How To Practice the 3 R's In The Office

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Whether you're at home, school or work, it's important to act in environmentally conscious ways. When it comes to recycling in the office, or any work environment for that matter, we are often so busy or focused on our work load that we forget to do something as simple as recycle our old or unused items. But that doesn't mean it can't be done! With help from the National Environment Agency, we've put together a few ways that you can practice the 3 R's (reduce, reuse, recycle) when you're in the office:

Reduce:

• Bring your own coffee mug rather than use styrofoam cups each day.
• Make only a few copies of documents that employees can share rather than printing one for each individual.
• Focus on sending messages via email or other Internet applications instead of through written memos.
• Order just enough food and drinks when hosting a meeting, seminar or conference.

Reuse:

• Reuse envelopes when sending mail internally.
• Use the back of old papers to take notes instead of using a clean sheet.

Recycle:

• Implement a recycling program in the office by making recycling bins accessible to your employees.
• Create separate bins for different recyclable products and label them so there is no question about whether or not an item belongs there.

How will you encourage your fellow employees to practice the 3 R's in your office? Visit us on Facebook and 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.

Composting Tips: Materials to Compost

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

 

By definition, compost is decayed organic material that is often used to improve soil in a garden by working as a fertilizer. As we continue our efforts to go green and be environmentally conscious, many people have even begun to practice the process of composting right in their own backyard. Especially for those who enjoy gardening, composting proves to be an efficient way to deliver nutrients that promote plant growth and can help restore life in depleted soil. The best part is, this process is free, easy and good for the environment! See below for a list of some materials that are rich in carbon or nitrogen and should be used when you compost:

Image courtesy of winnond / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

• Table scraps
• Eggshells
• Leaves
• Grass clippings
• Lawn and garden weeds
• Coffee grounds
• Newspaper
• Shredded paper
• Cardboard
• Wood chips

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 Host a "Green" BBQ

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

 

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One of the most popular weekend summer activities, whether it be a holiday weekend or not, is hosting a BBQ. In fact, summer BBQs are what some people look forward to most when the warm weather starts to kick in. Whether you're hosting a small BBQ that just includes close friends and family, or a large one that is meant to celebrate a special holiday or event, there are many things you must consider while you get ready. With help from the Nature Conservancy, we've collected a few tips you can use to go green as you plan your next summer BBQ:

1. Plates and Silverware: Always use reusable or biodegradable plates and utensils when preparing for your BBQ. If you prefer to use biodegradable products, make sure that they are cleaned well before sending them to the recycling bin.
2. Avoid Individual-Sized Beverages: Rather than fill a cooler with individual soda cans and water bottles, fill up your own pitchers with these refreshing drinks. However, if you find yourself serving cans, make sure you provide guests with an easy way to recycle them.
3. Label Cups: If guests are using plastic cups, provide a marker so they can write their names on them. This will reduce the amount of times guests will need to take a new cup since they won't have any reason to mix theirs up with anothers.
4. Organic Food: If your budget allows, serve organic hot dogs and hamburgers instead of standard store products.

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.  

Recycled 4th of July Crafts for Kids!

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

 

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Are you getting ready for this 4th of July weekend? With the long weekend ahead, you might be looking for some activities that can be fun for the whole family. Well, we've got you covered! See below for a list of crafts you can do to keep the kids busy this weekend without needing to break the bank!

Recycled Firecrackers: This sparkling 4th of July craft can be made simply from toilet paper rolls and recycled paper!

Bottle Cap Wreath: This red, white and blue wreath is the perfect decoration for any door on the 4th of July, and can be made from a collection of old bottle caps!

4th of July Cupcake Topper: Create this patriotic decoration with recycled paper, crayons, and some toothpicks! 

DIY Rocket: Similar to your recycled firecrackers, this 4th of July craft can be made from paper towel rolls, a brown paper bag and old fabric scraps!

For detailed instructions on how to create each of these crafts, click on the following links:

• Firecrackers
• Bottle Cap Wreath
• 4th of July Cupcake Topper
• DIY Rocket

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 Conserve Energy This Summer

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

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With the official start of summer only a few weeks away, you might be starting to prepare your home for those hot, humid days that leave you searching for a gust of cool air - and you know what that means! It's almost that time where the windows will start to close and the air conditioner will kick in. Of course it's important to stay cool during the summer season, but have you ever considered how much energy you use just to keep your home cool? As you get ready to beat the heat, consider these tips from the National Wildlife Federation to help you conserve energy in your home:

1. Use fans throughout your home to keep cool air flowing. This alone can make it seem like it is 5 degrees cooler than it actually is.
2. Shade any windows that tend to receive a lot of sunlight. By keeping your shades down or using room darkening shades you'll block out any heat from the sun.
3. On super hot days, avoid opening windows and doors on a regular basis. By doing so, you allow cool air to escape and hot air to enter, causing your cooling unit to work harder. 
4. Check that your attic is properly ventilated to allow excess heat to escape through the ceiling or roof.
5. Plant trees or other plant life around your air conditioning unit to reduce sun exposure. A unit in the shade will use less electricity than one that operates in direct sunlight.

By following these simple tips and altering your routines just a bit, you can help preserve our planet by reducing the amount of energy produced in your home each and every day. Join us in our efforts and conserve energy today!

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 Tips for Everyone!

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

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Although it might not be obvious, almost everything we buy and use can be re-purposed or recycled to some degree. When it comes to taking action, it's important to realize that recycling isn't just limited to tangible items - it can even be applied to concepts such as water and energy. Whether you're recycling physical items or working to conserve Earth's natural resources, every bit counts in keeping our environment happy and healthy. The following is a list of initiatives you can take to improve your recycling efforts and help preserve our planet:

1. Look for the "Energy Star" label when buying new appliances.
2. Learn to compost and then practice it! 
3. Use rechargeable batteries.
4. Donate old magazines to doctor or dentist offices.
5. Turn off all electronics when you're not using them.
6. Take shorter showers or use low-flow shower heads to conserve water and energy.
7. Only use the washing machine or dishwasher when you have a full load of wash.
8. Use plastic or reusable mugs for water or coffee instead of buying new ones each time.
9. Reduce paper and ink by using both sides of the paper.
10. Look for items made from recycled materials.

For more recycling tips, 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.

Grow Your Garden: Popular Flowers to Plant in Spring

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

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Now that spring is finally upon us, it's the perfect time to begin growing your garden. While flowers and well manicured gardens are aesthetically pleasing to the eye, did you know that they are also helpful in sustaining our natural environment? Often we are too busy basking in the beauty that gardens bring that we forget how flowers and other plant life are essential for certain environmental processes to take place. In fact, without plants and flowers, we would be lacking something that has the ability to take in the carbon dioxide we emit and produce more oxygen for us to breathe!

This spring, bring your garden to life by planting some of the season's most popular flowers; it's a great way to help the environment while also beautifying your home! The following is a list of some popular spring flowers for you to plant:

1. Pansy: This type of flower thrives in cool weather; perfect for spring!
2. Lilac: Always a garden favorite, lilac's bring beauty and a great fragrance!
3. Daffodil: Start your spring with a garden full of beautiful, bright daffodils.
4. Tulip: Whether you're going for a formal or casual garden, tulips emit a natural grace that can make any garden shine.
5. Oakleaf Hydrangea: Oakleaf Hydrangeas usually bloom in late spring, and provide a unique shape and size that is sure to stand out in your garden.

For more spring flower ideas, click here.

If you're looking for a unique way to increase your efforts to better the environment, start by planting a few of these flowers this spring and watch how the air clears up around you!

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.

Simple Ways to Reduce Waste

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

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In addition to recycling, another great way to be environmentally conscious is to reduce the amount of waste we produce each day. Too often, waste products end up in landfills even though they can be reused or recycled. As a result, products are wrongly treated and more energy is needed to create new ones.

While the concept of "waste" and the act of throwing things out is unavoidable, the amount of waste we get rid of can be reduced in a few simple ways. The following is a list of ways that you can reduce the amount of waste you produce:

- Use reusable bags when shopping and use a lunchbox or plastic containers for your food to avoid throwing away paper or plastic bags.

- When shopping for certain products, choose ones that can be returned or reused over ones that can only serve its purpose one time.

- Buy in bulk; avoid purchasing individually wrapped or single-serve items.

- Select products like dish soap and laundry detergents that come in concentrate forms.

- Compost your food scraps and yard waste.

- Eliminate junk mail to reduce the amount of paper you throw out each day.

- Carefully select the clothing items you use. Check that the product is make from quality materials that will last long, and when an item is no longer useful to you, give it to a friend or donate to a local charity or thrift store instead of throwing it out.

- Buy items that are made from recycled contents and make sure to use them as much as you can. For example, always use both sides of a piece of paper.

The next time you bring an item to the trash can, think before you act; ask yourself, "can I reuse this item in anyway?" Chances are, you can! Over time, you're sure to find that you've significantly reduced the amount of waste you produce each 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. 

Green Mother's Day Gifts for Mom

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

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Are you looking for ways to say thanks to Mom this Mother's Day? With Mother's Day approaching quickly, it's time to decide how you will show your appreciation to mom for all that she's done throughout the year. The following is a list of popular Mother's Day gifts for you to consider this year:

1. Reusable Tote: Give mom the gift of going green by selecting a cotton tote bag that she can use every time she heads to the supermarket. To make it more personal, look for a blank canvas tote and use fabric markers to decorate it.
2. Plant, Don't Pick: Flowers are one of the most common gifts given to moms each year on Mother's Day. This year, instead of giving mom a pre-made bouquet, plant flowers for her or with her. This way, she'll get to enjoy her flowers all summer long!
3. Recycled Jewelry: Instead of spending your life's savings on a piece of jewelry, take this opportunity to make your mom her very own unique necklace or bracelet made out of jewelry that she, or you, no longer wear. A personalized piece of jewelry is sure to go a long way.
4. Spa Day/Products: Research local spas and see which of them offer eco-friendly services; talk about the gift of relaxation! If you can't find a spa in your area that offers this option, consider hitting your local pharmacy and select eco-friendly spa products that mom can use at home.
5. Wine and Chocolate: Two of mom's favorite things! And the good news? Certain brands make these products using organic ingredients, and even better, they're good for you! Check out your local health food store and select the items you think mom will like best.

For more eco-friendly Mother's Day gifts, 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.

Compost Islands for New York City

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Every year, New Yorkers are responsible for producing more than 14 million tons of trash. But did you know that approximately 29% of the trash that is sent to landfills is actually eligible for composting? In order to manage this waste more effectively, architects at PRESENT Architecture have designed a plan to direct any compostable material away from landfills and onto what will be known as compost islands.

This project, also known as Green Loop, seeks to turn the city's compostable waste into multi-purpose islands around each of the five boroughs. Rather than have sanitation trucks bring our city's organic waste to landfills with the rest of our trash, Green Loop intends to have the waste brought to 10 multi-layered tipping and composting stations that will be built just offshore. Overall, the project hopes to serve as a solution for curbing pollution, eliminate unwanted city odors, and provide more than 125 new acres of park land to the city. On top of the composting facilities, elevated recreational parks that can be used for gardening and sports will be implemented.

Although the projected plan comes with a hefty price tag attached, project leaders Evan Erlebacher and Andre Guimond suggest that over time Green Loop will make sense financially since NYC already spends over $300 million a year to bring waste out of the city to landfills. 

For more information about Green Loop, 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.

NYC Restaurant Challenge

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

New York City is one of a handful of cities that is working to keep food waste out of landfills.  Mayor Michael Bloomberg has a lot to do with the recycling efforts of many of NYC's citizens.   This year 100 if the city's 24,000 restaurants signed on to the city's voluntary pilot program and committed to recycle their food scraps.  Mayor Bloomberg has recently introduced legislation to the city council to mandate the City's largest restaurants to separate their food waste by 2014.  The head of the New York State Restaurant Association worries that the infrastructure is just not available to accomplish this lofty goal. Find out more about the NYC Restaurant Challenge: Recycle All Food Waste here: http://goo.gl/5vwt91

Call Boro-Wide Recycling for all of you recycling needs, residential and commercial.
718-416-1656.

Mayor Bloomberg Plans to Double Down on Recycling

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

New York City has made significant progress in it's recycling efforts over the last couple of years, but to continue the progress they need capture the attention and interest of the market.  Mayor Bloomberg has done a great job reducing the city's carbon footprint, he has been a leader among  big city mayors on this important issue. 


Recently Bloomberg has launched an aggressive plan to virtually double the amount of material the city will recycle in its residential program, to 30% by 2017, with a public campaign called "Recycle Everything" that includes bus and subway ads to raise awareness among New Yorkers.  His efforts include the idea to increase food-waste composting, which send a powerful message that the city intends to do everything it can to get more materials out of the waste stream.  This is a great push toward the greater good at the end of his term as mayor, but what we need is for the next mayor to pick up where he left off.  For more information on recycling plans for NYC please visit http://goo.gl/g6fiDq.

Call Boro-Wide Recycling for all of you recycling needs, residential and commercial.
718-416-1656.

NYC Takes Aim at Plastic Bags

 Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Empty plastic bags have become the tumbleweeds of the big cities.  Walking down any block in a big city you are likely to see a plastic bag floating around somewhere, whether it is on the sidewalk or maybe just above the traffic of the street.  Some people are very careless with where they dispose their garbage.  New York City has had enough and are beginning to take action against these eye sores.  A new bill has been announced that aims to rid the city of these floating bags.  Under the proposed legislation, retail and grocery stores will begin to charge customers at least 10 cents per plastic bag used.  The same charge will be levied on paper bags, but it was made clear the plastic bags are the main target.

Currently New Yorkers use 5.2 billion carryout bags per year, and the city spends about $10 million annually to transport 100,00 tons of plastic bags to landfills in other states.  This bill looks to encourage the use of reusable bags, to try and reduce the amount of plastic that is being littered and disposed of without recycling. 

For more information on the bill that is in progress please visit http://goo.gl/dvQ896.

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NYC's Recycle Everything Campaign

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

New Yorkers already take a progressive approach toward recycling.  It is a task that is taken very seriously, especially in NYC.  There is always room to improve on our efforts, which is why Mayor Bloomberg is implementing the first major recycling campaign in 20 years.  He is encouraging New Yorkers to "Recycle Everything" in an ad campaign that he has slapped on subways, buses, newsstands, in newspapers and magazines, online and on the radio.  This campaign follows the recent expansion of the City's curbside recycling program in April and the launch of organics collection pilots across the five boroughs.  This is all in an effort of the main goal to double the amount of waste that New Yorkers divert from landfills by 2017.  Reaching this goal has added incentive, which will save taxpayers at least $60 million.

For your residential or commercial waste removal and recycling needs that cannot be picked up for curbside collection, contact Boro-Wide Recycling at 718-416-1656

For More information on the campaign please visit http://goo.gl/8P9JoE

9/11/01 - A Day That Will Never be Forgotten

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp. 

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656 

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Eleven years ago today, our nation was changed forever. Today marks the 11^th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, Pentagon in Washington D.C. and the crash of the United 93 in Pennsylvania.

As we look back today and reflect on that tragic day, we still feel a tremendous amount of sorrow and grief when we think about all of the innocent lives taken that morning. Today, many individuals have gathered at the site where the Twin Towers once stood, to honor all of those people whose lives were affected by this tragedy.

9/11/01 is a day in our nation’s history that will never be forgotten. Take a moment of silence today to honor all who were lost.