News From Green Dimes

Written by Cathy on February 27, 2009 – 8:01 am -

Welcome back!

Green Dimes- New Name 

Greetings from GreenDimes, where this month we unveil a new name…

“GreenDimes by Tonic” is becoming Tonic MailStopper

Today, we are officially changing the name of GreenDimes to Tonic MailStopper. Nothing else about your service has changed – same company, same service- just under the MailStopper name. When you go to greendimes.com, you’ll be redirected to mailstopper.tonic.com – and other than a new logo, you’ll hardly notice the difference. 

Why the change? Tonic (which began as GreenDimes back in 2006) just re-launched a new and improved online experience– and with a whole new universe of Tonic users who don’t know who GreenDimes is, we’re changing the name to make it clear what we do, and to highlight that we’re part of the same company. (You have to dig way back in GreenDimes history to know that the “dimes” came from our original pricing plan, which was a dime a day; we wanted a name that more readily communicated what the service delivers.) MailStopper is part of Tonic’s vision of enabling effortless activism: by providing content that inspires, products that support worthy causes, and services that make it easy to do good in the world. 

Fundraising pilot: what a response!

We were blown away by the response from so may of you to the fundraising pilot invitation we sent out with last month’s newsletter. More than 300 of you responded, and the refrain was loud and clear: you want to support your schools and other non-profit organizations with something more inspiring than wrapping paper and cookie dough. And MailStopper gift cards fit the bill, especially with Earth Day around the corner. 

We’ve got a few dozen schools and other organizations already committed to the pilot, and we’re hearing about some really great ways that schools are combining the fundraiser itself with educational programming wrapped around it (no wrapping paper pun intended.) 

We are so excited about this opportunity that we’ve decided to expand the pilot, which will run during the months of April and May. Interested? .

This month’s newsletter is brief, as we’ve got a lot going on – but stay tuned for next month’s edition, which will be full of tips, updates, and information for all of you. And if we can help, as always, drop us a line at our new email address:. Our old email address will still work, too. 

Fighting the good fight,

The Tonic MailStopper (formerly GreenDimes) Team 


Tags:
Posted in Junk Mail | No Comments »

New Green For All Blog Forum- by Recycle Bill

Written by Cathy on February 26, 2009 – 12:30 pm -

I just got an email from Recycle Bill-  ”I’m writing you today to invite you to participate in our new Green For All Blog Forum:  http://recyclebills.squarespace.com/green-for-all-blog-forum as a means to promote your blog, increase discussion and raise green awareness.

No registration is required but you will need to know how to post a link back to your blog post in HTML using all lower case letters. (Why it refuses uppercase is beyond me.)

I hope you’ll tell other green bloggers about it by passing along this private e-mail so that all our blogs and websites may prosper and spread greenness through the aggregation of content and distribution of hyperlinks.

I previously used this same method at Blogsboro Poetry Club http://blogsboro.blogspot.comwhere every user has seen marked increases in readership.

Thanks -Billy Jones, aka RecycleBill


Tags:
Posted in Events | 2 Comments »

Recycle- Make Money- Scrap Business

Written by Cathy on February 25, 2009 – 9:50 am -

Books 

How can I enter the recycling business?

Recyclable Materials/Scrap


Tags:
Posted in Re-use- Make Money | No Comments »

San Diego Recycling Locations

Written by Cathy on February 25, 2009 – 9:47 am -

I Just Gotta Tell Ya

  • San Diego Produces about 9 Million pounds of Trash per day
  • Miramar Landfill most likely will be closed in 2012
  • San Diego’s waste mandate is 50% waste diversion 

Check out the below sites for more information 

      “Recycle or Else” is a new City of San Diego Environmental Services Department program that provides valuable information about the potential impacts of not recycling on San Diego Communities. The program includes billboards, bus ads and a web page to educate San Diegans about the need to recycle and reduce waste. Recycle Or Else hats and T-shirt are available for sale at San Diego City Stores. To get the gear, pledge to recycle, and learn more, visit:

http://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/recycleorelse/index.shtm


San Diego Recycling LocationsSAN DIEGO RECYCLING LOCATIONS

      There are many items which San Diego thrift stores cannot or will not accept. Some of the reasons for non-acceptance include government regulations which prohibit the recycling or disposal of certain electronic items containing lead and other potentially hazardous materials. In addition, some items may be unpopular and may not sell–if the thrift store has to dispose of them, they lose part of their revenues which could be applied to social or charitable programs.

      Thefollowing organizations reportedly accept the items noted. In addition, the City of San Diego’s Environmental Services Department has extensive recycling and reuse information online; visit them at http://www.sandiego.gov/environmental-services/recycling/index.shtml However, it would be a good idea to contact them to arrange for recycling, to be sure they still accept them:


COMPUTERS/TVs

      Many of these businesses charge a fee to recycle these items. Contact each one individually for details. Check with them for recycling computers, TVs, disk drives, printers, keyboards, mice, monitors, CRTs etc.

  • City of San Diego Recycling Hotline – (858) 694-7000
  • County of San Diego Recycling Hotline – (877) 713-2784
  • Dell Computers (Donation/Trade-In Program) — (800) 915-3355
  • Gateway Computers - Rebate Program
    Contact local Gateway stores for more information.
  • 1-800-GOT-JUNK - this is a full-service junk removal company and is approved by the State of California to collect E-Waste from residences and businesses.  No job too small or too big.  Book online at www.1800gotjunk.com or call 1-800-468-5865; email COXFAM@cox.net (check with company for any fees.)
  • Hewlett-Packard - recycling and product take-back. (208) 472-3494
  • IBM PC Recycling Program - (888) 746-7426 Reference part # 06P7513
  • IMS Recycling - 2697 Main St., San Diego, CA 92113. (619) 231-2521
  • Miramar Recycling Center (Allan Co.) - (located at the entrance to the Miramar Landfill)- 6733 Consolidated Way, San Diego CA 92121. (858) 578-9300.
  • Recycle San Diego - This is a State of California E-waste Collector/Recycler.  Electronics from homes and businesses can be arranged for pick-up. Call (619) 281-1600 or visit website http://www.recyclesd.com or email info@recyclesd.com
  • Phillips Services (North San Diego County) – Hazardous waste facilities in Poway and Vista. (800) 714-1195
  • RMD Technologies - 7079 Mission Gorge Rd., San Diego, CA 92120 (619) 326-1345


BATTERIES (Rechargeable)

American Battery, Chief Auto Parts, Radio Shack (see yellow pages for information)

Battery Recycling (877) 723-1297.


BOTTLES-CANS

Beverage Container Recycling – (800) 732-9253. (Most cities have recycling programs for sorting cans, bottles, and other items into separate containers. EDCO also will aid in sorting those items. Check yellow pages or call your individual cities for more info.


Beverage Container Recycling - (800) 732-9253. (Most cities have recycling programs for sorting cans, bottles, and other items into separate containers.BUILDING MATERIALS

Bathroom fixtures, medicine cabinets, steel pipes, chain link fencing, faucets, sliding glass doors and swing shower doors.

  • Battles Hardware — (619) 234-5118
  • Brea Green — (858) 756-7480 (Lumber and wood particles)
  • Hanson Aggregates — (858) 586-0611 (Asphalt only)
  • IMS Recycling — (619) 231-2521 (Metals and electronics-see previous section).
  • South Coast Materials — (760) 729-2010 (Concrete & asphalt)
  • The ReUse People — (619) 427-0430 (Used construction materials)

 


HAZARDOUS WASTE

      Includes antifreeze, car batteries, drain cleaners, fertilizer, household batteries, oil filters, paint, pesticides, pool chemicals, propane tanks, and used oil.

  • Hotline — (877) 713-2784
  • Used Oil & Used Oil Filters: (619) 235-2105 (used oil recycling hotline); Chief Auto Parts, Econo Lube, Jiffy Lube, Pep Boys, Precision Tune, Valvoline Instant Oil Change.


MAJOR APPLIANCES

  • Ideal — (800) 589-5792 ($50 rebate for working refrigerators)
  • Old Town Recycling — (619) 543-9961
  • Pacific Coast Recycling — (619) 238-6740
  • Pacific Steel — (619) 474-7081
  • So. Bay Recycling — (619) 425-7197


TIRES

Tire companies, such as Big O Tires, Discount, Evans, and Winston


WATER HEATERS

  • Pacific Steel — (619) 474-7081
  • LANDFILLS (for Mattresses and other items)
  • Escondido (760) 745-3203
  • Fallbrook (760) 728-6114
  • Miramar (858) 573-1418
  • Oceanside (760) 439-2824
  • Otay (619) 421-3773
  • Ramona (760) 789-3410


LANDFILLS (for Mattresses and other items)

  • Escondido (760) 745-3203
  • Fallbrook (760) 728-6114
  • Miramar (858) 573-1418
  • Oceanside (760) 439-2824
  • Otay (619) 421-3773
  • Ramona (760) 789-3410


San Diego Recycling Locations RECYCLING-REUSE PUBLICATIONS & LINKS (Earth Matters) 

California Materials Exchange (CALMAX) Catalog - The California Materials Exchange (CalMAX) is a free online and printed classified listing service for materials. CalMAX is designed to help businesses, government, and other organizations find markets for non-hazardous material that may otherwise be discarded. CalMAX is a forum to foster the lawful exchange, reuse, and recycling of these materials: construction and demolition, containers, durable goods, electronics, glass, metal, miscellaneous, organics, paint/wax, pallets, paper, plastic, rubber, textile, and wood. www.CalMAX.org or http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/calmax/

Choose to Reuse: An Encyclopedia of Services, Products, Programs and Charitable Organizations That Foster ReuseChoose to Reuse: An Encyclopedia of Services, Products, Programs and Charitable Organizations That Foster Reuse –2,000 resources related to reuse in the U.S. and describes how to reuse over 200 different items – from air filters to zippers.

Beyond Recycling: A Re-user’s Guide – By Kathy Stein. Guide offers 336 simple and practical tips for reusing products that are often not accepted for recycling which most of us may throw in the trash or cart to the dump.

BioCycle – A journal covering the latest information on composting and recycling. Email: biocycle@jgpress.com

Consumer’s Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste

Creating Wealth from Everyday Items – This report, which highlights several reuse businesses and collection programs, provides valuable insight into utilizing reuse as an effective tool for promoting waste reduction and local economic development.

Recycling Rag – Eco-artware.com’s newsletter that often features articles on reuse.

RECYCLE YOUR INK-JET CARTRIDGES: Professional refills of your major brand ink-jet cartridges while you shop. Refill prices range from $3.15 to 19.19.  Over 100 cartridge-specific formulas with a thirty-day, 100% satisfation guarantee.  Challenge us to save you $$$ at these locations: Westfield North County, 272 East Via Rancho Pkway, Escondido, CA  (760) 839-5147; Westfield Parkway Plaza, 415 Parkway Plaza, El Cajon, CA (619) 579-0637.

Reuse Links and Resources Web site – Provides a compilation of local and national reuse links and resources.

San Diego Freecycle – Freecycling is simple: you have something you no longer need (a couch, a crib, CD, computer) and you wish to “recycle” it rather than throw it into a landfill. Or you are looking for a specific item and you’d love to receive it for free. This is where you post notices to either give away items or find them!

Use Less Stuff Report – A free, bi-monthly newsletter that helps people reduce waste and prevent pollution.


RECYCLING-REUSE MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATIONS

California Integrated Waste Management Board – opa@ciwmb.ca.gov

National Waste Prevention Coalition – The goals of the National Waste Prevention Coalition (NWPC) are to prevent waste from being created and to reduce the use of resources. NWPC members primarily include local governments, state governments, non-profit organizations, universities, and consultants.

Repair, Resale and Reuse Council – A technical council of the California Resource Recovery Association highlighting contributions that reuse and repair businesses and other activities make to reducing waste in California.

Reuse Development Organization – Through the creation of a network of reuse advocates through the country, organization hopes to accelerate reuse.

Recycler’s World – Worldwide trading site for information about secondary or recyclable commodities, by-products, used and surplus items or materials.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9


NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS (Waste-Related)

Californians Against Waste

California Resource Recovery Association – CRRA is a dynamic, non-profit organization dedicated to resource conservation through the practices of reuse, recycling and composting.

Environmental/Recycling Hotline, Earth 911

GrassRoots Recycling Network

Keep California Beautiful – A statewide nonprofit environmental educational organization. Please..don’t litter..recycle and..”Don’t Trash California” — it’s a state of mine!!

National Recycling Coalition –The national organization seeking to increase awareness about recycling and other forms of resource efficiency.

National Listing of Internet Waste Exchanges


Recycling/Reuse VideosBack to Top

Video shows the importance of curbside recycling and how to recycle at home using the City’s curbside recycling program

Construction and demolition debris accounts for 35% of the waste buried in  landfills.  You can help by recycling most of the construction and demolition debris generated by your projects, including your own small home remodeling project.

Compost and mulch helps improve soil structure, decreases the need for water and fertilizers and improves soil drainage, reducing erosion and wasteful water runoff.  Learn about the City’s Miramar Greenery compost facility, how you can have access to its products and  how you can compost at your home.

Learn about the importance of recycling at your business and how to obtain City recognition for these efforts.


Tags:
Posted in California | 2 Comments »

Top 12-Reuse-Make Money- Crafts Sites

Written by Cathy on February 25, 2009 – 8:25 am -

  1. RePlay Ground- ‘We take scrap and make it new – and we help you recycle, too. Be sure to check out our ReMake It recycling kits - like the wine cork trivet and bottle lamp. They’re both easy ways to get going with recycling. Don’t miss our do-it-yourself section where we teach you how to reuse discards all by yourself! Turn old glasses into picture frames, umbrellas into skirts, and more. Or invite us to your next event and we’ll provide materials and hands-on instruction for your favorite recycling project.’
  2. Etsy You could spend all day on this site. Buy and Sell your homemade crafts. 
  3. Make-Zine 
  4. Crafting a Green World Crafting ’a Green World features do-it-yourself projects that incorporate reused, recycled, and natural materials. Find knitting, sewing, crocheting, and other project ideas for eco-friendly and fashionable clothes, crafts, gifts and more’
  5. Instructables
  6. All Free Crafts  ’Recycling and finding reuses for old items is good for the environment and a necessity in hard times. But this is also when human creativity can be most satisfying. Here, we celebrate that “make do” spirit, sharing creative ideas for recycling modern materials.’
  7. CraftZine- Daily updates for craft projects and ideas 
  8. Craft Gossip Blog Network- 
  9. DIY Network-
  10. Essex- Windsor Solid Waste/www.ewswa.org/pages/recycle/crafts.html
  11. Repurposed- 
  12. Thrifty Fun-

Tags:
Posted in Re-use- Make Money | No Comments »

Native Plant Nurseries in New Mexico

Written by Cathy on February 24, 2009 – 7:09 am -

For More Information: Native Plant Society of New Mexico http://npsnm.unm.edu/

  • Santa Ana Native Plants  www.santaana.org- 157 Jemez Dam Rd, Bernalillo - (505) 867-1322 
  • Bernardo Beach Native Plant Farm www.bernardobeachnatives.com=3729 Arno St NE, Albuquerque - (505) 345-6248
  • Santa Ana Native Plants  www.santaana.org 233 Ranchitos Rd, Bernalillo - (505) 867-1323-Agua Fria Nursery 1409 Agua Fria Street Santa Fe, NM 87501 505 / 983-4831 

 

 


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Posted in New Mexico | No Comments »

Free and New ‘Giving Away’ Site

Written by Cathy on February 23, 2009 – 6:43 am -

I just found this site, and had to let everyone know about it! It has listing for free stuff, by state, curb alerts, pictures and more. Pretty incredible- check it out http://www.givingaway.com/

Another Site- Reuse Market looks fairly new as well. Looks like it’s in Northern California ( http://reusemarket.com/)


Tags:
Posted in Salvage | 1 Comment »

Save The Mountains- Coal

Written by Cathy on February 23, 2009 – 6:34 am -

 

More than 450 mountains have been destroyed by mountaintop removal coal mining. Watch this video of mountaintop removal featuring Woody Harrelson and a soundtrack featuring an original recording of “Blowin’ in the Wind,” sung by Willie Nelson.
This video is part of the National Memorial for the Mountains, hosted by www.ilovemountains.org.
  

I just Gotta Tell Ya

  • 78 Lbs- amount of coal it takes to run a dryer for a month
  • 162 lbs- Amount of coal it takes to light a house with incandescent lightbulbs for a months
  • 170 lbs- Amount of Coal it takes to heat water for anaveage US househould for a month
  • 235 Lbs- Amount of Coal it would take to warm an average US househould with space heaters for a month
  • 1140 Lbs- Total monthly coal consumption for and average US household
  • =3369 pounds of Carbon dioxide emissions for a month 

Resources


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Posted in Energy | No Comments »

Green Remodeling Costs

Written by Cathy on February 23, 2009 – 5:53 am -

I started this blog because I wanted to remodel ‘green’ and couldn’t find local suppliers. After more than a year in investigating, researching and finally somewhat finishing- I thought I would post the costs. (and I had to do it for taxes!) 

The finally tally- including new  appliances, new kitchen, new flooring was $18,000. Not bad considering the lowest quote I had was $35,000. I figured with appliances and cost of goods, it would have come to at least $50,000. 

I’m not done yet, as need new thermostat, curtains and a few other fix up stuff and will have to repaint. Even if I really spend- the final cost will come to under $20,000. 

You can do it cheaper-and could have saved money in many other ways: 

1.) Salvaged Flooring- I missed out on some great flagstone (3 pallets) which would have done my whole house. If you are patient and willing to wait- lots of free or great cost tiles, wood leftover flooring. I put in marmoleum- total cost $5365

2.) Salvaged (Craig’s List) plenty of toilets (I replaced for a new dual flush Toto $395)

3.) Salvaged a sink- also lots free on craigslist- (bought from IKEA about $150.) 

4.) Salvaged Kitchen countertop- again free tiles on craigslist 

5.) Dishwasher- If I was going to live here- I wouldn’t have put in a dishwasher. Since I will be selling, Needed to replace- savings about $400.00 (bought EnergyStar $400) 

6.) Labor- I spent $4500 on labor- if you DYI, you could save that!

My mistakes or if I did this again: 

1.) I wouldn’t have had the bathtub refinished ($500)- would have replaces with salvaged bathtub and used the tile I got ($200) and finished the bathroom. The tile went to my nephew, who used it in his bathroom (looks great!) 

2.) I probably shouldn’t have used blue marmoleum (not a great resalable color) but if I wasn’t so lazy and listened to myself instead of others, should have picked up the flagstone and done my whole house with an indoor- outdoor look. 

3.) Planned better- could have saved about $300 in extra wood, lighting and a few more. 

4.) Started salvaging in advance and stored extra’s in garage. 

5.) Measure, Measure and Measure again. Make a chart with all measurements, especially if you are looking at tile. Carry it with you at all times. 

All in all, I have all EnergyStar appliances, WaterSense fixtures, all remodeling leftovers were recycled or reused and trained the handyman in ‘green remodeling. I’m happy with the results- all I have left to do before I put it up for sale is re-paint with Zero VOC paint, fix the thermostat, fix the gas pipe for the fireplace, redo the front yard with native plants and stage the home for resale in this wonderful economy! 

Morale of the Story: 

If you want to remodel- start salvaging now- there is plenty of free product out there if you are patient. 

If you can’t do it yourself, there is plenty of people who are not working and will be willing to help for a good price. Some paid work is better than no work.

You can have a ‘green’ home with little cost if you are patient. 

Good Luck!


Tags: ,
Posted in Building | 1 Comment »

Saving Water in San Diego

Written by Cathy on February 22, 2009 – 6:55 am -


Tags: ,
Posted in California | No Comments »
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