ML Interest Tag: recycle

50 Ways Families Can Help Save the Planet

by Gabby Cullen

Teaching your kids about conservation and the environment is a lot more than just recycling, but it doesn’t have to drastically alter your lifestyle either. There are dozens of small things that families can do to go green, and many of them have the added bonus of saving you money! Read on for simple ways to help your crew help the planet. 

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1. Pick up trash. Bring along a spare plastic bag or two to pick up wayside recycling or garbage on walks around the neighborhood.

2. Carry reusable totes. Cut back on landfill-clogging plastic (and to save money if your city charges for bags!). Stash a few in your car and a folding one in your purse.

3. Veg out! You don't have to have a plant-based diet year round but cutting back on the consumption of meat does help conserve valuable resources. Try implementing Meatless Mondays or another meat-free meal one night a week. Check out these vegetarian recipes to get inspired.

4. Buy secondhand. You can find kids' clothing, furniture, home accessories and art from the antique market, from a Facebook marketplace, garage sales or Craigslist. Not only will you be consuming fewer new products, but your stuff will have a story.

5. Use washable containers. Plastic containers work great in lunch boxes. 

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6. Turn off the lights. Simply making the rounds and flipping the switch has a huge impact on energy usage.

7. Ditch the chemicals. Opt for some non-toxic homemade cleaners that are simple and inexpensive.

8. Wash, rinse, and reuse plastic bags.

9. Use smart bulbs. If your kid needs a night light, make sure to use an LED light. It can be on all night without taking nearly as much energy as a conventional light.

10. Dispose of old paint and electronics the responsible way. Check with your city's garbage pick-up provider to see if they have days or drop-off sites. Most Goodwill stores accept these items for recycling.

bedtime routine
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11. Use reusable/refillable water bottles all day, every day! You'll help decrease the amount of plastic clogging our oceans and landfills. 

12. Buy rechargeable batteries. If you decide to go with regular batteries, make sure to recycle them properly.

13. Quit using paper towels to clean. Cut up old bath towels and tee shirts for cleaning instead.

14. Turn off the water when brushing your teeth.

15. Leave the car at home. Chose one trip a day to bike or use public transportation. 

eco-friendly brands like BeesWrap are changing the world.
courtesy Bee's Wrap

16. Buy sustainable goods. Be a conscious consumer and make sure the products you buy have a minimal effect on the environment. 

17. Buy in bulk. Buy from the market's bulk section to avoid unnecessary packaging. Do you really need individual containers of olives or cheese sticks when you can buy in bulk and pack it yourself?

18. Take an hour or less and switch all your bills to paperless.

19. Save plastic to-go containers and make mini-greenhouses for starting seeds.

20. Check the family car's tire pressure once a month. Having the right amount will increase gas mileage by three percent (woot!).

Alexas Fotos via Pixaby

21. Put your computer to bed. Plan on stepping away from the keypad? Switch your computer to “sleep” mode to save energy.

22. Tote your own refillable coffee mug. Many coffee shops even charge less for patrons who bring their own mug.

23. Load up the dishwasher. Also, don’t worry about pre-rinsing. (Note: this doesn't work as well with old appliances!).

24. Avoid products with palm oil. Rainforests are still being destroyed in order to produce palm oil. It's found in everything from chocolate to shampoo. Read more here.

25. Use coffee grounds in a compost pile or under acidity-loving plants like azaleas.

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26. Designate one glass per day. Instead of grabbing a new cup each time a kid needs a drink, assign everyone a cup each day. 

27. And speaking of compost ... If you don't have space or yard to start your own, see if your city offers a composting program or try and start one at your kid's school.

28. Share your old magazines with friends or doctor’s offices. It's always a good idea to black out your address first. And if no one wants them, recycle them!

29. Use cloth napkins instead of paper. Not only will you save trees but you'll look extra fancy.

30. Buy reusable snack bags. You won't have to buy plastic bags for months, if not years. 

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31. Sell old cellphones. All they're doing is taking up space in your desk drawers. You can send them to usell.com for cash.

32. Add some green. Houseplants are natural air filters, so grow one in your kiddo's room!

33. Dry your clothes in the sunlight or air. Even if they still need to "finish" in the dryer, you'll save electricity and gas by letting natural elements do half the job.

34. Cut up plastic six-pack rings! You probably heard about this when you were a kid but it's still a problem and it's an easy thing to do.

35. Talk to your kids about why going green is so important. You'll be creating future conservationists!

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36. Unplug  appliances (like toasters, hair dryers and coffee makers) when you’re not using them. 

37. Organize a local beach or park cleanup. 

38. Plant a pollinator-friendly garden in your yard, school or neighborhood. 

39. Consider the rain garden: a garden designed to help filter run-off from parking lots. Many schools are creating these in medians and edges of parking lots. 

40. Use calendars and greeting cards to make cool art. 

41. Reuse old toys in inventive ways. 

42. Stop using plastic straws. Switch to paper, silicone or metal straws. Ask your local businesses to do the same. 

43. Stop using bath and body products with synthetic microbead exfoliants and opt for either natural exfoliating ingredients like scrubs with nut/seed exfoliants like St. Ive’s, or sugar scrubs.

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44. Consider swapping out plastic toothbrushes fort these bamboo toothbrushes. Use your old toothbrushes to clean grout and hard-to-reach places. 

45. Create non-toxic crafts like this milk & vinegar plastic. 

46. Stop using glitter. If you must use glitter, use this biodegradable brand, Today Glitter. 

47. Use vinegar in place of glass cleaner. 

48. Avoid food waste with these clever ideas. 

49. Consolidate your Amazon orders, people! Yes, we know you can get it it one day. But if you order several items you can request they arrive in one shipment instead of multiple boxes. 

50. Be kind to animals and all living things.

—Gabby Cullen, Amber Guetebier, Erin Feher, Kristina Moy, Chantal Lamers

 

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How & Why I’m Raising Environmentally Conscious Kids

by Frederica Jansz

zero waste eco-friendly

photo: Zero Waste Family

I became passionate about zero waste when I first became a mom because it made me realize that this is her planet and her future on the line and that I need to fight to make sure my kids can grow up with a healthy planet. When we decided that we would become zero waste, in addition to being good role models for our kids, it also meant that we would spend less money and time on buying things and allow us to work less so we can both spend more time with our kids—a benefit for all of us. 

Teaching my kids about the value of the environment and the importance of preserving the world around them is an ongoing task. I’m raising three eco-minded kids: Isabella, 14; Noah, 10; and Liam, 8. My goal is always to make our day-to-day routines ones that also teach them to care for the environment. Here is how I do it:

Gardening
Gardening and kids are a natural mix involving dirt, digging and water—children’s favorites. Our garden is also a great classroom where my kids learn science, biology and even math. We grow lots of vegetables and fruit. My children have learned how to plant a seed, which then sprouts, becoming a seedling that we then plant in our garden bed. They have learned that, for the plant to grow, it needs water, compost and sun. They also have learned how to provide these basics. Our children also understand how plants eat carbon, and that plants also clean the air. They have learned how our bunny and chicken poop helps our garden. They have learned the important role of plants, bushes and trees on our planet, and how we simply can’t cut down all trees and remove green patches without replacing them in order to conserve our planet. 

Composting
I believe it is important that we teach children to protect and restore the environment. Educating kids about composting is surely a great way to start. Composting truly is one of Mother Nature’s most miraculous processes. Using only natural means to implement what usually is garbage, we’re able to turn “waste” into one of the most beautiful and productive growing mediums. Composting also teaches children how to reduce waste and keep it from going to a landfill. My kids now know that food waste in a landfill becomes methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas, whereas food waste in compost becomes powerful nutrients for our garden. A huge garden—or any garden at all—isn’t necessary to have compost. As a matter of fact, composting can be done in an apartment.

Recycling
Sorting through recycling is a surprisingly fun activity for my kids; whether on a hiking trail or on the beach, they will pick up litter to recycle. It’s also a good task to perform with kids so they learn what can and cannot go into a recycling bin. Recycling, just like composting, is a way to teach children how we can keep our waste from ending up in a landfill and how this can help save the planet. My kids even take it to the next level and will look in the recycle bins for materials for arts and crafts. 

Spending Time in Nature
There’s no better way to connect with nature and help children appreciate our planet than getting outdoors. It’s so great to see how almost anything—ants, worms, wildlife, mushrooms, flowers, funny looking trees, puddles and ice—can catch their attention forever. (I have an array of stones, twigs, leaves and other items from nature that were just so special and had to be saved.) Nature is a wonderful classroom where we can teach our children the importance of taking care of all the trees and water since they are homes for all the world’s wonderful treasures. My children also like to write in their nature journals about what they see, feel and experience when out and about, which gives them time to reflect and preserve memories. If your children enjoy spending time outdoors, they’ll more likely do everything they can to protect these green spaces and ensure they exist in the future.

Volunteering
My family love volunteering together, so we clean beaches with Surfrider, collect food waste from our local farmers markets to give to families in need with Produce Goods. And we cook dinner at the Ronald McDonald House. All these activities help my kids give back. They are learning how they can help strengthen our community, keep the beaches clean that provide so much fun, keep food waste out of landfills, and help those in need. 

Being a Good Role Model
I know my kids watch us parents to see how we behave and react, so it’s important that we are good role models. To this end, we show our kids how to be Earth-friendly by being Earth-friendly ourselves. Seeing our behavior will reinforce the importance of respecting our planet more than any verbal lesson.

Never in history has it been more important to encourage children to be green, to raise ecologically conscious children. I firmly believe I’m raising the next leaders for new innovations to care for our planet and make it livable for future generations.

—Fredrika Syren, Zero Waste Family

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Mattell Announces New Takeback Program to Give Toys New Life

by Karly Wood

Got old toys? Mattel is here to give them a new lease on life.

The Mattel Playback program is all about recovering and reusing materials in Mattel toys and is a part of the company’s larger effort to reach 100 percent bio-based, recycled and recyclable plastic materials in all of its products and packaging by 2030. Starting out, the program will take Barbie, Matchbox and MEGA toys, with other brands becoming available for recycling in the future.

Participation is easy. First, pack up your Mattel toys that your kiddos have outgrown, then visit Mattel.com/PlayBack to print a free shipping label. Mail off to Mattel, where your box will be sorted ed by material type, processed and recycled.

If there are materials that cannot be recycled, Mattel PlayBack will convert them to energy or downcycle into other plastic products. The program is currently available in the United States and Canada, with France, Germany and the United Kingdom using a third-party partner to launch similar options.

“At Mattel, we are committed to managing the environmental impact of our products,” added Pamela Gill-Alabaster, Global Head of Sustainability, Mattel. “The Mattel PlayBack program helps parents and caregivers ensure that valuable materials stay in play, and out of landfills, with the aim to repurpose these materials as recycled content in new toys. It is one important step we’re taking to address the growing global waste challenge.

For more information on the Mattel PlayBack program, visit Mattel.com/PlayBack.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Mattel

 

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Why Celebrating Earth Day Is Such a Special Opportunity for Kids

By Gay Cioffi

When my four-year-old granddaughter, Alma, heard her mom using the word, environment, she quickly asked her where she had heard that word.

Surprised, my daughter answered her with a question, “where had she heard that word?”

Alma explained that she had learned about the environment at her school and that she and her “Green Room” classmates were going to “Actually save the environment!”

My daughter replied that that was great news, then asked how they were going to do that. Alma described that they were going to recycle things and reuse things —so there isn’t a lot of trash on the planet. She elaborated, “The earth is our home, and if we don’t take care of it, we can’t just move to another planet, like Mars or Saturn.”

As part of her class’s efforts, they have been busy making play-dough this week, for a sale to friends and family—with the proceeds going to adopt a polar bear. As Alma proudly proclaims, “We’re going to save the polar bears too!”

Introducing the observance of Earth Day to young children is important for many reasons. First and foremost, it is essential to note that the next generation will face daunting challenges related to climate change and environmental issues. Laying a foundation that provides the notion of stewardship will be the first step in ensuring their critically needed commitment as they become adults.

For real change to occur in our efforts to save the earth, governments must recognize and respond to the effects of climate change with meaningful policies. Citizens must demand and support policies that are “earth-friendly,” then work and sacrifice to implement them.

While an effort to adopt one polar bear may seem insignificant, it is one of the many ways that the seeds of taking care of our home—the earth—are planted. Discussions such as: trying not to use too much water or electricity, caring for and planting trees and gardens are examples of simple ideas that can be introduced to young children.

Just as Alma and her classmates enthusiastically embraced this spring observance, children and adults around the world are embracing the urgent need to care for our planet.

By celebrating Earth Day with our families, we teach children responsibility and problem-solving; our community efforts reinforce the concepts of cooperation and collaboration, which in turn yields community connection.

 

This post originally appeared on www.littlefolksbigquestions.com

I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.

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How to Raise Eco-Conscious Kids

By Aureal Ojeda

Photo: Aureal Ojeda

The statistics on how we’ve treated the planet up to this point are pretty bleak. Only 9 percent of the plastic ever produced has been recycled, and each year, 8 million tons of plastic pollute the ocean.

While the problem at hand is massive, it’s easy for kids to get involved because even the smallest sustainable action helps to make a collective difference. I’ve learned through experience with my own son that it’s best to keep it simple, focusing on the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Reduce

Children always gravitate to the newest and coolest toys, fashion or food, but the conspicuous consumption Americans are known for is not good for the planet. Instead, try and instill the belief that less is more and quality trumps quantity.

Reinforce reducing consumption and making smarter choices with a quick trip to the grocery store. Teach your kids how to choose items with the least amount of packaging, shop in the bulk foods section, avoid single-serving foods and bring cloth shopping bags to haul it all home in.

Your house is the ideal place to demonstrate energy and water-saving behaviors to your kids. By modeling turning off lights when you leave a room, turning off appliances not in use, unplugging appliances not often used and taking short showers, you’ll help instill an attitude of conservation early.

Reuse

Upcycling is definitely a trend these days, so it should be easy to get kids, tweens and teens on board. The goal is to show kids that not everything needs to be thrown away. Before throwing away a toy, or perhaps clothes, examine it to see if it can be fixed or mended. If it can, teach your child how to make the fix so they can learn important new skills. With clothes and toys that your child has outgrown, engage them in collecting everything and donating it to a charitable organization. Not only are they learning how to reuse, but they’re also learning the importance of philanthropy. When you do need new clothes for the kids, consider shopping at a local consignment store rather than the mall.

Single-serve plastic items are some of the most destructive consumer goods on the market, but you can cut down on your consumption by using refillables whenever possible. Invest in decorative refillable soap dispensers for the home and make sure everyone in the family has a reusable water bottle. Disposable paper products are also incredibly wasteful. Limit your use of paper towels, plates and napkins, opting for cloth and ceramic options instead.

Since it’s impossible to limit using all of these things, teach kids how to make the most of a product. If you do use paper products, use the cardboard tubes and boxes for art projects. When printing at home or coloring, make sure to teach kids to use both sides of the paper.

Recycle

Recycling materials that can be reused is key to sustainability. Have bins at home to collect glass, plastic and paper that can be recycled. If your community already recycles, it’s easy, but if not, consider working with your kids to start a recycling drive in your community. It’s also important to note that not all items are recyclable, even if they appear to be, and not all states and cities have the same recycling practices. To best understand your city’s recycling rules, I recommend checking your local government website.

In addition to recycling, point out to your kids which of their favorite products are made from recycled materials.

There’s no better time than Earth Day to show kids that creating a sustainable planet starts at the grass-roots level. By getting the next generation excited about keeping the Earth healthy for years to come, we’re ensuring many more Earth Days in the future.

 

feature image via iStock       

My name is Aureal Ojeda, and I am the founder of Outwoken Tea, a zero-waste tea brand sourcing from small tea farms in developing countries. I continuously strive to bring awareness to how each of us can challenge ourselves to create better, conscious decisions to positively impact the environment.

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Easy Earth-Friendly Swaps for Earth Day

By Suzan Chiang

We live in a world of convenience and waste. We want things right now and within easy reach. Yet do we truly think about what happens to all the things we buy for convenience? Are they ever used? Are they disposed of properly? I’ve been a long time advocate for the environment and I’m here to tell you that yes, you can limit your need to buy everything out of convenience!

This year marks the 51st anniversary of Earth Day, a crucial movement dedicated to learning, helping, and understanding the need to protect our environment. Whether you believe in climate change or not, know that helping the environment can only be a positive endeavor even if you do one small act. 

I’ve been leading an environmental program at an elementary school for years and it’s always a joy when a student has that “A-ha!” moment. The moment they realize that their small act of compassion for the planet can indeed make a huge impact! Below I’ve listed 10 easy swaps you can make for Earth Day and every day of your life!

1. Swap out single-use plastic bottles for reusable water bottles. Buying a reusable water bottle saves you money on buying single-use plastic water bottles. Plus you are eliminating unnecessary plastics in landfills.

2. Swap out single-use plastic sandwich bags for silicone or paper sandwich bags. These handy reusable bags last for many years and are compostable.

3. Swap out grocery store bags with reusable bags. Store grocery bags are usually made from a material that is not recyclable. It’s best to invest in a better quality reusable grocery bag or tote.

4. Swap out store-bought herbs and plant your own herb garden. Planting your own garden helps you have fresh herbs on hand and it reduces your carbon footprint by buying in stores.

5. Swap out polyester materials with eco-friendly materials. Materials made from organic cotton, repurposed cotton, and Tencel are great alternatives, plus they wear well!

6. Swap out driving a short distance to get groceries to walking to the stores. If you’re within walking distance to a store, then try walking there to reduce carbon dioxide made by cars.

7. Swap out packaged produce to picking your own produce at a farmer’s market or a free-standing produce rack. The plastic packaging wrapped around produce is truly unnecessary.

8. Swap out plastic utensils and use reusable stainless steel or bamboo utensils. Just say “NO” when you’re offered plastic utensils. It’s easy to bring your own or use your own utensils.

9. Swap out new books with used books. Yes, that new book smell is quite delightful! But gently used books keep the circular recycling effective.

10. Swap out the need to recycle by reducing and reusing. Follow the 5 “R’s” and you’re on the path to reduce plastic use! Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle.

We can all do our part to make our planet healthier and cleaner. We all wish to breathe cleaner air and let nature reset itself so that our planet can stay healthy for many generations.

Happy Earth Day!

I am a mom first and foremost. I might not be a supermom, but I am constantly learning and growing.Topics I stand with are parenting, the environment, and living a healthy and happy lifest‌yle. I work at an elementary school and I have 30 years experience in the health industry.

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11 Budget-Friendly Train Projects

by Abigail Matsumoto

Calling all budding engineers, wannabe conductors, and little ones who dream of riding the rails! We’ve got a roundup of railway-inspired crafts that are sure to make train-time extra fun. From a candy bar train to a totally Thomas costume, scroll through the amazing projects below to create your own creative (and budget-friendly) cars.

Train Rocks
photo: Thrive 360 Living

1. The Railway that Rocks
For a project that’s a little bit locomotive and little bit rock and roll, look no further than this idea from Sam at Thrive 360 Living. It combines trains, art, a lesson on colors, and you won’t need any fancy materials. Check out more of Sam’s amazing ideas on her Instagram, and get this rocking how-to over at Thrive 360 Living.

Fingerprint Freight Train
photo: Simply Learning Instagram Page

2. A Fingerprint Freighter
This fingerprint freight train gets extra points for being equal parts messy and fun. Throw in a lesson on colors and painted smoke made with a cotton ball, and you’ve got the recipe for a creative and train-centric afternoon. For more info and inspiration, head over to the Simply Learning Instagram page.

Pasta Train
photo: The Chocolate Muffin Tree

3. The Train That’s Full of Pasta-bilities
Get ready to noodle around with a truly creative train craft from The Chocolate Muffin Tree. The kiddos will get a kick out of using food as building materials and they can go crazy with their constructions: trains, planes, automobiles, or any other moving machine that strikes a chord. Get inspired over at The Chocolate Muffin Tree.

Candy Bar Train
photo: Cupcakes & Cutlery

4. A Totally Sweet Ride
Ready to give your kiddo’s favorite people mover an edible twist? Cupcakes & Cutlery has you covered with this candy bar train. It’s super simple to make and excellent for dessert decorations. If you sample a few of your construction pieces, so be it. Get the sweet scoop at Cupcakes & Cutlery.

Toilet Paper Roll Glitter Train
photo: KPL Kids’ Corner

5. The Thomas-Inspired Train
Want to pay tribute to everyone’s favorite tank engine? All you need to create your own artsy Thomas the Tank Engine is a few simple materials: toilet paper rolls, paper, glue, paint, and a heaping handful of glitter. It’s the perfect project for an afternoon of crafty fun. Learn more over at KPL Kids’ Corner.

circustrain1_merrileeliddiard_DIYtrains_trains_national_redtricycle
photo: Merrilee Liddiard via Mer Mag

6. The Circus Setup
No big top experience is complete without a train ride. This darling creation from Merrilee of Mer Mag is all kinds of bright and cheery, and even has a recycled twist—it’s made out of tea boxes! Get your little helpers involved in deciding which animals should go where and you’ll have a wild time, indeed. Grab the easy tutorial over to Mer Mag.

upcycledtrain_bonbonbreak_DIYtrains_trains_national_redtricycle
photo: Kirstina Hoy via Bon Bon Break

7. The Coffee Cap Choo-Choo Train
We’ll bet this adorable red engine will inspire you to think of your recycle bin as just another arts and crafts supply box. With a coffee cap light leading the way and egg carton cars, this homemade toy is a great way to turn your clutter into playtime fun. For the easy how-to, head for Bon Bon Break.

Sponge Paint Train
photo: Chelsey Marashian via Buggy and Buddy

8. A Sponge-y Express
Got a train-obsessed toddler, preschooler, or kindergartner on your hands? This sponge-painting activity is perfect for the younger set who are learning about colors. The prepwork is minimal and the main materials (kitchen sponges and paint) are easy enough to find. Get the easy how-to over at Buggy and Buddy.

An Egg-cellent Train
photo: The Craft Train

9. An Egg-cellent Train
The next time you serve up omelets for breakfast, be sure to save your egg cartons because The Craft Train has just the upcycled use for them. With the help of a few other basic supplies like paint and paper, those cartons can be transformed into an awesome engine. Don’t forget to paint and decorate before sending it down the tracks! Find out more over at The Craft Train.

Tissue Box Train
photo: Discovering Breadcrumbs

10. The Tissue Box Train
Thanks to Mary Kathleen of Discovering Breadcrumbs for showing us tissue boxes can turn into boxcars with just a few easy steps! Not only is this a great reason to recycle, it’s also just waiting for a few stuffed animal passengers. You can even take a cue from Mary Kathleen and add in a lesson on the ABCs. Get the 411 at Discovering Breadcrumbs.

thomascostume_cassiemay_DIYtrains_trains_national_redtricycle
photo: Cassie May via Little Red Window

11. The It-Fits-Perfectly Train
How do you take train playtime to a whole new level? Let your little conductor actually be a train, with his very own homemade Thomas costume. The actual how-to has more instructions than your average train craft but the playtime payoff is worth the effort. To find out how to make one of your own, make tracks over to Little Red Window.

—Abigail Matsumoto

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These Eco-Friendly Toys Are Saving the Planet

by Karly Wood

Many industries are switching to more eco-friendly practices, and the toy industry is hopping on board. VTech has announced that it has plans to launch a variety of green electronic learning products throughout 2021––working towards the company’s goal of replacing fossil-based plastics with sustainable alternatives by 2030.

Both VTech and LeapFrog will be dropping a combined seven new eco-friendly products this year. In addition to green alternatives for toy construction, VTech packaging currently is made up of 94 percent recyclable materials and the company is committed to getting rid of fossil-based blister packaging by 2025.

Kids will soon be able to play with three new vehicles in the Go! Go! Smart Wheels line made from plant-based plastic, and the Sort & Recycle Ride-on Truck made from reclaimed plastic. Looking for LeapFrog products? Keep your eyes peeled for a new Choppin’ Fun Learning Pot with vegetables and accessories made from plant-based plastic, and two new wooden toys that include a Touch & Learn Nature ABC Board and Interactive Wooden Animal Puzzle.

Dr. Allan Wong, Chairman and Group CEO of VTech Holdings Limited states, “VTech’s sustainability vision is to create sustainable value for the lives of people and protect the planet for the future generations. We are committed to using sustainable materials in our products and packaging and recycling them in a responsible way, using eco-friendly transportation modes in our supply chain management, increasing the use of renewable energy and reducing the consumption of natural resources in our production process.”

So how else is VTech changing the toy landscape? The company is taking part in post-consumer packaging recycling programs in the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand, included packaging recycling labels like “How2Recycle®” its packaging to promote awareness and has partnered with recycling companies like TerraCycle® as an easy avenue for consumers to recycle products.

You can learn more about VTech’s sustainability efforts and achievements at vtech.com.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of VTech

 

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Easy Ways to Protect the Planet (Even More) in 2021

by Allison Sutcliffe

It’s resolution time, parents! And although saving the planet is a tall order as far as resolutions are concerned, working toward a sustainable environment doesn’t have to be overwhelming. So if you’re looking for simple and easy solutions to support sustainability in 2021, you’ve come to the right place. From kits that help reduce food waste to how to recycle everyday plastic waste, we’ve got what you need to make your New Year a bit green-er.

photo: iStock

Skip the Landfill

We’re all doing our best to reduce, reuse and recycle. But if you find yourself puzzling over what to do with broken toys, plastic food wrap and clothes that have holes, you’re not alone. Check out these services and resources that help keep items out of the landfill.

Ridwell

Subscribe to Ridwell
When it comes to recycling, there’s only so much you can put in your big blue bin. That’s where Seattle-based Ridwell comes in. What started as a father-son quest to collect dead batteries for recycling has grown into an odds-and-ends recycle and reuse subscription service boasting over 15,000 customers in the Seattle area.

Ridwell collects everyday items like light bulbs, clothes, shoes and plastic film (think: cereal box liners, Ziploc baggies and that stack of Amazon bubble envelopes you’ve got sitting in garage) on a bi-monthly basis and delivers them to area recycling and reuse partners so you don’t have to. They also gather those really strange items you’re not quite sure what to do with, like eye glasses, pet items, Halloween candy and even Christmas lights—they designate one special item as their featured category each month. To date, Ridwell has collected more than one million pounds of trash that would have otherwise gone into landfills.

Online: ridwell.com

Allison Sutcliffe

Work the Web
What’s the old saying? One person’s junk is another’s treasure. Sometimes keeping things from the landfill is as easy as offering them up to others to use. Joining groups like Buy Nothing and Freecycle makes the reuse part of the three r’s a cinch. If you don’t have any takers, you can always see if local reuse art stores like Seattle ReCreative and Tinkertopia in Tacoma are collecting what you’re looking to offload. (Hint: they both love leftover art supplies, parents!)

Find a Fix-It Fair
Whether you’ve got a vacuum on the fritz, a chair that needs repair or you can’t darn a sock worth a darn, “fixers” at a Seattle or Tacoma area Fix-It-Fair can help. Simply bring small appliances, broken toys, tools, computers—you get the idea—and have a skilled “fixer” take a look. They’ll give it a once over, repair it if they can and offer helpful tips you can take home too. Although the pandemic has put these Fix-It-Fairs on hold, King County has plans to bring them back in some from or another in the near future. So don’t get rid of that broken blender just yet. Help is on the way!

Eat Locally

Rylea Foehl

Find Local Farms & Farmers
When it comes to our area’s sustainability, supporting local farms and farmers is a simple action that has a serious ripple effect on Mother Earth. Not only does it reduce the resources needed to grow, ship and prepare food, it puts good stuff back into the land (think nutrient dense soils and healthy waters) and the economy. Find everything you need for 2021 at the newly launched eatlocalfirst.org that features more than 1,700 sustainable and organic farms, farmers markets and food businesses around Washington state. The best part of this new resource is that it puts the tools families need to eat locally at their fingertips. This is one resolution you can keep!

Online: eatlocalfirst.org

Corinne Monaco

Join a CSA, shop the farmer's markets and visit farm stores
If you’re interested in joining a CSA, start planning now. Consider you family’s needs—do you want produce only? What about meat? Are you looking for farm pick up or home delivery? Then browse eatlocalfirst.org to find the perfect match for your fam.

A leisurely stroll at the local Farmer’s Market isn’t always an option for busy parents, especially during a pandemic. But one of COVID’s silver linings (if there is such a thing) is that our local farmer’s markets have pivoted to online shopping with curbside pick up that makes seasonal eating as easy as driving through your local fast food joint. Don’t forget home delivery options from local spots like Local Yokels, Pacific Coast Harvest and Milk Run.

Finally, throw in a visit to a farm store like Green Bow Farm in Ellensburg, Bellewood Farms in Lyden or Garden Treasures in Arlington on your next road trip. Enviro-adventures away!

Reduce Food Waste

Commission for Environmental Cooperation

Download the Food Matters Action Kit
Composting is the first line of defense in reducing food waste (great job, Seattle!). Cutting down on what you compost is second. When you think about it, wasting food wastes all the resources that went into producing it (growing, transporting and selling) and uses even more to process the waste. So if your family wants to shrink their food waste in 2021, the Food Matter Action Kit has everything you need. Plus it engages kids in the process. They get to do math, play detective and help save the planet. Sounds good to us!

Seattle mom, Terumi Pong, has been using the kit with her kids. She describes one of the lessons as “eye-opening” explaining her family didn’t realize “how much food waste we created and how some of the things we often waste can actually be eaten.” She goes on to say, “After reading through the toolkit and working through some of the lessons, my family is more aware of the choices we make with food and it didn't take a lot of time or effort. I'm thankful that in this time period where so many things feel out of our control, we can do a little bit to help ourselves and our community at home by reducing food waste.” You might be surprised by what you find, too.

Online: cec.org/flwy/

—Allison Sutcliffe

RELATED STORIES:

Skip the Store: Seattle CSA’s Delivering Produce (& More)

50 Ways Families Can Save the Planet

The Best Eco-Friendly Clothing Companies for Kids

25 Black-Owned Family-Friendly Businesses We Love

Sink Your Teeth Into Seattle’s First Plant-Based Burger Joint

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A Sappy Goodbye: How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree in the Bay Area

by Melissa Bouse

Where to recycle your Christmas tree in the SF Bay Area

We put all this time and effort into selecting the right tree, setting it up in the perfect spot, and decorating it. But once Christmas has come and gone, then what? Before you kick it to the curb, make sure you know your options (and the rules) for Christmas Tree Recycling. Read on to find great solutions in your neck of the woods, and in some cases, contribute to a few good causes while you’re at it!

Remember: Remove all Christmas Tree Lights & Decorations

It's probably pretty obvious, but be sure you've removed all the decorations, lights, and tinsel from your tree before recycling. Most services so not accept flocked trees—those are the ones sprayed with white, artificial snow. If you are unsure, check with your district at the link provided.

San Francisco Christmas Tree Pick Up

Place clean, unflocked trees next to your bins on your regular service day during the first 2 weeks of January. Be sure to remove all tinsel, decorations, plastic bags, stands, and lights. If your tree measures more than 6 feet tall, please cut it in half. Typically, collection begins the Mon. after New Year's Day

Online: sfenvironment.org

 

Marin Christmas Tree Pick Up

Marin County: Place clean, unflocked trees next to your bins, not in them, on your regular service day starting Jan. 2 through Jan. 13. Be sure to remove all tinsel, decorations, plastic bags, stands, and lights. If your tree measures more than 6 feet tall, please cut it in half. Marin Sanitary customers can also drop off up to two Christmas trees for free at the Marin Resource Recovery Center at 565 Jacoby St., San Rafael. Apartment managers should schedule a pickup day for their apartment complex. After Jan. 31, pickup or drop-off will cost a small fee. You can also find a list of Christmas tree drop-off locations at Zero Waste Marin.

Online: marinsanitaryservice.com

Mill Valley: Please put your trees out on the curb on any regular green Compost Cart day, beginning Jan. 2, 2023. We will not pick up trees left by garbage cans. Trees more than 5 feet tall must be cut in half. Put trees next to green cans. Homestead Valley customers without green cans can put their trees on the curb on a yard waste day.

Online: millvalleyrefuse.com

Novato: Trees will be picked up from the first week of Jan. on regular collection days. Place next to curb or cut and fit inside yard waste container. Remove all lights, tinsel, ornaments and stands. Flocked trees will not be accepted.

 

East Bay Christmas Tree Pick Up

Berkeley & Albany: Place clean, unflocked trees next to your bins on your regular service day during the first 2 weeks of January. Be sure to remove all tinsel, decorations, plastic bags, stands, and lights. If your tree measures more than 5 feet tall, (6 feet tall in Albany) in  please cut it in half. After Jan. 31, trees will not be collected curbside, unless they are cut up and properly placed in your green waste cart. Call 311 if your tree is missed or if you have any questions.

Online: Berkeley, Albany

You can also drop your tree off at the Berkeley Transfer Station at no charge during the month of Jan. After Jan., you can cut up your tree to fit in your plant debris cart, or you can bring it to the Transfer Station for a compost fee.

Dublin: Place your holiday tree at the curb by 5:30 a.m. on your regular service day the week after Christmas. A truck exclusively for recycling holiday trees will collect the trees. Only clean trees will be taken (no flocking or tinsel). Cut trees down to 4-feet or less in heigh and remove bases or stand. After that, trees will not be collected curbside, unless they are cut up and properly placed in your green waste cart.

Have a Non-Recyclable Flocked Tree or Trees with Tinsel?
Amador Valley Industries can pick up your non-recyclable holiday tree. Call 925-479-9545 to arrange for disposal of your flocked or tinseled tree. An additional fee may apply, unless you use one of the three Large Item Collections available to you per year at no cost.

Good to Know: Boy Scouts of America – Tree Recycling Fundraiser
For a donation of $10 donation per tree, local Boy Scout Troop 905 will pick up holiday trees from Dublin residents on Sun., Jan. 1, 2023. Reservations are required. To make a reservation, please visit https://www.dublintroop905.org after December 1, 2022. Reservations will be accepted through 3 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2022. Only clean trees will be accepted. No flocking or tinsel allowed. Please remove the tree base or stand.

Online: amadorvalleyindustries.com

Emeryville: Trees are collected curbside on regular collection days during the first two weeks of Jan. Place your tree at the curb next to your green waste, recycling and trash carts on your regular pickup day. Trees taller than 5 feet must be cut into lengths of 5 feet or smaller. Remove all tinsel, ornaments, nails and tree stands. Green trees only. Flocked trees will not be accepted.

Online: wm.com

Fremont: Remove all decorations, tinsel, lights, nails and tree stands prior to pickup or dropoff. Trees that have any of these items are not compostable. Trees that contain fire retardant or flocking are also not compostable. Curbside trees will be picked up the first two weeks of Jan. on your scheduled yard waste collection day. For trees taller than 6 feet, please cut in half. 

Online: fremont.gov

Hayward:All properties are eligible for free pickup of holiday trees during the first two weeks of January. Only clean trees will be picked up; no flocked trees, stands or decorations. Trees must be cut to less than five feet.

Online: hayward-ca.gov

Oakland: Place clean, unflocked trees next to your bins on your regular service day during the first two weeks of January. Be sure to remove all tinsel, decorations, plastic bags, stands, and lights. If your tree measures more than 5 feet tall, in  please cut it in half. Later in the month, trees will not be collected curbside, unless they are cut up and properly placed in your green waste cart.

Online: oaklandrecycles.com

San Leandro: Place your Christmas tree curbside on your regularly scheduled collection day during the first two weeks in Jan. Remember to remove all tinsel and ornaments, cut your tree down if it is larger than 6 feet and set it out on the curb with your yard trimmings cart for collection. Trees will be recycled into mulch for use in landscaping applications.

Online: alamedacountyindustries.com

How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree on the Peninsula

San Mateo County: Place trees curbside on normal day of your yard waste pickup during the month of Jan. Tree length maximum sizes vary depending on the recycling company. Most of the recycling companies do not accept flocked trees. Residents without regular trash pickup can drop off their trees at several locations.

Online: cityofsanmateo.org

How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree in the South Bay

Campbell & Los Gatos: West Valley Collection and Recycling will pick up trees on the curb during regular service until mid-Jan. Trees must be less than 5 feet tall and placed at least 1 foot from carts.

Online: westvalleyrecycles.com

Unincorporated Cupertino: Place clean, unflocked trees next to your bins on your regular service day during the month of January. Be sure to remove all tinsel, decorations, plastic bags, stands, and lights. If your tree measures more than 6 feet tall, please cut it in half. Leave by the curb, or in the green bin if the lid can close.

Online: recologysouthbay.com

Los Altos: Place clean, unflocked trees next to your bins on your regular service day during the month of Jan. Be sure to remove all tinsel, decorations, plastic bags, stands, and lights. If your tree measures more than 6 feet tall, please cut it in half. Leave by the curb, or in the green bin if the lid can close. Apartment residents should place all trees in a central location and call to arrange a pickup.

Online: recologysouthbay.com

San Jose: Recycle your holiday tree on your regular collection day starting after Christmas throughout the month of Jan. Trees should then be cut into 5-foot lengths and placed in the street one foot from the curb and 5 feet from your garbage and recycling carts and parked vehicles. Natural and flocked trees accepted. If you live in an apartment, townhouse or condo, ask your property manager if special arrangements have been made for recycling holiday trees on-site.

Online: sanjoseca.gov

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