Members of Blue Zones, and a task force created to help reduce cigarette litter in downtown Klamath Falls, emptied their new receptacles on Main Street for the first time on Friday to see if people were using them.   Merritt Driscoll, executive director of Blue Zones, counted 332 butts collected a week after the nine metal bins attached to lampposts were put in place. While the old pots for cigarettes were still being used, too, she was happy to see less litter on the streets.   The receptacles are the latest step in a grant program aimed to combat the leading cause of litter in the United States: cigarette butts.   Blue Zones, in partnership with the city of Klamath Falls and the Klamath Falls Downtown Association, was awarded a $10,000 grant. The funds went toward purchasing the receptacles as well as an awareness campaign.   Before the cigarette bins were placed, the team did quarterly clean ups, picking up cigarette butts in cracks in the sidewalks and along the curbs. The team did a cleanup in July before placing the bins and collected 5,254 butts. In July 2019, the team collected 8,362 butts.   Driscoll was encouraged to see cigarette butts in each of the receptacles she emptied. Still, the bins weren’t full after a week in place, so she plans to wait longer between checks in the future.   She said group focused the initiative on the downtown business corridor because it’s a hot spot for shopping, eating and smoking. Part of the motivation behind cleaning up the downtown litter is to increase community pride.   “When you see litter on the ground, it doesn’t conjure up a sense of pride,” she said. “We want to clean up, starting in our downtown, and from there we can move to other areas.”   Three extra receptacles are available for other businesses who want them outside.   Driscoll plans to do another cleanup in November, at the end of the grant, to see if the bins decreased the amount of litter in the streets. Blue Zones will send the collected butts to Terracycle where they will be recycled into plastic products such as shipping pallets and ash trays.

Members of Blue Zones, and a task force created to help reduce cigarette litter in downtown Klamath Falls, emptied their new receptacles on Main Street for the first time on Friday to see if people were using them.   Merritt Driscoll, executive director of Blue Zones, counted 332 butts collected a week after the nine metal bins attached to lampposts were put in place. While the old pots for cigarettes were still being used, too, she was happy to see less litter on the streets.   The receptacles are the latest step in a grant program aimed to combat the leading cause of litter in the United States: cigarette butts.   Blue Zones, in partnership with the city of Klamath Falls and the Klamath Falls Downtown Association, was awarded a $10,000 grant. The funds went toward purchasing the receptacles as well as an awareness campaign.   Before the cigarette bins were placed, the team did quarterly clean ups, picking up cigarette butts in cracks in the sidewalks and along the curbs. The team did a cleanup in July before placing the bins and collected 5,254 butts. In July 2019, the team collected 8,362 butts.   Driscoll was encouraged to see cigarette butts in each of the receptacles she emptied. Still, the bins weren’t full after a week in place, so she plans to wait longer between checks in the future.   She said group focused the initiative on the downtown business corridor because it’s a hot spot for shopping, eating and smoking. Part of the motivation behind cleaning up the downtown litter is to increase community pride.   “When you see litter on the ground, it doesn’t conjure up a sense of pride,” she said. “We want to clean up, starting in our downtown, and from there we can move to other areas.”   Three extra receptacles are available for other businesses who want them outside.   Driscoll plans to do another cleanup in November, at the end of the grant, to see if the bins decreased the amount of litter in the streets. Blue Zones will send the collected butts to Terracycle where they will be recycled into plastic products such as shipping pallets and ash trays.

Developed in partnership with international recycling leader TerraCycle, Kroger’s new platform enables customers to recycle a wide range of flexible packaging not currently accepted in curbside recycling programs.     SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): The Kroger Co. announced the launch of its Simple Truth^® Recycling Program, offering customers a free and simple way to recycle the flexible packaging of more than 300 products from Simple Truth, America’s largest natural and organic brand, with annual sales exceeding $2.5 billion in 2019. Developed in partnership with international recycling leader TerraCycle, Kroger’s new platform enables customers to recycle a wide range of flexible packaging not currently accepted in curbside recycling programs, including produce bags, bread bags and plastic overwrap from household items like tissues and bottled water. The Simple Truth Recycling Program marks another significant milestone for Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social impact plan and establishes Kroger as the first Fortune 25 retailer to offer a free recycling program for its own private-label brand.   “A key part of achieving our ambitious Zero Hunger | Zero Waste vision is offering our customers innovative solutions to recycle and reuse product packaging,” said Keith Dailey, group vice president of corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer. “We’re thrilled to partner with TerraCycle to launch our new Simple Truth Recycling Program, supporting our sustainable packaging goals and enabling Kroger customers to recycle their favorite Simple Truth and Simple Truth Organic products without ever leaving home.”   “Thanks to companies like The Kroger Co. and their popular Simple Truth product line, consumers can enjoy their favorite foods while being rewarded for doing the right thing,” said Tom Szaky, TerraCycle founder and CEO. “As the first major retailer to create a free recycling program for their own private-label brand, Kroger is offering consumers the opportunity to divert packaging from landfills and make a positive impact on the environment for future generations.”   “Since its launch in January 2013, Simple Truth has led the way in making natural, organic and free-from foods more mainstream and accessible for customers,” said Ben Melillo, Kroger’s senior brand manager. “We know more of our customers are seeking out opportunities to reduce their environmental footprint and we’re excited to meet their needs by introducing the Simple Truth Recycling Program—an initiative that not only simplifies the recycling process, but also makes it more rewarding.”   Courtesy: www.wasteadvantage.com

The world has a plastic problem. By 2050, the oceans will contain more plastic than fish, by weight. That’s because over 50% of plastic consumed in the world today is used once and disposed of, including toothbrushes.   In fact, Americans throw away over one billion toothbrushes each year. And because toothbrushes are made from nearly indestructible, non-biodegradable polypropylene plastic and nylon, almost every single plastic toothbrush ever produced is still in existence.   But, plastic toothbrushes are a relatively new phenomenon. Prior to the 1930s, toothbrushes were produced from more eco-friendly materials, like bark or porcupine quills. Luckily, today you don’t have to find a porcupine to be able to clean your teeth in an environmentally friendly manner. Bamboo toothbrushes are more popular and more effective than ever.  

Why Bamboo?

Bamboo wood is a fully biodegradable substance made from the bamboo plant. It’s also highly sustainable as bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth which usually doesn’t require the use of fertilizers, pesticides or irrigation to grow.   Therefore, the only parts of a bamboo toothbrush that can potentially harm the environment are the bristles and the packaging. However, the bristles are normally recyclable, and most companies provide paper packaging for their bamboo toothbrushes.  

How to Dispose of a Bamboo Toothbrush

Because bamboo toothbrushes are made from two different substances, the first step in properly disposing of the toothbrush is to remove the bristles from the handle. This can easily be done with a set of pliers.   The bristles can be disposed of along with your plastic recyclables. The bamboo handle can then be composted, burned or used around the house as a plant marker, crafting accessory or DIY tool.   If you’re ready to make the switch to a bamboo toothbrush, keep reading to find out more about the eight best options available for purchase on Amazon.  

Over the last ten years, healthy lifestyles have become a norm in America. The definition of health looks different to everyone based on their budgets, geographical location, and lifestyle choices. To one person it may mean eating organic food and exercising every day, to another it may look like exercising and following an "everything in moderation" eating style, and to the last it may be simply using clean beauty products. To me, living a healthy lifestyle means exercising, following the 80/20 eating rule, and using natural, toxin-free cosmetics. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, I have personally made a much larger effort than ever before to be as healthy as possible to keep my immune system in tip-top shape. This meant changing my eating habits, slowly switching over to clean skincare brands, and exercising more regularly. Switching to cosmetic and beauty brands that omit toxins and chemicals required a lot of research. Throughout this process, Haoma came across my browsers numerous times. When I was given the opportunity to interview this incredible company, I nearly jumped for joy. Haoma is a clean skincare brand that believes in reconnecting people to nature through their products, inspiring individuals to take care of themselves and the planet. Haoma's plant-based, cruelty-free beauty products are truly one-of-a-kind. I tried the Charcoal Earth Bar last week and was astounded by how gentle and hydrating it is, and, as silly as this sounds, by how clean I felt after. With no perfumes or unnatural ingredients, I felt at ease knowing I had not worked out and eaten healthy all day just to lather toxic chemicals all over my body. While Haoma's products give back to communities by reducing the number of harmful products on the market through smart consumption and ethical craftsmanship, they also have partnerships with companies that give back to communities where the Haoma product may not reach, expanding their impact across the globe. We love brands that give back! Doreen Hatcher, Haoma CEO and Brennan Courtney, Haoma Residential Herbalist, answer a few of my questions on the company, it's partnerships, and the products in the following interview. Let's dive in! How did the founder(s) come up with the idea for Haoma? DH: Haoma's origin story stems from our founders' deeply held belief that the human connection to Nature is key to wellness. Creating those pathways of connection is at the heart of this company. Your work with Trees.org is extremely inspiring. How does Haoma choose the companies it partners with and does Haoma have any plans to collaborate with other impactful brands? DH: Our partnership with Trees.org came out of the idea of returning to the earth what we take: 'A plant for a plant, everytime.' We also wanted to make sure it was free and easy for everyone to recycle their Haoma packaging from day one, so we partnered with Terracycle, a wonderful company whose business model is built around "recycling the unrecyclable" - all those little pieces that aren't accepted by curbside recycling programs can be put into a pre-paid envelope and turned into materials that can be used to make new products. How does Haoma pick the ingredients that are used in products and lines? What does this process look like? BC: As a brand, we're focused on ingredients that have stood the test of time as agents of health and vitality. Our ingredient selection process involves a round table approach, taking many aspects into consideration. We all come up with ideas, which are fleshed out by myself and the rest of our product development team. Then, we work closely with our chemists, who tweak and finalize the products until the whole team is satisfied. We're also always taking pause to make sure our products feel inclusive, genderless and inspired. Where did inspiration for Haoma's new clay-based earth bar come from? BC: Our Earth Bar was created with a nod to the concept of forest bathing. The earthy, grounding clays, scents of Douglas Fir and Frankincense and the exfoliating powers of Volcanic Sand all lend themselves to the experience of a deeper connection to nature and our own bodies. This soap also possesses potent antimicrobial plant oils and rich butters and oils to keep skin clean yet properly hydrated. What have been a few of Haoma's biggest accomplishments? DH: Honestly, our biggest accomplishment is the quality of our products. Some of the feedback we get from our customers is simply astounding - for instance, a pediatric nurse in Austin, TX shared with us that the Temple Balm has been a lifesaver for her overwashed hands - and has even had a remarkable effect on her chronic psoriasis. It's these moments that keep us going! How does Haoma differ from other clean skincare brands? BC: The positive union of herbalism and science, coupled with years of experience in the industry, creates truly superior products. Our unique approach to genderless, plant-based beauty creates something timeless, luxurious and effective. For more information, visit haomaearth.com.

Los Angeles, California – Timeless Skin Care and TerraCycle® are delighted to announce their partnership to create a national recycling program to further Timeless’ sustainability efforts. As one of the fastest growing skincare brands out of the US, Timeless Skin Care serves customers around the globe.   The California-based skin care company is launching the Recycling Envelope program on August 3^rd across the United States, where Timeless serves over 220 000 unique customers a year.   CEO and Founder Veronica Pedersen says, “We are committed to minimizing our carbon footprint through initiatives like TerraCycle®. Sustainability, along with clean, concise formulas, are very important to our customers. TerraCycle® is the perfect partner to assist us in continuing our efforts to care for the health of our skin and the planet.”    While most of Timeless Skin Care’s packaging is glass, this program represents the opportunity to recycle up to half a million containers that house some of Timeless Skin Care’s most popular products. TerraCycle® will collect and recycle the 2 Eye Serums, the Hydrating HA Sprays and the customer favorite, 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum. By volume, TerraCycle® recycles over 97% of the waste that they collect.   Any Timeless customer can participate in the free program, which involves completing a simple form to receive the free envelope and mailing label, and then filling the envelope with up to three Timeless plastic products to mail in, postage free.

TRENTON, N.J.—Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has proven indispensable in the wake of COVID-19 but this surge has led to littered PPE flooding streets and marine habitats. To address this unintended public health crisis of potentially hazardous litter, TerraCycle Regulated Waste has launched an easy-to-use recycling solution for single-use gloves and masks through their line of EasyPak Containers. Designed as a recycling system for businesses in need of a turn-key solution for hazardous waste disposal, the PPE EasyPack Containers allow property managers to easily recycle used gloves and masks on-site, thereby allowing staff to responsibly dispose of their protective gear instead of tossing items on the ground. To recycle PPE waste, TerraCycle Regulated Waste offers the following EasyPak containers:

• Disposable Gloves EasyPak Box—to recycle vinyl, nitrile, and latex gloves.
• Disposable Masks EasyPak Box—to recycle surgical and industrial face masks.

When full, the boxes are returned to TerraCycle Regulated Waste for processing and the collected waste will be cleaned, melted, and remolded to make new products. Convenient Way to Ensure Environmental Protection “In this time of uncertainty, business owners are struggling to preserve their workers’ health and safety, while maintaining their commitment to the environment, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” said Kevin Flynn, Global Vice President of TerraCycle Operations and Director of TerraCycle Regulated Waste. “Through the EasyPak recycling program, TerraCycle Regulated Waste offers a convenient way for businesses to ensure the protection of our shared environment while maintaining workplace safety.” TerraCycle Regulated Waste created the EasyPak program to help businesses facilitate the effective and compliant management of regulated, universal and hazardous waste. All EasyPak boxes are UN-compliant and are sealed while in transit, limiting any possibility of contamination. Additionally, for added convenience, the EasyPak containers are available for purchase through a reorder subscription program ensuring that property managers are never left without a solution to their universal waste. The boxes travel for up to a week before they are received at TerraCycle Regulated Waste facilities, where additional safety precautions are taken in accordance with CDC recommendations. The EasyPak program does not accept medical waste or biohazardous materials. To learn about TerraCycle’s Regulated Waste Division, visit www.lamprecycling.com.

Note: $10.2 billion for household and personal care products. Corporate sales: $13.7 billion

If you are looking to get cash for clutter, take a look at these sites that pay. We found many places we found to recycle, donate or sell your old gadgets, plus you can cash in on your spring cleaning! We have updated this post for 2020 and we welcome your ideas.

Cash for Clutter – Sites that Pay!

  We found stores and sources where you can recycle, donate or sell your old gadgets. Most of our old electronics like computers, cell phones, digital cameras, video games, and printers can have either cash or trade-in value. We have affiliate relationships which means we may earn a small referral commission at no additional cost to you if you shop using our links.   Amazon   Their popular trade-in program offers credit for used items including video games, Bluetooth speakers, tablets, cell phones, Kindle E-Readers, and textbooks.   Best Buy   Trade-in your qualifying cell phones, computers, video games, and other electronics online or at a participating Best Buy store. Among the most popular trade-in items at Best Buy include iPhones, iPads, gaming hardware, PC laptops, Samsung Mobile phones, Microsoft Surface, Apple Notebooks and video games. You will get paid in Best Buy gift cards.   eBay   Sell your old phones on eBay.   Gamestop   Get gift cards or cash for your used electronics including iPhones, Kindle devices,iPods and gaming systems. They have special offers on the Game Stop website for specific items so be sure and check those out. You will take your old devices to your local store to complete the transaction.   Gazelle   Sell your used cell phones and other devices including iPhones, Samsung phones, iPads, tablets, Apple computers, iPods and more. Get cash for the gadgets you no longer use, even if damaged.   Nextworth   Get a quote instantly. Select the device you want to sell (for cash) and shipping is always free. Categories include smartphones, tablets, and wearables.   Office Depot/Office Max   Through their Tech Trade-Up Program, you can trade in old devices at any Office Depot store and they will make you an offer for your tech or you can trade-in online. Enter the information about your trade-in on their website, and they will provide you with the value. If you agree, you mail it in with a prepaid label they provide.   Staples Trade-In Program   Answer a few questions about your device and get an immediate quote. Staples will provide a pre-paid UPS shipping label for any device worth $1 or more. A Staples eCash card will be emailed to you as soon as they check your device.   Target Trade-In Program   Get fast and fair value for your electronics including voice speakers, wearables, consoles, games, tablets, and phones. “The process couldn’t be easier: Just generate quotes for your devices and ship them to us using the prepaid shipping label generated at the end of the process. We ensure same-day processing and fast payment, with a no-risk evaluation process.” Your payment is in the form of a Target gift card.   Walmart/Sam’s Club   Walmart has teamed up with CExchange to power an Electronics Trade-In Program. You can earn an eGift Card good at Walmart.com by trading in used electronics, including cell phones, laptops, MP3 players, digital cameras, and more. The process is easy, and qualifying items ship for free. There is no in-store option at this time.  

Where to Get Cash for Empty Ink Cartridges

  eBay   Selling multiple cartridges at once, known as selling in lots, is the preferred way to list on eBay.   Office Depot/Office Max   Recycle your ink and toner cartridges in-store. Limit 10 cartridges per month. Get $2 back in rewards per recycled cartridge when you make a $10 qualifying purchase during the same month. Rewards are paid out quarterly online only as a reward certificate.   Staples   Spend at least $30 on ink or toner. Buy in-store or online within 180 days prior to recycling. Recycle your used cartridges and bring cartridges to the register at your local Staples® store or request a shipping label to recycle your cartridges online. Get $2 back in rewards. See rewards in your next monthly Rewards statement for each cartridge you recycle (up to 20 cartridges per month).  

Cartridge Buy-Back Sites

  There are several cartridge buy-back sites that will buy your empty cartridges. Toner Buyer is a site that our savvy readers have shared with us.   Cell Phone Companies   What’s more, cellular carrier stores, including AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer consumers their choice of in-store drop off or pre-printed shipping labels that make for quick and easy returns, free of charge. The two companies listed below will help you recycle just about anything.  

• Recycle Bank
• Terracycle 

 

Not Worth Selling? Recycle Your Electronics

    Electronics can be recycled for almost all of their components including metal, plastics, glass, and more. And there are more local, manufacturer, and retailer recycling programs than you’d think.   Find local organizations with Greener Gadgets. They offer a list of nationwide manufacturers, retailers, and certified eCycling programs in your area.  

Donate Old Gadgets

  Numerous established organizations accept donations of old electronics and repurpose them for a good cause. The Environmental Protection Agency is a good resource to find a local organization to unload your old electronics.   Reusing and repurposing is a great way to unclutter our life and reduce e-waste. Don’t dump your old gadgets in the trash. They often contain products that could be harmful to our groundwater.   Why not put the kids to work sorting this out and finding out how much their old gadgets are worth? Offer to split the proceeds with them and call it their allowance or save toward a shared family goal. Planning to have a garage sale soon? See my tips on How to Attract Serious Buyers and Have a Successful Garage Sale.   Do you have any other places that offer cash for clutter to share with us?