How To Recycle Metal

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

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Somchai Som / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When it comes to waste, there are so many materials that can be recycled. However, most of us usually separate our recycling by paper, plastic, metal and glass. Since the category of metal includes products composed of materials like aluminum and steel, there are a variety of items that can and should be placed in the recycling bin. In fact, according to the Green Student U Encyclopedia, although steel and aluminum are two of the most recycled waste products in the U.S, it is estimated that the amount of products actually being recycled has decreased by approximately 20%. The following is a list of metal-made products that you can recycle:

Aluminum
Aluminum is considered to be one of the most abundant metals on Earth. Aluminum products are created during a process where an electrical current separates the metal from the oxygen it is naturally made with. Here are some aluminum products that belong in the recycling bin:

• Soda Cans
• Windows
• Doors
• Auto parts
• Home appliances

Steel
Steel is an alloy of iron with carbon. Like aluminum, steel products are created when the iron ore component is separated from oxygen. The following is a list of some steel products that can be recycled:

• Tin Cans
• Bridge parts
• Home appliances
• Building scraps
• Auto parts

Precious Metals
While many jewelers buy used jewelry, keep in mind that precious metals such as gold and silver can also be recycled.

For more information on metal recycling, click here. 

Did you know? Aluminum and steel products can actually be recycled over and over again and can be used repeatedly to create products that look as good as new! By recycling these metals, you can help to reduce how much energy sources we consume each day and lessen the damage that occurs to our planet as a result of mining. The next time you find yourself with a can of soda or replacing your home's appliances, remember to recycle them instead of kicking them to the curb!

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips. 

Earth Day: A History and Interesting Facts!

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

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Each year on April 22, people all around the world celebrate a day dedicated to our environment. According to the Earth Day Network, this day marks the anniversary of the "modern environmental movement" that first began in 1970.

In 1970, saving the planet was probably the last thing on many people's minds as the US struggled with protest and war. However, unlike others, Earth Day founder Senator Gaylord Nelson felt environmental concerns needed to be addressed after witnessing the results of the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, California. It was then that he decided to take to the public and express his concern about air and water pollution along with other pressing environmental issues.

On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans, including universities and students, began a protest against the deterioration of the environment. Appearing to be successful, this day led to the development of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species acts.

Twenty years later, in 1990, Denis Hayes led another campaign which focused on recycling in addition to other environmental issues. Again, in 2000, Hayes developed a campaign that focused on global warming and clean energy. With each decade raising awareness of different environmental concerns, hundreds of thousands of activists have joined in on the movement and continue to push for eco-friendly habits that will help to protect our planet. In fact, to date, on April 22 more than 192 countries continue to celebrate Earth Day.

Did you know? Check out these interesting Earth Day Facts:

1. Earth Day is considered the largest secular holiday in the world.
2. On the first Earth Day in NYC, the mayor shut down 5th Avenue and used Central Park to celebrate.
3. In 2009, the United Nations renamed Earth Day to "International Mother Earth Day."

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips. 

Saving Money By Going Green: That's Rich!

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

From an environmental standpoint, green is a pretty popular color. More often than not, green is associated with the color of our planet and is most commonly referred to as a selfless act to protect the environment. But green is also the color of something else we all enjoy; money. The good news is, by going green in an effort to help our planet, you can also increase the amount of "green" that you have in your pocket each month. Thanks to Groovy Green Livin, we've collected the top 5 ways you can go green and save some money in the process:

1. Cut Down on Gas: By reducing the amount of time spent in the car, you're reducing the amount of pollutants that enter the air we breath. Additionally, you're also using less gas, which means you won't have to fill up your tank as often. Consider carpooling, public transportation, walking or biking whenever you can. 
2. Carefully Select Home Appliances: Energy star rated appliances can actually save you money in more than one way. Not only do they save you money on your electric bill, but they often come with a rebate meaning that you'll get some money back.

   

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3. Power Strips: By plugging all of your appliances into a power strip, you save money by being able to turn everything off when you're not using them.
4. Online Billing: Since the Internet is so popular, it's no surprise that many businesses give their customers the option to pay their bill online. By using electronic billing methods, you reduce the amount of paper that must be used each month and, although your bill is the same, you save money on stamps and envelopes.
5. Limit Water Waste: Did you know that a leaky faucet dripping 30 drops per minute wastes 3 gallons of water per day? Over time this adds up to quite a lot of money, so keep an eye out for any leaks around your house. You can also limit water waste by taking shorter showers and turning off your water when you brush your teeth.

Even better than saving money is the idea that these initiatives are quite simple to include in your everyday plans. That means you don't have to change your habits too much to experience the benefits of going green!

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips. 

Eco-Friendly Activities for Spring Break

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

With schools closed for spring break, parents might find themselves scrounging for ideas of what to do with their kids. Fortunately, this time of year permits outdoor activities in addition to staying indoors, giving parents and their children the opportunity to get out of the house and breathe a breath of fresh air. The following activities are fun, eco-friendly ways to keep your children busy this spring break:

Picnic: On a nice day, plan a picnic for your family. If you don't have a park nearby, don't forget that you can always picnic in your own backyard!

Plant: Since April showers bring May flowers, spring break is a great time to begin working on your garden. Take a trip to your local nursery to pick out your family's favorite plants, and then work together to plant them in your garden.

Visit a Nature Walk: Take the family to your nearest nature walk and experience the great outdoors. Not only is this a great way to get outside, but it also allows you and your children to learn about the environment you live in.

Head to the Library: If this week's weather keeps you indoors, head to the library to find new books. In honor of Earth Month and Earth Day approaching (April 22nd), check out some books on recycling or ways to go green in your home.

How will you spend your spring break? Let us know!

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips.

Ways to Recycle Paper

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Image courtesy of Phiseksit / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Have you ever taken the time to think of things you use every single day? We have, and one of the resources that seem to surround us throughout every day is paper. Whether you're writing on it, printing on it, or reading it, paper is an item that we probably couldn't live without! You've probably heard that paper is made from trees, which are a natural part of our environment. It is also one of the simplest things to recycle and, by doing so, we can reduce the amount of trees that are cut down each year. To make recycling a little bit more fun, we've collected some creative ways that you can reuse and recycle paper:

Use It More Than Once: Whether you're printing, writing, or coloring on paper, always use both sides. Not only is this an act of being environmentally conscious, but it could also prove to have financial benefits since you'll be saving paper in the long run.

DIY Wrapping Paper: Instead of buying wrapping paper this year, collect old art projects, newspapers, or notepads that would've gone in the trash and use them to conceal packages. Be creative and tape them together in a way that a new design is created on its own.

Bubble...paper? Ever bought something breakable and see the cashier wrap it in paper before placing it in your bag? Any form of paper is great to use if you're looking to package something delicate. Instead of filling boxes or bags with bubble wrap or styrofoam, shred and crumple up old paper; it gets the job done just as well!

Art Projects: Who says you need a blank piece of paper to create something great? New or used, paper-mache projects simply require strips of any kind of paper. Instead of using a clean sheet of paper, considering using something that's already been worked on; after all, you can just paint over it!

Of course, traditional recycling practices are just as effective when it comes to recycling paper. Newspapers, paper bags, computer paper, magazines and envelopes are all examples of paper materials that can and should be recycled once they've served their purpose. The next time you go to crumple up a piece of paper and throw it in the trash, remind yourself of the different ways in which you can reuse and recycle the product.

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips. 

April is Earth Month!

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

On April 22, people all across the globe will celebrate a day dedicated to our planet; Earth Day! But why should we wait until the end of the month to recognize the Earth? In honor of April being "Earth Month," it's time to increase our awareness and appreciation for our planet and the natural resources it provides. To get you in the spirit, we've compiled a list of some earth-friendly activities that children, parents, families, schools and more can take part in:

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FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1. Plant Something: Gather together with family and friends to plant a tree, flowers, fruits or vegetables.

2. Go For a Walk: Embrace your surroundings by taking a walk around your neighborhood or by heading to the park. Not only is this great exercise, but you're also helping the environment by reducing the amount of pollutants that are emitted from motor vehicles.

3. Donate: Earth Day and Earth Month come just in time for spring cleaning. Work with your family to create a pile of unused or unwanted items that can be brought to a donation center. This is a great way to practice recycling and teach others about the importance of reusing and recycling.

4. Visit a Nature Center: Pick a weekend and head down to the aquarium or zoo. Here, you can learn about how certain animals rely on the natural environment and you will leave with an understanding of the importance of protecting the Earth for their safety. Try to do some research before you go, since many of these places may host Earth Day activities.

April is a great time to go green and honor and preserve our planet. How will you celebrate Earth Month this year?

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips. 

Start Recycling Early: Recycling For Kids

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Image courtesy of
photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

In order for children to develop good recycling habits, it's important to start teaching them the importance of recycling when they're young. We all know recycling is one of the best things we can do to help our environment, so why not get the whole family involved? Fortunately for parents, there are several fun, easy ways that you can teach and incorporate recycling into your family's daily routine. See below for some tips to help you get started:

1. Exposure: By exposing your children to recycling at a young age, it is sure to catch on just as quickly as other habits. Start by setting up your recycling bins in a place where your child can see how you use them, and introduce language that corresponds with your actions so children can make the connection.
2. Keep It Simple: If it's easy for kids to recycle, chances are they will! Make sure to place your recycling bins in a place that children can easily reach.
3. Make It a Game: If you have different colored recycling bins at home, turn recycling into an exciting lesson in colors and materials. Consider asking children to match different items with the right bin colors, and once they've got the hang of it, see how fast they can separate a pile of items into the proper bins. Don't forget to support them when they're right and correct them when they're wrong. 
4. Creativity: Kids love to participate with items that they've helped to make or have worked on. Set up a day where you and your children can decorate your recycling bins; if they've worked to make them special, chances are they'll use them!
5. Use Outside Sources: Don't forget to use books, videos and the Internet to your advantage. Check your local library for books that talk about recycling in an entertaining way, and make sure to check YouTube for kid-friendly videos that educate children in a fun way. 

Recycling shouldn't seem like a chore, it should be something you and your family look forward to! How will you encourage your children to recycle?

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips. 

The Impact of K-Cup Coffee On The Environment

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

With coffee being such a staple in many people's lives, it's no surprise that a lot of us have turned to products like the K-Cup in order to brew our own coffee at home or in the office. Designed specifically for the Keurig, K-Cups are coffee containers that hold one-serving's worth of coffee that can be brewed with the click of a button. Each cup is made out of plastic, includes a small filter inside, and is topped with a foil lid. Though they may seem harmless, recent studies show that the coffee lover's best friend is having a draining effect on the environment that surrounds us.

While the Keurig and K-Cups are convenient and easy to use, environmentalists debate that their single-use, non-recyclable nature is negatively impacting our planet as too much waste is being sent to landfills. Although the plastic, paper and foil from the K-Cup can be recycled on their own, the combination of products along with their small size proves to be too difficult for recycling facilities to sort. Therefore, the only option is to throw out the K-Cup after use.

Statistics show that each pound of coffee sends 50 K-Cups to landfills, and since more than 15 million homes and offices use a Keurig, billions of K-Cups are sent to landfills every year. In order to manage the amount of waste that results from K-Cups, Keurig Green Mountain has taken several preliminary steps to reduce the amount of K-Cups that are wrongly disposed of. In 2011, they launched their eco-friendly program Grounds to Grow On, and they hope to make all K-Cups 100% recyclable by 2020.

For more information on the K-Cup and their environmental impact, click here.  

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips.