Dear Recycle Lady,
What is “plogging” and what does it have to do with recycling?
A New Word in My Vocabulary
Dear A New Word in My Vocabulary,
The word “plogging” was created to describe a new way of helping the environment. Originating in Sweden in the early 1990s, plogging combines “to pick up” and “to jog.” Thus, plogging means picking up trash while jogging. Plogging can be done easily while walking, hiking, or cycling. It can be done in parks, street, beaches, trails, or in any natural area. Many joggers carry a small trash bag with them in case they come across some trash while they are out jogging. Removing the litter approves the appearance of the area as well as improving the environment. So, the next time you are out walking or jogging, take a bag along and pick up some trash. Before disposing of the trash, be sure to remove any litter that can be recycled.
Dear Recycle Lady,
What about extension cords that are broken, missing connectors or are unusable? Are they recyclable?
Handyman
Dear Handyman,
Yes, extension cords are recyclable. In fact, it is better to recycle them than to put them in the trash. They fall in the category of e-waste as they contain metals like copper and plastic components that need special handing. Older cords, especially, should not be put in the trash as they may leach chemicals into the soil and water. Not only are all extension cords recyclable regardless of their condition, all cords that are attached to an appliance are recyclable. In most instances, the appliance itself is also recyclable after the cord is cut off, for example, small appliances such as coffee pots, microwaves, and mixers are all recyclable. Extension cords and any items with attached cords can be deposited in the yellow basket outside of the Aluminum Can door on the right-hand side of the Recycling Center. If you need assistance, go to the Aluminum Can door and ring the bell. Someone will come to assist to you. If your extension cords are still in good working condition, consider donating them to a community center, school, Restore or even the local food pantry. Before donating an extension cord, plug it in to be sure it is working properly, wipe off any dirt and use a zip tie or rubber band to keep it neat.
Dear Recycle Lady,
This isn’t about recycling, but I thought it was good information for your readers, especially dog owners. Dr. Matt McGlasson, a Kentucky-based veterinarian, has cautioned that there are potentially fatal consequences if dogs eat sugar-free foods such as candy, gum, baked goods, and pudding snacks as they contain a sugar substitute called xylitol.
Dog Lover
Dear Dog Lover,
Thanks for alerting readers to the dangers of xylitol, a sugar alcohol that is highly toxic to dogs. A naturally occurring substance, Xylitol is widely used as a sugar substitute in sugar-free items such as sugarless gum, mints and candy, packaged goods, and “no sugar added” foods. According to https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/xylitol-toxicity-in-dogs, when dogs eat xylitol, the xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and can cause a profound drop in blood sugar. It can seizures, liver failure and even death. Call Pet Poison Helpline 800-213-6680 if xylitol has been ingested by your dog.
Interesting Info: What happens when warm and cold ocean layers collide? Since warm water is denser than cold water it tends tot on the surface. The denser cold water sinks below the warm layer causing internal waves to form below the surface. They ripple silently through deep layers – invisible from above but taller than skyscrapers below.
Have questions about recycling, or interesting information about recycling? Send questions or requests [email protected]. Dear Recycle Lady is sponsored jointly by the Greenbrier Recycling Center and Greenworks Recycling.
