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They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the same applies to art. What one person considers art will be looked upon as a pile of rubbish by someone else. Take for example many of the contemporary art pieces that have been displayed in the Capitals art museums. Continue reading
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Innovative recycling ideas now make the headlines in today’s environmentally conscious world. It would once have been considered cooky but residents in Brixton have an exciting new venture called Cycooldelic.
Revolution that has opened its doors in Brixton Road. Describing themselves as a community bicycle recycling organisation their aim is to explore and share everything there is to know about bicycles, how to fix and maintain them, how to ride them, make bicycle trailers and examining the technology in pedal power. They have set themselves the task of connecting communities through bicycles and art. The building’s exterior is so colourfully decorated you’ll be hard pressed to miss it if you’re wandering down Brixton Road.
The venture was launched in 2009 and brought together accredited instructors, mechanics, workshop facilitators and artists under one roof. A Latin American collective of artists, known as Nueva Generacion, founded the project and you’ll be surprised, or not, to know they have an iguana and a parrot as resident pets.
Cycooldelic also restore and refurbish second-hand bikes in order to sell them. Many of these bikes found their way there via Lambeth’s Reuse and Recycling Centre. They also have a thriving second hand part side to their business and locals are raving about the the coffee shop at the front that sells fantastic Columbian coffee.
We’ll be on the lookout for more exciting and innovative ideas that are springing up in a neighbourhood close to you or feel free to let us now about a recycling venture you’re involved in. We’re a very environmentally concious business and love to hear what the community are up to.
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Light bulbs have a finite life and when the time comes for their disposal, you may be a little unsure of the best way to proceed. Reduce, reuse and recycle are the bywords of the waste industry today, so how can you follow their lead when your light bulbs have seen better days?
It really depends on the type of light bulb you have. Although incandescent light bulbs can no longer be purchased here in the UK there will still be plenty of you that have them in your homes. Some of you may even have a bit of a stockpile.
We know of several people who rushed down to the supermarket when they realised they wouldn’t be able to buy them anymore.
Unfortunately, this type of bulb is not recyclable and can only be disposed of with your household waste. And you definitely can’t reuse them, unless you know something we don’t. The reason these old-fashioned light bulbs can’t be recycled is that they’re made of different glass and contain wire made from tungsten metal. An analogy is the recycling of window glass.
To prevent injury to the waste collector or yourself, it’s sensible to wrap the spent light bulb in newspaper or bubble wrap.
When the time comes to buy into the idea of energy-saving light bulbs, and that day will come, you can, in fact, recycle these light bulbs in a couple of ways. Energy-efficient light bulbs are a kind of fluorescent lamp and the bulbs can be taken to your local recycling centre, where they will dispose of them correctly.
Businesses also have a responsibility to correctly dispose of their energy-efficient light bulbs safely and correctly. You probably didn’t realise that the contents of one fluorescent tube have the potential to pollute more than 30,000 litres of water. Many waste collection companies offer suitable receptacles in which to keep your old light bulbs and will arrange to come and empty it as part of their waste collection service. The tubes that have been collected are sent for recycling. This involves refining the mercury element for reuse in the manufacture of another lighting.
LED light bulbs don’t contain any dangerous chemicals and can be disposed of with your normal household waste. Some of these are now manufactured using materials that are recyclable, so it’s a good idea to check the packaging to clarify whether there is a better form of disposal.
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It won’t be Easy but the Road Does Have its Travellers
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You’re probably wondering why Denmark would need to make any changes. They’re widely thought to be one of Europe’s, even the world’s, greenest countries, so what is there to change? You’ll be surprised and shocked to know that Denmark has a little secret. They convey themselves as an environmentally friendly country but have a hidden passion for burning their rubbish. Another interesting fact is that Denmark generates more waste per head than many other countries and is the world leader in waste incineration. Almost 80% of their waste is burnt. Not very green at all. Also Denmark has not yet introduced the separation of household waste and this has led to a very poor recycling rate of 22%.
The way the system is set up in Denmark has not lent itself well to reducing the amount of waste. Every Danish city has its own incinerator which are, on the whole, publicly owned. If the city residents (the incinerator owners) sent less for incineration the plant would work under full capacity and thereby lower its efficiency. This would mean less income to meet costs and result in an increase in waste management fees. It’s showing the people that the more waste they generate the better it is for their pocket.
Generating energy from waste has been the mantra in many northern European countries for many years. Longer, darker and colder winters require a higher intake of heat and power so generating energy from waste became the obvious solution. This practice however, is not fit for this century. Incineration is an inefficient way of making energy and while its cause is championed, other carbon neutral technology is likely to suffer and remain on the back boiler. It is in fact the main obstacle with 20% of heat and 5% of electricity currently generated from incinerating waste.
But the good news is that Denmark is about to undertake a very important journey. The one that leads from incineration to zero-waste. Its aim is to free itself from dependence on fossil fuels by 2050. This will mean closing all polluting power plants and putting an end to waste-to-energy incinerators. The link between waste and energy is very strong in Denmark and it’ll be a hard bond to break. The incentives currently in place contradict the dictum reduce, reuse and recycle. The link also influences energy policy and blocks other greener technologies from being introduced. But the Danish Ministry of Environment has its eyes wide open.
The new Waste Management Plan unveiled in November 2013 called for a “Denmark without Waste – Recycle More, Incinerate Less“. Brave words indeed. These radical plans include replacing incinerating waste with separate garden and food waste collections which will be used for compost and biogas. Plastic and paper that is currently sent to be burned will be recycled. Privatisation of the incinerators is another proposition, with those less profitable ones actually closing down. Put into figures the plans are to reduce the amount of waste sent for burning by 820,000 tons by 2020.
Hopefully the Danish population will be able to see the benefits through the smoky haze. Decreasing incineration will reduce pollution, improve health and the new recycling plants will mean more jobs and a more sustainable country.
Recycling icon designed by Freepic
Traditional marketing and advertising methods no longer work for the latest generation of consumers.
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Modern companies are waking up to the fact that those in society born after the 1990’s are inexorably linked to their IT devices. The most effective way to reach this audience is to use the internet and more specifically apps and life changing games.
By using eco-gamification tools, downloadable to a smartphone or tablet, these young consumers can be encouraged to look at the way they currently lead their lives and be directed into more eco-friendly pastimes and behaviours.
But influencing consumers is not the only way they can be used. Employers are also looking to gamification to increase productivity and changing working habits. These tools are interactive, challenging and novel ways to engage an audience in a meaningful and long-lasting way.
Gaming has already had a substantial impact on the health and fitness, medical research and financial sectors and it’s time for the sustainability industry to get in on the act. A recent app launched by Eco Action Games has taken the traditional style top trump game and given it a 21st century twist. It’s now digital rather than hand held cards and has some exciting extra features. Like most new games or apps it is extremely easy to get hooked on playing and a fun way to pass the time.
Players get the opportunity to analyse their current life style and are introduced to eco-friendly ways they can save money. Once you’ve set up your profile and created your own avator you can take on other online opponents in an eco-duel.
The company wants to keep this application free for all users because it believes this is the most effective way to go. New themes will include water and energy saving, waste and recycling, office related exercises and eco-parent themed games.
Many UK companies have used gamification techniques to encourage staff in more eco-friendly endeavours. One well known utility company was recently able to save more than £40,000 and 66 tonnnes of carbon emissions with an online eco app.
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Current restrictions regarding household waste mean you’re always on the lookout for new ways to reduce, reuse or recycle rubbish. Don’t throw your money away by trying to squeeze as much as possible into your wheelie bin and put things such as old clothes and plastic bags to better use. Let’s give you some top tips for turning your rubbish into cash.
PLASTIC BAGS
Old plastic bread bags can be used as sandwich bags or for storing items in the freezer. Just shake out the crumbs and you’re good to go. Rather than throw empty plastic carrier bags straight in the bin save money on bin liners and use them to line your kitchen bin. They’ve even got two handles that serve as ties.
OLD CLOTHES
When you’re thinking of a new outfit try and be imaginative with what you’ve already got. A few snips here and there or the application of patches or sequins can bring new life back into tired garments. Plain and boring clothes take on a whole new look when dyed a different colour. Many universities now organise a regular clothes swap where you can exchange what you no longer wear for something different.
UNWANTED ORNAMENTS
One man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure. Something initially thought of as rubbish can be transformed into attractive decorations for your home. Use those long forgotten CD’s as a mobile or place them on the wall as an interesting feature. If you haven’t got a garden try using tired, old crockery as planters on the windowsill. Don’t spend money on arty candlesticks when glass jars can be spruced up with a lick of paint and used instead.
FOOD
You don’t need to be a Masterchef contestant to take the items sat at the back of your larder or scrapings off your plate and perform some culinary magic. You’ll find a wealth of interesting dishes you can create using leftovers, readily accessible on the internet.
FREECYCLE
If you don’t want it someone else might. Freecycle connects people in your local area who have things they no longer need. As the name implies the exchange is not made for money but when you look on the website you might find something you want yourself.
CAR BOOT SALE
Box it all up and take it along to a local car boot sale. Now a popular Sunday morning pastime car boots sales are popping up all over the country. You’re bound to find one locally nearly every weekend. You won’t make a fortune as car booters are really only looking for a bargain but you’re bound to be able to scrap up a few extra quid.
DONATE TO CHARITY
If making money is not your main aim take your unwanted items to a local charity shop. They’re becoming increasing popular on many high streets and you can take your pick of the many different charities they raise funds for.
Hopefully we’ve given you some interesting ideas for your waste items and helped you put a few extra pounds back in your wallet.
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Symbols are important for a number of reasons. They are often shorthand for the wide ranging goals of an important cause. A symbol creates an identity for people to rally around. More than anything, a symbol is incorruptible. It stand for something that goes well beyond the life of its creator. Because that’s what a creator does when they create a symbol, they give it to the world. This is one of those stories, this is the story of Gary Dean Anderson and the iconic recycling symbol.
You’ll recognize the recycling symbol almost instantly. The three arrows arching over themselves each pointing to each other to create a triangle. The symbol is imbued with easy grace and movement and gives the viewer a sense of an unbroken cycle. Meant to invoke a Mobius strip, the design is an unbroken surface with one side and one boundary component. Smooth, efficient, and illustrating the importance of a cycle where goods are produced, used, and then reused, the recycling symbol is recognized the world over, but that wasn’t always the case.
As the 1970’s began, a number of people became more concerned about environmental issues. With public awareness holidays like Earth Day popping up, one American company got involved. The Container Corporation of America sponsored an art contest open to art and design students of college and high school age all across the United States. After an intensive look at the many entries, one student’s design emerged, that of University of Southern California student Gary Dean Anderson.
Anderson’s design won the competition and was never copyrighted so it belongs to everyone. And Anderson’s interest in the environment did not end there. To this day Anderson is involved with projects and companies all over the world offering environmental consulting to public and private companies. Most importantly, his symbol lives on. Although he said he didn’t begin to see the symbol in public until ten years after he won the competition–on bins in Europe and not the US–the recycling symbol is now a worldwide reminder to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
The power of a symbol cannot be overstated. The power to inspire, the power to uplift, the power to encourage, the recycling symbol is for everyone, even to those of us in the waste business like Rubbish Please. A potent reminder we all must do our part to preserve the environment and our world.
All you need to know about the recycling symbol: origins, meaning https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recycling_symbol
Recycling icon designed by Freepic
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Eventually all carpets will need to be replaced.
Carpet is an unsung hero whose life under foot is tough. Carpets soak up stains, collect pet dander, get smeared with mud, and spend a considerable amount of time comforting your bare feet.
All in all, the carpet is on the front line in a home, and as with all troops on the front, they eventually need a furlough. Picking out the new carpet is fun, installing it is a bit of work, but what about your old carpet? It’s served you well, so doesn’t it deserve a fitting end?
There are a number of great ways your old carpet can contribute to the community. On a grander scale, a recycled carpet stays out of the landfill. 21% of all carpeting is now recycled in the UK, a total of 107,000 metric tons. This means more of the valuable reusable materials in carpet are being extracted than ever before.
There is also small scale good you can do with your old carpet. If you take it to your local reuse store, others in your community have a chance to reuse the carpet. Did you know your old carpet is in high demand at the animal shelter? Old squares of carpet are ideal for kennels, especially for keeping animals warm in the colder months. These are but a few example, but you can see the difference to be made.
If you want to reuse your carpet around the home, there are countless options. One, you can use a square of carpet to protect your windshield from ice. One properly cut square laid out on a frosty night, you save yourself a date with the scraper later. You can line the pond in the garden with an old carpet. You can also use old carpet to choke out weeds or for insulating the compost heap. If you have a breezy loft, you can use old carpet to insulate the space. With these myriad options, you not only save money, but reduce waste as well.
If you simply can’t find ways to recycle your carpet, you can always ring a company like Rubbish Please. With their means, they can ensure your carpet is disposed of in the most environmentally conscious way. Your carpet is working hard down there. When your carpet’s duty is done, give it the honorable farewell it deserves. Recycle it for the good of the community, the good of your home, and the good of the carpet.
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A Fully Recyclable Coffee Cup to Solve UK’s Waste Reduce Problems
In the cult classic television hit Twin Peaks, Special Agent Dale Cooper shares an important life lesson:
“Once a day, every day, get yourself a present. Don’t wait for it, don’t plan on it, just let it happen. It might be a new shirt at the men’s store, a cat nap in your office chair, or two cups of hot black coffee.”
It’s an important guideline to stick to, and as we’re all staunch coffee drinkers, we get what he’s on about. But, when was the last time you got your coffee a present?
Let’s face it, coffee makes the world go round. Stimulating, flavourful, available in countless varieties, coffee is more than a drink, it’s a hero. Every morning we visit the local shop, pour it into a paper cup, drink it down, and then pitch that cup right in the bin.
Have you ever considered how this makes coffee feel?
Not the consumption part, but the pollution part. Every year in the UK 2.5 billion cups are thrown away, and this creates roughly 25,000 tonnes of waste. To add perspective that amount of rubbish would fill 25,000 full sized (12 cubic yards) Rubbish Please vans. Well, it’s time to pay your coffee back, an inventor named Martin Myerscough has invented the world’s first fully recyclable coffee cup. This is nothing short of a huge waste reduce victory.
A major breakthrough in recycling and sustainability, Green Your Cup coffee cups are the gift your coffee has been waiting for. Designed with a thin film liner that is easily detached, the rest of the cup is made from 100% recyclable paper. So now when you finish your coffee out of a Green Your Cup cup, you can toss it right into the paper recycling. A miraculous breakthrough from the company that also pioneered the paper water bottle, this could have an impact the world over.
How does this support green living?
Easy! It allows coffee shops, markets, restaurants, offices, and any place you’d find to-go coffee a way to provide a more environmentally friendly option. It will reduce the prevalence of mixed materials, and still provide consumers with a sturdy cup to enjoy their favourite beverage. Treat yourself to some coffee, treat your coffee to a Green Your Cup. The environment will thank you, the future will thank you, and all because you made the right choice in the present.
And remember, once a day, every day, get yourself a present.
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As of Wednesday July 2nd, 2014 the EU has unveiled a new plan to see 70% of municipal rubbish and 80% of packaging recycled by 2030. An ambitious plan with several disparate ends to consider. This is said to be part of a new “circular” economy intent on breaking the cycle of use and disposal as well as create better goods from recycled products. Touted to create more than 500,000 jobs across the union, most of the responsibility in the UK will fall to the local councils.
