2009 Tips of the Month | RECYCLING COUNCIL OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

January Tip: The Great Coffee Cup Debate
February Tip: How Green is Your Valentine?
March Tip: Used Cooking Oil
April Tip: Earth Day
May Tip: Save Money By Being Green!
June Tip: Green Vacation!
July Tip: Greening Your Summer Grill
August Tip: Natural Yard Care
September Tip: Back-to-School Shopping
October: Going Green for Halloween!
November: Precycling!
December Tip: Green Gift Ideas

January 2009: The Great Coffee Cup Debate

With the recent media coverage, it's time to put a lid on the disposable coffee cup debate. Currently in BC, there is no recycling program for the single-use disposable cups. The waxy coating that makes the cups leak-proof prevents them from being recycled with other paper products. There is also some confusion around composting options; composting is only successful in extreme heat conditions within an industrial composter. Unfortunately, these cups will not breakdown in the typical backyard composter.

Disposable coffee cups are frequently made with 100% new paper material. The exception is some coffee cups that are manufactured with 10% recycled content and 90% new paper. The paper cups cannot be made with 100% recycled paper because they are too weak to withstand the heat of the beverage.

Another issue with disposable coffee cups is the plastic lids. The lids are a #6 plastic (polystyrene) which is not commonly included in municipal recycling programs. The #6 plastics lack widespread recycling options and are most often disposed of as a garbage item.

Due to the lack of recycling options for both the cups and lids, some cities are considering taxing or even banning the cups. Toronto and Vancouver are among the cities discussing options and alternatives to the disposable cups.

Did you know?
• The paper sleeves on coffee cups are made of 100% paper and can easily be recycled with other paper products.

What you can do:
• Carry a reusable coffee cup, which can be bought at most coffee shops. Many coffee retailers offer a discount for customers bringing their own mug.
• Take some time to sit down and use the reusable cup provided in-store.

Other Resources:
The Basic Problem with Coffee Cups (Sustainbility is Sexy)
Coffee get recycling reprieve (Toronto Star)
Controversial coffee cup proposal put on hold (CBC)
Debate stirs in B.C. over disposable coffee cups (CTV)

For information on this, or any other waste related inquiries, contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm at 604-732-9253 in Metro Vancouver, or 1-800-667-4321 province-wide.

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February 2009: How Green is Your Valentine?

Valentine's Day is one of those fleeting celebrations that create tonnes of waste in the form of packaging and disposable or short-term-use gifts and cards. In fact, Valentine's Day is the second biggest card-giving holiday in North America. Nearly 200 million full-sized cards are exchanged every year, and, while it is possible to find cards made of recyclable or recycled paper, you have to look hard and many include non-recyclable materials which exclude them from your blue box programs.

Other traditional Valentine's Day gifts such as chocolates and roses use excessive amounts packaging that ends up as garbage, or require shipping half-way around the world to reach our stores.

This year the Recycling Council of B.C. wants to help you show your sweet baboo that you love the planet just as much as you love them. Here's how to avoid the traditional wasteful Valentine's Day gifts and show your honey you have a green heart by choosing one of these enviro-friendly gift options:

If you're going to take the plunge and ask your sweetheart to say "I do" with a diamond ring, then consider purchasing a ring with a Canadian diamond. That way you can be sure the mine is regulated for environmental safety and the employees enjoy work site health and safety standards.
Give a gift that requires no wrapping, such as a visit to a spa, or take your sweetie to a play or concert.
Create your own Valentine's Day card out of recyclable materials. Be sure to include your original and heartfelt stick figure drawing of you and your true love.
Instead of cut flowers shipped in from overseas, give your honey a Zone 7-rated, live plant that can be placed near a window now, and then planted in the garden or enjoyed on the balcony or patio as the weather warms up.
Give your sweetie some flower bulbs to plant now and enjoy the blossoms this spring.
Bake some sweet treats such as cookies or brownies for your darling, in order to avoid the excess amounts of packaging that candy comes in. If you don't have a knack for baking you can purchase fair trade and/or organic chocolates and put them in a reusable container like a pretty, fabric covered box or decorative tin or jar that will be a keepsake.
Run an errand to recycle something for your sweetheart. Take that old computer to be refurbished or to a certified e-waste depot or that bag of clothing that no longer fits to a thrift shop.
Share a bottle of local organic wine with your honey in an organic bubble bath, while basking in the light of BC-made beeswax candles.
Make dinner for your true love using local and/or organic ingredients and/or Ocean Wise fish.
In the name of your Valentine, buy certified carbon offsets, or make a donation to a green, non-profit organization.
Instead of a plush teddy bear, consider supporting an organization that protects local wildlife, in your sweetheart's name.

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March 2009: Used Cooking Oil

Used cooking oil is a common product found in many homes, but its use does raise some environmental concerns. Deep fat fryers can leave over a significant amount of waste cooking oil. Used cooking oil poses a problem when disposed of down the drain because it can cause clogging, leading to water buildup in both pipes and septic systems; as well as introducing foreign pathogens present in animal fat to the water system. It is also dangerous to put cooking oil into the garbage due to some of the following: fire hazards, run off into local streams affecting marine life and liquid fat contaminating groundwater.

Currently there is no province-wide residential recycling program in BC for leftover cooking oil, fat and grease.

To ensure the safe disposal of used cooking oil, there are processing companies collecting waste fat and grease from restaurants and other large volume producers. Some restaurants will even accept small quantities of used cooking oil from the general public as a public service.

This used cooking oil can be recycled into biodiesel, different types of animal feed, fertilizers and other products.

It is best to keep liquids out of the garbage, and in many regions liquids are banned from the landfill. If local restaurants are unable to accept small amounts of cooking oil from the public, then it can be disposed of by one of the following methods:

1) By absorbing the liquid up with an absorptive material such as cat litter, sawdust, old rags, etc. Once the used oil is absorbed, the contents can be disposed of double-bagged in the garbage.

2) Cooking oil can also be poured in a plastic container and placed in the freezer. When the container is frozen it can then be put out with your household waste.

Currently, there are two municipalities in the Lower Mainland that have residential recycling programs for cooking oil, Burnaby and White Rock. These municipalities have made arrangements to have the waste oil collected by a processing company and turned into biodiesel. This biodiesel in turn is utilized for the municipality's transportation fleet.

What you can do:
Use alternatives to traditional cooking oils. There are various options available such as different fruit purees (i.e. mashed apple and bananas) or yoghurt. These are also good alternatives when baking muffins, cakes and other desserts.
Remember, if you do have used cooking oil, disposed of it responsibly and call the Recycling Hotline for options at 604-732-9253 in the Lower Mainland, or 1-800-667-4321 province-wide.

Did you know that...?
10,000 tonnes of animal by-products such as fat, grease and cooking oil can be rendered into enough biofuel to fill approximately 1,000 trucks.

For more information on cooking oil recycling:
West Coast Reduction Ltd.
ERM Biosource
http://www.communitygreenzone.org/content/view/15/
City of Burnaby

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April 2009: Earth Day

This year marks the 39th anniversary of Earth Day. Celebrating Earth Day is a great way to bring attention to the affects our daily activities have on the planet. The official day of celebration is on April 22nd and presents the perfect opportunity to put eco-friendly changes into action. Try these tips on Earth Day and year-round to keep our planet in good shape!

Get involved with a local environmental group. There are many organizations looking for volunteers to help educate the public on various environmental issues, including climate change, waste reduction, or protecting our waterways.
Buy less stuff. Impulse buys usually result in material being disposed of sooner rather than later. Make well-informed purchases to get the most use out of your items
Cut back on hot water use. By washing your clothes in cold water, insulating your hot water tank, and installing a low flow showerhead you can reduce household energy consumption by over 30%.
Reduce the amount of water used for lawn care. An established lawn needs only 2.5cm of water a week, that's about one hour of sprinkling. And remember to water within local restrictions.
Reduce organic waste. On average, organic material constitutes over 40% of waste in BC landfills. Do your part by getting a backyard composter or a worm bin. Call the RCBC Recycling Hotline to find out how to get started!
Grasscycle by leaving grass clippings on your lawn. The clippings will break down into fertilizer and provide valuable nutrients to your lawn.
Purchase locally. Locally produced goods are often available with minimal packaging and travel less distance reducing carbon emissions.
Avoid purchasing products that have excessive packaging and remember to purchase products whose packaging is accepted in your municipal recycling program.
Create "green" cleaners with minimal environmental impact using common household products such as vinegar, lemon juice or baking soda. For recipes visit RCBC's Toxic Toolkit.
Get involved with an auto co-operative, use transit and/or use a bicycle for transportation. If the distance is right then go for a walk!

With these small steps, we can all make a difference - Happy Earth Day!
For additional information, contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, and Saturdays 9am to 4pm at 604-732-9253 (Lower Mainland) or 1-800-667-4321 (province-wide).

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May Tip: Save Money By Being Green!

In these tough financial times, learn how going green can help save you money! Browse our list for ideas on how going green can save both money and the planet!

Make your own household cleaners, not only is it cheaper but they are also safer for the environment and your family's health. Check out RCBC's Toxic Toolkit for household cleaner recipes and more!
Did you know an average North American meal travels 2,400km before it reaches the dinner table? Purchase your fruits and veggies from local farmers markets. Support BC farmers and save money, as well as greenhouse gases!
Grow your own fruits and vegetables. Find satisfaction in knowing that what you are eating is inexpensive and nutritious.
Buy used. Purchase household items from a thrift store or visit any one of the reuse websites run by RCBC (www.bc.reuses.com). Have reusable items lying around the house collecting dust? Instead of throwing them in the trash, why not sell them on one a reuse website and make a little money.
Replace incandescent light bulbs in your home with compact fluorescent lights, CFLs. By simply replacing a 100-W incandescent bulb with a 25-W CFL, you can save approximately $30 in electricity per bulb.
Save money on your water heating bill by purchasing an indoor water saver kit. Many municipalities offer residents water saver kits at a reduced price. Contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline to find out if your municipality is one of them.
Replace your energy intensive appliances with energy efficient ones. Not only will you save money on your energy bill for years to come but BC Hydro also offers Energy Star appliance rebates. Contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline for more information.
Unplug your electronics when you are not using them! Did you know that certain electronics, such as computers, stereo equipment and cell phone chargers use up electricity even when they are turned off? This invisible energy is called "phantom loads" and by reducing it you can save money on your electrical bill.
Use public transit or carpool. It saves you money and valuable time on your commute by using the always alluring HOV lane.
Take up cycling or walking. It saves you a trip to the gym, produces zero greenhouse gases and is a cheap alternative to driving!

Feel good about saving money and the planet!

For additional information, contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, and Saturdays 9am to 4pm at 604-732-9253 (Lower Mainland) or 1-800-667-4321 (province-wide).

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June Tip: Green Vacation!

Try something different this summer and take a green vacation! Here are a few tips on how to take your green lifestyle on the road:

Vacation close to home. You would be surprised at what adventures you can stumble upon in your own backyard. Check out Tourism B.C. for a few ideas!

Instead of travelling by air, why not take a scenic train or car ride. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has reported that high altitude emissions have a greater impact on climate change than ground-level emissions. It is best to avoid air travel when possible.

If you can't avoid air travel, why not purchase carbon offsets to balance out your carbon footprint. There are a number of companies that offer carbon offsets, like Planetair.

Take a volunteer vacation. Help out on a conservation/sustainability project overseas and be exposed to sights and sounds that you wouldn't experience in a resort.

Minimize your waste footprint by picking up after yourself, taking a reusable water bottle and avoiding unnecessary laundry.

If staying in a hotel, try booking one that practices sustainability measures like water and energy conservation, recycling and composting. A few hotels even have their own rooftop gardens!

Eat and shop locally, by doing this you would be supporting the local economy and ensuring that unnecessary fossil fuels were not burned on its way into your suitcase.

Rent a fuel-efficient car, like a hybrid!

Before heading out on your eco-friendly adventure, remember to cancel your newspaper subscriptions, unplug unnecessary electronics and turn down the thermostat.

For additional information, contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, and Saturdays 9am to 4pm at 604-732-9253 (Lower Mainland) or 1-800-667-4321 (province-wide).

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July Tip: Greening Your Summer Grill

Pull out the barbeque and invite a few friends over for an eco-friendly grill! Here are some tips on how to green your summer grill:

Try going vegetarian with meatless burgers and hotdogs. Cattle production produces potent greenhouse gases like methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide. It also accounts for 18 percent of human-induced global greenhouse gas emissions -- even more than the transportation sector!
If going vegetarian isn't an option, cook up some organic, hormone-free meat. Hormones may cause adverse human health effects and can contaminate nearby water bodies once they pass through the cattle and enter the manure.
Serve B.C. grown, organic fruits and vegetables. They are fresher, more nutritious and didn't have to travel as far to get to your table.
Send any leftovers home with your guests and compost the rest.
Use an electric or gas grill instead of charcoal briquettes or wood. Charcoal and wood are dirtier fuel options as they emit more carbon dioxide than any of the alternatives.
Use reusable dishes or purchase disposable paper dishes that have at least 30 percent recycled content. Also, instead of using disposable napkins, use cloth napkins that can be easily laundered and used again.
Set up clearly labelled recycling, compost and waste bins for your guests.
After the big party, clean up the mess with non-toxic cleaners that you can either purchase or make at home. Check out our Toxic Toolkit for some non-toxic alternatives.

For additional information, contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, and Saturdays 9am to 4pm at 604-732-9253 (Lower Mainland) or 1-800-667-4321 (province-wide).

August Tip: Natural Yard Care

Natural yard care is a low maintenance and environmentally friendly way to maintain your yard. Here are a few tips on creating and maintaining a healthy, relaxing outdoor space:

1. Create healthy soil

Mulch - Mulch is a layer of organic material, such as leaves or woodchips, which covers the soil. If spread an inch away from the stems around the plant base, it can reduce evaporation, prevent weeds and provide nutrients to the soil.
Compost - Compost is produced when organic material, such as food waste or grass clippings, break down over time. Compost loosens soil, helps it hold water more efficiently and provides nutrients. Many municipalities sell composters to residents, for more information contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline.
Grasscycle - Grasscycling is the practice of leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing. Grasscycling reduces water evaporation and returns nutrients back into the soil.
Fertilize - Use organic, slow-release fertilizer to release nutrients slowly over time so there is less nutrient leaching and runoff into nearby water bodies. Both Jobes and Miracle-Gro sell organic, slow-release fertilizer.

2. Pest management

Remove weeds with proper tools, like a weed fork, and mulch immediately to prevent germination.
Plant species which attract beneficial insects. Ladybugs, ground beetles and green lacewings are natural predators of pests. Beneficial insects can be drawn into your yard by planting thyme, dill, coriander, daisies, lavender, marigolds or sweet alyssum.

3. Choose the right plant and right place

Group plants by their growing conditions.
Plant species that grow well in your local conditions. For more information on plants native to BC, visit the Native Plant Society of BC website at www.npsbc.org.
Avoid planting invasive species. Invasive species compete with native species and reduce biodiversity. For more information on invasive species, visit the Invasive Plant Council of BC website at www.invasiveplantcouncilbc.ca.

4. Smart watering practices

Water the lawn in the morning and/or evening to avoid maximum evaporation.
Use a timer. A lawn only needs 2.5 cm of water a week.
Make sure the soil is not too compact, compact soil will not allow water to percolate.

For additional information, contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, and Saturdays 9am to 4pm at 604-732-9253 (Lower Mainland) or 1-800-667-4321 (Province-wide).

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September Tip: Back-to-school shopping

Start fresh this new school year by adopting a greener lifestyle, beginning with your back-to-school shopping! Here are a few tips on how to green your back-to-school shopping.

Before shopping, make a list of what you already have and what you need to avoid impulsive shopping and purchasing duplicates.
Buy high quality school supplies that will last through the year and can be used the following year.
Buy Processed Chlorine-Free (PCF) or Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF) paper. PCF paper is made from recycled paper and produced without chlorine or chlorine derivatives. TCF paper is made from virgin paper and produced without chlorine or chlorine derivatives. Chlorine is a commonly used bleaching agent used by the pulp and paper industry and is harmful to the aquatic environment.
Avoid using plastic binders that cannot be recycled; use cardboard binders that can be easily recycled.
Use writing tools that are made of recycled content or can be refilled once empty.
Instead of purchasing new school supplies, ask an older sibling/relative or browse a reuses website (www.bc.reuses.com) for gently used options.
Looking for new threads for the school year? Check out local thrift/consignment stores or hold a clothing swap among friends.
Put aside time to make your own lunch. Homemade lunches are generally healthier, inexpensive and less wasteful, especially when packed in a reusable lunch bag.
Walk, bike, take public transit or carpool to school.

For additional information, contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, and Saturdays 9am to 4pm at 604-732-9253 (Lower Mainland) or 1-800-667-4321 (province-wide).

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October Tip of the Month: Going Green for Halloween

This Halloween season, trick-or-treat with the earth in mind! Here are a few tips on how to have a fun, safe and green Halloween:

Buy pumpkins and other seasonal fruits and veggies from local farmers markets or grow your own from seed.
Instead of throwing your pumpkin in the trash, turn it into a yummy treat. Turn the flesh into a delicious pumpkin pie and roast the seeds for a light snack or bird feed.
Compost. Many municipalities offer a curbside pickup or drop-off of pumpkins for composting throughout the Halloween season. Contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline to determine if your municipality is one of them.
Decorate your home with LED holiday lights. LED holiday lights are energy efficient and do not give off heat like conventional holiday lights, reducing the fire hazard.
Make your own Halloween decorations from materials that are easily recyclable or already lying around the house, such as construction paper, cardboard boxes, cotton balls or branches and leaves from the yard.
Save your decorations and use them the following Halloween.
Make your own costume using scrap material or buy one second hand.
If you're really dedicated to spreading the recycling mantra, dress up in a ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' themed costume!
Donate your old costume to a second hand store or pass it along to a friend or family member.
Give out treats to trick-or-treaters that are served in recyclable packaging or in as little packaging as possible.
Trick-or-treat close to home so you can ditch the car and walk. Not only will you save money on gasoline but it gives you a chance to mingle with fellow trick-or-treaters.
Avoid plastic disposable bags and opt for cloth bags, like pillow cases, for holding treats.
To avoid littering, take along an extra bag for your garbage and recycling.

For additional information, contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, and Saturdays 9am to 4pm at 604-732-9253 (Lower Mainland) or 1-800-667-4321 (province-wide).

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November Tip of the Month: Precycling

Never heard of precycling? Precycling is the practice of preventing waste before it is created. It requires making environmentally smarter purchasing decisions and asking yourself questions like do I really need this product? Is it recyclable? Is the packaging recyclable? Is it over packaged? Can I reuse it?

Precycling focuses on the first two, and most important, Rs of the recycling hierarchy: Reduce and Reuse. Make precycling a part of your daily life by adopting these measures:

Choose products that are packaged in easily recyclable material. For example, purchase eggs in cardboard cartons instead of polystyrene cartons and purchase soups in metal cans instead of tetra packs.
Choose products with very little packaging or no packaging at all.
Avoid purchasing single use items such as disposable razors, plastic diapers, single-use cleaning cloths, coffee filters and disposable cutlery.
Buy in bulk and concentrates to avoid unnecessary packaging.
Say no to paper and plastic. Take reusable shopping bags to carry your groceries.
Switch from paper to electronic bills, catalogues and newspapers.
Heading to your favourite coffee shop? Don't forget your reusable coffee mug! Disposable coffee cups are lined with a waxy coating, making them leak-proof but unrecyclable.
Have unusable clothing or linens lying around? Rip them up and use them as an alternative to paper towels, napkins and dishrags.
Try to repair broken items before throwing them out and purchasing new ones. Mend or refurbish furniture to give it a new lease of life. Restore sofas, chairs and tables and repair clothes, curtains and linens.
Use rechargeable batteries instead of alkaline batteries. They can be recharged several times and recycled at a number of participating retailers. For a list of participating retailers, please visit the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation's website at www.rbrc.org or call the RCBC Recycling Hotline.

For additional information, contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, and Saturdays 9am to 4pm at 604-732-9253 (Lower Mainland) or 1-800-667-4321 (province-wide).

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December Tip of the Month: Green Gift Ideas

Scrambling to get your holiday shopping done? Looking for environmentally friendly options? Here are some green gift ideas for the holiday season:

Support your local economy and artists by purchasing locally made gifts.
Give the gift of experience by taking your loved one to a yoga or dance class, concert or spa.
When shopping for clothing, look for organic textiles. Organic textiles are produced without the use of pesticides. Pesticides can decrease soil fertility, contaminate nearby groundwater and surface water and harm those spraying the chemicals or those that come into close contact with it.
Make your own gifts this year!
- Melt unusable candles to make new ones
- Sew or knit a gift with scrap fabric and yarn
- Make homemade jams, chutneys or baked goods
- Make your own soaps and bath salts with essential oils
Make a donation on your loved one's behalf to an environmental organization. If donating to a registered Canadian charity, don't forget to get an official tax receipt for income tax purposes. For more information, visit the Canada Revenue Agency's website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca.
Buy gifts that can be easily recycled once they have reached the end of their life. To find out about recycling options in your area, contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline.
Buy gifts that come in little or no packaging. If the gift comes in packaging, make sure it can be easily recycled, like cardboard.
Avoid wrapping paper with foil and glue as they are not accepted through municipal recycling programs. Instead, use newspapers or comic strips which can be easily recycled.
Wrap gifts in scrap fabric or canvas bags. Canvas bags can be reused as shopping or book bags.
Make your own greeting cards and gift tags with scrap paper and odds and ends. Save money and let your creative side out!

For additional information, contact the RCBC Recycling Hotline, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, and Saturdays 9am to 4pm at 604-732-9253 (Lower Mainland) or 1-800-667-4321 (province-wide).

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