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Is it by bag fulls, pounds, or what? I have about 4-5 large trash bags full of empty water bottles, how much do you estimate I’ll get paid for recycling>

If you look at the recycling facts, you will see that since 1990, the United States has improved dramatically in their recycling activities. Recycling facts report that fifteen years ago, the U.S. recycled roughly fifteen percent of our waste materials, which today has doubled to thirty percent! The following recycling facts are both interesting and fun bits of information to increase your knowledge on the art of recycling.

Recycling Facts For Fun:

o Over 40 percent of soft drink bottles are recycled as well as 40 percent of paper products.

o More than 50 percent of steel products and appliances are recycled.

o 20 years ago in the U.S. there was one curbside recycling program in the U.S. There are now over 10,000 with 12,000 drop of recycling sites.

How Are Recycled Materials Collected?

There are four ways to recycle: drop-off recycling centers, curbside recycling, buy back centers, and deposit/refund centers (such as those for glass bottles.) Did you know there are now over 450 recycling material recovery facilities that buy recyclable material, sort it, clean it, and sell it again to companies who then use it in production?

Where Can I Find Such Recycled Materials?

There are many uses for the recycled material in products that we use every day. Some of the more common ones are paper towels, aluminum, and newspaper. But a check of recycling facts uncovers some more unusual uses for recycled materials, using recovered plastic in carpeting and park benches, and using recovered glass for paving roads.

How Can I Recycle?

Recycling facts state that one of the most important parts in the recycling process is you-the consumer. As you buy recycled products and then recycle them again, you continue the cycle. We also need to keep introducing new materials into this cycle, because one of the lesser known recycling facts is that after a time some materials can no longer be recycled. According to the recycling facts, paper can only be recycled 7 times before the fibers get too small to use again. On the other hand, metal can be recycled over and over.

Special Recycling Resources

The EPA sponsors a program for businesses called “WasteWise”. There is no charge to become a member and membership is voluntary. The program will give you ways to reduce your waste products and improve your bottom line while doing it. You can participate in the program as much or as little as you would like and you will become more aware of the recycling facts associated with your industry as well as other industries that you interact with. Local governments can get more information and recycling facts from the EPA in a publication called “Getting More for Less: Improving Collection Efficiency,” which details what different communities can do to improve their waste collection services and increase their recycling programs.

We all need to become more aware of the part we play in the recycling process. If there is no current program, or if it is only minimal, you may want to find ways to encourage increased participation in conjunction with the local government.

Margarette Tustle writes ideas for home and family. Find more recycling resources at dailyrecycle.com.

Author: Margarette Tustle
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Cellphone news

I live in an apartment and I would like to recycle because I love the environment but the recycling truck doesn’t come to this apartments. Please help me!

David Kidney MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for energy and climate change, unveiled the uk’s first wind turbine training tower at Narec, Blythe.

My parents only recycle paper because if they tried to recycle both paper and plastic/glass/aluminum, the one recycling bin they have would overflow. They said if I got them another recycling bin, they would recycle everything, but I don’t know where to get it. Can somebody help?

Not long ago, CBS’ “60 Minutes” program broadcast a story on e-waste and global dumping. The reporters followed a trail of electronic recycling items from a Denver-based company all the way to Hong Kong, China and caught the so-called “recycling” company red-handed engaging in global e-waste dumping.

With over 80% of recycled electronics and computers ending up as high-tech e-waste in developing countries such as China, India, and Africa, we need to step up as responsible citizens of the world and choose computer and electronics recycling companies very carefully. We must support only those electronics recycling companies that are running both a socially and an environmentally sound operation, end-to-end. To understand how global dumping occurs, it helps to first understand the business model for electronic recycling.

To sustain as a business, electronic recyclers must generate enough revenues from all its recycling and reuse services and the reclamation of precious metals and other recycling materials, minus operating costs and the cost of de-manufacturing those items that yield no value (yet harm the environment).

The difference between an environmentally responsible computer and electronics recycling company and an irresponsible one can be broken down as follows: a) the way they generate reuse revenues; b) how they reclaim precious metals and recycling materials; c) how they manage the de-manufacturing process of low-value, toxic elements.

Consider the precious metal reclamation process for a moment. A responsible company would need to invest in having a safe working environment with proper protective gear for it workers and proper waste treatment procedures to prevent environmental contamination. In addition, a responsible electronics recycling company will operate using specialized de-manufacturing equipment that protects the workers from the harmful materials or dust that escapes during the de-manufacturing process.

An irresponsible recycling company avoids any investment in the de-manufacturing area. In fact, irresponsible recycling companies never lay eyes on the workers who eventually break apart the leftover electronic parts. As seen in the “60 Minutes” program, those workers are typically low-paid laborers from remote villages, who use bare hands and primitive tools such as chisels and hammers to pry the precious materials from the discarded items. The final discarded parts are then dumped anywhere – in rivers or streams or burned in a swamp – causing major public health issues.

The most hazardous materials found in e-waste are not the reclaimed precious metals, but the low-value, toxic materials such as Mercury found in switches and flat screens and the brominated flame retardants used on printed circuit boards, cables and plastic casings. These are the materials that require major investment in the de-manufacturing process. In summary, the cost to operate a safe operating de-manufacturing facility makes responsible electronic recycling much more difficult than the much used alternate: global dumping.

Yielding to the higher reclaim prices offered by the irresponsible global dumpers, many so-called recycling collectors send their materials to irresponsible recyclers, who in turn “sell” the recycling cargo to exporters. A few handshakes later and the e-waste cargo arrives at the ports of the global village’s poorest countries. Since the U.S. prohibits dumping of electronic waste in other countries, most of the e-waste cargo is shipped under the label “Used Equipment,” whereas in fact most of the recycled electronic waste is either too old or too out-of-order to have any reuse value.

In order to identify a responsible recycling company, one must first be able to pinpoint the telltale signs that a recycling company engages in global dumping.

Irresponsible recycling companies:

1. Avoid educating the public about the e-waste crisis either on their company Web site or in their company marketing collateral. Irresponsible electronics recyclers make it look very easy so that the consumer won’t ask any questions.
2. Omit details about how they track and manage the recycling process to avoid global dumping. Again, the less the consumer knows, the easier it is for an irresponsible electronics recycler to engage in some form of global dumping
3. Host greenwash events with reputable nonprofits that don’t understand the proper recycling process. By making the electronics recycling process sound easy and by hiding under the guise of fundraising for schools, chambers of commerce, police association leagues and other nonprofits, these electronics recyclers further disarm the general public about “donating” their unwanted electronics at “fundraising” events.
   Electronics recyclers participating at a greenwash fundraiser do not charge any recycling fees, yet generate enough funds to donate to the nonprofit and can still pay the high costs of de-manufacturing toxic elements. This business model doesn’t exist because it is simply too good to be true. It’s also an abuse of the goodwill of the nonprofits involved.

   The truth is, these fundraising “recyclers” collect items that can be reclaimed for cash and then dump the rest on developing countries. They incur minimal handling costs by selling them as “exports.” That is how 80% of computer and electronics recycling materials in the U.S. end up as e-waste in developing countries.

4. Fail to provide either a permanent address for their electronics recycling facility or a proper permit to operate as a recycler. Many use a P.O. Box or just a phone number that they publish during neighborhood pick-up campaigns. When you call, it always goes directly to an answering machine. There is no one available to tell you more about their services.

Now that you know how to identify an irresponsible electronic recycling company, let’s review what a responsible electronics recycling company looks like.

1. Look for an electronics recycler who states a corporate commitment to addressing the global e-waste crisis.
2. Use computer and electronics recycling companies that actively educate the public about the e-waste crisis and the socially responsible way to recycle and de-manufacture.
3. Make sure your electronics recycling company can demonstrate its thorough process in evaluating reuse items, items for de-manufacturing and also its monitoring system to keep track of the entire de-manufacturing process.
4. Support electronics recyclers who use only U.S.-based de-manufacturing facilities that have the proper permits, de-manufacturing machines and processes and safety and health monitoring system for their workers.
5. Use computer and electronics recyclers that generate enough revenues from services to be able to allocate the proper budget toward responsible processing of toxic materials.
6. Choose an electronics recycler that is well respected by environmentalists who have been focused on the e-waste crisis. These environmentalists have seen firsthand how dumping occurs and are very knowledgeable about how to identify responsible recyclers.

GreenCitizen, Inc., is a socially responsible recycling company addressing the global e-waste crisis. GreenCitizen currently has three recycling centers located in the San Francisco Bay Area, one in San Francisco at 591 Howard Street (at 2nd Street;) one in Burlingame at 801 Mahler Road, Suite I (just north of the Hyatt) and one in downtown Palo Alto at 161 Homer Ave (next door to Peet’s Coffee and Whole Foods Market). Find out more about electronics recycling and how to help stop global dumping at http://www.greencitizen.com/ now! Join http://www.greencitizen.com/Community/home.php an eco-conscious community and plant some green wisdom of your own with like-minded citizens.

Author: James W Kao
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Benefits of electric pressure cooker

Green tea has been the most popular drink in Asian countries for centuries. But, in the Western world, black tea has been overwhelmingly more popular than green tea until recently. But, as we have learned more about green tea’s unique taste and many health benefits, it has gained popularity all over the world.

Green tea, like black tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. The difference between green and black tea comes from how the tea is processed. Black tea is fermented during processing; green tea is not. After the tea leaves are plucked, they are laid out to wither for about 8 to 24 hours.

This lets most of the water evaporate. Next, to prevent the oxidation (fermentation) process, the leaves are steamed or pan fried. Finally the leaves are rolled before a final drying takes place. After this final drying, the leaves, which still look green, can now be sorted, graded and packaged.

The lack of fermentation causes green tea to look, smell and taste different than black tea. It typically brews to a pale green color and has a bit of a grassy flavor and aroma. This lack of fermentation also causes green tea to have more health benefits than black tea.

The fermenting process used for black and oolong teas causes a compound called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) to be oxidized, and converts it into other compounds. EGCG is a very powerful anti-oxidant, but the compounds it converts to during fermenting are not as healthful.

This difference means that this powerful anti-oxidant is in its most natural state; the state in which it provides the most protection to the body.

EGCG, like other anti-oxidants are important to the body because they rid our bodies of free radicals. Free radicals are oxygen containing molecules that are created as a byproduct of our digestive processes. Unless they are eradicated from our bodies, free radicals damage our cells and DNA, causing aging and disease.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and other plant based foods like green tea and wine, help us get the anti-oxidants we need to stay healthy. And, EGCG is one of the best and most protective anti-oxidants found in any food.

For this reason, cultures who have traditionally consumed large amounts of green tea throughout their lives have been shown to have lower incidences of many serious illnesses including cancer, heart disease and high cholesterol. In recent years there has been much scientific research linking green tea with a longer, healthier life.

Green tea has also been shown to aid in weight loss by speeding up the metabolism and increasing the oxidation of fat cells in the body. For years it was assumed that green tea’s caffeine was responsible for this ability to aid weight loss.

However, more recent research has shown that green tea is more effective at speeding weight loss than other beverages with higher caffeine contents. Researchers have concluded that it is the caffeine in green tea combined with green tea’s anti-oxidants that make green tea a better weight loss supplement than other caffeinated beverages.

Green tea was first grown in China. Most of the green tea grown today is grown in China and Japan, which is also where most of the world’s green tea is consumed. However, it has gained a great deal of popularity in other parts of the world, primarily because we now better understand its health benefits.

Today, nearly any tea purveyor will carry green tea in loose form. There are many green tea varieties with distinct tastes. In addition, there are many varieties of flavored green tea. These appeal to the many people who may not find plain green tea’s somewhat grassy flavor to be appealing. When flavored with other fruits and herbs, green tea can take on many different flavors.

One of the most traditional green tea forms is matcha. This form of green tea is used in Japanese tea ceremonies and was the primary form of green tea in Japan for centuries. Matcha is simply green tea that has been crushed into powder form. It is then whisked into hot water to make traditional Japanese green tea. Most other parts of the world use loose tea to make green tea rather than matcha.

Today, there are many varieties of green tea. Different green teas will have slightly different tastes depending upon the region in which they are grown and how they are flavored. If you’re new to drinking green tea, there are many places to buy green tea and many flavors with which to experiment.

To brew a cup of green tea, use fresh cold water. Fill your kettle and place it on the stove to heat. While the water is heating, add warm tap water to your teapot and your cups, if you wish, to warm them. When the water comes to a boil, remove it from the heat and remove the tap water from your teapot. Let the water sit for about 2 minutes.

Green tea should be brewed with water that is about 160°F, which is cooler than most other teas. Add the green tea to your teapot and pour water over the leaves. Use about 1 teaspoon of tea leaves per cup. Most green tea should steep about 1-2 minutes before serving. The best green tea should give you 2-3 infusions.

There are many varieties and flavors of green tea for you to try. Buy a few different green teas in small quantities until you find the green tea that’s perfect for you.

Jon Stout is Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, green tea and wholesale tea go to goldenmoontea.com

Author: Jon Stout
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Electric Pressure Cooker

I have a speech to do on recycling, and I am looking online but I just cant find any good websites with information on why we should recycle. Can anyone help me. also, if anyone has cool ideas that i could share with my class on how to recycle things such as water bottles, egg cartons, jars…thanks so much!!

Green tea is called Camellia Sinensis (Latin). It comes from the same evergreen shrub that black tea comes from. Green tea is obtained by the light steaming of fresh tea leaves. The light processing method of tea leaves to make green tea leaves behind polyphenols, including the powerful antioxidants proanthocynadin and catechin.

Before we go in to the uses and benefits of green tea, lets look at why green tea is the most powerful antioxidant. Unlike other teas, such as black tea, green tea is not fermented, which gives it much more potent antioxidant properties, since fermentation destroys many of the health benefits contained within the tea leaves.

This is why the benefits of green tea extract are much more powerful than many other teas.

Polyphenols of green tea enhances the body’s antioxidant enzymes including glutathione. This may be helpful in the treatment of arthritis. Glutathione has been proven to reduce inflammation and cartilage breakdown. Drinking green tea can protect against many diseases that are caused by free radical damage.

The antioxidant effects of green tea can lower the risk of developing cancer of the digestive system, prostate cancer, and cervical cancer. Heart disease risk is lowered by the reduction of cholesterol levels. If cholesterol levels are to high, this could lead to arthrosclerosis and blood clots.

Green tea may play a part in relieving menopausal symptoms like hot flashes if it’s taken both day and night. Green tea may also help to balance estrogen levels. This can not only help to alleviate hot flashes, but also prevent certain types of breast cancers.

Tooth decay can be prevented by the use of green tea, the air flow in the lungs of asthma patients’ are improved, and mental alertness is strengthened. Green tea extract is used as an appetite suppressant in weight loss.

Further In To the Benefits of Green Tea

Many studies by various researchers have shown that green tea has been shown to be 100 times more powerful than Vitamin C, and over twenty times more powerful than Vitamin E as an anti oxidant. Antioxidants neutralize and stop free radicals, which are highly reactive chemical substances that can damage cells, such as the body’s DNA, leading to premature aging and disease. You need antioxidants to combat free radicals, otherwise you will slowly decay on the inside.

Anti oxidants are needed by everyone to sustain health, prevent disease, and improve longevity. This is why you are told to ear plenty of vegetables and fruits, as the vitamins and minerals within these vibrant foods, contain hoards of antioxidants.

Because green teat has great antioxidant strength, green tea extract acts as a powerful immune system booster, which is just one of the many benefits of green tea for your health.

It is said that green tea may be one of the most potent nutrients in the fight against various forms of cancer and heart disease. The benefits of green tea extract keep on impressing researchers of modern medicine. As an alternative health remedy, many people turn to green tea for its known benefits.

Lets take a look at what green tea can do – it has been shown to reduce the damage caused by LDL (bad) cholesterol, which, if completely left, leads to the buildup of plaque in your arterial walls. This build up can cause heart attacks if left unchecked.

Also, green tea extract contains a compound that appears to reduce cancer cells even causing them to die off and stop reproducing. Green tea may be useful to prevent cancer, or help those with the disease.

Experts of nutrition are positive thatl the benefits of green tea extract will be shown in the future to be just as helpful for breast, stomach, and skin cancers also.

Finally, green tea seems to be a substance that can regulate glucose — the body’s main source of fuel. Any glucose that isn’t used within the body becomes is stored by the body as fat. Because of this, green tea may be beneficial in helping one lose weight.

Green tea comes in the forms of tea bags, pure green tea extract supplements, or combination supplements. It is readily available in most super markets and health food stores. If three cups of green tea are consumed daily, it is likely you will reap some of the health benefits of green tea we have mentioned.

Precautions

You have seen many benefits from green tea, howver, there are some poins to consider – green tea itself has caffeine. Caffeine is a powerful stimulant, but unfortunately has a wide range of side effects. Most people are fine with caffeine intake; however, some don’t take to caffeine, very, so for that reason these people, as well as woman who are pregnant should limit their intake of green tea.

The good news however is that green tea extract supplements in capsule form have far less caffeine than the tea form — and some special supplements are completely decaffeinated, while leaving all of the health benefits of green tea.

Our Tips For Obtaining The Best Green Tea benefits

1. Supplements in the U.S and UK. are largely unregulated many consumers only have a 1 in 5 chance of buying a supplement with the amount of ingredients stated on the product label, or one that does not contain harmful contaminants. You can read more on this industry wide problem here.

Due to the above points, purchase your nutritional products from only pharmaceutical GMP compliant facilities, such places adhere to the most rigorous manufacturing standards in the world for the processing of nutritional supplements.

2. The Potency of herbs can vary tremendously from one part of a herb to another. The “essence” of the herb is contained within the fiber of the plant and may constitute as little as 1/1000th of the dried weight of the plant. When the “essence” is extracted it is known as a standardized extract.

Many people don’t know much about herbs and think herbs in product is the same as another, this is false information, and because of the above points, we believe people should purchase standardized green tea extract if they truly want the best health benefits of green tea.

Many herbal products on the market do not use standardized extracts because it is far cheaper for the manufacturer to use cheaper lower quality ingredients.

Standardized extracts also ensure you are getting the same amount of potency, which means you will get the same benefits of green tea extract — from one capsule to the next. This is much more balance and again leads to much better therapeutic benefits.

The product we personally use called Total Balance, which contains green tea – http://www.natural-nutritional-health-supplement.com is the best supplement we have come across. We have been using this supplement for over 3 years with excellent health results.

We highly reccomend you learn more about our best natural nutritional supplement if you are interested in improving your overall health.

John Gibb runs a series of health websites, We offer a free health book for subscribers to our websites newsletter. We cover everything you need to know on nutrition and how to improve your general overall health. Check out our nutrition e-book, for more information on our nutrition book.

Author: John Gibb
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Smart cooker