Dear Recycle Lady,
I assume anything with glitter on it cannot be recycled. Is that correct? I never buy anything with glitter on it because some of the glitter comes unglued and becomes a safety hazard. Once, I got some glitter in my eye, and it took hours for me to get it out.
Glitter is Not Gold
Dear Glitter is Not Gold,
You are absolutely correct. Nothing with glitter on it will recycle. Glitter is a microplastic and is usually made from a combination of plastic and aluminum. It is best disposed of by putting it in some glue, then in a sealed envelope and thrown in the trash. Never dump it into the sink or toilet as that sends it into the water system and the ocean. As a microplastic, it is toxic to human and marine life. According to www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020, “glitter is an environmental abomination,” and we should stop using it. Earlier this year several British brands announced they had banned glitter from holiday products. Let’s hope that US companies soon follow suit.
Dear Recycle Lady,
Your December 5th column mentions feeding dried pumpkin seeds to birds. I not only dry pumpkin seeds for the birds, I also eat them myself and give them to other people. Chipmunks prefer cantaloupe and watermelon seeds, which can be dried out by placing them on a paper towel. Here is a recipe for roasting pumpkin seeds. Toss 1½ cups of clean, dry whole pumpkin seeds in a bowl with 2 teaspoons melted butter and a pinch of salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes at 250 degrees or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Enjoy. Roasted pumpkin seeds provide 5.3 grams of protein per ounce and contain essential minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc, along with healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They are a natural source of tryptophan, an amino acid that helps people sleep. For additional recipes and nutritional info go to https://www.verywellfit.com/pumpkin-seed-nutrition-facts.
Pumpkin Seed Eater
Dear Pumpkin Seed Eater,
Thanks for the recipe for roasting pumpkin seeds. It seems very simple and quick to fix. It is also the very first Recycle/Reuse/Reduce idea! I hope there are many more to come.
Dear Readers,
Need some ways to recycle your live Christmas tree at the end of the holiday season? Here are a few ideas. 1. Sink your tree in your pond, or a friend’s. Fish and tadpoles will live and lay eggs around this sheltered area. 2. Cut off the branches and use them to insulate your perennial plants in your garden. 3. Prop your tree up near your bird feeders to provide another perch and shelter to birds that come to your feeders to dine. 4. Create another bird feeder station by hanging some suet balls or strings of popcorn on the tree.
Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
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.