Three Green Tips for Fall

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Just because the seasons change doesn't mean your efforts have to! As you begin to get your home ready for the cold temperatures that lie ahead, there are plenty of great ways that you can continue to go green and conserve energy in your home, even when you think you must rely on heavy use appliances like your heating system to maintain your comfort. Looking to learn how? See below for three ways that you can go green this fall season:

1. Lower the heat: Although your first instinct would be to turn up the heat on cold days and nights, consider other ways that you can keep warm such as bundling up in sweaters or putting extra blankets on the bed!
2. Inspect windows and doors: Before turning on your heating system for the season, check your windows and doors to make sure there are no cracks or leaks in your weather stripping. Leaks around windows and doors are a top contributing factor when it comes to wasting energy...and money!
3. Bake accordingly: If you'll be baking your favorite pumpkin pie this month, make an effort to do so on a cold day. Rather than crank up your thermostat, your oven can serve as an alternative source of heat! 

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 Recycle In New York City

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Did you know that New York City generates 12,000 tons of refuse each day? Howcast.com has gathered some great tips on how you can recycle some of that waste and help clean up our city. Check out the following video:

Boro-Wide Recycling is working to help 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.  Don't forget to Like us on Facebook and FOLLOW us on Twitter to keep up with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips.

Recycling Is A Recycled Idea

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Recycling may seem like a new trend, but it has actually occurred in America since the 1600s.  Paper peddlers would collect old rags and paper as an effort to make a living, but they were also serving an environmental need. 

Image courtesy of Pixabay

The Rittenhouse Mill in Philadelphia turned recycled rags into paper, establishing itself as the oldest-know recycling center in the United States.  The idea spread to mills in other cities and by the 18th century, paper peddling was a common profession.  The business was built on the economic necessity to reduce waste and pollution.  It allowed recycled materials to be mixed with wood pulp to create new paper.  Despite their efforts, the New York City streets were still covered in trash.  It wasn't until 1895 that the City's first sanitation department was established.  The rest is history!

Recycling has made major advancements over the centuries, and Americans now recycle 74% of their office paper.  Still, wasted paper ends up in the trash and eventually to our landfills.  Boro-Wide Recycling is working to help 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.  Don't forget to Like us on Facebook and FOLLOW us on Twitter to keep up with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips.  To learn more about the history of recycling in America, click here. 

Green Super Bowl Party Tips

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Image courtesy of Pixabay

The players have arrived!  That's right, Super Bowl XLVIII is just 6 days away!  Are you hosting a party this Sunday?  There's no reason for you to break your resolution to be eco-friendly with these green party tips!

• Skip the cans.  Limit your canned ingredients by buying natural products.  Rather than using canned chili, buy some chopped meat and make it homemade!  Your guests will be impressed and nothing beats the taste of a homemade meal!
• Buy in bulk.  Buying economy sized snacks will help reduce the amount of plastic packages used. 
• Switch up your party menu.  How many bags of chips does 1 party need?  Replace some of those chips with produce, like veggie sticks.  They go great with dip!
• Use real silverware.  Most household kitchens have dishwashers now.  It takes 5 minutes to load the washer after the party.  Press the start button and let the machine do the rest!
• Lose the shoes.  Keep toxic chemicals outside your house by asking your guests to leave their shoes at the door. 

For more green party tips, click here. 

Boro-Wide Recycling can help you in all your recycling needs.  We offer comprehensive recycling services for residential and commercial clients.  Keep up with the latest recycling tips by Liking us on Facebook and FOLLOWING us on Twitter.  To learn more about our services, visit our website or contact us. 

Tips For Sticking To Your Resolution

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Are you having a difficult time sticking to your New Year's resolution? Don't give up!  We understand that making a life change is not easy, so it's time to get re-inspired!  Think about the motivation and determination you felt when you first made your resolution.  We're going to help bring that back with these tips:

1. Take it one day at a time.  Don't think about how many months you have left.  Rather, focus on making each day better.  How can you get closer to your resolution today? 
2. Talk about it.  Share your resolution with your family and friends.  When you start to lose motivation, they can help support you and get you back on track!  Also, studies have found that when people vocalize their goals, they are more likely to stick to them out of fear of embarrassment if they do not succeed.
3. Be kind to yourself.  So you ate something unhealthy or skipped a day of cleaning?  No one is perfect.  Just don't make it a daily habit.  Forgive yourself for slipping, and move on. 
4. Write it down.  Write your resolution on a piece of paper and hang it on your refrigerator.  This daily reminder will help keep you focused and motivated. 
5. Track your progress.  Many times, people are so focused on the end result that they are unable to see the small changes that are happening each day.  Take a step back to acknowledge the progress you've made!

Boro-Wide Recycling offers comprehensive recycling services for commercial and residential customers.  If you made a resolution to improve your home or office, Boro-Wide can help you achieve your desired results.  Contact us to learn more about our services.  Don't forget to Like us on Facebook and FOLLOW us on Twitter for more tips on home improvement and the benefits of recycling.

Most Common Housekeeping Resolutions

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Have you decided to make your home a priority during the new year?  You're not alone! Check out the top 7 most common housekeeping resolutions!

Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1: Save money on housekeeping budget.  Recycling and reusing old items are a great way to save money!  Shopping with coupons, limiting utility costs by line drying your clothes, and using energy efficient appliances are also great ways to cut housekeeping costs!

2: Learn to clean more quickly.  No one wants to spend an entire day cleaning, and as a result, many of us skip it completely.  What a great reason to learn to clean more quickly!

3: De-clutter.  Getting rid of old, unused items goes beyond cleaning, but the end result will be worth all the hard work!

4: Get organized.  A common resolution is to get the house organized.  No more misplacing bills!

5: Set a cleaning schedule.  Dedicate time to your humble abode! Setting a day and time each week or month will help you stay on track all year long!

6: Get motivated! Feeling excited about cleaning is not always easy.  Try to visualize your goal and what your house will look like once you're done!  Who wouldn't want to make their dream home a reality?

7: Make it a family affair.  Recruit the family to help with household work.  No one is too young to learn the value of an item!

Boro-Wide Recycling offers comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers.  Contact us for more information or Like us on Facebook and FOLLOW us on Twitter for more recycling news and tips!

30 Easy Ways To De-Clutter Your Home

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

There's no time like the present to finally begin some of the projects you've long been procrastinating.  Need an extra boost of motivation? Make it your New Year's resolution! January is a clean slate, so leave your lazy habits in 2013 and embrace the new, more enthused you!

We can't think of a project we put off more than de-cluttering our home.  The thought alone is unnerving.  To help ease the pain, we've gathered 30 tips that will guarantee your home will be clutter free in one short month!

1. Set a date.  Schedule a day and time every week where you can get things in order.
2. Pick a target.  Choose the area of your home that needs the most work.
3. Visualize the final product.  Keep your eye on the prize.
4. Dispose of items that are no longer useful.  No you're overalls will not be making a "come-back".
5. Divide and conquer.  Keep 3 bins handy: 1 for laundry, 1 for donations, and 1 for trash/recycling.
6. Group like items. Sometimes we lose track of how many of the same items we actually have because they are scattered everywhere.  Grouping them will help you see what you're really dealing with.
7. Examine your groups.  No one needs 50 pairs of pants.  Pick your favorites and donate the rest.
8. Create themes for your space.  Categorize your items.
9. Make the most of your space. Use adjustable shelves or stack items.
10. Pick things up off the floor.
11. Use containers to eliminate unnecessary piles of papers.
12. Color coordinate your closet.
13. Use warm, overhead lighting to brighten a room.
14. Store items close to where you will be using them.  For example, keep your pots stored near your stove. 
15. Label everything.
16. Store your valuable items in a safe box.
17. Store towels in your bathroom.  No more worrying about running down the hall to get one out of the linen closet!
18. Get the family involved. 
19. Make sure every room has a waste basket.
20. Go through your closet at the end of every season. 
21. Unsubscribe from magazines that you no longer read.
22. Check expiration dates.
23. De-clutter your bathroom countertop with storage baskets.
24. Don't let old newspapers and magazines linger.  Recycle immediately.
25. Get rid of hotel shampoos. 
26. Recycle junk mail.
27. Keep a file draw for current papers.
28. Each time you leave a room, pick something up to throw away.
29. Put everything in its' place the minute you walk through the door.  Hang your coat, don't throw it on a chair where it will likely stay until the next morning.
30. Use clear bins for storage, allowing you to identify what's inside.

Boro-Wide offers comprehensive recycling services for commercial and residential customers.  Contact us for more information on how we can be of service to you.  Don't forget to Like us on Facebook and FOLLOW us on Twitter for more recycling tips. 

Eco-Friendly Home Improvement Tips

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Most of the people you know have probably made "get fit" or "lose weight" their new year's resolution.  While we think it's great to better your body, we think it's even better to better your home! 

Your home is your sanctuary.  It is your escape from the noise of the outside world.  Many of us neglect it or fail to keep up with the maintenance.  It's time for a change!  You've already made an effort to go green over the holidays, now extend that to the new year.  Check out these great tips for improving your home the eco-friendly way!

Image courtesy of digitalart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Change your light bulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs consume 75% less electricity than that of an incandescent bulb and lasts up to 10 times longer.  These bulbs not only save you money, they also save energy!  Unlike the incandescent bulbs, CFLs convert the energy they use into light, not heat. 

Unplug electronics.  LED devices, such as televisions, continue to glow after you shut them off, thus power is still being used which you are paying for.  Leaving your cell phone charger, printer or other devices plugged in after being used results in an unnecessary cost.  Before leaving a room, unplug your devices!

Fix the drip. A drippy faucet can waste up to 74 gallons per day, and a leaky toilet can waste up to 200! By repairing your leaks, you can save money and help prevent a water shortage across the country.

Replace appliances.  If it's time to replace your appliances, be sure to look at the labels!  Choose products with an Energy Star label.  This guarantees the products are energy efficient and can help you save money on energy bills. 

For more tips on how you can improve your home the eco-friendly way, click here!

Boro-Wide Recycling offers comprehensive recycling and waste management services to residential and commercial customers.  Contact us to learn how we can help you in all your recycling needs.  Don't forget to Like us on Facebook and FOLLOW us on Twitter for more eco-friendly tips. 

Eco-Friendly Alternatives To Wrapping Gifts

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

With the holidays just around the corner, most people are finishing up their shopping and beginning to wrap presents.  After all of the efforts you've made to go green this year, why stop during the holidays?  Using store-bought wrapping paper is wasteful, especially when there are many eco-friendly alternatives that could be used. 

• Outdated Maps: Everyone has old maps lying around their car or house.  Check to see if they are outdated.  If so, make them useful!  They're great for wrapping gifts.
• Brown Paper Bags:  The big brown bags that you used to get at the grocery store, before you bought a reusable green bag, are perfect for gift wrapping.  You can even make them personal by drawing and decorating the paper!
• Newspapers:  Use the comic section to wrap gifts!
• Cloth/Fabric: Wrapping your gifts in cloth eliminates waste and provides an extra gift to your loved ones!
• Gift Boxes: Many times our gifts are already in gift boxes, and yet we feel the need to wrap them.  Why? A gift box is already beautiful!
• Children's Art:  Have your kids create pictures that you can use to wrap gifts.  Everyone will love the personal touch!
• Jars: Jars are great when giving candies and homemade treats! Throw a bow on it to give it a festive look!

For more eco-friendly wrapping tips, check out http://goo.gl/XehD2c.

Boro-Wide Recycling is experienced to assist construction, commercial and residential customers into ridding waste from landfills.  Contact us to learn how we can meet all your recycling needs and help you protect our planet. 

What To Do With Old Electronics

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Many of us look forward to the gift of technology during the holidays.  With the ever-evolving electronic market, there is always a new, more improved gadget to be had.  After you are done reading the owners manual and discovering the features your new technology offers, stop to think about what will come of your old gadget.  You can help to reduce e-waste by taking these steps to recycling electronics:

1. Turn in your old electronic device.  Many retailers nationwide have reliable recycling programs.  Best Buy offers a Take Back program, accepting all electronics regardless of point-of-purchase.  To find a program located near you, click here.
2. Verify Your Recycler.  There are many certification programs for e-waste recycling that utilize safe, market driven recycling methods. 
3. Pay it forward. Donate your unwanted devices to charity.  There are many organizations that collect refurbished phones or computers and donate them to  less fortunate communities. 
4. Prevent Identity Theft. Recycling objects that contain personal information can make you susceptible to identity theft.  Check out these services that will erase your information before you donate: Norton Utilities and Recellular. 
5. Buy Green.  There are many eco-friendly devices that are made from recycled and biodegradable materials that are available for purchase. You can also reduce waste by opting for a rechargeable battery. 

For more tips on how you can reduce waste and recycle electronics, click here.

Boro-Wide Recycling has helped improve New York's impact on the environment through eliminating the waste that would clog up our landfills.  Contact us to find out your recycling options and how we can help you in your green initiatives. 

Can Your Leftover Liquor Bottles Be Recycled?

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

The holiday season is upon us, making parties and gatherings a routine event.  We join our families and friends for celebrations filled with tons of food and drinks, all the while making lifelong memories.  We want to remind you that many of the objects you will be so quick to throw in the trash are actually recyclable!

Many parties revolve around the refreshments being served.  Bottles and cans of soda and water begin to pile up, and before you know it you've got a bag full of empty drinks!  These items are 100% recyclable! 

Have you ever wondered what to do with your empty liquor bottles?  Recycle them! Many states allow these bottles to be placed in general recycle bins, however some ask that you take them directly to a recycling center.  Not sure where your nearest recycling center is? Click here to find out!

If you can't find the time to make a trip to the center, "upcycle" instead! Turn those empty bottle into flower vases! Be creative! For more unique ways to use your leftover liquor bottles, click here.

Contact Boro-Wide Recycling to learn how we can help you in all your recycling needs!  Visit our website for more information on the services we offer!

Make Your Holidays Green!

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

The holiday season often brings out our gluttonous side due to the overwhelming amount of food and gifts we have all come to expect.  Every year our mailboxes are stuffed with holiday cards and trips to the grocery store become more and more frequent. Between office parties, “friendsgiving”, and the usual holiday gatherings we find ourselves eating our way through the winter months not considering the consequences. This behavior affects more than just our waistlines. We want to remind you to be conscious of disposing waste this season. Check out these Green alternatives to holiday traditions:

• Bring your own reusable bags when you go grocery shopping.  Many stores will reward you with a discount! 
• Send an e-card! There are many electronic services that allow you to custom design your own personal e-card including photos!
• Keep your leftovers fresh with recyclable aluminum foil, rather than plastic wrap!
• Out with the old, in with the new! Rather than disposing of used and outdated cell phones or clothing, donate the items to a shelter or charity!

For more recycling tips check out http://www.grownyc.org/holidaytips. 

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp. is a full service provider of waste management services.  Click here to contact us for more information on how we can assist you in your stride to go green!

MillerCoors Recycling 99% of Waste

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

According to the Albany Herald Executives at MillerCoors announced this week that their brewery located in Albany, GA is now recycling 99 percent of its waste.  The company that usually sends over 40 tons of waste to a landfill each month, will now be doing its part to reduce the waste that is piling up in our nation's landfills.  The Albany plant will become the sixth MillerCoors brewery nationwide to become waste-free as part of the company's ongoing effort to become more environmentally friendly everyday.

According to Executives, the company has been working to become better stewards of the communities in which they operate while also remaining economically successful.   “MillerCoors has always been environmentally conscience,” said MillerCoors Albany Brewery Vice President Tim Dill. “We want to maintain the beauty of our city. This is a major milestone for Albany and MillerCoors in general.”

Boro-Wide Recycling strives to get the whole world to recycle.  Help us spread recycling awareness on our Facebook and Twitter Pages.  Interact with us we would love to hear from you.

Even Planes Can be Recycled

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

When we think of recycling we usually think of smaller items like plastic bottles or broken down raw materials of a larger object.  Almost anything can be recycled these days, that includes airplanes.  CNN did an article on the most creative ways to recycle an airplane and it was very interesting. 

Where do airplanes go after they are no longer useful?  By 2020 approximately 12,000 aircraft are set to be decommissioned.  In addition 2,000-3,000 planes are estimated to have been abandoned around the world according to the Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association.  Most aircraft will eventually reach an awkward stage where they are no longer safe to fly but are still too sturdy to demolish, which will then go to storage temporarily.  Some parts, like the engine, will sell themselves an be reused.  Reusing other parts of the aircraft require a little more innovation and creativity to reuse.  Some have found ways to recycle leftover parts into things like:

• Furniture
• Floor or Wall Tile
• Boat
• House
• Hotel
• Artificial Reef
• & much more 

Boro-Wide Recycling encourages the recycling of everything possible.  Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for more Recycling ideas, tips and advice!

Reusing Plastic Water Bottles

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

The three big "Rs" are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.  Reducing can be accomplished by consciously purchasing an eco-friendly, and keeping it to refill instead of buying new bottles.  As for recycling, almost every community has some type of curbside recycling, or local place you can take your used plastics.  The creativity really comes in to play with the third R, reuse.  Statistics say only about 20 percent of plastic water bottles are actually recycled.  which leaves about 80 percent in landfills or the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which is an island of garbage that stretches for hundreds of miles in the Pacific Ocean. 

There are countless ideas for reuse that range from décor to function to gardening and much more.  You can keep your garden hydrated with a recycled water bottle lawn sprinkler, create a year round cutting garden for your kitchen with a recycle bottle indoor herb garden, or protect your iPod with a recycled water bottle iPod holder.  You can find directions and examples of all of these projects at http://goo.gl/2JrTzp. 

Follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for more great tips and ideas like these for everyday recycling!

Recycle Bowl Competition

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Keep America Beautiful's recycling completion is back again.  The "Recycle Bowl" Competition encourages schools to compete against each other nation wide to see who can recycle the most.  With great prizes to motivate the kids, it has become a very successful annual recycling campaign. 

Registration for the third annual Recycle Bowl is now taking place, the competition runs from October 21st through November 15th.  Last year 1,500 schools participated in this competition to collect the most recyclable material, but also to learn about waste reduction and environmental responsibility through in-school recycling.  These schools included elementary, middle schools and high schools. 

Registration is open to all schools, public and private, in the U.S. at the Recycle-Bowl website recycle-bowl.org. 

Let us know what you think about this competition on our Facebook page.

One Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

In the Brazilian City of Belo Horizante a trend has began to form where individuals are collecting trash in order to create pieces of art. Catadores (trash collectors) are transforming any old disused material into furniture, jewelry and works of art. It was estimated in 2010 by the Business Commitment for Recycling association, that there were roughly one million catadores in Brazil, although only a small number work for cooperatives and organizations. 

 The ASMARE cooperative – which claims to be the first catadore cooperative in Brazil – has started programs and opened individual’s eyes to the benefits of recycling. Combining art sales and the money accumulated from selling recycled materials, an ASMARE worker’s monthly income now averages 1,700 Brazilian Reais (about $800). 

 Awareness of the movement has other organizations and artists taking to the streets to find new materials for their art endeavors and, has spread a new way of thinking that involves careful consideration before deciding to throw something away.  For more info on this new form of art please visit http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/12/world/brazil-catadores-trash-treasure
 
At Boro-Wide Recycling, we believe that recycling is very important because it can help create a greener planet! We pick up, haul away and carefully sort a broad array of recyclable waste materials. All construction and demolition, and recyclable materials collected are transported to one of our technologically advanced transfer or recycling facilities to make sure everything is processed according to the latest environmental regulations and standards.

Call us today at (718) 416-1656 to help you with your recycling.
Have any questions? Feel free to email us at info@borowiderecycling.com
Also, remember to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter for recycling tips!

How to Recycle Your Old Computer

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

In an article posted by techsoup.org, there are tips listed on how you should recycle your old computer. It is important to safely and properly discard your old computer. This is because “75% of the fossil fuels and energy used by a computer are actually consumed during manufacturing. Extending the computer's lifespan through reuse means more return on that initial environmental cost.” Recycling your old computer ensures that valuable raw materials are recovered and that any waste is disposed of properly.

Here are 5 tips on how to recycle your old computer:

1. Can your computer be reused? If your computer is less than 5 years old, it can most likely be reused. “Extending the computer’s lifespan through reuse provides the highest environmental benefit of all electronics disposal alternatives.”

2. Donate newer equipment to a refurbisher. Refurbishers are well equipped to repair and upgrade older computers and they will ensure that the equipment works well. They will also make sure that any e-waste is disposed of properly.

3. Recycle older and broken hardware. Any equipment that is not working or is over five years old should go to “end-of-life” recycling, which means responsible destruction.

4. Remember the software, documentation, and accessories. You should include the mouse, keyboard, printer, modem and any other accessories that have been used with your computer. They can most likely be utilized by schools, charities, etc.

5. Make sure you clear your computer of all your personal information. In order to protect against any unauthorized use of personal information, you should use a disk-cleaning tool that removes all of your data from your hard drive.

For more information on how to recycle your old computer, please visit http://www.techsoup.org/support/articles-and-how-tos/ten-tips-for-donating-a-computer.

Have you ever recycled your old computer? Please let us know on our Facebook page or on Twitter!