I had a lot of interest at my last event in my What Do I Do With box. Particularly in the mailers I have in the box. My box is a demonstration tool I use at events to catch people’s eyes and to invite discussions. Someone may see something they’ve always wondered about or get…
Valentine’s Day is coming up. It’s probably the most greeting card-heavy holiday of the year. When thinking about which card(s) to pick this year consider your options. My in-laws sent a really hilarious and fun motion and sound card for my son’s birthday last year. There was an otter whose jaw moved while he sang.…
If you are cleaning out for the new year, I want to let you know that in Austin, photograph paper is not recyclable. Please put unwanted photographs in the trash rather than recycling. Check with your local utility/provider to determine their policy on photograph paper. If you printed images on standard office paper or cardstock,…
I’ve contacted Austin Resource Recovery and this item is not recyclable in Austin. Our staff at the Recycle & Reuse Drop-off Center contacted the company to get the material specs. They received them back and this item is not recyclable here in Austin. It needs to be sent to the landfill. Austin Resource Recovery staff,…
*03.18.21 the word “feminine” was removed from this post and as much social media as I could without affecting post dates and comments, and replaced with “menstrual,” to allow for gender neutrality. This post goes with Reusable Menstrual Products. Please check out that post if you’re ready to make longer lasting changes. If plastic inside…
A reminder that chemicals are not allowed in the City of Austin curbside compost carts. “If it grows, it goes” into compost carts. Think food-grade. If not, it belongs in the trash. If you are cleaning with paper towels and vinegar, alcohol, baking soda, etc. then those paper towels may go in the compost carts.…
It’s the time of year. Flowers, balloons, cards and candy. A few tips and helpful reminders are listed here. Flowers and plants can be composted. Please remove any container or plastic wrap/plastic sleeves before composting. Only the actual plant part should be composted, “If it grows, it goes!” Plastic containers (hard/rigid plastic) can be recycled…
*03.18.21 the word “feminine” was removed from this post and as much social media as I could without affecting post dates and comments, and replaced with “menstrual,” to allow for gender neutrality. In this new year, many of you are working to “be greener.” One of the areas you may be looking into is the…
Bulk Collection will happen in my neighborhood next week. Information on what can and cannot be accepted is available at http://www.austintexas.gov/department/residential-bulk-collection. Sign up for collection reminders, including Bulk and Brush, at http://www.austintexas.gov/page/my-collection-schedule. You can add your schedule to Google, iCal or Outlook, or you can print it. You can also sign up for text (and…
Unconventional trash bags According to the sustainability site Treehugger, there are 8 Rs. They are: Reduce: Just use less. Return: Producers should take back what they sell. Reuse: Almost boring, but we throw too much stuff out too soon. Repair: Fix and mend things rather than replacing them. Refill: In Ontario Canada, 88% of beer bottles are returned to…