Bee-Eazy Reusable Bag Buzz

Bee-Eazy Bags are Featured this month in Pixie Magazine

 We are pleased to announce that Bee-Eazy Bags are featured in the September 29 issue of Pixie Magazine. 

Expedition to Giant Garbage Patch uncovers Plastic Pieces Large and Small

"Scientists who returned to the Bay Area this week after an expedition to the 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch' brought piles of plastic debris they pulled out of the ocean - soda bottle, cracked patio chairs, Styrofoam chunks, old toys, discarded fishing floats and tangled nets. But what alarmed them most, they said... was the nearly inconceivable amount of tiny, confetti-like pieces of broken plastic..."

An investigator described this excessive marine debris as the "new man-made epidemic," since the tiny pieces are believed to contain toxic chemicals and can absorb banned substances such as DDT. Not only is there a chemical threat, but the growing garbage patch debris poses danger to marine life and birds.

Read the entire article.

Mexico City another Big Metro to to Ban Use & Toss Bags

Wend.com  8.24.09

 "Add another city to the list of those that have understood the severe negative effects of single-use plastic bags. Last Wednesday, Mexico City banned businesses from distributing plastic bags that are not biodegradable. The ban affects all stores, production facilities and service providers within the Federal District, which encompasses the city limits. Nearly 9 million people live inside the district, which makes it the second large metropolitan area in the Western Hemisphere to outlaw single-use plastic bags..."

For more, read the entire article.

 

SIGG Aluminum Bottles prior to 8/08 not BPA free

Until August 2008, every aluminum bottle produced by SIGG and Laken was lined with a water-based epoxy that contained BPA as reported by SNEWS.  They have since reconfigured their product with new liners certified to be BPA and phthalate free.  Our Take:  A recall was never issued, but to their credit the company has set up a replacement program for customers who may have purchased a bottle thinking it was BPA free.  The exchange program can be accessed by contacting the following address liners@mysigg.com for USA or to customerservice-canada(at)sigg.com for Canada.  For additional information on this story read further Link

 

The Air you Breathe - 9 ways to clear the air in your home

Big Y - The Air You Breathe

There’s been a great deal of press about improving the air quality in our cities, much discussion over what we can do to reduce smog, pollution, carbon monoxide and other environmental problems in our outdoor spaces. But what about the air quality in your own space? You spend more time living in— and breathing in — your home than anywhere else. “Greening” your home is a great way to keep yourself healthier (and it’s good for the environment, too).

Go green - literally. Besides adding beauty to your living space, live houseplants have been proven to create cleaner air. Plants add much-needed oxygen and moisture to the atmosphere, while sucking chemicals
and contaminants out of the air. Have at least 15 plants around your home for the maximum benefit. An added bonus: Studies have shown that people who are surrounded by plants have lower blood pressure, are more productive and even recover from illness faster.

Stub out cigarettes. Banning smoking from your home is just about the most important thing you can do for the air there.

Keep moisture under control. Making sure your house isn’t too humid will help prevent mold from taking hold. Use exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom; use a dehumidifier in the basement or crawl space if necessary (just make sure to regularly replace its filter and empty its drip pan). Aim to keep your home’s humidity between 30 and 50 percent.

Keep it clean! Cleaning regularly will keep everyday deposits of dust, dirt and pet hair from becoming airborne and turning into pollutants.

But clean smart. Using a feather duster will just send dust and dirt scattering
into the air, where you’ll breathe them in. Instead, use a magnetic duster cloth or a damp rag, which will trap everything. The same goes for sweeping; use your vacuum instead of a broom for cleaner air.

Consider the chemicals you use. Many household cleansers and other products contain harsh chemicals that can send volatile, unhealthy fumes into the atmosphere. Whenever possible, use milder cleansers, and purchase spray-trigger bottles rather than aerosol.

Let the outside in. Open your windows to let fresh air circulate at least once in a while — it will usher out stale air and indoor pollutants as well. Keep doors between rooms open and consider
running a fan for even better circulation.

Maintain, maintain, maintain. Keep your home’s heater and air conditioner in good shape with regular checkups. Be sure to replace and/or clean their filters as recommended by their manufacturers.
If possible, get High Efficiency Particulate (HEPA) filters, which can trap tiny particles that other filters would let back into your home’s air.

Test the air. Invest in several carbon monoxide detectors and place them around your home next to the smoke detectors. They’ll sound an alarm if the deadly gas reaches dangerous levels in your home. You might also want to consider testing the air for radon, which is a gas that is found naturally in the soil. Radon has been linked to lung cancer, so if it’s detected in your home, you’ll need to seal cracks and install vents under your house.

How to Get Water Wise

Big Y   - Riding the Wave

When you think about water, your main concern is probably just trying to make sure you drink your eight glasses a day. But beyond those 64 ounces, do you know how much water you use in your home each day? Chances are it’s more than you think. In fact, the average American uses around 110 gallons of water every day! Conserving water is important for the environment — and it’s easier than you might think. Each little drop in the bucket counts toward big
changes over time. Here are some of the simplest ways to help save water in and around your home.

In Your Kitchen

Believe it or not, in most cases, using your dishwasher is usually more water-efficient than handwashing dishes — especially if you run the dishwasher only when it’s fully loaded. When you’re loading the dishwasher, scrape and wipe food scraps off dishes rather than rinsing them first to save even more water.

Instead of dumping “old” water down the drain —glasses with melted ice, water left over from cooking pasta or vegetables, etc. — use it to water houseplants once it’s reached room temperature.

Do you have to run your faucet for a few moments to get hot water? Don’t let that cold-to-lukewarm water run down the drain. Collect it in a pitcher or pot to use for cooking, washing vegetables or watering plants.

Use as little water as you can during cooking, and use the smallest pans you can. The larger the pan, the more water you’ll need to fill it. Keep your pots and pans tightly covered during cooking to ensure that water doesn’t boil away too fast.

Run the washing machine only when you have a full load — and skip the extra rinse cycle.

 If you have handwashables, wait until you have several and do them all at once. Use the clean “rinse” water from one batch as the “wash” water for the next batch rather than draining and filling the sink each time.

In Your Bathroom

Got a leaky faucet? Repair that drip and you’ll save hundreds of gallons every year.

Choose showers over baths, and limit your showers to five minutes or less. Better yet, install a new low-flow showerhead, which will significantly reduce how many gallons your shower uses every minute.

When you’re brushing your teeth or shaving, don’t let the water run. Turn it off until it’s time to rinse.

Redoing your bathroom? Update your toilet. New toilets use just 1.6 gallons per flush - that can make a difference of up to 15,000 gallons a year!

In Your Yard

Invest in a rain barrel - which is exactly what it sounds like: a container you keep outside to collect rainwater. Then use that water for your lawn and garden.

Mulch, mulch, mulch. Keeping your beds lightly covered with a bed of mulch will help the soil retain moisture, meaning your landscaping will require less watering.

Weeding your garden will not only keep it looking prettier, but will enable you to use less water by eliminating your plants’ competition.

Water your lawn less often, but when you do, water for a longer time. The deeper into the soil the water goes, the deeper your lawn’s root system will be — and the deeper the root system, the longer the lawn can go without watering. (It will also withstand dry spells better.)

The Shopper's Guide to Pesticides

Every year, new research is published demonstrating the toxicity of pesticides to human health and the environment, often at doses previously declared "safe" by the pesticide industry and the government. Find out what you can do to reduce your risk of pesticide exposure while spending your money wisely on organic produce.  Items with a very low pesticide load may not be worth purchasing organic.   

Full List

Portland ME Green Home & Living Show

Green Home & Living Show

Bee-Eazy bags is proud to be a presenter at the 2009 Green Home & Living Show in Portland, ME.  Come on down to see us

SHOW DATES & HOURS: 

Saturday, October 3, 2009   10:00am - 7:00pm

Sunday, October 4, 2009    10:00am - 5:00pm

LOCATION:

Portland Expo Center 239 Park Avenue Portland ME

TICKET PRICE: Admission price is $7.00, kids 15 and under are free. 
This event will showcase 175 exhibitors offering the latest energy-efficient, eco-friendly products and services.

Enjoy a broad-range of exhibits and dozens of activities for all ages and every shade of green, including:

* 175-200 Exhibits!
* Free seminars
* Planet Kid's Zone
* Speakers
* Much More!

Don't miss the largest "Green Living Showcase" in Maine!

Saturday, October 3, 2009   10:00am - 7:00pm

Sunday, October 4, 2009    10:00am - 5:00pm

LOCATION:

Portland Expo Center 239 Park Avenue Portland ME

TICKET PRICE: Admission price is $7.00, kids 15 and under are free. 
This event will showcase 175 exhibitors offering the latest energy-efficient, eco-friendly products and services.

Enjoy a broad-range of exhibits and dozens of activities for all ages and every shade of green, including:

* 175-200 Exhibits!
* Free seminars
* Planet Kid's Zone
* Speakers
* Much More!

Don't miss the largest "Green Living Showcase" in Maine!

5-cent Bag Fee Passed in Fairbanks, Alaska

 
Daily News-Miner 9.11.09

 Fairbanks, Alaska's Borough Assembly passed a 5-cent bag fee that automatically applies to a few dozen major retailers. The fee is characterized as a "user fee" to address the city's solid waste issues. Revenue from the fee will go toward emerging recycling programs.

Read more here.

 

GreenFest Philly

Bee-Eazy bags is proud to be a presenter at GreenFest Philly in Philadelphia, PA.  Come on down to see us 

SHOW DATES & HOURS:
Sunday, September 13, 2009    11:00am - 6:00pm

LOCATION: 2nd and South Streets

TICKET PRICE: Admission Free

PARKING: GreenFest Philly 09 Parking Map

GreenFest Phillyis a one-day street fair FREE to the public that takes place in Philadelphia every September. Last year, over 200 exhibitorsand 25,000 people attended the area's largest environmental event. Various features included vegetarian food, sneaker recycling, live music & entertainment, kids activities, bicycle valet, yoga, local produce, green contests, composting and recycling, Eco Exchange Fashion Show & Clothing Swap, Food Symposiumand Green Film Festival.

 

Reusing or recycling odd items

Ever wonder what can or cannot be recycled?  Our Friends at Big Y Supermarkets have created a quick quide to help you determine what is acceptable for recycling of what should be tossed out. 

• Aerosol cans - As long as you make sure they’re completely empty, they can be tossed in the recycling bin with your other cans.

• Backpacks - When your teen decides it’s time for a new tote, you can donate the used one to the American Birding Association (www.americanbirding.org), which gives used backpacks to its scientists to use in the field.

• Carpeting - Nylon-fiber carpet can be recycled! Instead of dumping your old carpet in a landfill, find
out where to recycle it by visiting the Carpet America Recovery Effort’s Web site: www.carpetrecovery.org. Click on “What can I do with my old carpet?” to find out if there’s a facility near you. You can also contact your carpet’s manufacturer; several, including Milliken, and FLOR, have their own recycling programs.

• Cell Phones - Do you have a drawer full of your old cell phones? If so, you’re not alone. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, below 20 percent of cell phones are recycled every year. Buck the trend and try one of these options: Donate still-useable phones to the Wireless Foundation (www.calltoprotect.org), which will give them to survivors of domestic violence, or visit www.recyclewirelessphones.com to find other charity organizations. You can also check with the store where you purchased your phone; many will accept old phones for recycling.

• Computers - Because of the different materials used in their components, old computers should not just be tossed into a landfill. In many cases, your computer’s manufacturer will accept old computers for recycling - visit www.mygreenelectronics.com to find out. You can also donate computers to Next Step Recycling (www.nextsteprecycling.org), an organization that will repair and refurbish it for use by underfunded and ill-equipped schools, nonprofits or needy families.

• Crayons - Yes, those sad-looking broken crayons can be recycled. There’s an organization that will melt them down and re-mold them into new ones. Leave the labels on, and check in with the National Crayon Recycle Program (www.crazycrayons.com) to find out where to send them.

• Envelopes - Envelopes with clear address windows, paper or cardboard overnight mail envelopes and Jiffy Pak envelopes (the padded ones filled with soft packing material) can all be recycled with your paper. Shipping envelopes made of Tyvek can be returned to their manufacturer, DuPont, which will turn them into plastic lumber (call 866-338-9835 for more information). You’re out of luck if you have envelopes with bubble wrap or goldenrod-colored office envelopes, neither of which can be recycled.

• Formal Wear - Are old bridesmaid and prom dresses taking up valuable real estate in your closet? Donate them to www.operationfairydust.org or www.catherinescloset.org, which will give them
to girls who can’t afford them.

• iPods - Apple will take your used iPod and break it down for parts; just bring it to your closest Apple store. Bonus: You’ll get a 10 percent discount on a new iPod if you buy one the same day.

• Juice Pouches - Don’t toss these in your recycling bin, since most of them are made from a combination of metal and plastic that recycling centers can’t process. An organization called
TerraCycle (www.terracycle.net/brigades), though, will transform them into totes, purses and backpacks sold at major retailers nationwide. They’ll even donate between one and two cents per pouch you send them (depending on the brand) to the charity of your choice.

• Packing Materials - Styrofoam® peanuts can often be returned to a packaging store for reuse. Visit www.loosefillpackaging.com to find locations.
If your town doesn’t recycle those big Styrofoam® packing blocks, check www.epspackaging.org to find a drop-off location or directions to mail them to a recycling center. What about those inflated plastic shipping bags? Pop them to deflate, then mail to Ameri-Pak, Sealed Air Recycle Center, 477 South
Woods Drive, Fountain Inn, SC 29644. They’ll be turned into trash bags and car parts.

• Prescription Medication - If you have unused antivirals, antifungals or TB medicine, contact the Starfish Project (www.thebody.com), which will send them to clinics in Nigeria. They’ll send you a prepaid shipping label to make it even easier.

• Printer Cartridges - Did you know that these tiny plastic tanks could sit in a landfill for up to 450 years? They’re easily reused by manufacturers. If you have HP cartridges, send them back to HP.  Bring any brand back to Staples for a $3 discount off your next printer cartridge purchase.

• Shopping Bags - Plastic grocery bags can be recycled! If your town won’t accept them, just bring them back to your local Big Y - we will. Paper bags can be tossed in with your regular paper recycling.

• Sneakers - If they’re too played out to donate for reuse, you can send your old sneakers to Nike (don’t worry, they’ll accept any brand), which will transform them into material that will be used for sports courts for kids around the world. Visit www.letmeplay.com/reuseashoe for details.

• Stereos, TVs and VCRs - Electronic equipment can be broken down and recycled, but usually you can’t just toss them in with your other items. Instead, visit www.earth911.org for a list of stores, manufacturers and drop-off locations that will accept them. When you buy a new TV from Best Buy, they’ll take away and recycle your old one.

• Umbrellas - As long as its spine is metal, just strip off the fabric and handle and drop it in with the rest of your metal recycling.

• Wine Corks - Plastic corks aren’t recyclable, but natural corks can either be composted or sent to a company that will make them into floor and wall tiles. Just send them to Wine Cork Recycling, Yemm & Hart Ltd., 425 North Chamber Drive, Fredericktown, MO 63645.

Link to Original Article:  Something Old, Something New Reusing or Recycling Odd Items