Household Items

  • Lead the Charge

    October 13th, 2008


    Power to the Peeples is an exclusive Earth911 series written by Bob Peeples, our resident chemical engineer and Program Manager of Earth911’s sister site Beaches911. Bob combines his extensive knowledge of the environment and how things work with an off-the-cuff sense of humor.

    About 25 years ago, we were looking at ways to reduce the mercury levels continue …


  • California Launches New Product Stewardship Site

    October 10th, 2008


    The California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) recently launched a new website offering the latest information on product stewardship and how consumers can be involved.  The website focuses on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), meaning that companies who design, produce and sell goods are responsible for minimizing the impact of those goods throughout their life cycle.

    Consumers can visit the website continue …


  • Delaware Begins CFL Recycling

    October 10th, 2008


    October is National Energy Awareness Month, and while some organizations celebrate by offering energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), the Delaware Energy Office is showing its support by kicking off a program providing drop off locations to properly dispose of CFLs.

    The state has set up seven CFL recycling locations, in addition to household hazardous waste collection days that take continue …


  • EPA Looks to Boost Recycling of Hazardous Waste

    October 8th, 2008


    The EPA recently passed a rule to streamline how hazardous waste is recycled, which is expected to save $95 million for industries that generate and dispose of hazardous products.

    The rule will, in effect, change the definition of the term “solid waste,” because disposal of hazardous waste falls under this jurisdiction. The EPA will determine what is considered legitimate recycling continue …


  • California Passes Nation’s First ‘Green Chemistry’ Law

    October 2nd, 2008


    California passed legislation this week that enables the state to take more responsibility for identifying and regulating toxic chemicals in consumer products by the year 2011.

    The law will focus on identifying these potentially hazardous ingredients, then regulating their use and searching for safe alternatives.

    So far, this program is the most comprehensive program in any state to regulate chemicals that have continue …


  • Change a Light Day Promotes Energy-Efficiency

    October 1st, 2008


    Today is the annual Change a Light Day, an EPA campaign to promote the energy savings of ENERGY STAR-qualified light bulbs that already has 1.8 million Americans on board.

    Over one-third of those pledges were due to partnerships with energy organizations throughout the nation. This year, the campaign has expanded to target other energy-saving practices, such as insulation and programmable continue …


  • Congress Looks to Ban Mercury Exports by 2013

    September 30th, 2008


    The U.S. House of Representatives voted 393-5 in favor of new legislation that would halt the export of products containing mercury to other countries by the end of 2012.

    The Senate approved the legislation on Friday, meaning it’s now being sent to President Bush. Part of the new bill would allow Congress to monitor mercury use throughout the U.S. continue …


  • The Story of Recycling Fires

    September 29th, 2008


    Fire is a destructive, natural force. It rages across all types of environments, from neighborhoods to forests, creating a blazing drama wherever it occurs.

    Fires broke out at recycling facilities across the country this summer, from New Jersey and Delaware to California and Arizona.  When recycling centers catch fire, a number of factors act as catalysts to incite these infernos. continue …


  • 8 Ways to Green Your Workout

    September 22nd, 2008


    Exercise is an important part of staying healthy and looking fit. But is it possible to reduce your waistline while keeping your environmental footprint “fit” as well? Here’s eight ways to start:
    1. Exercise Outdoors
    Gym memberships can be convenient and provide an opportunity to meet people, but have you ever considered how much energy it takes to power a 24-hour gym? continue …


  • San Francisco Passes Resolution Calling for Increased Product Responsibility

    September 18th, 2008


    The San Francisco Board of Supervisors recently passed a resolution asking California legislators to create laws which place product stewardship responsibilities on product manufacturers, according to Yahoo! Finance.  This originates from the ideas set forth in the Extended Producer Responsibility Framework (EPR) policy, approved in January by the California Integrated Waste Management Board.

    The EPR policy shifts the responsibilities and continue …