Recycling (Not So) Basics - Part 2

Hello Dolls!

Before we get into the story behind plastics, allow me to clarify a few things. Actually by clarifying one thing, I can clarify all things. And here's the thing: Diva Zero is just like you - when it comes to being green anyway. I've been cute and right since 1974 so I've got that on lock. I am cute because that is what God intended, but I am right because I am always learning. I am leading you on your eco-journey toward better living and better style, and being a leader means being willing to update your information and make changes accordingly. I've learned a thing or two in the last month, so read closely and we can update our information together:

1. In my last post, I stated that sticky notes cannot be recycled due to their adhesive strips. That is actually only half of the story. Brand name Post-it Notes are completely recyclable! There is nothing wrong with buying on the cheap - ahem, economically - but Black Is The New Green cannot vouch for the quality or recyclability (yeah, I said it) of the adhesives used in those less expensive products. I mean, George's fiancee on Seinfeld died because of cheap glue...I'm just sayin'. Anyway, go to www.3m.com/us/office/postit/faq.html to see how Post-its have always been environmentally friendly. In even more exciting news, go to www.post-itonetree.com/main/Registration.aspx?WT.mc_id=sustain to find out how Post-it will plant a tree for every eligible product purchased.

2. In "You Know You What They Say About Big Feet..." I railed against take out containers. I stand by the principle that you should eat out less - our goal is to reduce consumption and reduce our impact on the earth - but if/when you do eat out, there is still a little bit of hope. Some containers are recyclable even if they are Styrofoam or plastic. It all depends on the type of plastic and the area you live in. Read on...

Plastic...Decoded
Recycling plastic is just a numbers game. And you're not opposed to playing the lottery, so don't act like you can't figure this shit out. But since your numbers haven't hit yet, maybe you do need some help...so here is Diva Zero's handy dandy guide:

Number 1 (PET or PETE) plastic is the most common. It is found in water bottles, soda bottles, and vegetable oil containers. All recycling programs should accept these. If your city's recycling program doesn't take these then you seriously need to write a letter. I'll even write it for you - just let me know.

Number 2 (HDPE) plastic is found in milk jugs, juice bottles, shampoo bottles and cereal box liners among other things. Number 2 is also very common and should be accepted in most places.

Number 3 (Vinyl or PVC) is tough. This is used in everything from clear food packaging to siding and pipes. PVC contains dangerous dioxins. Even if you ain't got time to figure out what exactly a dioxin is, you know it doesn't sound good! Some plastic cooking utensils are made of this material so don't use them to cook with, don't microwave food in plastic containers, and don't put this material in the dishwasher. The heat will make the toxins and dioxins leach into your food and onto your other dishes. Eww.

Number 4 (LDPE) is used for squeezable bottles and frozen food trays. This is also the material used in plastic grocery bags. More and more curbside recycling programs and recycling centers are accepting Number 4 plastic, but if they don't, many grocery stores are taking it upon themselves to take back plastic grocery bags for recycling. You should be using your own reusable bags and totes, but take advantage of this for bags you had before you made the choice to bthenewgreen.

Number 5 (PP) is found in some yogurt containers, medicine bottles, and containers that hold hot liquid. It's a hard plastic which makes it hard to recycle but don't let this stop you from checking.

Number 6 (PS) plastic is used for most disposable products including plates, egg cartons, and carry out containers. "Styrofoam" is actually a trademark name, not a generic material name, and it does fall into the Number 6 category. Number 6 material is fairly difficult to recycle, but it is becoming more common, so check to see if your area is hip to this yet.

Number 7 covers all other miscellaneous plastics. Everything from nylon to sunglasses to iPod cases fall into this category. Because Number 7s are such a hodgepodge, they have not traditionally been accepted for recycling. But the times, they are a-changin'! Number 7 plastic can now be recycled!

So there you have it - a crash course in plastics. Remember to always look at the side or the bottom of your plastic containers to see what you're workin' with. The basic rule of thumb is that the lower the number, the easier it is to recycle. Next, familiarize yourself with the recycling regulations in your 'hood. To find out what is accepted in your area, go to http://www.earth911.com/.

I am proud to say that Baltimore, Maryland has become a leader in the realm of recycling. Not only do we have a comprehensive curbside pick-up schedule and single stream recycling (all materials go in the same bin), but our fair city accepts all of the plastics 1 through 7. So if you are one of my good neighbors you have no excuse to be a B-Moron who doesn't recycle. Be better, be cooler and bthenewgreen!

To learn more about recycling plastic and what your plastics can be remade into, go to www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/recycling-symbols-plastics-460321.

Hmmm, what about all those maxed out credit cards? Check out www.earthworkssystem.com/Home/ . This company also accepts old ID cards and expired gift cards. You can recycle your economic waste in a way that is safe and responsible for your identity, your credit, and our earth.

So what materials are accepted in your 'hood?

Diva Zero

Catch my chic.