Archive for July, 2009
Janet Schlarbaum and Toner Cartridges
Recycling Ink and Toner Cartridges
Author: Robert Barrie
Recycling has taken many forms, as the “go green” movement has evolved. Business owners are now taking recycling and conservation seriously, as their ecological conscience guides them.
One of the newest and cost-productive means of recycling is that of ink and toner cartridges. This has become a viable means of waste management and resource efficiency. Ink cartridge manufacturers are guiding consumers and businesses, in choosing cartridges that will impact waste reduction efforts.
Cartridges are labeled, so that recommended guidelines can be followed. Products labeled as NZ licensed (environmental choice) are highly recommended. EMS labels indicate products that do not equate with maximized impact reduction, and should be avoided. Look for performance guarantees, when purchasing recycled or re-manufactured cartridges; or purchase new cartridges, with recycled contents.
One of the best aspects of recycling ink cartridges is that it is virtually cost-free. Businesses can find recyclers to take their used cartridges, and pay for the shipping. Some of these recycling companies will even pay the business for their waste (check with your local Office Max store). This, of course, is a cost-savings, rather than throwing away cartridges, and then buying new ones. Even better, it is oftentimes cheaper to buy the recycled cartridges back, than to buy a new one. Recycled cartridges have become increasingly less expensive than new ones. The net effect of all of this is that the more ink cartridges are recycled, the cheaper they become, and the more viable the cartridge recycling market becomes. It is a revolving cycle, with many benefits. There are other cost-saving aspects to maximizing resource efficiency, when it comes to ink cartridges. Reducing printing demands, by using electronic means, and using smaller fonts, for space efficiency, are two more options. As fewer cartridges are purchased and used, the fewer products need to be recycled or re-manufactured.
The impact of recycling ink cartridges, on our environment, is monumental. It isn’t simply the ink that is being recycled. Plastic and metal waste are being diverted from our landfills. When the plastic casings of the cartridges begin to decompose, poisonous toxins are seeping into our soil and water. Reducing cartridge manufacturing lowers net energy use, which ultimately impacts climate change. Further, reducing the amount of plastic products being used reduces the amount of oil that is consumed. Plastic cannot be manufactured, without oil. Eventually, greenhouse gases are affected, with respect to global climate change.
Recycling ink cartridges is really quite simple and cost-free. Finding a recycling company to take cartridges is not always a necessity either. It is quite simple to refill empty cartridges; and they can be taken into most office supply stores, for refills.
In conclusion, if I were going to give each aspect of recycling cartridges, as a viable conservation alternative, it be as follows, with a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being most prohibitive and 5 being most beneficial):
When it comes to cost to the business, it would be nonsensical to give it anything lower than a 5. If there is a cost anywhere, I can’t see it. Again, when it comes to cost-savings, I would have to give recycling cartridges a 5; because it is impossible not to save money, with this type of recycling. When it comes to ease of implementation, I would give a score of 4. There is a small amount of legwork to be done, simply to assess the best method of recycling cartridges, whether it is having them shipped out and then buying them back, or refilling the cartridges themselves.
Posted by Janet Schlarbaum
Janet Schlarbaum and Toner Cartridges
Rubber Recycling from Janet Schlarbaum
How Rubber Recycling Can Be Helpful
Author: Jitesh Arora
Every ten pounds of recycled rubber powder used for creating synthetic polymers, and the rubber powder will prevent generation of ten pounds of carbon dioxide.
These days the uses of recycled rubber on highways will create an attention to the policy makers, geo-technical persons, environmental researchers and traffic operation engineers.
The most basic uses of recycled rubber are fills and embankments, erosion control and rail road crossings.
Recycled rubber also used in rubber footing on horse riding field. The rubber footing reduces the chances of infection and the added advantage is it looks much better than a concrete floor.
Today`s biggest problematic waste source is tire due to mass production and their durability. Only solution to this problem is tire recycling.
According to U.S. Environmental protection agency report shows in the year 2003 nearly 290 million scrap tire were produced.
Due to tire’s complex inner structure it’s difficult to recycle, Perhaps the best way to recycle the tire using ultrasound recycling. During recycling process under high pressure, heat and mechanical energy destroy the crosslink of any tire. After processing a gum rubber will produced – and that can be used for molding into any new rubber products.
But the recycling process of rubber is bit difficult. Here you can find some benefits of rubber recycling. Recycled rubber can cast the half then first one. Recovered rubbers have some good properties, which is not available on virgin rubber. Rubber recovery process takes less energy. Rubber recycling process conserves non renewable petroleum products.
Posted by Janet Schlarbaum
Rubber Recycling from Janet Schlarbaum
Recycling Plastic from Janet Schlarbaum
By: Ross Bainbridge
A large number of plastic containers and bags are used on a daily basis. Plastic waste is one of the biggest causes for increased water and soil pollution. Plastic recycling offers one of the best solutions to the increased plastic waste in the environment. Plastic recycling is the process of breaking down used scrap and waste plastics to recover usable material for the manufacturing industry. Plastic comprises of a large number of resins and complex chemical structures that are melted down to create new fibers.
Plastic recycling is a complex procedure. Plastic recycling industries can face a large number of unique challenges. One of the key principles to be followed while recycling plastic is that different types of plastics cannot be mixed before recycling. Plastics of different polymer structures and resin composition are identified by using standard codes on the basis of their melting and crushing capacity. Plastic materials identified under a particular code can be mixed and recycled with other plastics of the same code. Plastic materials consist of a few dyes, fillers, and additives, which are not easily recyclable.
The obstacles of recycling plastic can be overcome by using an elaborate monomer recycling process wherein the polymer undergoes an inverse polymer reaction of what was used to manufacture it. The end product of this procedure is a mix of chemicals that form the original polymer, which is further purified and synthesized to form a new polymer of the same type. Another solution to the problem is the use of a thermal de-polymerization process, which involves conversion of assorted polymers into petroleum. The procedure accepts the mixing of any type of polymer.
Plastic recycling can be used to recycle plastic container of different types. Plastic containers such as milk bottles, soapboxes, and juice and water bottles are recycled on a common basis. Grocery sacks and plastic bags are some of the other plastic products that can be recycled.
A plethora of websites on the Internet provides detailed information about recycling plastic along with its benefits.
Posted by Janet Schlarbaum
Recycling Plastic from Janet Schlarbaum
Janet Schlarbaum Environmental Protection Force
A Call for a UN Environmental Protection Force
By Marco Schiess
Posted by Janet Schlarbaum
I am passionate about our environment and concerned with the health of our planet.
With the latest crisis in Israel and Lebanon, I cannot help but notice that if the UN through UNEP (United World Environmental Programme) applied the same vigor in protecting our environment as they do to keeping world peace, imagine what could be achieved in the struggle against “Global Warming”. We could be in a far better position than we presently are.
A UN peace keeping force will soon be in place in an attempt to bring about a lasting and sustainable peace for Israel and Lebanon. I whole heartedly support this action to preserve human life and bring back quality life to all concerned.
However there is another disaster looming which can and will cause a lot more human misery and death if not kept in check i.e. the destruction of our Rain Forests through their inappropriate use.
Rain Forest regions of our planet, which provide most of the world’s oxygen, are systematically being destroyed by logging operations and slash and burn farming techniques.
The World’s Nations, through the UN, seem to mainly focus on the current humanitarian crises and forget that we are slowly being robbed of the earth’s oxygen supply.
This should be addressed immediately to preserve quality of life on the planet for us all.
We as individuals and organizations need to start lobbying the UN body, the UNEP, to take more drastic action in this regard.
Could you imagine what can be achieved if Environmental Scientists got together on a global scale in order to determine which areas need the most protection,
and if the UNEP actively monitored the all crucial life sustaining planetary elements on an ongoing basis to determine which need protection for the sake of all living beings?
The countries who depend on the utilization of these essential natural resources should be approached, and through a process of negotiation, adequately compensated for the not being able use the essential Resource.
This could be funded by means of an Environmental tax system which should be worked out according to how much carbon monoxide each highly industrialized nation emits annually.
As different environmental challenges present themselves we would then have a “Environmental Protection Force” necessary to adequately protect these areas from misuse.
In cases of non-compliance, the organization should have the teeth necessary to do the job of protecting any critical Life Sustaining Element from inappropriate use, preventing irreversible environmental damage and averting a global humanitarian crisis.
Janet Schlarbaum Environmental Protection Force
Environmental Protection and Janet Schlarbaum
Environmental Protection Starts With You
By Mike Selvon
Published by Janet Schlarbaum
If it were a race to produce the most waste, then the United States would be leading the pack. Over 18.5 million tons are produced each year and a majority of this could be avoided by citizens joining in a recycling program.
Yes, Americans have made great strides towards environmental protection, as 35 percent of people recycle their garbage each year and help landfills avoid the constantly overflowing recyclables that clog up the landfill. But it is not enough. Further steps need to be taken to ensure that people know how to protect their environment.
It is amazing how simple recycling can be once you know what to do. Your first step is separating your garbage waste from the recyclables. Environmental protection begins at home with you dropping the appropriate trash into its special waste bin.
It is that easy. Sometimes there is money involved, as is the case with recycling aluminum cans. You take in a bag filled with cans and you get money back. How great is that?
Many schools and work places are not part of a recycling program. However, if recycling bins were supplied and appropriately labeled for glass, aluminum cans, plastic and paper, then no doubt people would join in the recycling movement and place their garbage in the appropriate containers.
Have your employer send out a memo asking them to do so. Lead by example and always do your part. If others see your commitment, then they will likely follow suit.
Make sure you buy recycled goods. This helps recycling industries know that there are people out there who are concerned with the environment. Many of our day-to-day products can be purchased that contain recycled materials.
You can buy notebook paper made from recycled paper goods. Many detergent and household cleaning products come in bottles made from recycled plastics. By taking this small step into consumerism you can help further the cause and still have the items you need for your home.
There may not be a way to change the fact that the United States produces the most garbage of any country in the world. But considering that only thirty-five percent of the garbage is being recycled leaves a lot of room for improvement. Those numbers take time to change.
Those numbers can and will go up eventually if environmental protection becomes something that everyone is aware of and doing their part to rectify. It may start with one home but it has to spread in order for it to be effective in keeping recyclables out of our landfills.
Environmental Protection and Janet Schlarbaum
Four Janet Schlarbaum Tips
Four Tips For Post-Holiday Recycling
By Joseph Barrios
The holidays are a time for good cheer, family gatherings, eating lots of goodies–and unfortunately also a time for a lot of environmental waste.
From the dried-up Christmas tree, to the mounds of paper and ribbon, to the unwanted gifts that get thrown away, to all that left over food–it’s one heck of a holiday hangover as far as the environment is concerned. What are you to do?
Going green isn’t always easy, nor does it always fit perfectly with our lifestyles. But in the greater scheme of things, do we really need this much waste to celebrate the holidays? Here are a few ideas for celebrating in style without inflicting such a harsh toll on the environment.
Christmas tree. A real Christmas tree is indeed greener than a fake one, but what about after its time has passed? My county has a program that picks up any Christmas tree left on the curb for the first two weeks of January, and turns them into mulch for use throughout the County’s park and recreation areas. What about where you live–does your local government do the same? If not, write to them and ask for it! Otherwise, check for local landscaping companies who may be glad to take your tree and turn it into mulch themselves.
Gift wrap. I can almost hear a forest die every time I see a huge bag full of wrapping paper about to be thrown away. My family is slowly adopting the habit of exchanging some of those beautiful little gift bags you’ll find in all shapes and sizes at any gift shop such as Hallmark. We give our gifts inside the bags with a bit of tissue paper on top to hide the bag’s contents. When we’re done, we fold up the bags and put them away for the next holiday occasion–and then use them all over again. Talk about green gifts that keep on giving!
Unwanted gifts. We all have an Aunt Myrna in our families–you know, the one who thinks highly of her tastes and is simply sure that a blue-striped polka dot Hawaiian shirt is exactly what you need! It’s hard to tell these good-meaning folks otherwise that such gifts are a waste–I have been gently pushing relatives who don’t know my tastes to my Amazon.com wish list where they are sure to find books and other goodies I’d definitely enjoy. I also encourage folks to give me gift cards to places where I enjoy shopping. If Aunt Myrna just won’t get it and it’s awkward to ask for an exchange receipt, then sadly the only thing to do is to take your unwanted gifts to Goodwill and hope someone else will make better use of them.
Left over food. The best way to not have uneaten food is to not make as much of it. You don’t really need three cakes for the family’s dessert when just one will do! Fewer side dishes mean the ones you do put out are more likely to be eaten entirely.
Four Janet Schlarbaum Tips
Recycling Importance with Janet Schlarbaum
The Importance of Recycling
Author: Shen Gerald
What is Recycling? It is the reprocessing of old materials into new products.
What is the purpose of recycling? Basically it is for the prevention of wastage of potentially useful materials.A more detailed breakdown of its benefits are:
1. Reduction of the usage of fresh raw materials. This helps in preserving natural resources.
2. Reduction of energy usage. Incredible volume of energy are used to create products from raw materials. Recycling requires much less energy and therefore helps to preserve natural resources
3. Reduction of air and water pollution. This is achieved by reducing the need for traditional waste disposal.
4. Reduction of pollution caused by waste. Harmful chemicals and greenhouse gasses are released from rubbish in landfill sites.
5. Saves space that are otherwise used for Waste Disposal Landfill sites are filled up by a huge amount of waste products. These waste could have been recycled. Recycling allows for the proper usage of these waste products and thus saves space for landfills.
This recycling important? Yes it is. Our planet is already in a dire strait. If we do not recycle, the problems of human civilization will get worse and worse. Recycling is one of the best ways for individual like you and I to do our part to the betterment of our environment and world. Recycling is important to both the natural environment and us humans alike. Time is really running short. We must do our part.
Recycling Importance with Janet Schlarbaum
Recycling and Janet Schlarbaum
Recycling and Climate Change
By David Biddle
Energy efficiency and renewable power sources get the lion’s share of attention when people seek solutions to climate change. Everyone wants solar electricity, high tech computerized energy management systems, mini wind turbines, super insulated houses, gas-filled triple glazed smart windows, and plug-in hybrid cars. If everyone had all these things, we like to think, then maybe the climate would settle down again.
But things are never that simple. Technical fixes for massive human problems are complicated and expensive. And yet, one of the most fundamental ways we have of reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essentially at our fingertips right now through recycling — both at work and at home.
As opposed to mining natural resources in wilderness areas, chopping the tops off of mountains, digging massive strip mines, or clear-cutting forests, recycling is a highly localized, urban, relatively low-tech way of creating raw materials for industry. According to data from the U.S. Office of Technology Assessment, for every ton of product made out of non-recycled, raw natural resources, 71 tons of waste is generated in mining, transportation, refining and manufacturing. Recycling metal, plastic, paper, and glass is effectively a process of mining urban ore. And, typically speaking, recycled material means energy savings that can be significant. See Table 1, below for a summary of energy savings through recycling (numbers based on USEPA figures):
Table 1
Material %Energy Savings
Glass 33%
Plastic 30% – 70% (depending on application)
Steel 65%
Aluminum 95%
Paper 60%
What this means is that through recycling it is possible to significantly reduce the fossil fuel inputs to our national economy. By reducing fossil fuel inputs we naturally reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The problem is that although roughly 30% of the waste generated in the United States is recycled, every year this country creates more waste than the year before. So even though we’re recycling, we’re still making more and more stuff out of energy inefficient raw materials.
In 1980, according to the USEPA, America generated approximately 150 million tons of waste. In 2006 that number had increased to 246 million tons. Waste generation per person went from 3.7 pounds/day to 4.5 pounds/day. In short, while we are doing much better than we were in 1980 with recycling, our capacity to create more and more waste is outstripping our efforts to recycle. In fact, the US EPA estimates that only about half of what we could easily recycle is actually getting recycled.
Recycling also creates new economic opportunities in urban environments. From material collections to processing to recycled product manufacturing, a growing recycling industry can mean mid-skill to high skill jobs in profitable businesses in every major urban center of the country. A study by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance shows that for every 10,000 tons of material, landfills create one job while recycling can create as many as 35 jobs to process, transport and remanufacture new products.
To conclude, then, recycling is a proven and effective way for citizens and businesses to fight global warming. Recycled products mean less energy consumption, reduced costs, and create more jobs than trashing stuff. So if you’re not recycling everything you can – especially at work – roll up your sleeves and get down to basics. Your Mother will thank you, and so will your grandchildren’s grandchildren.
Recycling and Janet Schlarbaum