FUQs
(Frequently Unasked Questions)
Hello! and Welcome to our page of Frequently Unasked Questions! These are the questions you might frequently wonder to yourself (about all things environmental and recycling, that is) but never actually...well...asked. And this is the part of Love, Recycle where we are going to go on all sorts of information adventures - have an unasked idea or a question? Let's get it asked and answered!!
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We are still under some major construction, but here is a sample of some current unasked questions we're working on...
Unasked Questions
Plastic, Plastic, or Paper?
Here we will explore the differences in plastic bags we get at the grocery store (like Target or Vons) and those thinner versions like we get from other retailers like TJMaxx , Home Depot, or Staples. Can these go into our recycle bins? and is a paper bag really better option?
What is carbon-offsetting and does planting trees really help?
This is a pretty tough topic to tackle, but luckily we have some information to help. First, we will break down the different sorts carbon off-setting currently out there and how it is supposed to work. Then we'll chat about trees in particular - which will lead us into other questions like - if you do plant trees, which kind of company should you use? Should you add on the carbon-offesetting fee when buying a plane ticket? and other similar unasked questions that might come up.
Are Stanely Cups Recycable?
Well I bet you never thought to ask this question! We all know the notorious Stanley cup - not the hockey trophy - but that big reusable cup with the handle and a straw, you know, the one you can find a cheap knock off in every color just about anywhere? They aren't just Stanley brand either, there are Yeti, Rtic, and a hundred generic varieties. But...are they recyclable? and why would they need to be? Well, in this segment, we hope to answer these questions. Because these cups can break or lose a lid you can't match, and then what? The Goodwill and other donation storefronts like it can't take these items either for the same reason. So...it goes in the trash? Can it be recycled? Was it worth having considering the carbon footprint it takes to make? Which will ultimately take us to our next segment...
Christmas Trees: what's better for the enviorment, real or fake?
I feel like this is becoming a more and more popular question for which there is an easy answer. But we'll keep you in suspense for now while we are dotting our i's and crossing our trees. Not to worry, we will certainly let you know before Christmas.
I can toss my nail polish bottles into my trash, right?
Well, short answer is probably not. The nail polish itself (depending on brand) is likely considered the same as the paint that goes on your walls - and that is definitely not ok for your trash. To dispose of paint that is still wet (cans of paint that is all dried up is ok), you have to use the Hazardous Materials waste at the city dump (depending on your area) and sometimes this can require an appointment. Nail salons in the city usually have a hazmat pick up scheduled - but who knows without some real digging. We'll take a closer look and get you some definitive answers...and maybe hold a nail polish bottle collection drive?
I feel bad, what if sometimes I can't recycle?
Listen, we all have our own needs and sometimes we can't do it all, no matter how much we want to. But a big part of Love, Recycle is about education and doing what we can. Sometimes when we put a lot of energy and care into recycling it can feel defeating when others' action seem to cancel your efforts. Every little bit helps, and that is what we are here to help everyone understand.
What is greenwashing?
Have you come across a product promising that it is good for the earth? or maybe packaged in a way that makes it seem it is environmentally conscious but isn't actually? There is a lot of information on this out on the interwebs - but we'll look at a few specific examples so you can know what to look out for when shopping.
Wood burning fireplace vs. gas, which is better for the environment?
This answer is going to be a stinker for owners of both kinds - but we'll breakdown the pros and cons of each in this segment to help you make the best decision for you and your family.
Does AI really waste water?
If you live in California, surely water consumption is on your mind. In this segment we'll take a closer look at some news reporting that AI takes up a great deal of water and energy that is ultimately bad for the environment.