Upcycling or Recycling?

Recycling is really "upcycling."

A term coined by William McDonaugh and Michael Braungart in their book Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, upcycling is "the process of converting an industrial nutrient (material) into something of similar or greater value, in its second life."

Wiki adds: "Upcycling is a component of sustainability in which waste materials are used to provide new products."

Sound familiar? It's recycling!

Aluminum and glass, for example, can usually be upcycled into the same quality of aluminum and glass as the original products.Recycling from a whole new perspective!

How do you dispose of unused medications?

What do you do with unused over-the-counter or prescription drugs? Drugs and pharmaceutical products include powerful chemicals that have saved or improved countless lives. But even small amounts of drugs need to be disposed of carefully so they don't pollute the environment or harm human health and wildlife. In early 2007 the government set guidelines for proper disposal of prescription drugs: http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/factsht/proper_disposal.html

Green Ways for School Days?

What did you or your school do to be greener this year?
Classroom supplies, school buses, building maintenance, indoor air quality, books and pencils - everything about a school can affect the environment or the people who spend time in school. But there are lots of new ways that schools can be greener such as "clean diesel" buses, recycling, or safer chemicals in classrooms.

E-Cycle It!

After you buy a new computer, what do you do with the old one?
Last week, we asked what you think about when you buy a new computer. Now, tell us what you do with the old one. You can "ecycle"it, donate it to charity, give it away to a friend or send it packing with your teenager to college. Some people store old computers in their garage or use them for bookends because they're not quite sure what to do with them...obviously, there are better options! =) Tell us your strategy for dinosaur computers.

Bits and Bites

When it comes to computers, do you minimize energy use? It's time to go back to school, so many Americans are replacing their computers. You can look for the Energy Star label to find one that uses less electricity. When you get your computer home, you can choose energy-saving settings like when to turn off the monitor. What ways do you and your family save energy with electrionics?

Mow, Mow, Mow Your Lawn

Why do you use a gasoline, electric, battery-operated, or push lawn mower? For many, mowing the lawn is a summertime fact of life. We cut the grass in different ways, each of which varies in its convenience and how it can affect the environment. Do you have a preferred method of disposing of yard clippings and tree trimmings?

Monkey See, Monkey Do

Do celebrities who champion the environment influence your decision making, and if so, how?

Many people feel that protecting the environment is important. Celebrities sometimes use their high public recognition to raise awareness for causes they support: for example, things you should do (or not do) to protect the environment.

How many Green Buildings Are There in Plano?

These are the hallmarks of Green Buildings:

1. Use of passive solar energy
2. Natural lighting (day lighting) and adjustable lighting systems
3. Highly reflective roof and building exterior
4. Indoor Air Quality (low VOC materials and ventilation)
5. HVAC energy performance and efficiency
6. Use of on-site renewable energy
7. Waste minimization (recycling, reducing, reusing)
8. Water reclamation and conservation (rainwater harvesting, use of gray water, soil amendment, native or adapted landscape material, efficient irrigation system)

What is the biggest Source of Pollution?

I think it is human beings.