This post piggybacks on to our January post, “Be Cool. Go Green. Benefits of Using Recycled Paper For Your Identity Materials.” Because we think that recycling is so important and so healthy for our environment and because we’re always learning more about the latest and greatest ways to do our part, we wanted to share our knowledge with you. So, this post focuses on what the paper and printing industry are doing to help reduce our carbon footprint and minimize waste.

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David Wax and his partner Ben Uyeda of FreeGreen are making green home designs free to everyone.

At one point or another, many of us have found ourselves overwhelmed by the ever growing number of files, passwords, and things cluttering our everyday lives. Whether it is personal, business, kid related, or an eclectic mix, all of us at {e} house studio understand the dilemma of too much stuff. That’s why we emphasize the importance of keeping things simple in order to get to the real point or goal of a project, a place, or even yourself. If this sounds familiar, you will understand why we took the opportunity to interview Stacey Crew, writer, author, speaker, and professional organizer.

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The Eden Project created a sustainable surfboard in hopes to get rid of the polystyrene and fiberglass chemicals.

This week celebrated Earth Day 2008. Here is a list of events that took place around the world to celebrate and act as a call to action.

Recycling has always been important in the effort to save the planet, but the new green movement and interest in sustainability has given the earth an even brighter look into the future. Here at {e}, we put an emphasis on going green (reduce, re-use, recycle) whenever possible while working on current and future projects. And, after doing a little research, you can find the resources to recycle just about anything from the past as well.

My hope is that this blog post will offer you some new information and inspire you to clean out your clutter and put it to good use. Below is a list of resources to recycle anything from old running shoes to random cords and cables (Yes, there is something you can do with that tangled mess of old computer cords in the corner of your attic…Hooray!).

1. Cell Phones: Learn how to donate or safely recycle your old cell phone.
2. Electronics: Electronics can be recycled such as old phones, MP3 players, even ink cartridges and it is for FREE!
3. Athletic Shoes: Nothing to do with those old athletic shoes? Nike does! They have a great program to recycle “any brand of athletic shoes and turn them into sports surfaces and playgrounds. You can take your old shoes (even if they stink,) to any Niketown Store, Nike Factory store or get info off their website.
4. Techno Trash: Techno Trash got you weighed down? Not anymore! Greendisk will help you recycle anything from VHS tapes and players (Are those considered vintage yet?), cords/ cables, CDS, cameras, and more.
5. Computers: Not only can computers be large and awkward to get rid of, but they also contain harmful chemicals that need to be disposed of properly. Most major computer companies offer recycling options. Find more information at Apple, Dell, HP, Gateway, and Toshiba
6. Mattresses: Although mattresses don’t offer a way to recycle them, you can use one of the other two “R” words: Re-Use. Freecycle.org is an internet community that puts the saying “one person’s trash, is another person’s treasure,” to good use. (So this site is not limited to only mattresses.)
7. Dry Cleaning: I am not a fan of those wire hangers that come back from the dry cleaners, but I hate to throw them away. Some dry cleaners will take them back to re-use or recycle (sometimes the plastic too). Alteration shops may have a use for them as well. Just ask your local service provider. While on the subject of dry cleaning, the process itself uses toxic chemicals. So I would encourage you to consider looking for a shop that offers “wet cleaning” or possibly just hand wash the garments yourself when possible.
8. Cleaning Services: On another cleaning note, some cleaning services are going green. If you have little ones and/or pets like me, it is always refreshing to know that your home is clean and also safe and free of toxic chemicals that could put your loved ones in danger. Visit Maid Brigade for more information on green cleaning.
9. Grocery Bags: While the paper grocery bags are recyclable, the plastic ones are great to re-use for anything from trash can liners, dirty diaper bags, doggie poop bags, and the list goes on. So don’t just toss those bags to the side, re-use them. Last but not least, bringing your own re-usable bags for groceries is a great planet saver too! ( I just keep mine in my trunk, that way I always have them when I need them!)

OTHER RESOURCES

• Staples Stores nationwide: Just drop of any unwanted office product/ small electronics and they will either refurbish it for use or recycle it for you.
• Craigslist: The mega popular website has an area where you can post items you would like to give away for free.
• Planet Smoothie: Some companies like Planet Smoothie are encouraging their customers to help them find ways to reduce, re-use, or recycle their trash by rewarding them with money and/or merchandise. For more information on the Planet Smoothie contest visit their website.

Remember not all recyclables need to be sparkling clean when tossed in the bin, but the cleaner they are the less energy is required in the next step.

YOU CAN RECYCLE THAT?

If the information you have gained from this article has just wet your whistle to the tune of going green, Arizona State now offers a major in sustainability. If your not able to go that far, I hope that you will use the information in this article for your home and/or business as we are sure to do here at {e}. So when your friend asks you, “You can recycle that?” You can answer with confidence, “ You sure can!”

SHARE YOUR RECYCLING TIPS

I really enjoyed researching for this article and would love to learn what all of you out there could teach me as well! Please leave a comment of any great recycling/ green/ sustainable tips you might have and I will be sure to share them with everyone I know.

You would have to live under a rock to be unaware that the environment is a hot topic. As a result, many companies are making an effort to help save our natural resources. In fact, it has become quite trendy to “go green”. Saving the environment is not just for tree-huggers anymore, so why not join the cool crowd and do your part.You may already recycle and use energy saving light bulbs in your office (You get a big pat on the back for that.), but chances are that few people outside of your company staff see those efforts. A great way to advertise (That’s what we do best!) the fact that you care about the environment is to print your business cards, stationery, note cards, folders, and any other company correspondence on recycled paper. This way you can proudly hand out your sparkling documents embellished with the well-recognized and super-hip recycling logo. According to www.mohawkpaper.com, by printing 10,000 copies of an 8-page, 8.5” x 11” brochure printed on 100lb, coated, cover stock made with windpower would result in the below environmental savings.

For more information on the benefits of using recycled paper, visit www.mohawkpaper.com.

Now that you’re ready to be crowned Green King or Queen, you are probably wondering, “How many frogs do I have to kiss?” The truth is that you don’t have to pay a huge price to be cool. It’s actually very affordable. Check out this quote from Nick Klausner, President and CEO of River Rock Marketing, our favorite printing company,”Under ideal circumstances a client may actually save money switching to a recycled, FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) stock. On average a client will pay between 0% - 15% (above the price of non-recycled stock) when switching to environmentally friendly papers….”

So, next time you need to reprint your company materials, forget about your favorite color and go green. All the popular companies are doing it.