tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76215326863077546872024-03-05T04:48:25.449-05:00Woolridge Elementary School Green ClubAn Environmental Resource for the Students, Teachers, and Parents of Woolridge Elementary SchoolWoolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-86735553858030895422010-11-15T06:43:00.000-05:002010-11-15T06:43:28.432-05:00I Didn't Know That Was Recyclable! - Shower Poofs<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.alburtissoapworks.com/images/mesh_scrubby_poof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" px="true" src="http://www.alburtissoapworks.com/images/mesh_scrubby_poof.jpg" width="320" /></a>Don't throw away your shower poof after you have finished using it. Recycle it! Shower poofs are made of #4 plastic. This type of plastic can be recycled where ever plastic grocery bags are recycled. All you have to do is cut off the rope/string before recycling it.</div>Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-30497942946919951522010-11-06T17:46:00.000-04:002010-11-06T17:46:41.172-04:00Trash vs. Landfill<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/files/2010/06/44548357_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/housingcomplex/files/2010/06/44548357_300.jpg" /></a><a href="http://ellwoodthompsons.com/">Ellwood Thompson's</a> is a great organic grocery store here in Richmond. Located just off of Cary Street, they have a great variety of organic products and are very proud of their locally grown produce. I have found that many organic produce items are actually no more expensive than their non-organic counterparts.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One thing I recently noticed is that the trash containers in the store aren'e labeled as "TRASH". They're labeled as "LANDFILL". I think that most of us don't really think about or appreciate the tremendous amount of waste each and every one of us generates. If we thought to ourselves, "This item I'm about to throw out is going to end up in a landfill." then maybe we would think about if the item can be recycled or if there's a similar product that we can buy that isn't as wasteful. Something to think about!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-22440203733752693142010-09-22T06:19:00.000-04:002010-09-22T06:19:05.048-04:00Prescription Drug Disposal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/images/got_drugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" qx="true" src="http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/images/got_drugs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On September 25, 2010, DEA will coordinate a collaborative effort with state and local law enforcement agencies to remove potentially dangerous controlled substances from our nation’s medicine cabinets. Collection activities will take place from 10:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m. at sites established throughout the country. The National Take-Back Day provides an opportunity for the public to surrender expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceutical controlled substances and other medications for destruction. These drugs are a potential source of supply for illegal use and an unacceptable risk to public health and safety.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This one-day effort is intended to bring national focus to the issue of increasing pharmaceutical controlled substance abuse. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">•The program is anonymous. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">•Prescription and over the counter solid dosage medications, i.e. tablets and capsules accepted. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">•Intra-venous solutions, injectables, and needles will not be accepted.•Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/SEARCH-NTBI">Find collection site(s) near you.</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Please check back often as new collection sites will be added daily.Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-41041433468090759752010-09-04T15:23:00.006-04:002010-09-04T15:25:09.306-04:00Old School PSA with ALF<object width="460" height="290"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vrWDlNAM_f8&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vrWDlNAM_f8&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xd0d0d0&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="460" height="290"></embed></object>Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-55270318912737447572010-08-28T14:48:00.001-04:002010-08-28T14:49:03.177-04:00Waste Free Lunches<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIRAT7raqUFop2A6tg6tftmspS1Q4WhKLu2lLM1FBEuHyXVvpjnJPPE5ccBSlAZ9qCpm1UrYDK8-P8K_oqpDEG0Z6UdYlHp8k3xvtaf8CbJp-7Vlp_WlSKKcBxy1JmVZ6H9BCM9il7xk0/s1600/IMG_3467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIRAT7raqUFop2A6tg6tftmspS1Q4WhKLu2lLM1FBEuHyXVvpjnJPPE5ccBSlAZ9qCpm1UrYDK8-P8K_oqpDEG0Z6UdYlHp8k3xvtaf8CbJp-7Vlp_WlSKKcBxy1JmVZ6H9BCM9il7xk0/s320/IMG_3467.jpg" /></a>There are lots of enterprising companies that offer products so parents can pack a waste-free lunch for their children. Not to be a party pooper, but I see no real need for these special products. My son eats a peanut butter sandwich, some canned fruit, and some chocolate chip cookies. We just use some plain jane food storage containers and put his milk in a thermos. We include a napkin that is made from recycled paper. My son has been great remembering to not throw out his containers.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I wish more parents would use reusable containers instead of using Ziplock bags. BTW - Ziplock bags <em>can</em> be recycled. They are accepted (sans zipper) at facilities that accept plastic grocery bags. I can’t think of anything that a kid would normally have in his/her lunch that couldn’t go in a reusable container. Using reusable containers not only allows you to eliminate the need for disposable bags, it saves money. For example, instead of buying individual servings of applesauce, you can buy a big jar of applesauce and pour it into a reusable container. One of my goals is to start a “Waste-free Wednesday” program at our school. The lunch staff would reward students who brought a waste-free lunch by taking their picture for publication on the club’s blog.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Some schools have a Boomerang Lunch Program. They encourage students who bring their lunch to bring all of their uneaten food and their waste home with them for disposal. This has numerous benefits. Parents can see what their children are or aren't eating and can adjust the lunches appropriately. Parents will also see how much waste every lunch generates and will hopefully take the initiative to use reusable containers instead of disposable packaging. If enough student bring a waste-free lunch, the waste volume generated in the cafeteria can be reduced dramatically. This reduction can potentially result in the school being able to reduce the dumpster size and/or its pickup frequency. Did you know that it costs about $15 a day for trash pickup at Woolridge? More waste-free lunches in tandem with a vigorous recycling program can allow the school to save several hundred dollars in waste hauling fees. So do your part and pack a waste-free lunch for your child today!</div>Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-78274284620785946162010-05-21T11:54:00.001-04:002010-05-21T11:55:01.936-04:00Mixed Media Contest - Photo EntriesHere are the photos submitted for our First Annual Mixed Media Contest<br />
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<strong>1st Place - Jack Y.</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhGu7gPY0dtgMqWQeQr5X4ZHM7_8fwAG1IMUGInApdF95vx0COI_mi3W4Pes0sqLxAn-52Z93z8hTRTfUA3OFHJENPyuyA6EChR4tVkyE83AqM2l6wv-hGO5CPIWGvz5qJK2VQIhAWuD0/s1600/IMG_3449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhGu7gPY0dtgMqWQeQr5X4ZHM7_8fwAG1IMUGInApdF95vx0COI_mi3W4Pes0sqLxAn-52Z93z8hTRTfUA3OFHJENPyuyA6EChR4tVkyE83AqM2l6wv-hGO5CPIWGvz5qJK2VQIhAWuD0/s320/IMG_3449.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOe0k-P5ofs4SmlolVEc_eBvHAGPbD4VZNebZMulBweL6yfeyd29c6L7SRgjSH1Qmuu5Cb0G1MYxXXgzGpLyHf7WXAKRpS8Zfd8vmPkGGOPT7Kw7nPZK8TjST8rF3xpLwY-V4M1nJUyvlp/s1600/IMG_3436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOe0k-P5ofs4SmlolVEc_eBvHAGPbD4VZNebZMulBweL6yfeyd29c6L7SRgjSH1Qmuu5Cb0G1MYxXXgzGpLyHf7WXAKRpS8Zfd8vmPkGGOPT7Kw7nPZK8TjST8rF3xpLwY-V4M1nJUyvlp/s320/IMG_3436.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYUN8l7qGY94RVc4SKXY4eaPtc533kvSs48dOKecZ1VWjjtSAsAVvYoUD0bw7Gj3b6GBvrJDHx-YVQEbi94irTb6QNrbdFbzD3lORhaT-1pkeVQIY7FMPJ0SKix3VxXNF3crD7Parsvim/s1600/IMG_3447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYUN8l7qGY94RVc4SKXY4eaPtc533kvSs48dOKecZ1VWjjtSAsAVvYoUD0bw7Gj3b6GBvrJDHx-YVQEbi94irTb6QNrbdFbzD3lORhaT-1pkeVQIY7FMPJ0SKix3VxXNF3crD7Parsvim/s320/IMG_3447.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXPr8TzxxSBd8cIX6yimqgzoaPNY1OJamXc0B-MjS4iaHBN_DUfX4kvS6VCaNJKdFfer6eGfwqdLmV9NxSg0L5OiNfniYzcGuqcoYY5Kxv-S96ou-bXT44T9PnrqOxvTglqwncGDYpBO1/s1600/IMG_3434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img -="" 2nd="" border="0" gu="true" l.="" max="" place="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXPr8TzxxSBd8cIX6yimqgzoaPNY1OJamXc0B-MjS4iaHBN_DUfX4kvS6VCaNJKdFfer6eGfwqdLmV9NxSg0L5OiNfniYzcGuqcoYY5Kxv-S96ou-bXT44T9PnrqOxvTglqwncGDYpBO1/s320/IMG_3434.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<strong>2nd Place - Max L.</strong><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqxY8qYE3ZDQzztzG140MxmCAdu_2oqLbMMkxoh_4wH9pOVUrjhBkWKF_G1Jx0_7V5cpekWJhJAQUmiNLHzu6d1HN-P-2GByNWDbXgOvJG4vk0bZYfsBqWHan_oXDqbWY30_b7fUH7Srn/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqxY8qYE3ZDQzztzG140MxmCAdu_2oqLbMMkxoh_4wH9pOVUrjhBkWKF_G1Jx0_7V5cpekWJhJAQUmiNLHzu6d1HN-P-2GByNWDbXgOvJG4vk0bZYfsBqWHan_oXDqbWY30_b7fUH7Srn/s320/009.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><strong>3rd Place - Jill K.</strong><br />
Click <a href="http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp">HERE</a> to see photos .Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-35129704549683331712010-05-21T08:46:00.000-04:002010-05-21T08:46:38.070-04:00Mixed Media Contest - Essay Entries<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We had a great turn out for our First Annual Mixed Media Contest. Here are the three essays that were received as part of our contest.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>1st Place: Go Green - by Morgan S.</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhKPrePFSSEs2J8gfwQZSS5cE4yE0nKHqkwaiEvcOdicNThGiEOIDcCC6z_n8QWaWUZ7kt39sP1TSJth_nd2jd3ZK2acczNeAwa3vZUiHMOFcK1GNb0gRcG6oyj3usOExwNSMcNeIhyc5/s1600/IMG_4909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhKPrePFSSEs2J8gfwQZSS5cE4yE0nKHqkwaiEvcOdicNThGiEOIDcCC6z_n8QWaWUZ7kt39sP1TSJth_nd2jd3ZK2acczNeAwa3vZUiHMOFcK1GNb0gRcG6oyj3usOExwNSMcNeIhyc5/s320/IMG_4909.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>It is importin to always be working hard to save our Earth. Our Earth needs out help to be healthy. One way to help is to use less water. By using less water you can save our Earth and us. You can take shorter shours. Also you can save electricity. Another way is to turn off the lights when not using them. You can also use old stuff like magazines for art projects. You can use old pictures for a person to decorate with. You can use less plastic. You should do that because it takes about 500 years for plastic to break down in the dump. You can donate clothes and other things instead of throwing them away. Donate them! There is so much to do, but if we work together we can save our Earth.</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>2nd Place: Untitled - by Brian W</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j3u7BdYSVTbZ34yr7poQf6vnnfKsBgc7H837pDCOjjgkc-ge23fUtnhcJfyw1dq8Q4RKRSkdcNlYFW89YBA2-1gnwRAQJxN71PA1OOXE2Acd5CQVgLTOxv7iK8KQ-GM6ARgVhtqitYMa/s1600/IMG_4911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j3u7BdYSVTbZ34yr7poQf6vnnfKsBgc7H837pDCOjjgkc-ge23fUtnhcJfyw1dq8Q4RKRSkdcNlYFW89YBA2-1gnwRAQJxN71PA1OOXE2Acd5CQVgLTOxv7iK8KQ-GM6ARgVhtqitYMa/s320/IMG_4911.jpg" /></a><em>Recycling really helps the Earth. To help the Earth stay clean you can recycle cans, bottles, cardboard and, paper. If you see [the recycling symbol] with a number in side you can recyle this object. If you are recycling a bottle, don't recycle the cap. If you don't have a recycle bin you can use a paper bag. So now y know how to recycle. Try not to do it just at home. Do it everywhere. I love my Earth and you should too. Let's recycle every day</em>.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>3rd Place: How I help the Earth - by Kyle C</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixAsgZSL3ZPT5bwhExYoaI3EfPJOWkyYtDbrX9kxjWMwMaHCbOf7lD2c5N_HmK254uNm1SMVREJAhyphenhyphenWQIULg7JzfCWxRrrA_oKLSuH9r7bOG2X4CShsJQRcsnMDMWrSH_Z4yhJ_YH-3Ms/s1600/IMG_4912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjixAsgZSL3ZPT5bwhExYoaI3EfPJOWkyYtDbrX9kxjWMwMaHCbOf7lD2c5N_HmK254uNm1SMVREJAhyphenhyphenWQIULg7JzfCWxRrrA_oKLSuH9r7bOG2X4CShsJQRcsnMDMWrSH_Z4yhJ_YH-3Ms/s320/IMG_4912.jpg" /></a><em>Drink from a reusable bottle... that is how I help reduce, reuse, and recycle. I also conserve electricity by turning out the lights when I leave a room. I conserve out valuable water resources when I take a shower. It is important to keep the Earth clean for generations to come.</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-14660788328739303542010-05-13T13:35:00.000-04:002010-05-13T13:35:06.523-04:00Green Club Basket at Silent AuctionThe Woolridge Elementary School Green Club has put together a basket of numerous "green" items for the silent auction beind held on May 15, 2010 during the school's Spring Carnival. Proceeds from the silent auction benfit the Woolridge PTA who, it turn, use the funds to support our school. The following items have been generously donated by local businesses and individuals.<br />
<ul><li>Programmable thermostat (including installation) from <a href="http://www.hixheatingandair.com/">Hix Heating and Air Conditioning</a></li>
<li>(2) fresh produce boxes delivered to your home from <a href="https://www.dominionharvest.com/">Dominion Harvest</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Planet+Earth:+The+Complete+Series+%5B5Discs+/+Gift+Set%5D+-+DVD/8289933.p?skuId=8289933&id=1622556">Planet Earth: The Complete Series DVD (5-disc set)</a> from Best Buy</li>
<li><a href="http://www.terracycle.net/products/18-Drink-Pouch-Tote-Bag">(2) Recycled Juice Bag Tote Bags</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.terracycle.net/products/17-Drink-Pouch-Pencil-Case-Medium-">(3) Recycled Juice Bag Pencil Cases</a></li>
<li>(2) Recycled Juice Bag Portfolios</li>
<li><a href="http://www.terracycle.net/products/195-Capri-Sun-Rectangular-Lunch-Box">Recycled Juice Bag Lunch Box</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.terracycle.net/products/79-Circuit-Board-Desk-Clock">Circuit Board Desk Clock</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.terracycle.net/products/66-Small-Circuit-Frame">Circuit Board Photo Frame</a></li>
<li>Recycled soda bottle laynards</li>
<li><a href="http://www.terracycle.net/products/70-Newspaper-Pencils">Recycled newspaper pencil pack of 24</a></li>
<li>Woolridge reusable grocery bag</li>
<li><a href="http://www.snacktaxi.com/">(2) Snack Taxi Sandwich and Snack bags</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.terracycle.net/products/41-2-Liter-All-Purpose-Plant-Food">Worm Poop Plant Food</a></li>
<li>Pack of CFL Light Bulbs</li>
<li><a href="http://milkmuny.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=1">MilkMuny recycled wallet</a></li>
</ul>Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-69630737728145019712010-05-05T16:34:00.000-04:002010-05-05T16:34:06.236-04:00Reducing Paper Towel Consumption<div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/163/424111827_8917f98089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/163/424111827_8917f98089.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a>Woolridge Elementary School orders 30 cases of paper towels per month, and each case costs $16.66. That equates to nearly $5,000 a year spent on paper towels. That's 1,200,000 paper towels that are thrown in the trash each year!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I felt it was important to reduce the number of paper towels used at our school for a number of reasons. First of all, it's important to conserve our trees, which are an important natural resource. It takes a lot of energy to create paper towels, and creates a lot of pollution too. Paper towels are a problem on the other end too as they end up in our landfills. But another reason to reduce our paper towel consumption is to save money. These stickers have been proven to reduce paper towel consumption by 15%. Some schools have reported a 30% reduction in consumption. In the case of Woolridge, a 15% reduction amounts to an annual savings of about $750! Multiple that out across the 60+ schools in our school district, and you're talking about tens of thousands of dollars - all because of simple little sticker that reminds people that "these come from trees". </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-B5catEPVRRjxi0jUH9aYz2HTWq27SOqUokQdj3pa4I55UqXBCpp9DHuZbH1Dj1CSMeKlQyNN6uO9iou1M-zbGHf8KTZTb_5hANlpOj53FR9Pq1_U2KZM9mqJOYuT-KtyuBklU2eH7M/s1600/IMG_0285.JPG" style="clear: right; cssfloat: left; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="300" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466011399449109858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-B5catEPVRRjxi0jUH9aYz2HTWq27SOqUokQdj3pa4I55UqXBCpp9DHuZbH1Dj1CSMeKlQyNN6uO9iou1M-zbGHf8KTZTb_5hANlpOj53FR9Pq1_U2KZM9mqJOYuT-KtyuBklU2eH7M/s640/IMG_0285.JPG" style="float: left; height: 300px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">During Earth Week, Woolridge students placed "These Come From Trees" stickers on the paper towel dispensers located in the various classrooms and bathrooms in the school. They were generously provided to us free of charge by Pete Kazanjy. He's a product manager/designer living in the Silicon Valley, and this is a fun side project that he hopes can do some good. Click <a href="http://thesecomefromtrees.blogspot.com/2007/02/these-come-from-trees-elevator-pitch.html">HERE</a> to read about how the idea of "These Come From Trees" stickers was born.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So be on the lookout for these stickers the next time you're visiting Woolridge Elementary School. Remember to take only what you really need. I bet you'll find that you only really need one or two paper towels to dry your hands instead of a a big giant handful. You'll be saving the trees as well as saving our school district some money.</div><div></div></div>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03921253544376995858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-58272116758599414302010-05-03T16:54:00.005-04:002010-05-06T06:33:31.124-04:00Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The Woolridge Elementary School Green Club recently collected hair and nylons as part of their 1st Annual Recycling Bonanza. Out timing for collecting these items is fortunate given the current crisis in the Gulf of Mexico. The hair and nylons we collected will be sent to a great orgnization called <a href="http://www.matteroftrust.org/">Matter of Trust</a>.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">A huge nationwide response is currently taking place to help get hair boom to the gulf coast beaches in need. Matter of Trust has 12 locations spread out through Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida that are receiving hair. There are hundreds of volunteers having Boom B Q parties where they're making the boom. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Thousands are signing up to their database program <a href="http://www.excessaccess.com/">Excess Access</a> (free and fast) to be assigned where to send hair, fur, waste wool clippings and used nylons (washed, runs ok) for making the booms. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwQOD_Ir2vQ">Please see their Youtube for information on Hair Mats and Hair Booms!</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.matteroftrust.org/images/oilspill/IMG_0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.matteroftrust.org/images/oilspill/IMG_0150.JPG" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><object height="300" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aHuWyFVo62o&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aHuWyFVo62o&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="300"></embed></object>Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-4597499185250973212010-04-23T13:37:00.000-04:002010-04-23T13:37:56.785-04:00Virginia Green Restaurants - "The Republic"Restaurants are an integral part of Virginia’s tourism industry, and they are certainly the most numerous sector of Virginia tourism! As such, <a href="http://www.deq.state.va.us/p2/virginiagreen/restaurants.html">Virginia Green Restaurants</a> have the opportunity to have a significant impact on people’s daily lives and how they think about the environment.<br />
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<br />
What does it take to be a Virginia Green Restaurant? At a minimum, facilities must commit to:<br />
<ul><li>Minimize the use of disposable food service products: Restaurants are required to minimize the use of disposable food service products and maximize the use of food service products that are recyclable or compostable in the service area. When disposable food service items are used, Restaurants are encouraged to use products that are made from bio-based or renewable resources, and to provide for the collection/ recycling/ composting of food service items disposed of on the premises.</li>
<li>Recycle Grease: Most restaurants are required by local ordinance to collect and recycle their grease. Grease filtering companies can also greatly reduce grease wastes (and costs).</li>
<li>Recycle and Reduce Waste: Glass bottles must be recycled for Virginia Green Restaurants. Recycling of steel cans, aluminum cans, cardboard, plastic, paper, and composting of waste foods are highly encouraged.</li>
<li>Use Water Efficiently: The facility must have a plan for conserving water that should consider water-saving dishwashers, faucets, and toilets; leak detection, and an effective landscape watering plan.</li>
<li>Conserve Energy: The facility must have a plan in place to reduce overall energy consumption. The “plan” should consider replacing lighting and equipment with energy-efficient alternatives such as compact-fluorescent lighting, LED Exit signs, lighting sensors, efficient heating and cooling, and ENERGY STAR kitchen appliances and computers. </li>
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I recently had the opportunity to eat at The Republic, a great restaurant located at 2053 W. Broad Street. They feature foods inspired by the republics of Spain and Portugal. The Republic is one of a number of Virginia Green Restaurants in the Richmond area. Click <a href="http://www.deq.state.va.us/p2/virginiagreen/restaurants.html">HERE</a> to see a list of participating restaurants.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">From <a href="http://www.therepublicrva.com/index.php">The Republic's website</a>:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #38761d;">"We are proud to be one of Richmond’s most environmentally friendly restaurants. We strive to be as "green" as possible and have implemented several energy efficient modifications throughout the restaurant during our renovation process. From the repurposed hardwoods used to build our floor and bar to the recycled and biodegradable materials used in our menus, napkins, and to-go boxes or to the solar generated electricity that powers the entire facility, the REPUBLIC is driven to be environmentally friendly and energy sufficient (and self-sustaining)."</span></div>Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-6951691483358595222010-04-22T15:26:00.000-04:002010-04-22T15:26:03.342-04:00Jonathan the Juggler Teaches Woolridge to "Go Green"<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Jonathan the Juggler visited Woolridge Elementary School earlier this week to teach students about recycling and protecting our environment.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTZYJpS9X2kwlPaUx74-ZK7VtuEZdDrF_hwE5T6MGEUQBM3MJnaArNg2XeSRmOEwkKxfxZkG7l8U-QWhZihq7x-RnYz9e9emTMKkyTsHTVjqjI4o98NlvI_3L6TGyVnRr6M9vvG4M1VO1/s1600/2009-2010+School+year+059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTZYJpS9X2kwlPaUx74-ZK7VtuEZdDrF_hwE5T6MGEUQBM3MJnaArNg2XeSRmOEwkKxfxZkG7l8U-QWhZihq7x-RnYz9e9emTMKkyTsHTVjqjI4o98NlvI_3L6TGyVnRr6M9vvG4M1VO1/s320/2009-2010+School+year+059.jpg" wt="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqN1ZY_FMC7ovZpGBp-sFHbXW8TEUap8NL2k201wu5Zf-WXUAthsPFlKJji2ijV8T-9C9b6KB_VqE-Dl-Mn7StflXpju6-jPRKjFPs0NGEfCorDXHcWzjOJ5sWj3c5zpQ98U4JZk-APAm/s1600/2009-2010+School+year+040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjqN1ZY_FMC7ovZpGBp-sFHbXW8TEUap8NL2k201wu5Zf-WXUAthsPFlKJji2ijV8T-9C9b6KB_VqE-Dl-Mn7StflXpju6-jPRKjFPs0NGEfCorDXHcWzjOJ5sWj3c5zpQ98U4JZk-APAm/s320/2009-2010+School+year+040.jpg" wt="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxp1kRh_jGWE5mykeoFuhaaKG4adHe8mLFOOZ7B2s4guR6zQLtUoeNTvqF0Q9sr5K16XWpJG1lO1Glx_1iJJGBF_76RsniHCk4WvSePgDT0ZJItkPFaL3for-6oky424yoiiYF5EzOgKN/s1600/2009-2010+School+year+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxp1kRh_jGWE5mykeoFuhaaKG4adHe8mLFOOZ7B2s4guR6zQLtUoeNTvqF0Q9sr5K16XWpJG1lO1Glx_1iJJGBF_76RsniHCk4WvSePgDT0ZJItkPFaL3for-6oky424yoiiYF5EzOgKN/s320/2009-2010+School+year+048.jpg" wt="true" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyknS8lu4n_ylcLiLiQ4eAkr8VpdSbGynaPnkSUXIIYcsrNQ7WrSVaqmPr3U_lvJ8MahgruSS2WMtAbeVeIj3ihhNjeC33T4VAWdB2aBy6lIwUJsJj1TSqVYz7gNHpWj0FGyQTvvtaDChx/s1600/2009-2010+School+year+044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyknS8lu4n_ylcLiLiQ4eAkr8VpdSbGynaPnkSUXIIYcsrNQ7WrSVaqmPr3U_lvJ8MahgruSS2WMtAbeVeIj3ihhNjeC33T4VAWdB2aBy6lIwUJsJj1TSqVYz7gNHpWj0FGyQTvvtaDChx/s320/2009-2010+School+year+044.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div>Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-74926358639097655712010-03-24T08:39:00.025-04:002010-03-26T15:45:12.610-04:00Earth Day - 2010April will be a busy month at Woolridge Elementary School. The Woolridge Elementary School Green Club is sponsoring numerous activities to help celebrate <span style="color: #38761d;"><strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Day">Earth Day</a></strong></span> all month long.<br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: #38761d;">MIXED MEDIA CONTEST</span></u></strong><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.utc.edu/Academic/Music/images/Enroll_php/write-letter.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" nt="true" src="http://www.utc.edu/Academic/Music/images/Enroll_php/write-letter.gif" width="200" /></a>Students of all ages are encouraged to submit a drawing, photo, or essay about a green topic of their choice. Here are some possible ideas: </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• Write an essay about why it’s important to recycle.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• Take a photograph of local wildlife or habitat.<br />
• Create an art project using recycled materials.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">• <a href="http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/comic/">Create a comic strip.</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Students can submit as many entries as they want. They can submit their entries to their teacher, or they can e-mail their entries to <a href="mailto:gogreenwoolridge@gmail.com">gogreenwoolridge@gmail.com</a>. Entries must be submitted by Friday, April 23, 2010. All entries will be displayed on the Woolridge Elementary School Green Club blog. A panel of teachers and parents will recognize several of the best entries, and winning entries will be posted in the cafeteria for everyone to see. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><strong><u><span style="color: #38761d;">1ST ANNUAL RECYCLING BONANZA</span></u></strong><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Just in time for spring cleaning, the Woolridge Elementary School Green Club will be holding its first annual Recycling Bonanza. <strong>The event will take place from April 5 through April 30.</strong> We will be collecting the items listed below so that they can be reused or recycled. You can send in items with your child or feel free to stop by the school yourself. Collection bins will be located in the front lobby of the school. Read on and see how you can participate and help out. Send us an e-mail at <a href="mailto:gogreenwoolridge@gmail.com">gogreenwoolridge@gmail.com</a> if you have any questions about the Recycling Bonanza.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><u><strong><span style="color: black;">Small Electronics</span></strong></u></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://everythingbatavia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/kane-county-electronics-recycling.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" nt="true" src="http://everythingbatavia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/kane-county-electronics-recycling.bmp" width="320" /></a>Electronic waste accounts for 70 percent of the overall toxic waste currently found in landfills, according to <a class="extlink" href="http://www.epa.gov/osp/regions/emerpoll/swift.ppt" jquery1267718124077="8">Global Futures Foundation</a>. In addition to valuable metals like aluminum, electronics often contain hazardous materials such as mercury. When placed in a landfill, even in small doses, these materials can contaminate soil as well as drinking water. Click <a href="http://earth911.com/recycling/electronics/e-waste-harmful-materials/">HERE</a> to learn more about the dangerous materials often found in electronics. The Woolridge Elementary School Green Club is participating in <a href="http://www.digitalwish.com/dw/digitalwish/recycle_forward?p=overview">Recycle Forward</a>, an innovative program that recycles used technology to raise money for new technology for schools, and is asking community members for help.<br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #009900;">The following is a list of <strong>acceptable</strong> items: </span></div><ul><li><span style="color: #009900;">Cell phones</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #009900;">Laptops</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #009900;">PDAs</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #009900;">MP3 players</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #009900;">Digital cameras</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #009900;">GPS systems</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #009900;">Video games and consoles</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #009900;">DVDs</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #009900;">Calculators</span></li>
</ul><span style="color: #cc0000;">The following is a list of <strong>non-acceptable</strong> items: </span><br />
<br />
<ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Computer hard drives</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Monitors</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Computer accessories</span></li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Televisions</span></li>
</ul><u><strong>Hair and Nylon Stockings</strong></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jkg3hjeDYSd4HFflWZTSj-OCfmpEQEjescFwI2LRdO0OcHGhwjbaA09A4TlsdE-uz7CdK2AI7ZdhZMtKlWwCGU3KvwmR6c3-F-tMycZnXrUeXYfzQTnRMPV9tpC0HjU1vmZNm-0onfzq/s1600/matter+of+trust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jkg3hjeDYSd4HFflWZTSj-OCfmpEQEjescFwI2LRdO0OcHGhwjbaA09A4TlsdE-uz7CdK2AI7ZdhZMtKlWwCGU3KvwmR6c3-F-tMycZnXrUeXYfzQTnRMPV9tpC0HjU1vmZNm-0onfzq/s320/matter+of+trust.jpg" /></a></div>Your next hair cut can be a life saver! <a href="http://www.matteroftrust.org/programs/natural.html#mats">Matter of Trust</a> is an ecological public 501 c 3 charity established in 1998. Thousands of hair salons and individuals throughout the US and abroad send Matter of Trust their hair clippings. The hair clippings are shipped to specific US manufacturers who weave them into mats that can soak up oil and clean our beaches and harbours. Last year, over 2,600 oil spills occurred in the world. They weren't all are high profile, but most had an impact on the environment.<br />
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Click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg9vdnOuEhk">HERE</a> to see the hair mats in action.<br />
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Recycled hair clippings are also made into hair "booms" which are sausage shaped. Hair is stuffed into recycled nylons (with mesh to provide a strong exterior). These booms are then tied together and used to encircle and contain oil spills to keep oil from spreading.<br />
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So bring a plastic bag (preferably an old plastic grocery bag so the bag can be recycled) to your next hair cut and ask your barber/stylist to sweep up your cut hair. Ask the hair salon for any other hair clippings they have laying around while you're at it. Bring your hair clippings and depost them in the appropriate bin in the school's front lobby.<br />
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Don't throw out those nylon stocking if they get a run in them. Bring them to our Recycling Bonanza, place them in the appropriate bin, and help clean up oil spills and protect marine life.<br />
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<u><strong>Pet Supplies</strong></u><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://mack.adm.br/209a4/images/pet%20toys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" nt="true" src="http://mack.adm.br/209a4/images/pet%20toys.jpg" width="200" /></a>If your pet is anything like mine, you've bought your pet some toys that they never bothered to play with. Those toys typically are sitting in the back of the coat closet or in the top shelf of the pantry. Gather up those gently/never been used toys and other pet supplies such as collars and leashes (no food please) and place them in the appropriate collection bin located in the school's front lobby. All collected pet toys and supplies will be donated to the <a href="http://www.richmondspca.org/Page.aspx?pid=183">Richmond SPCA</a>.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><u><strong>Eye Glasses</strong></u></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://eyeglasses.go-optic.com/DFRAMES/IMAGES/Prada_PR_01IV_1AB1O1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" nt="true" src="http://eyeglasses.go-optic.com/DFRAMES/IMAGES/Prada_PR_01IV_1AB1O1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">More than 250 million adults and children worldwide suffer from poor vision because they don't have access to eye exams and eyeglasses. We will be collecting used eye glasses and donating them to LensCrafters so the glasses can go to those in need.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<strong><u>Sports Uniforms</u></strong><br />
Many of our kids have sports uniforms that they've used for one season and have since outgrown. Donated sport uniforms will be sent to disadvantaged children in the Phillipines. Please make sure uniforms are in decent condition and have been washed prior to donating them.<br />
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<strong><u>Stuffed Animals</u></strong><br />
We are collecting small stuffed animals (less than 8", such as a Beanie Baby) to donate to soldiers in Afghanistan. The soldiers love to give the animals to the local children, and the small size makes them easy to carry.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<strong><u><span style="color: #38761d;">BUT WAIT!!! THERE'S MORE!!!</span></u></strong><br />
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<strong><u>Earth Day</u></strong><br />
Wear a green shirt on Earth Day to show your support<br />
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<strong><u>Book Buddies Clean Up</u></strong><br />
Fifth grade and Kindergarten book buddies will (weather permitting) spend their time cleaning up the grounds around Woolridge Elementary School. Please make sure your children are dressed appropriately.<br />
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<strong><u>Batteries</u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sccreader.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/batteries1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" nt="true" src="http://sccreader.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/batteries1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Did you know that Woolridge Elementary School has a battery recycling program? All kinds of batteries are collected throughout the school year in the main office. Please continue to bring in all of the other types of batteries noted below.</div><br />
<ul><li>Household batteries, both rechargeable and non-rechargeable, such as: D-cell, C-cell, AA, AAA, 9-volt, and button cells</li>
<li>Rechargeable battery packs from: Cell phones, cameras, laptop computers, power tools, etc.</li>
<li>Handheld electronics: Cell phones, iPods, PDAs, pagers, and so on.</li>
<li>Any other dry-cell batteries.</li>
</ul>What types of batteries will <strong>NOT</strong> be accepted?<br />
<ul><li>Lead acid batteries from: Automobile, motorcycle, boats, and outdoor power equipment</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Any other wet-cell batteries </li>
</ul><strong><u>“These Come From Trees”</u></strong><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.gearfuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/these-come-from-trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" nt="true" src="http://www.gearfuse.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/these-come-from-trees.jpg" width="200" /></a>A single "These Come From Trees" sticker can save around a tree's worth of paper, every year. Hundreds of schools across the country have participated in this program with great success. Many schools have reported up to a 30% reduction in paper towel usage! These stickers will save Woolridge Elementary School over $1,000 over the course of the school year. Our students will place “These Come From Trees” stickers on paper towel dispensers throughout the school, and the Green Club will track our paper towel consumption. Be on the lookout for them and remember to use paper towels wisely.<br />
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<strong><u>Neighborhood Cleanup</u></strong><br />
Everyone is encourage to walk through their neighborhood during Earth Week (April 18 - 24) and pick up litter in their neighborhood. Send in pictures of you and your child(ren) picking up litter and we will include your picture on our blog! Just send pictures to <a href="mailto:gogreenwoolridge@gmail.com">gogreenwoolridge@gmail.com</a>.</div>Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-46009953607805897892010-03-18T06:40:00.004-04:002010-03-18T06:59:46.764-04:00Product Review - Preserve Colander<a href="http://www.preserveproducts.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image_view_square/272x254/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/l/a/large_main_largecolander.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 272px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.preserveproducts.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image_view_square/272x254/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/l/a/large_main_largecolander.jpg" /></a><br />The old plastic colander I used broke one day so I needed to buy a new one. I went to <a href="http://www.target.com/">Target</a> and bought a <a href="http://www.preserveproducts.com/products/kitchen/large-colander.html">new colander made from recycled plastic</a>. It's made by <a href="http://www.preserveproducts.com/">Preserve</a>, the same company that makes the <a href="http://gogreenwoolridge.blogspot.com/2009/03/product-review-preserve-toothbrush.html">toothbrushes</a> I use. The first thing you notice is how strong, sturdy, and heavy the colander is. You could drop a bomb on this thing and it wouldn't even get a scratch. Here are some other features:<br /><br /><li>Made with 100% recycled #5 plastic and 100% recyclable</li><br /><li>Easy-grip handles</li><br /><li>Fast draining</li><br /><li>Two convenient sizes</li><br /><li>Sturdy and durable</li><br /><li>Dishwasher safe</li><br /><li>BPA free</li><br /><li>Made in USA</li><br /><br />Why should you buy products made with recycled content? In the case of my Preserve plastic colander, it requires:<br /><br /><li>At least 54% less water than virgin polypropylene</li><li>At least 64% less greenhouse gases (in CO2 equivalents) than virgin polypropylene</li><li>At least 75% less oil than virgin polypropylene</li><li>At least 48% less coal than virgin polypropylene</li><li>At least 77% less natural gas than virgin polypropylene</li><li>At least 46% less electricity than virgin polypropylene</li><br /><br />The colander works great. Sure, it cost a few bucks more that my old colander, but this one is much more durable, made from recycled material, and was made in the good ol' USA.Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-74548357672251402392010-02-25T22:21:00.004-05:002010-02-26T09:22:30.054-05:00Earth Day Tshirt and Snack Bag SalesCheck out our new Earth Day Shirts and Snack Bags. Your child will bring home an Earth Day tshirt and snack bag order form on Monday March 1. Here are the fabric options (click on the image for a bigger image) for the bags ($7 and $9) and an example of the tshirt ($8). Orders are due by Friday March 12.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_xb2RGBo_QYvMk1VSHrHz2Jp9O3_IMk6Qwsh3oU0rVaVYVcGnvNZ6uPxkaRWAdD_pje5mN3BzhvkEqpVazHsALt7Bumws-tLVY1bSlalZxof0VCeR-JWtTm3qbibnuPmxrU1wkSI-TM/s1600-h/C-EASY-teekwi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442555744479239090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_xb2RGBo_QYvMk1VSHrHz2Jp9O3_IMk6Qwsh3oU0rVaVYVcGnvNZ6uPxkaRWAdD_pje5mN3BzhvkEqpVazHsALt7Bumws-tLVY1bSlalZxof0VCeR-JWtTm3qbibnuPmxrU1wkSI-TM/s200/C-EASY-teekwi.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTXBwZlbu51094GhlqZ3MXa3g1vZbe0T3AxYqyyFMfGy-a5acoibyIwKrhDicRupnkjmiOogkCEbOtCI5NH77SImsGRZGQ26vHdoS6iYN9gAYQxUZ7sNdWUvQbl7hnzwGZKh4ETQf3a8/s1600-h/20100226081747609_0001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442551995445687026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMTXBwZlbu51094GhlqZ3MXa3g1vZbe0T3AxYqyyFMfGy-a5acoibyIwKrhDicRupnkjmiOogkCEbOtCI5NH77SImsGRZGQ26vHdoS6iYN9gAYQxUZ7sNdWUvQbl7hnzwGZKh4ETQf3a8/s200/20100226081747609_0001.jpg" border="0" /></a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03921253544376995858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-61570400067817384552010-02-17T14:35:00.001-05:002010-02-17T14:36:58.800-05:00February Go Green Classroom WinnersWe are happy to report that Woolridge Elementary School is doing a great job of<br /><br /><li>Turning off the lights when everyone leaves the classroom</li><li>Recycling glue sticks</li><li>Cafeteria recycling</li><li>Shutting down all computers at the end of each day</li><br /><p><br />The February Green Classrooms of the Month are: </p><ul><li>Kindergarten - Mrs. Overby </li><li>First Grade - Mrs. Thorton</li><li>Second Grade - Mrs. Swanson </li><li>Third Grade - Mrs. Bryant </li><li>Fourth Grade - Mrs. English </li><li>Fifth Grade - Mr. Sydow </li></ul><p>Congratulations to all students for Going Green!<br /></p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ANjjQybfEpeOC7Jm_1up92l1MuuXGSMoIYJfTjEhYi5qx3qf1CvznF3GACIlOWSx1a7Bm9XQPuBDXagibcqd5Nhg8_J4fx_JZHX6LvRL39JmHd50u_ZT9Sg-Aur3mjgoVQAK6W0yQlLf/s320/Green+Classroom+Trophies.JPG" border="0" />Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-25148789060462861882010-02-11T14:53:00.006-05:002010-02-17T12:56:16.341-05:00Go Green Meeting - February 18Woolridge students are invited to a Go Green meeting on Thursday, February 18 at 8:30am in the music room. Come and hear Jennifer Sidleck, Executive Director of Friends of Chesterfield Riverfront talk to us about water runoff and how to protect our environment from water pollution. Jennifer will bring a cool Enviroscape display - <a href="http://www.enviroscapes.com/">http://www.enviroscapes.com/</a><br /><br />Check out <a href="http://www.chesterfieldriverfront.org/">http://www.chesterfieldriverfront.org/</a>Kimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03921253544376995858noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-24911343505666472742010-01-15T08:59:00.004-05:002010-01-15T11:28:00.747-05:00Janurary Go Green Classroom WinnersWe are happy to report that Woolridge Elementary School is doing a great job of<br /><br /><br /><li>Turning off the lights when everyone leaves the classroom</li><br /><br /><li>Recycling glue sticks</li><br /><br /><li>Cafeteria recycling</li><br /><br /><li>Shutting down all computers at the end of each day</li><ul></ul><br />The January Green Classrooms of the Month are:<br /><br /><br /><ul><li>Kindergarten - Mrs. Lambert </li><li>First Grade - Mrs. Knight </li><li>Second Grade - Mrs. Kirk </li><li>Third Grade - Mrs. Encinas </li><li>Fourth Grade - Mrs. English </li><li>Fifth Grade - Mrs. Modena </li></ul><p>Congratulations to all students for Going Green!<br /></p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ANjjQybfEpeOC7Jm_1up92l1MuuXGSMoIYJfTjEhYi5qx3qf1CvznF3GACIlOWSx1a7Bm9XQPuBDXagibcqd5Nhg8_J4fx_JZHX6LvRL39JmHd50u_ZT9Sg-Aur3mjgoVQAK6W0yQlLf/s320/Green+Classroom+Trophies.JPG" border="0" />Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-21631076686225461212010-01-12T16:43:00.003-05:002010-01-12T16:47:50.691-05:00Woolridge Elementary School Green Club Now On Facebook<a href="http://www.tcd.ie/disability/projects/DS3/images/facebook.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 75px" alt="" src="http://www.tcd.ie/disability/projects/DS3/images/facebook.jpg" border="0" /></a>I have created a group on Facebook for the Woolridge Elementary School Green Club. I hope to post links to interesting green news articles and other green tips. I'll also post about some of the possible ideas we're kicking around for the future. The group can also be a good venue for you to provide feedback and share your own ideas and tips.<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=221291934113">So please join and invite your friends!</a></div>Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-69832634909665150272010-01-07T15:35:00.004-05:002010-01-07T15:50:44.370-05:00Battery Recycling Update - January 2010<a href="http://toolmonger.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/post-batteries.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px" alt="" src="http://toolmonger.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/post-batteries.jpg" border="0" /></a>It's been a while since I posted about the battery recycling program at Woolridge Elementary School. The <a href="http://gogreenwoolridge.blogspot.com/2008/10/battery-recycling-program.html">battery recycling program </a>started back in October 2008, and it has been a tremendous success. Many of you brought in your batteries so they could be recycled and not go into our landfills. So far we have recycled over <strong><span style="color:#009900;">150 pounds</span></strong> of batteries.<br /><div></div><br /><div>In 2009, we had some bad news when the store we were bringing the batteries to stopped accepting alkaline batteries for recycling. The good news is that, because of our fundraising efforts, the Green Club pays to ship these batteries so they can be properly recycled. Batteries are shipped to <a href="http://www.batteryrecycling.com/">Battery Solutions</a> where the batteries are sorted according to their different types. Most of the batteries received at Woolridge are alkaline batteries. They are placed in molten mill furnaces as a feedstock. The zinc from the batteries is fumed off into a vacuum bag house for recovery, while the end metal product is used to make low-grade steel (i.e. rebar). Click <a href="http://www.batteryrecycling.com/Battery+Recycling+Process">HERE</a> to learn how the other different battery types are recycled.<br /></div><br />Please continue to bring in all of the other types of batteries noted below.<br /><ul><br /><li>Household batteries, both rechargeable and non-rechargeable, such as: D-cell, C-cell, AA, AAA, 9-volt, and button cells</li><br /><li>Rechargeable battery packs from: Cell phones, cameras, laptop computers, power tools, etc.</li><br /><li>Handheld electronics: Cell phones, iPods, PDAs, pagers, and so on.</li><br /><li>Any other dry-cell batteries.</li></ul><br />What types of batteries will NOT be accepted?<br /><ul><br /><li>Lead acid batteries from: Automobile, motorcycle, boats, and outdoor power equipment</li><br /><li>Any other wet-cell batteries </li></ul><br /><p>So keep those batteries coming in. Please remember to not bring batteries in if they are leaking or damaged. Leaking batteries can burn your skin. Also, please remove batteries from any electronics device before putting them in the recycling bin. </p>Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-88556495507926858902010-01-05T12:54:00.003-05:002010-01-05T13:02:19.133-05:00Foam Soap Dispensers Save Money and the Environment<a href="http://www.gentlecare.us/store/images/gcsite/Foam_Dispenser2.gif"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 297px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 355px" alt="" src="http://www.gentlecare.us/store/images/gcsite/Foam_Dispenser2.gif" border="0" /></a><em>This information is from the Issaquah School District in Washington State.</em><br /><br />Small actions can make a big difference. By replacing liquid soap dispensers with foam soap, the Issaquah School District has managed to create less waste, save water, save time and save money for the district. Liquid dispensers and foam dispensers are the same size, but differ significantly in cost, waste generation, water use and maintenance.<br /><br /><u><strong><span style="color:#009900;">ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS<br /></span></strong></u><br /><u>Waste Reduction</u><br />Foam soap is packaged in plastic bags, whereas liquid soap comes in plastic and cardboard. Using foam soap reduces the amount of cardboard waste created.<br /><br /><u>Water Savings</u><br />Foam soap is pre-lathered so students do not have to run water to lather up. Using foam soap reduces the amount of water used per wash.<br /><br /><u><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>ECONOMIC BENEFITS</strong></span></u><br /><br /><u>Cost Savings</u><br /><ul><li>Foam soap costs $.004 per wash compared to $.01 - $.014 per wash of liquid soap.</li><br /><li>Foam soap bags last 1,333 washes compared to 750 washes per liquid soap bag. This is due to the pre-lathered foam soap reducing the number of squirts needed per wash.</li><br /><li>Dispensers are given to the district free of cost for foam soap.</li><br /><li>Foam soap dispensers provide soap from the top, thus reducing gravity leaks.</li><br /><li>Less leaking means less countertop cleaning for staff, saving time and money.<br /></li></ul><p><u><strong><span style="color:#009900;">CONCLUSION<br /></span></strong></u><br />Switching from liquid to foam soap reduces waste generation, water use, staff time and budget.</p>Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-88386165960718593952009-12-30T11:32:00.000-05:002009-12-30T11:33:05.806-05:00Common Recycling Mistakes - The Dirty DozenThis past fall, there was a post about <a href="http://gogreenwoolridge.blogspot.com/2009/10/common-recycling-mistakes.html">Common Recycling Mistakes</a>. Here are the Top 12 Mistakes people make when it comes to curbside single-stream recycling (<a href="http://www.ecocycle.org/newsletters/pdfs/2008spring.pdf">list courtesy of Boulder, Colorado's Ecocycle Times</a>).<br /><br /><br /><ol><li><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Plastic Bags:</strong></span> Plastic bags are far and away the WORST contaminant in the recycling bin. They are not recyclable through the curbside program. Plastic bag markets require that these materials be clean, dry and empty. Once they go in a commingled bin, they definitely do not meet the first two criteria. Mountains of wet, soiled plastic bags are pulled out by hand each week and sent to the landfill. Please keep bags out of your curbside bin and recycle them at participating grocery stores like Ukrops and Walmart. <a href="http://gogreenwoolridge.blogspot.com/2009/08/custom-reusable-grocery-bags.html">Better yet, purchase some WES Green Club reusable grocery bags.</a> Here's a great video from a recycling facility in Boulder, Colorado to illustrate the fact.<br /><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jg1YAmfbL-w&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Jg1YAmfbL-w&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /></li><li><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Materials Bagged in Plastic Bags:</span></strong> The only thing worse than plastic bags are materials tied inside them. Workers need to slow the conveyor belts, rip the bags open to<br />get recyclables out and then add the bag to the plastic pile bound for the landfill. These inefficiencies are very costly to the program.</li><li><strong><span style="color:#009900;">Non-Recyclable Plastics:</span></strong> CVWMA accepts narrow-necked plastic bottles labeled with a number 1 or number 2 ONLY. This includes many soda and water bottles, milk and juice jugs, and household cleaner bottles. Plastics with other numbers or 1 and 2 plastics that are not bottles (like margarine tubs and other food containers) are not recyclable in this program. They are from the same family of plastics, but the two forms have been slightly modified to achieve different properties for strength, fluidity, crack resistance, etc. Even when the plastic number is the same, the manufacturing processes to create those qualities make the two containers incompatible. Including these incompatible materials in recycle bin contaminates the rest of the batch causing it to be disposed in the landfill.</li><li><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Plastic Lids and Caps:</strong></span> Plastic caps are NOT recyclable and are a significant contaminant, both on and off the bottle. Tossed in separate from the bottle, they are not pulled out by the processing screens and contaminate both the glass and the plastic materials.</li><li><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Caps and Lids Left on the Containers:</strong></span> Left on the bottle, caps and lids of all kinds are frequently keeping liquid inside the container (see hit list item #6). Please remove and recycle separately metal caps and lids. Please THROW AWAY plastic lids!</li><li><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Liquids:</strong></span> Liquids trapped in containers with the lids on creates a mess at the recycling center when these materials are baled. It’s difficult to compress the sealed containers and the liquid explodes all over the floor, creating a stickystew with a stench. Please help avoid this mess and pour your liquids out before tossing the container in the bin, and please do a quick rinse of all containers to remove soda pop and other sticky leftovers.</li><li><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Ceramics and Non-Recyclable Glass:</strong></span> Glass that isn’t a bottle or jar should not go in<br />the bin! Ceramic, china plates or cups, dishes, mirrors, laboratory glassware, light bulbs, Pyrex, porcelain and window glass have a different melting point and chemical composition from container glass and ruin new glass containers. If our market sees just one contaminant like these on the top of a load of glass, the entire load will<br />likely be rejected.</li><li><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Diapers and Other Bio-Hazardous Waste:</strong></span> Diapers and other sanitary items are not recyclable, and, of course, neither are the biohazards that come with them.</li><li><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Shredded Paper:</strong></span> Shredded paper is too small to sort — the pieces literally fall through<br />the cracks of the sorting machines and end up all over the floor of the facility, or worse, in with the glass. Recyclers are encouraged to avoid shredding except when absolutely necessary, and to compost shredded materials when and if you have access to curbside composting.</li><li><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Hazardous Waste:</strong></span> <a href="http://www.cvwma.com/recycling_programs/hazardous_waste.wbp">Take your hazardous materials to an appropriate CVWMA facility.</a></li><li><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Scrap Metal:</strong></span> Scrap metal items of all sizes cannot go in the curbside bin because they can damage sorting equipment.</li><li><span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Frozen Food Boxes:</strong></span> Paperboard boxes that were designed for freezer foods have a coat<br />of a plastic polymer sprayed on them to protect against freezer burn. That same coating prevents the box from breaking up in the recycling process. These materials are not recyclable or compostable.</li></ol>Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-25592409853005537582009-12-21T11:46:00.003-05:002009-12-21T15:27:28.996-05:00Make Your Holiday Season Greener<a href="http://sacramentoscoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/recycle-your-christmas-tree.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; HEIGHT: 450px" alt="" src="http://sacramentoscoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/recycle-your-christmas-tree.jpg" border="0" /></a> Wrapping paper isn't accepted by most recycling facilities (including CVWMA) because it contaminates the recycling process. "But why?", you ask. It's because wrapping paper is not accepted by some recycled paper mills. There are a number of reasons for this. Wrapping paper is often dyed, laminated and/or contains non-paper additives such as gold and silver colored shapes, glitter, plastics, etc which cannot be recycled. Some wrapping paper is very thin and contains few good quality fibres for recycling. A lot of wrapping paper has sticky tape attached to it which makes it very difficult to recycle.<br /><br />Instead of using wrapping paper this year, try something different. Create some great looks and reuse items found around your house.<br /><br /><br /><li>Bows </li><br /><br /><li>Bags </li><br /><br /><li>Fabrics </li><br /><br /><li>Newspaper comics </li><br /><br /><li>Magazines </li><br /><br /><li>Decorative boxes </li><br /><br />These scrap items can be used to make that gift even more special. Some of these items can also be reused year after year.<br /><br />Make sure you recycle all of those cardboard boxes that the toys and other presents come in. The plastic bags that most toys and electronics come in can also be recycled at facilities that recycle plastic grocery bags.<br /><br />And if you get a new computer, cell phone, digital camera, or other electronics, don't just throw out the old ones. <a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/null/Recycling-Electronics/pcmcat149900050025.c?id=pcmcat149900050025&DCMP=rdr0001422">Bring your old electronics to a company like Best Buy</a>, who has a great e-cycling program.Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-44144239800852865102009-12-14T15:48:00.005-05:002010-01-06T09:48:33.342-05:00Coming Soon! Mobile Recycling Station for the CafeteriaThe Woolridge Elementary School Green Club is in the process of designing and constructing a mobile recycling station for the cafeteria. This will serve as a visual reminder to the students for them to recycle and will make recycling easier for them.<br /><div></div><div>Conceptually, the recyling station will look similar to the one in this picture.<br /><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415197602857486258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 260px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAww1fytdcAL5YfMECZnzjLuQUimdB_DddJ7ZqkFRBy84yegGkMU9BL-SdswR-eWsrQR8k2TM1F8BNOavz6cG9b5330armLY_MccmjICWgpdSUMARwoA5_6aHwOXd9MIxyAQQicRF4RK-p/s320/recycling_station.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>Our recycling station will be constructed in a very green fasion. Our recycling station will be constructed of reclaimed kitchen cabinets (three 18" cabinet modules) from the Richmond Habitat for Humanity. It will have two bins for mixed stream recycling (paper, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, etc) and a third bin for juice pouches. </div><div><br /><a href="http://www.ecosupplycenter.com/">ECO Supply</a> is a provider of green building products here in Richmond. ECO Supply donated a 1-1/4" thick, 48” x 60” sheet of <a href="http://www.paperstoneproducts.com/ps_benefits_key_points.php">Paper Stone </a>countertop. PaperStone is a composite made from recycled paper and proprietary, petroleum-free phenolic resins made from raw materials like cashew nut shell liquid. Click <a href="http://www.paperstoneproducts.com/pdfs/PS_KeyPoints_Benefits.pdf">HERE</a> to learn more about Paper Stone.</div><div><br /><a href="http://redcrossbeaumont.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/Lowes_LBST_logo_432x239.21112803.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 215px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px" alt="" src="http://redcrossbeaumont.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/Lowes_LBST_logo_432x239.21112803.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Lowe's on Winterpock Road is also graciously donating supplies towards the construction of the recycling station. We hope to have the recycling station constructed and in use in January 2010. A big thank you to the teachers and parents who helped make this project a reality. Thanks also to everyone who participated in our fundraising events. The funds we raise go towards projects like this one. I will post construction pictures of pictures of the final product in a future post.</div>Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7621532686307754687.post-5647896906320399612009-12-07T15:57:00.002-05:002009-12-07T16:02:43.541-05:00CVS Introduces "Green Bag Tag" ProgramCVS is joining the legions of other local businesses who offer their customers incentives to use reusable grocery bags. Click <a href="http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/promoContent/promoLandingTemplate.jsp?promoLandingId=1160">HERE</a> for more specifics about their program.Woolridge Green Clubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11192670807281415000noreply@blogger.com0