Dear EarthTalk: Are we really all exposed to many hazardous chemicals that come off the packaging our food travels in? What can we do to minimize our exposure to these potential toxins in our food? ~ William Freleigh, Newark, DE A large percentage of our food packaging contains toxic Food Contact Chemicals (FCCs), which are chemicals […]
recycling
Is Compostable Plastic Too Good to be True?
In recent years, there has been a global movement to pressure corporations into becoming more eco-friendly. One of the most frequent measures taken by these companies is limiting the use of single-use plastics and replacing them with so-called compostable plastics. Compostable plastics are frequently confused with biodegradable plastics. Biodegradable plastics are defined by their ability […]
What Every Parent of Young Children Should Know about Plastics
Plastics is not a subject that most of us go to sleep obsessing over or wake up consumed by. But when you are writing a report for EARTHDAY.ORG titled “Babies vs. Plastics,” plastics literally become your life. Plastic is an omnipresent material in our lives. Made from oil and a selection of other, often toxic chemicals, plastics […]
Reduce, Reuse, Redecorate: Why and How to Shop for Used Furniture
If you’re searching for new ways to make a positive impact on the planet, have you considered how you buy furniture? By opting for preowned or used furniture, you can save money, plus it’s an excellent way to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable future. Why shop for preowned furniture? Purchasing new furniture […]
New Recycling Option: Contact Lenses
When it comes to recycling, you may not often think about something as small as your contact lenses. Did you know, though, that 45 million Americans who wear contact lenses flush anywhere between 1.8 and 3.36 billion lenses down the toilet or sink per year? As a result, contact lenses could be contributing to the […]
Are Your ‘Recyclable’ Products Actually Recyclable?
If you’re like many people, you feel good when you are able to toss items into the recycling bin instead of the trash. But a new report suggests that many of those “recyclable” labels on your products may be misleading, and that much of what you believe will be processed and used again is actually […]
How and Where to Recycle Your Holiday Waste
The holidays bring in records amount of waste and recycling. Use this guide provide by Kitsap County on what, where, and when to recycle. And remember, many holiday waste items belong in the trash instead of the recycling — download and print our Holiday Waste Recycle Guide (PDF) to learn how to sort holiday waste […]
Get Ready to Bring Your Own Bags for Shopping in Kitsap
It’s time to stock up on those reusable bags. Starting Jan. 1, most of Kitsap County stores will go plastic-free for their carryout bags, and will start charging for paper bags. New laws restricting use of plastic carryout bags will go into effect in unincorporated Kitsap County as well as Bremerton and Port Orchard. Bainbridge […]
Recycle Old Batteries to Help Protect Your Home and the Environment
Is it time to finally declutter your junk drawers, closets, attic and basement? If these areas of your home contain used batteries, you’re in good company. One in five consumers store some or all of their used batteries from the past year, according to a recent Nielsen study conducted on behalf of Call2Recycle. Whether it’s […]
