Three Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Global warming - you certainly don't have to be an environmentalist to know that term. A trending topic with individuals of all ages and professions, climate change is something that can't be ignored, especially since it is happening right before our very eyes. But although what will be will be, there are steps we can take as inhabitants of this planet to limit the amount of pollution we produce to spare the Earth some of the changes that may be headed its way. Would you like to know how? Thanks to Mashable, we've put together a list of three ways you can start to reduce your carbon footprint below:

1. Carpool, carpool, carpool. Or better yet, walk when possible! The less gas you can use between you and your friends and family, the better.

2. Always choose energy efficient appliances. When shopping for your next refrigerator, air conditioner or something similar in size and function, search for products that have excellent energy ratings.

3. Unplug your appliances whenever they aren't in use. Energy is still being used when electronics aren't turned on, so rather than simply hit the off button, make an effort to completely unplug when possible.

In addition to monitoring your energy consumption and limiting the amount of times you take your car out for a spin, don't forget to continue your recycling habits along the way. By acting in environmentally friendly ways, you can contribute to the larger effort that is to reduce global warming.

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.

Tips For Throwing An Eco Friendly Super Bowl Party

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Although the Jets and the Giants won't be participants in this year's Super Bowl, we bet that New York sports fans will still be glued to their TVs this Sunday to watch New England battle Seattle in Arizona. And even if they won't be watching to see who brings home the title, chances are they'll make it a point to check out the commercials that make their way onto the big screen this year. 

Do you have plans for this weekend's event? If part of your Super Bowl festivities includes having family and friends at your home, use the following tips to make your party an eco friendly one:

• Put the game on in a central location so that you only need to run one TV at a time.
• Provide guests with reusable plates and silverware rather than disposable ones.
• Use a DIY approach for decorating or purchase decorations that can be reused for next year's Super Bowl party.
• Don't splurge on food - only buy as much as is needed! 
• Make recycling bins accessible throughout your home.

Once the night is over, be sure to pack up any leftovers for you and/or your guests and check to make sure that all garbage has been placed in the proper bin. Although it may seem like tedious work, scanning through your garbage before putting it out for pick up could spare some of your used items an unnecessary trip to your local landfill.

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.

4 Things You Should Always Recycle

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

The last time you were done using a product, did you find yourself questioning whether or not it belonged in the trash can or the recycling bin? More often than not, people fail to recycle because they aren't sure which items belong where. However, by familiarizing yourself with proper recycling etiquette, you can reduce the amount of waste that winds up in our landfills unknowingly. To help you get started, we've put together a list of four things that you should always be recycling:

1. Paper: Whether it be the directions you printed out to get from point A to point B, the credit card offer you got in the mail, the newspaper you read with breakfast or the paper bag you packed your lunch in, it belongs in the recycling bin. 
2. Plastic Bags: If you're still bringing home your groceries in the supermarket's plastic bags, they need to be recycled after everything is unpacked. To make it easier for consumers, some stores have even started their own plastic recycling programs where they accept the bags back, so be sure to check during your next trip before you head home.
3. Soda Cans: Did you know that aluminum cans can be recycled an infinite number of times? Since they are 100% recyclable by nature, it's imperative that your empty soda cans always end up in the recycling bin.
4. Glass: According to care2.com, recycling one glass container can save enough energy to light a 100-watt light bulb. If you can save that much energy just by recycling one, imagine how much energy we could save if we recycled all glass products!

For a more detailed list of products you should always recycle, 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.

How To Keep Animals Out Of Your Trash

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Have you ever noticed that your garbage was scattered throughout the street the morning after you left it on the curb? If so, chances are one of our furry friends made your trash can their source of food for the night. Although the damage can be minimal, paying close attention to the way you handle your trash can lower your chances of winding up with a mess to clean up the following day. The next time you put your garbage out for pickup, keep the following in mind to keep the critters away:

1. Make sure your garbage is tightly sealed in a bag before you even put it in a bin. 
2. Don't force bags that can't fit into your bin. By filling it with more than it can handle, you won't be able to secure the lid.
3. Place a heavy item on top of your lid so that the can becomes too heavy to knock into, or, invest in a garbage can whose handles lock to keep the lid in place in the event that it is pushed over.
4. Clean your can thoroughly as often as possible to prevent animal enticing odors from spreading.

By closing and covering your garbage in more ways than one, and by eliminating odors around your trash, you can surely minimize the number of paws that end up in your path.

Do you have a tip that helps you keep animals out of the trash? Visit us on our Facebook or Twitter page to 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 with your recycling.

Why Is Styrofoam Bad For The Environment?

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

In case you haven't heard, as of July 1, New York City manufacturers and suppliers will be prohibited from using and/or selling styrofoam items and packaging. Why? After compiling some research, the City of New York Department of Sanitation found that styrofoam lacks recyclable qualities, making it harmful to the environment.

To follow up with the findings that recycling styrofoam poses a threat to our planet, we've expanded on the topic to determine why else styrofoam is a cause for concern among environmentalists:

1. When styrofoam is first produced, approximately 57 chemical by-products are emitted into the air. Therefore, the moment it is created, our air begins to be polluted.
2. Petroleum is required for styrofoam to be made. In addition to the fact that petroleum is a non-sustainable resource, meaning it is not replenished at the same rate in which it is used, it is also a source of pollution when it is first created.
3. By nature, styrofoam is not biodegradable and it floats. That means it can stay in landfills forever or wind up in our waters. Since recycling is not a feasible option for this material, that which is disposed consumes too much space in our landfills or becomes damaging to marine life.

For more information about styrofoam and why it isn't one of earth's best friends, 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.

The Ban on Single Use Expanded Polystyrene

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Did you know? New York City has placed a ban on single use expanded polystyrene foam items and packaging. Effective July 1, manufacturers and stores will no longer be permitted to sell or provide single use foam items in the city; examples of these items include cups, plates and trays. Furthermore, the city also plans to ban the sale of polystyrene loose fill packaging such as packing peanuts.

As reported in an article by the New York Eater, the ban on such items has been in the works for quite some time - the first talk of it came about two years ago when Mayor Bloomberg first proposed the idea. Now, after determining that foam is just another environmental danger due to its inability to be recycled, Mayor Bill de Blasio has officially pulled the plug.

For those businesses who currently supply and use products made from this material, especially restaurants, there's no need to fret yet! According to waste360, businesses will have six months to adjust to the new law before fines are handed out. During this time, those caught in the act will simply be given a warning. However, although there are alternatives to styrofoam products, the city recognizes that some small businesses may not be able to compensate with the change for financial reasons. Therefore, any non profits and small businesses that generate less than $500,000 in revenue each year are eligible to apply for hardship exemptions as of March 2015.

Want to learn more? For more information on the ban of single use styrofoam products, please click here.

What do you think about the city's decision to ban styrofoam products? Be sure to visit us on Facebook and Twitter to let us know!

Eco Friendly New Year's Resolutions

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Do you have a long list of goals you'd like to reach in 2015? In addition to popular New Year's Resolutions such as spending more time at the gym, eating healthier and improving your finances, we believe that one of the best decisions you can make at the start of the new year is to engage in more eco-friendly habits. And although resolutions are often broken shortly after the first of the year, changing your ways to reflect a greener lifestyle is an easy one to stick with.

Are you ready to make 2015 the year that you commit to our planet? The following eco friendly New Year's Resolutions are a great way to get started:

1. Limit the amount of plastic products that you use. According to One Green Planet, scientists discovered that our oceans are filled with over 270,000 tons of floating plastic. The next time you go to pick up a plastic based product that has reusable alternatives, such as a water bottle or grocery bag, choose the better of the two. (Hint: that's the resuable item!)
2. Avoid purchasing items 'just because.' Of course it would be nice to have that shirt that caught your eye or that piece of jewelry that's calling your name, but do you really need it? This year, make an effort to only buy the items you need at a given time, and make sure that they are quality, long lasting products while you're at it.
3. Reduce the amount of food you waste each day. Did you know that about 1/3 of the food produced each year winds up in the trash? To lessen the amount of food you waste in 2015, pay attention when you go food shopping, embrace leftovers and only put food on your plate if you'll eat it!

So which resolutions will you stick with? When you change your everyday habits, even just a little, the rewards and benefits that result are well worth it. 

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.

Recycling Dos and Don'ts for Post Holiday Cleanups

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Now that the holidays are over, you've probably started to take down your decorations and organize the abundance of boxes, bags, bows and tissue paper you've acquired since the start of the season. However, for many, doing so means sending these items right to the trash. 

Since holiday waste should be treated like all other waste, it's important to know which items can and cannot be recycled. That's why thanks to Waste Management, we've put together a few holiday recycling dos and don'ts! Check them out below:

Dos

1. Recycle any wrapping that is paper based.
2. Recycle cardboard boxes you've acquired through deliveries.
3. Pack up and store decorations and gift bags for next year.

Don'ts

1. Include bows, ribbons or cellophane wrapping with your regular recyclables.
2. Recycle wires, foam or loose plastics from delivered packages.
3. Place unwanted glass ornaments or holiday lights into your recycling bin. 

And don't forget about your Christmas tree! Before you turn your tree on its side and send it out the door, check with your local recycling and waste management department to see if you can participate in a tree recycling program. For New York City residents, you can learn about your Christmas tree recycling program 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.