, dirt or kitty litter, seal it and put it in the trash. According to Recycle Nation’s How to Recycle Medicine Bottles, left over or unused pills should not be flushed down the toilet as even the best sewage treatment plants will not remove all prescription medications from the water before it is discharged into rivers and streams. Drugs can affect fish and other wildlife, and they will eventually make their way back into human consumption.
Dear Recycle Lady,
Can used aluminum pie pans be recycled?
Baker & Recycler
Dear Baker & Recycler,
No, unfortunately, aluminum pie pans and aluminum foil can no longer be recycled at the Recycling Center. However, Boggs in Caldwell accepts aluminum pans and foils for recycling and will pay four cents a pound for them. As with all recyclables, be sure the pans and foil are clean and dry. Food contaminates not only aluminum, but also all types of recyclables.
Good News:
Quebec, which borders the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Arctic on the north, is boosting marine protected areas with a $4.4 million investment! This will help enhance marine biodiversity in its protected areas and its home to diverse marine species including beluga whales and blue whales. (fto.com)
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.
