How To Host A Green Memorial Day BBQ

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

'Tis the season of backyard barbecues! With Memorial Day approaching rather quickly, we wouldn't be surprised if you're gearing up to have friends and family over for a BBQ of your own during the much anticipated long weekend many of us have coming up. But before you get too into the planning process, we hope that you'll take the time to make smart decisions so that your get together is a green one. If, however, you aren't sure how to move forward with this approach, no need to worry - we've got you covered! Just follow the tips below:

1. Avoid plastic and paper goods and opt for reusable silverware and place settings instead. Though you may add a few minutes onto your cleanup time, steering clear of disposable products is a must when it comes to eco-friendly efforts.
2. Pour beverages into large pitchers that guests can serve themselves from rather than buy individual serving sized cans. And just to bounce off of tip number 1, have guests label their cups if disposable products are being used so that they don't wind up with more than one.
3. If you have the option or are planning to buy a new one before the big day, choose gas grills over charcoal. These appliances run much more efficiently and are considered to be cleaner since they release less pollutants into the air.
4. Make recycling bins accessible to all of your guests and set your disposal standards ahead of time. By making guests aware of your eco-friendly efforts and letting them know what is expected from them when it comes time to dispose of their party waste, you can work to reduce the chances that your garbage will be filled with recyclable items by the end of the night.
5. When purchasing food, seek out the organic and locally grown products. Although locally grown doesn't necessarily mean organic for those particular items, they likely possess more eco-friendly characteristics such as being free of pesticides.

As a bonus tip, we also absolutely encourage you to encourage your guests to carpool, walk or bike to your Memorial Day BBQ if possible. Even if you have a large amount of parking available on your street, the less cars that come to the party, the better!

So, what do your Memorial Day plans look like? Even if you won't be hosting a party but will rather be attending one, we hope you'll keep these tips in mind to help your host get ready too!

Boro-Wide Recycling is a full service recycling and waste management provider. For more information on how we can help you with your recycling efforts, check us out at www.borowide.com or contact us at 718-416-1656.

Five Ways To Recycle In Your Garden

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Spring has finally sprung, and that means that many homeowners are making room in their schedule to head outdoors and liven up their garden. But aside from positioning flower pots and digging up the dirt to plant popular seasonal flowers, there is so much more that one can do with their garden - especially when they take the time to collect old household items that they no longer use.

If you have plans to work on your outdoor space sometime soon, see below for a few ways that you can add some pizzazz to your yard by completing one of these recycling activities:

Mason Jar Pots: Has it always been your dream to have a home with a country feel? If you have old mason jars at home that you're not sure what to do with, consider turning them into pots for small plants! It's easy - just fill them to the top with dirt and input your seeds. Since these are relatively small, they can make for a great centerpiece on your outdoor patio furniture!

Wine Vine: Vine plants such as morning glories are beautiful once they are in full bloom, but what if you don't have ample space for them to climb and grow? Should your backyard not currently be equipped for flowers such as these, make your own "tree" by using old wine bottles as the branches. Then, plant your seeds below and watch your vines wrap around the bottles as they grow tall!

Watering Spray Can: How many store bought cleaners do you have sitting at home that have just a drop left? Once you've used up all of the liquid that's inside, re-purpose the bottles to be your newest watering can! Especially for those smaller plants and flowers that you don't want to soak, a slight misting here and there from your new spray bottle can be just the right amount of water that they need.

Seed Packet Decor: By the time you're done planting we wouldn't be surprised if you have a pile of empty seed packets by your side - but don't throw them out just yet! Aside from traditional garden gnomes and the like, you can create your own garden decor with your empty packaging! Check out this example from Birds & Blooms for some inspiration.

Soda Bottle Flowers: You can never have too many flowers in your garden - real or not! As we approach the time of year where many backyard BBQs may be taking place (for Memorial Day, the 4th of July and graduation parties, for example), you may wind up with several empty soda bottles that would otherwise end up in the recycling bin. Instead, however, we encourage you to turn them into DIY flowers that you can add to your garden collection! Here's how.

So, which of these activities will you use for your yard? Once your garden is complete, be sure to visit us on Facebook and Twitter to share your pictures with us!

Boro-Wide Recycling is a full service recycling and waste management provider. For more information on how we can help you with your recycling efforts, check us out at www.borowide.com or contact us at 718-416-1656.

The Benefits of Biking

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Did you know that May is National Bike Month? Sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike Month was designed in 1956 to promote awareness about the benefits of bicycling. As it is so, its goal is to also encourage more and more people to pick up a bike and ride.

That being said, we're sure you've been told that riding a bike is a great form of exercise and a good way to get in shape, but do you know about the environmental benefits it brings? To tie this monthly observance to our goal of constantly working to help the environment, we put together the following list of reasons why biking is an eco-friendly activity:

Air Pollution: Unlike cars, trains and buses, biking does not cause any pollutants to be emitted into the air. According to the EPA, motor vehicles (even those that do not operate on the road) account for approximately "75% of carbon monoxide emissions nationwide." With that in mind, it seems only obvious that other means of transportation - such as biking - would be beneficial to the environment since it does not encourage the spread of pollution throughout the air we breathe.

Nonrenewable Fuels: Since bicycles do not require any gas to be used, those who ride help cut down on the amount of fuel that is burned each day. And being that our gas is a nonrenewable resource (meaning we cannot replenish it quickly), it's important to conserve as much of it as possible while we can. The next time you find yourself filling up at the pump, see how long you can make one tank of gas last by making an honest effort to use your bike on as many trips as possible. 

Parking: Believe it or not, major parking lots can be an environmental concern since they were likely built on land that was once a home to plant life. Additionally, when parking lots are designed, the pouring of asphalt and other roadway materials alone can also release pollutants into our air. By using bikes more often, the need for parking can be reduced and therefore, so can the amount of harsh chemicals we subject our environment to.

So what do you say? Are you ready to make biking your primary mode of transportation? Although we know it might not be the best approach in certain situations (for example, if you work far away from your home), when it can be done, we hope you'll make it a priority!

Boro-Wide Recycling is a full service recycling and waste management provider. For more information on how we can help you with your recycling efforts, check us out at www.borowide.com or contact us at 718-416-1656.

Ecofriendly Gift Ideas For Mom

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

In our last post, we offered a list of several events taking place in New York City that you could enjoy with mom to celebrate her special day. Now, to continue with the theme of Mother's Day, we'd like to suggest a few gift ideas that are sure to make her smile (and you can bet the environment will be too)!

If you're running a few last minute errands to get everything ready for Sunday, here are a few ecofriendly gift ideas for you to consider:

Flowers: Regardless of the type, flowers are always a big hit when given as a gift on Mother's Day. But don't forget to ask for the organic arrangement! And if a pre-made bouquet isn't at the top of your list, don't forget that you can also buy mom an assortment of flowers that she can plant and grow in her very own garden all season long.

Coffee Mug: We know what you're thinking - "I should get my mom a mug for Mother's Day?" While it does sound like that, we aren't talking about just any mug, we're talking about a reusable version that she can keep at her office. And if she isn't a coffee drinker? No problem! Look into a reusable water bottle instead.

Decorative Pillows: If your mom loves interior decor, then DIY decorative pillows are the way to go. Start by asking mom if she has an old blanket or t-shirt that she loves but no longer uses, then work to sew the fabric from it onto the pillow!

Wine: Would your mom like to sit back and relax with a glass of wine in hand? If so, organic wine is the perfect choice for an ecofriendly Mother's Day gift! If you can find her favorite flavor, you can bet this will be one gift she is sure to love!

Jewelry: Just like Valentine's Day, the days surrounding Mother's Day often include trips to the jewelry store. But did you know that you can give mom jewelry without even having to leave the house? If you want to get a bit more creative, consider making her a bracelet or necklace out of recycled materials, or, recycle some of her unworn jewelry into a new piece!

For more ecofriendly gift ideas, please click here.

Boro-Wide Recycling is a full service recycling and waste management provider. For more information on how we can help you with your recycling efforts, check us out at www.borowide.com or contact us at 718-416-1656.

Celebrating Mother's Day In New York City

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Sunday is Mother's Day! What are you doing with mom to celebrate? With warm temperatures in the forecast, you might be looking to get the family out of the house to enjoy all that New York has to offer. But if you still don't have plans yet, no need to fret! We have a list of New York City happenings that you can involve mom in to say thanks for all that she does each and every day of the year:

Coney Island Karaoke:

When: May 10, 2015 from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Where: Deno's Wonder Wheel, Coney Island Boardwalk

What: Join other New York City moms and families as they sing along to popular tunes on the Coney Island Boardwalk! The first 25 moms to give it a shot will even be rewarded with a Wonder Wheel T-Shirt.

Garden Party at the New York Botanical Garden:

When: May 9 -10, 2015 from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Where: The New York Botanical Garden

What: Celebrate mom by bringing her to enjoy a garden party filled with music, food and tons of family fun! From lawn games to live music, face painting and kids crafts, there is something for everyone to enjoy while soaking up some sun in one of New York City's greatest gardens.

New York Yankees vs. Baltimore Orioles:

When: May 10, 2015 at 1:05 PM

Where: Yankee Stadium

What: Watch the New York Yankees take on the Baltimore Orioles during this afternoon baseball game! Nothing says spring like a day out at the ball game!

Spirit of New York Cruise:
When: May 10, 2015 (Brunch or Dinner)
Where: Chelsea Piers
What: Set sail with mom and enjoy either brunch or dinner with live entertainment! You'll both get to enjoy some of the finest views, food and music around. 

Mother's Day Brunch and Show:

When: May 10, 2015 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Where: SushiSamba

What: If you can't decide between brunch and a show, choose SushiSamba and get both! Live music will be playing from noon to 3:00 PM to accompany your dining experience.

For more Mother's Day brunch ideas, please click here.

With so much happening in New York City this weekend, we're sure you'll find something that mom will love!

Boro-Wide Recycling is a full service recycling and waste management provider. For more information on how we can help you with your recycling efforts, check us out at www.borowide.com or contact us at 718-416-1656.

Ways To Minimize Your Use Of Plastic

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Take a minute to think about all of the products and materials you come into contact with each day - which would you say you use the most? Paper? Plastic? Glass? While all three are likely a big part of your day, we bet plastic is one of the more popular - just think about how many water bottles you drink each day alone!

But since plastic consumption is something that environmental efforts are constantly trying to reduce, we want to encourage you to begin minimizing your use of it as well; here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Bring your own reusable bags when taking a trip to the grocery store. Although it can be convenient to use the bags provided when you check out, bringing your own is much healthier for the environment!
2. Keep a mug or reusable water bottle by your side to limit how many plastic beverages you reach for when you're thirsty. To further cut down on your plastic use, you might even consider purchasing a water filter for your home so that you don't have to stock your fridge with plastic products.
3. Avoid using plastic silverware at home, especially when you have guests over. Even though you might spend more time filling your dishwasher or cleaning the dishes by hand, it will be time well spent since it is a result of reducing plastic waste!
4. Buy things in boxes rather than bottles whenever possible. Why? Not only is cardboard easier to recycle, but the less bottles you buy, the less plastic that goes to waste!
5. Purchase a lunchbox to help with the transportation of food to and from work or school. With that in mind, make an effort to only pack items that don't use plastic packaging in there as well!

Although at first it might seem like plastic is unavoidable, the truth is that there are many alternatives that you can use each and every day. What steps will you take to reduce your plastic consumption?

Boro-Wide Recycling is a full service recycling and waste management provider. For more information on how we can help you with your recycling efforts, check us out at www.borowide.com or contact us at 718-416-1656.

Make Every Day Green In NYC

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Keep up the green work! Just because Earth Day has passed doesn't mean you shouldn't continue to do your part to sustain a happy and healthy environment. Here are a few great tips that we compiled to help you celebrate Earth Day all year round!

Ride A Bike: Not only does bike riding help keep you physically fit, but it does wonders for the environment as well! Leave your fuel-burning car parked in the driveway and hop on your fuel-free, self-powered alternative mode of transportation. Yes, we know that for some, a morning bicycle commute to work is a lot to ask, but what about those weekend trips to see friends or visit the grocery store? Even riding your bike once a week (though we hope you choose to ride more often!) will make an impact on the environment.

Eat Local: On the same wavelength as bike riding, eating local helps cut down on air pollution. How, you ask? By eating local you're purchasing from local farmers, so your food has a shorter distance to travel from the farm to your supermarket, and eventually to your plate. (Bonus points if you pick it up on your bike!) Short travel distances mean less time on a tractor-trailer that’s emitting fumes during the entire voyage.

Replace The Plastic: Plastic is not biodegradable, and therefore will never break down. Instead of grabbing that store-bought bottle of water before work every morning, invest in a reusable water bottle and leave it at your desk. That way, you can refill and re-fuel all day long, at no expense to the environment!

Improve Your Green Thumb: Fill those tree beds, liven up your front yard, or start a vegetable and herb garden in a window box. Why? Plants absorb carbon dioxide and toxins in the air and give off oxygen instead. The more plants on earth, the better!

Follow these four simple steps to help keep our environment green, and always remember to reduce, reuse and recycle!

Do you have a great tip to help make every day a little greener?  Share your tip with us on Facebook or in the comments section below.

Boro-Wide Recycling is a full service recycling and waste management provider. For more information on how we can help you with your recycling efforts, check us out at www.borowide.com or contact us at 718-416-1656.