Archive for the ‘Recycling’ Category

Seven Tips for Greening up Your Travels

There is no disputing that travel is great for our economy. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the travel industry is one of the world’s most powerful as it supplies 10 percent of the world’s jobs, at 313 million worldwide.

Unfortunately, it comes with some adverse side effects, like tourists putting a strain on cities, environmental degradation, litter, and fossil fuels by major airlines.

With global travel mostly on pause during the Covid-19 pandemic, a sizeable drop-in travel has helped heal our planet.

But is it possible to have the best of both worlds? A strong economy, millions of jobs, and healthy Earth? Now is an excellent time to re-think our travel with our planet in mind. Check out these seven tips to help you stay on top of your green game, even during your globe-trotting adventures!

Book non-stop flights.

Filling your car with fuel is one thing, but have you ever stopped to think about how much a plane uses just to get off the ground? By booking a non-stop flight, you can help conserve some of that valuable fuel.

Just as it happens with cars, taking off and landing takes more energy than cruising along at high altitudes does. So, when you take a direct, non-stop flight instead of hopping onto multiple planes that have to start and stop, you’re actually helping to ensure that the minimal amount of fuel is being used for the duration of your trip. Plus, who doesn’t want to avoid the stress of making connecting flights?

Utilize sustainable accommodations.

Did you know that many hotels have adopted green policies to cut down on the amount of waste that vacationers tend to accumulate? Many of them will advertise these measures on their websites to become familiar with them before you even arrive at your destination. 

Instead of booking a high-end hotel full of every amenity, try staying somewhere that guarantees a lighter carbon footprint. There are tons of “green” and “eco” hotels out there that try to balance comfortable and luxurious accommodations with sustainability.

Bring reusable bottles, containers, and bags.

Instead of using disposable trash bags to store your dirty laundry on a trip, use a reusable laundry storage bag. This will keep any worn and dirty clothes from contaminating your clean clothes, and you won’t have to waste a garbage bag and contribute to the landfills. 

Be sure to grab a reusable water bottle for your travels as well. It will be especially handy for while you’re traveling. And it’s not just to keep plastic out of landfills; over a lengthy trip, the cost of buying disposable water bottles every time you get thirsty can really add up! Bringing your own along saves you the trouble of repeat purchases and keeps trash cans a few ounces lighter. So, when you’re putting together a packing list, make sure you include a reusable water bottle – for both the environment and your wallet.

[Need some green ideas for road tripping- click here!]

Eat and drink locally.

Eat and drink locally to support the community or country that you’re visiting and consume food items that didn’t have to travel far before reaching your plate.

If meals come prepared with local ingredients, think about all the carbon that’s saved when putting together breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Limit energy use and conserve water

Long, steamy showers are the perfect way to scrub off a long day of travel. Still, travelers’ staggering amount of energy and water negatively impacts locals much more than most tourists realize. 

Ask your hotel about their water conservation approach and what you can do to minimize your impact; it should be much more than washing fewer towels.

Linens and things

Speaking of washing towels, you wouldn’t change your sheets and bath towels every day at home, so why do it on vacation? Request that your sheets and linens not be changed out every day to save on water and other resources expended during each load of laundry. 

Most hotels have a housekeeping system anyway, so it’s a simple matter of conveying your request in the right way.

Leave a place better than you found it.

Communities need travelers more than ever, so while you are traveling, make a goal to contribute to the community and leave it better than you found it. So, soak in as much of the local flavor as you possibly can! It is a great way to experience a new place and doing so can help cut down on the pollution and waste products in that region.

Some other things you can do include: 

  • Cleaning up after yourself and minimizing your impact.
  • Clean up after others. For example, if you go to the beach for the day, remove all your trash and make a vow to take away four to five extra pieces of litter that you find. 
  • Support local causes that interest you. We know it’s your vacation, but setting aside a half a day to do something good is amazing for the travelers’ soul. 
  • Donate what you don’t need.

There are many simple ways we can give the planet its own sort of vacation while you’re off sightseeing and exploring. Stay tuned to our blog for more eco-friendly and sustainable life tips! 

Why Recycling and Using Recycled Paper at the Office is so Important

There has been a lot of discussion about reducing our American workplaces’ footprint, but unfortunately, statistics show that U.S. companies continue to be huge contributors to environmental destruction. Pollution, climate change, waste in waterways, and deforestation are just some of the environmental degradation that comes from our corporations. Many of those contributions are in the form of discarded paper.
But why does saving trees matter, and why should American companies care? Let’s explore the many benefits of using recycled paper and how we can help our earth by initiating a paper recycling program at your office.
The benefits of recycling paper and using recycled paper.
When your office recycles and uses recycled paper, you help promote a more sustainable corporate climate and a healthier earth for decades to come. Among other benefits, recycling your paper and using recycled paper may:

  • Save forests and reduce environmental degradation.
  • Reduce landfill waste.
  • Reduce pollution.
  • Save energy.

Keep reading to find out how these can help your business and our environment!
Save forests and reduce environmental degradation. 
Recycling paper allows your used paper to be repurposed. This article from Small Biz Trends shows that paper products can typically be recycled into additional paper products seven times before the materials start to degrade. This highlights how recycling dramatically reduces the need for raw materials needed to make new paper products.
Many people think saving trees isn’t a huge concern since it’s always possible to plant more trees. However, not only is this a misconception, but healthy forest eco-systems are essential for preventing soil erosion, sustaining healthy waterways, and maintaining wildlife habits. Over-managing our forests disrupts these processes that are vital to our eco-system. Even when trees are replanted, it can take forests decades to recover.
Research shows that almost half of the trees cut down in the U.S. are headed for paper production. By utilizing recycled paper and recycling your office’s paper products, you can help reduce these numbers and maintain healthier forests.
Reduce landfill waste.
Our American landfills are growing every day. Because they are so full, they are taking up large parcels of land and destroying essential natural resources. Waste dumps are also significant emitters of methane gas, one of the primary gases proven to be responsible for climate change.
By using recycled paper and recycling our paper, we can help slow the rate at which our landfills are filling up and the number of greenhouse gases generated by them.
Reduce pollution
The paper production procedure is a crucial contributor to environmental pollution. While using recycled paper doesn’t completely reverse these effects, it does greatly diminish them. Recycling paper also limits the amount of pollution that ends up in our waterways.
Saves energy.
According to an article in the Printing News, the energy needed to produce paper from raw materials is almost double what it takes to make paper from recycled paper.
Supporting paper recycling results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the drain on energy resources.
[Need some tips on encouraging sustainability in the classroom? Click here!]
Recycling paper can save your business money!
On top of all the environmental benefits, recycling your paper and utilizing recycled paper can save your company a lot of money in the long run.

  • Investing in paper recycling may make your office eligible for tax credits.
  • Utilizing recycled paper can help your company gain approval among clients, who are demanding that brands take steps to limit their footprints.
  • Purchasing recycled paper drives up demand for these materials, which reduces the cost of recycling as the industry invests in the necessary infrastructure to meet demand.
  • Choosing sustainable options such as recycled paper will push down the cost of these goods. As resources grow scarcer, the price of paper goods will skyrocket. Investing in recycling now can help keep the cost of paper more reasonable over the long term.

How to set up a paper recycling program at your office. 
Now that you know all the recycling paper benefits, it’s time to put that new knowledge to good use by initiating an office paper recycling program. Here are a few tips to get started:

  • Designate an office “green team.”
  • Use a waste audit kit to determine the volume of your waste.
  • Research collection options.
  • Identify what to collect.
  • Select appropriate recycling bins.
  • Use images to so your team can quickly identify each bin.
  • Contact a professional recycling company like Carolina Fibre! At Carolina Fibre, we offer extensive recycling services, including paper, plastic, and aluminum recycling, and confidential shredding. Our confidential shredding service ensures your company is protected against identity theft and the divulgence of private information by complete destruction of company records. Once the information is shredded, we send a certificate of destruction for all materials destroyed.

Not only does investing in recycled paper provide your office with some immediate benefits, but it’s also simply the right thing to do when it comes to preserving the natural resources relied on by everyone.
By knowing the facts, engaging your team in a recycling program, and investing in recycled paper products, your company can help make our future healthier and more prosperous for us all.
With the services and facilities offered by Carolina Fibre, it’s easier than ever for businesses to jump on board with green efforts here in North Carolina. Contact us today if you’re ready to get started on your company’s commercial recycling plan!

6 Ridiculously Easy Ways to Help the Environment

Using expanding technology can make our lives easier, but it can also damage the environment. Much of our technology releases toxic greenhouse gasses and other emissions that are harmful to the planet, especially most transportation technology. Thankfully, as people become increasingly aware of our technology’s impact on the earth, we’ve used innovation to create new ways to minimize the negative impacts.
Even the average person can contribute to keeping our environment healthy and intact. Here are six extremely easy ways you can help keep the planet intact.

Volunteer.

If you want to take your environmental obligation to a new level, try sharing your passion with your community. Volunteering to help protect the environment has many benefits. In addition to helping our planet heal from human impact, volunteering provides an excellent avenue to meet like-minded people. There’s no better way to make friends than to meet people while working toward a common goal. Not sure where to volunteer?

Here are a few ideas that might help you choose organizations that positively impact the planet.

  • Local animal rescue organizations
  • Parks and Recreation programs
  • Volunteer matching websites

Plant a tree.

It’s been estimated that anywhere from 3.5 to 7 billion trees are cut down each day around the world. Isn’t that devastating? It seems that humans are cutting down more trees than new ones have a chance to grow.
You can help improve this problem by simply planting a new tree. Even planting a single tree can do so much good for nature and the environment. Trees help clean the air, filter water, absorb carbon, create shade, give birds shelter, and enrich the soil.

Not sure how to plant a tree? Here are a few tips:

  • Research what species thrives in your area
  • Plan a location that helps survival
  • Plant the tree during cooler seasons when soil is moist
  • Use supports for smaller trees until they’re bigger and stronger

Eat seasonally.

Eating produce during their proper season reduces the demand for out of season fruits and vegetables. Mega farms often use harmful practices that damage the earth in order to provide produce out of season, so keep this in mind. Watching what you eat from season to season reduces the impact of harmful chemicals because of decreased demand for that produce item. Additionally, it supports your local economy because it boosts business for local farmers who often provide cheaper and cleaner produce.

Save the bees.

Believe it or not, it takes more than soil, water, and sunshine to make the world green. According to an article published by The Penn State Extension, at least 30 percent of the world’s crops and 90 percent of all plants require cross-pollination to thrive. Bees are pollinating powerhouses, yet many bee species are declining in population due to rapid development, abandoned farms, and diminishing flowers. Some colonies collapse due to consuming plant or seed matter laced with pesticides.
You can help prevent further decline of the bee population in your area by planting more flowers that the bee population requires for survival. Do some research about the kinds of bees in your area as well as the types of plants they need most. Make sure to use only nonharmful fertilization and pesticide treatments on your plants.

Conserve energy.

All energy sources have some level of impact on our environment. Coal oil and natural gas cause more harm than renewable energy in many ways such as air and water pollution, damage to public health, wildlife loss, and much more.
Reducing your use of energy alone will not impact the environment much, but if you do it and encourage others to as well, that’s how a movement begins! Taking steps to reduce your energy consumption and spreading the word for others to do the same, will reduce the demand for harmful energy.

Recycle.

Recycling is such an easy thing to do, yet so many don’t bother to do it. Reusing materials and properly disposing of harmful ones is an essential step toward protecting our world. With dozens of recycling facilities and most cities offering recycle pickup, there are few available excuses for not recycling.
Before tossing your garbage in the nearest trashcan, take an extra second to look around for a recycling receptacle. Many cities have now provided recycling bins right next to public trashcans.
You can also shop with the environment in mind! Consider purchasing more used items throughout the year. Every new product you purchase leaves a footprint on the environment because making new products requires mineral mining and manufacturing plants that consume exorbitant amounts of energy. Practice doing a bit of thrifting when it makes sense for you.
Hopefully, these ideas will get you started on helping to heal our earth, but if you still have concerns about recycling and eco-friendly living in general, Carolina Fibre is here to help. Check out our blog for more tips or contact us today!
 

6 Ways to “Green” your Holiday

The holidays are a time for peace on Earth and goodwill toward men, but decorating your home with hundreds of energy-zapping twinkle lights and throwing away four garbage bags full of wrapping paper doesn’t really fit either category. According to the EPA Blog, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, American household waste increases by more than 25 percent. During the holiday season, we will throw away a million extra tons of garbage each week, including holiday wrapping and packaging. And we will use more electricity on holiday lights than some countries use in an entire year. Luckily, eco-conscious yuletide cheer is just as festive as some of the more traditional options. Here are six eco-friendly holiday tips to help you reduce your environmental footprint this holiday season.
Give smart.
There are many ways you can give smart this season. DIY gifts like handcrafted candles, a homemade blanket, or handmade beauty products can be as much fun to make and give as to receive. Or try arranging a secondhand-gift exchange. Part of the fun of thrift shopping is discovering hidden treasures that may be decades old, and changing it up with secondhand gifts is a fun way to shop that’s also good for the environment.
Decorate with nature.
Avoid buying cheap plastic items that fall apart easily and cannot be recycled. Using green plants and fresh flowers, fruits, pine cones, and evergreens for home decorating are clever and stylish ways to protect the environment. Natural holiday decor saves money and provides an organic beauty. Green holiday decorating ideas are simple and classic, plus they create more time to enjoy the festive season and relax with family and friends.
DIY the decor.
Not only can you bring the outside in to help green up your holiday, you can find other ways to decorate while being kind to the earth. Pledge to trim your tree with only homemade decorations. Create popcorn and cranberry garland, make salt dough ornaments, and top it with a paper plate angel. Upcycle old sweaters to make pillows, stockings, or even mini Christmas trees. Decorate your mantels with paper trees, and ceilings with paper snowflakes. You can turn your home into a winter wonderland with little money and a lot of creativeness.
Use energy-saving lights.
LED Christmas lights are an easy swap to make that save more than 95 percent of energy over time, according to Eartheasy.com. As an added bonus, LEDs release little heat, and they last about 200,000 hours. In the unlikely event that one does burn out, the rest of the lights keep on glowing. Also, go for mini lights instead of larger lights, and shut them off when you go to bed, nobody is appreciating lights at two in the morning. While LED lights may be a little bit more expensive initially because they use less energy you can recoup the cost on your monthly bill.
Make your wrapping paper.
Making your gift wrap is a chance not only to save money but help the environment by recycling or repurposing products. You could use altered versions of newspaper, paper grocery bags, old magazines, comic books, freezer paper or even leftover gift wrap in a creative way that is eco-friendly and less wasteful.
Recycle your tree.
One of our favorite Christmas traditions is the tree. From picking it out to bringing it home, to decorating it, the Christmas tree never fails to bring a smile to our faces. No matter how much we love our tree, however, there comes a time to bid it goodbye. Instead of dragging your tree to the curb and sending it to the landfill, there are many ways to give your tree a second life by recycling it. You can compost it, donate it to a local farm (goats love them!), take it to an oceanside town to help rebuild dunes, or even get creative and make your mulch or build a bird sanctuary.
Make this holiday season one to remember by creating new traditions with your loved ones, saving the planet, and having a blast by bringing these earth savvy and festive projects to life!

Halloween Recycling Tips

From decorations to treats to costumes, Halloween comes with a lot of “stuff,” which makes it a scary time for recycling facilities. Many of the items kids accumulate at parties or what we use as decor isn’t recyclable, yet it still ends up in the recycling container. It can be a real nightmare, so Carolina Fibre is here with some Halloween recycling tips to help save you from becoming a recycling horror story.
Costumes
Making your own costume from recycled finds is definitely the most environmentally-friendly way to go, and there are tons of recycled costume ideas out there. Keep in mind that once the holiday is over, fabric costumes and latex masks can be reused, but not recycled. You can always save the costume and repurpose it, or use as a dress-up costume that the kids can play with year-round. If your costume is in good shape after Halloween, you can also donate it. If your costume got stained or is in tatters after the holiday, reuse it next year as the zombie version of whatever it was this year. When it comes to makeup, you might think you’re out of luck, but you can actually recycle a lot of makeup containers. Check what number plastic they’re made from and if your city’s recycling program accepts it, clean out the container, and recycle away!
Treats
Bad news – those hundreds of candy wrappers your family will collect this holiday aren’t recyclable. Candy wrappers may feel like plastic, but they’re considered a mixed material, which makes for a nightmare at the recycling center. Some treats do come in recyclable containers, like those made from paperboard. So if you get stuck with a random box of raisins in your loot, you can toss the box in your recycling container.
Decorations
Halloween decorations, like plastic bunting, paper spiders, and centerpieces are often recyclable. But plastic is a little bit trickier, so your best bet is to check the packaging. Since these decorations can use so many combinations of materials, it’s hard to definitively say what is and isn’t recyclable. Like with makeup containers, you just need to find out what number plastic they are and see if your city recycling service accepts it. Lighting is a completely different ghost story. Strings of lights will haunt your local recycling facility by getting tangled in the sorting equipment, so don’t put these items in your bin. However, there are mail-in recycling programs available.
Pumpkins
Once the holiday is over, the easiest Halloween decorations to recycle is your pumpkins. As long as you didn’t paint on them, you can toss these into the compost pile when Halloween is over. Or, look into donating your uncarved pumpkins to a local farm – pigs love pumpkins! If they haven’t started to mold, you can even cook with them.
Though people have the best intentions, they aren’t always recycling the right items. In fact, studies show that more than a quarter of the material collected in bins was not recyclable. But by following a few simple guidelines, we can all be better recyclers no matter the season. Know what to throw away and what to recycle. Make sure items are empty, clean and dry, and keep recyclables loose – never in bags or containers. Are there any Halloween recycling tips we missed? If so let us know on our Facebook page. And if you have any questions about recycling, contact us today!

What are Zero Waste Communities and How Can You Create One Where You Live?

The concept of zero waste suggests that there are realistic ways to streamline how materials move through our world. However, building an ecological future in a zero waste community is bigger than a single idea. It’s more than just changing individual behaviors, and it’s greater than just a few people deciding to compost or recycle. Becoming a zero waste community means altering our lifestyles and adjusting how we create, consume and dispose of our society’s boundless amounts stuff. The zero waste lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but we all benefit when we create less trash and cut back on waste.
So now that we know what a zero waste community is, how do you foster one? Here are six ideas for starting a zero waste community where you live.
Be passionate.
Establish why you are doing this and make sure it’s something you can realistically stick with. Get specific with your “why” so you can remind yourself of it on a daily basis – not only to keep yourself motivated, but others around you as well. If you are passionate and educated about zero waste and its importance to our world, then you can educate and inspire the people in your community to take a stand with you. Remember you are trying to make an impact on a larger scale, so the more people you can spread the zero waste message to, the better!
Host a workshop.
Have you fully immersed yourself in the world of zero waste? Are you completely educated, motivated and passionate? If feel you’ve become a master at the basics, it’s time to host a zero waste workshop in your community. Look for a good venue, search for a local business with the same values that would be interested in co-hosting, choose an interesting topic (people love anything DIY), and make sure you’re prepared.
Reach out to local businesses.
Is there a restaurant you avoid because it uses plastic straws or Styrofoam containers? Maybe your dentist office uses countless amounts of paper for patient forms or mailings? It’s time to reach out and educate them about zero waste. Start by sending an email. Keep your communication as short and to the point as possible, and include potential solutions. Be sure to keep your letter positive and friendly.
Create a community garden.
Community gardens are springing up all over the place, from urban farms to neighborhood plots. They are exactly what the name implies: a piece of land gardened by a community. A community garden can educate people about the importance and value of food, not to mention beautify your community and create a strong bond within your neighborhood. While this will be no easy task, the return on your investment is worth it. If you want to create a garden in your community, start by measuring interest, holding a meeting, and researching potential land options. Find out what will grow well in your community with the amount of rainfall it gets and the type of soil it offers.
Organize a neighborhood cleanup.
Organizing a neighborhood cleanup is a great way to promote the zero waste lifestyle while also making your neighborhood a better place to live. However, for a community cleanup to be successful, it must be well-planned. From picking the right project to recruiting enough volunteers, putting together an effective event takes effort. But don’t be intimated by this; nothing with zero waste is simple, but it is always worth it.  Start by choosing the area of focus for your neighborhood cleanup carefully. The right project is one that fixes a current problem and inspires others to get involved. Some community cleanup project ideas are trash collection, flower planting, beach cleanup, and beautification projects.
Volunteer to host a food drive.
Food waste is a huge issue. Volunteering at a local food pantry or soup kitchen will make a positive difference. It’s a great way to give back to your community, and also take small steps towards eliminating food waste.
Through community-driven zero waste actions, we can directly and positively impact our environment. Once you’ve got a zero waste group going that you’re proud of, you can utilize it to promote a lot of quality change in your community. Together you can organize events, get a booth at a festival, or get political and ask your local government to make a change. The possibilities are limitless!

How to Go – And Stay – Green During Your Next Vacation

The salty spray of ocean waves, open roads, the wind in your hair: summer vacation season is fast approaching!
If, like the Carolina Fibre team, you live in a state that makes traveling to various landscapes an easy feat, then you might only be planning on a brief road trip or two this season. But maybe you’ve decided to take a longer excursion that will keep you away from home for a while. Extended vacation time is great, but it can also make it seem more acceptable to let those green habits slide while you’re on that well-deserved break. Check out a few tips to help you stay on top of your green game even during your globe-trotting adventures!
Reusable water bottles
While we highly recommend having one of these on hand at home or work anyway, a reusable water bottle is especially handy for while you’re on the road (or in the air). And it’s not just to keep plastic out of landfills; over a lengthy trip, the cost of buying disposable water bottles every time you get thirsty can really add up! Bringing your own along saves you the trouble of repeat purchases, and keeps trash cans a few ounces of plastic lighter. So when you’re putting together a packing list, make sure you include a reusable water bottle – for both the environment’s sake, and your wallet’s.
Non-stop flights
Filling your car with fuel is one thing, but have you ever stopped to think about how much a plane uses just to get itself off the ground? By booking a non-stop flight, you can help conserve some of that valuable fuel! Just as it happens with cars, taking off and landing takes more energy than cruising along at high altitudes does. So, when you take a direct, non-stop flight instead of hopping onto multiple planes that have to start and stop, you’re actually helping to ensure that the minimal amount of fuel is being used for the duration of your trip. Plus, who doesn’t want to avoid layovers and the stress of making connecting flights?
Sustainable accommodations
Did you know that many hotels have adopted green policies to help cut down on the amount of waste that vacationers tend to accumulate? In fact, many of them will advertise these measures on their websites, so you can become familiar with them before you even arrive at your destination. When you’re looking into where you’d like to stay, keep an eye out for hotels and other accommodations that mention eco-friendly renovations they’ve recently completed, energy-saving methods, even sustainable products they like to use on-property.
Local products
While you’re away, we recommend soaking in as much of the local flavor as you possibly can! Not only is it a great way to experience a new place, but doing so can help cut down on the pollution and waste production in that region. It’s the same thing as being locally-centric when you’re at home; shopping and eating local products creates less demand for things that have to be driven or flown in, fewer instances of tossing materials like plastic from large manufacturers into trash cans instead of recycling bins.
Linens and things
You wouldn’t change your sheets and bath towels every day at home, so why do it on vacation? Request that your sheets and linens not be changed out every day to save on water and other resources expended during each load of laundry. Most hotels have some sort of system for housekeeping anyway, so it’s a simple matter of conveying your request in the right way.
There are tons of easy ways to give the planet its own sort of vacation while you’re off sightseeing and exploring new places. Stay tuned to our blog for more tips, and safe travels this summer!

How to Green Your Super Bowl Party


This weekend, your television will probably be on, waiting for the kick-off and those famous commercials that even the non-fanatics look forward to watching every Super Bowl Sunday. You and your fellow spectators will break out the nachos, the hot wings, and the craft beer to snack on while you root for your favorite team.
In all of this excitement, the last thing that’s likely to be on your mind is how sustainable your party is! But there are plenty of ways you can plan a green event, and still ensure a great game day for you and your guests – no matter which team takes home the winning score.
Starting line-up
No matter what eats you decide to lay out on the table for everyone to nibble on during the game, there are always some local options to consider. If you want to put out a sustainable spread, hit up your neighborhood farmer’s markets and shops for the best variety you can find – extra points if it your items come in recyclable packaging! When you buy snacks and finger foods with this in mind, you’re actually helping to cut down on all the carbon emissions that would have been released into the atmosphere to transport those other selections over farther distances.
Defense
It seems so simple to just pick up some Styrofoam plates and cups for your Super Bowl shindig, but sometimes those disposable options aren’t the eco-friendliest ones on the shelf. When you’re stocking up, make sure you check the packaging for indications that your choices are recyclable. Not only will it save you time cleaning up, but you’ll be doing the planet a huge favor!
And there are two game day strategies to reducing your household’s waste; if you feel industrious enough to break out your cookware, we recommend using those same dishes for serving and storing wherever possible. Nothing says “touchdown” like not having to do the dishes right after the main event, right?
Game-winning plays
If you don’t have some sort of system in place at home already, you’ll definitely want to set up a recycling station for everyone to use that day. Even if all of your dishes and utensils are eco-friendly, you can bet that if some of them will end up in the general trash can rather than your recycling if you don’t have a clearly identified receptacle. Before anyone shows up for pre-game festivities, we suggest putting one front-and-center in your kitchen. Or, if you have a great program near your home, you might as well line up your separate bins and make it easier to keep materials in their proper place before your next pick-up.
Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just in it for the fun, your game day party is perfect for reintegrating (or reinforcing) a solid recycling and sustainability plan in the home. For more tips to help you keep that momentum going throughout the year, stay tuned to Carolina Fibre’s blog. Or, follow us on Facebook and tell us all about how you make your environment a little greener each day!

Green Apps for Everyday Use: Apartment or Condo Living

Living in an apartment or a condo is a great way to immerse yourself in an urban neighborhood, or even to cut costs when you move in with a friend. But communal living styles also have their drawbacks; including sometimes turning a blind eye to your neighbor’s poor recycling habits.
But no matter where you live, there are always more methods for making your environment a little greener. Some residences may seem easier to manage than others, but the technological age has given us all an extra set of eyes to keep track of our in-home habits. So while you may have just moved into that apartment complex or condo community, it’s not too soon to jump on improving your sustainable routine!
As a commercial recycling company in the Greensboro area, Carolina Fibre doesn’t directly work with homes and families to cut down the impact they have on sustainability in their neighborhoods. But to help get you started on the right track, the staff has done a little research to find one of the most comprehensive green apps we’ve seen so far. By implementing this program in your home, you can begin monitoring your own carbon footprint and discover new ways to change your lifestyle, step by step.
Oroeco
With personalized tips that can help you save money on your daily purchases and reduce your carbon footprint, Oroeco is a stellar example of an app designed for green living. This particular program breaks it down by your habits, from what you use on a regular basis – including water and other resources – to the things that you buy and how they’re disposed of when you’re done with them – like clothes or processed foods.
You can even use the app to connect with others who are trying to live a healthier, eco-friendlier lifestyle. By registering in your area, you and your friends and neighbors can compare your impacts and even compete with one another for the title of Climate Champion!
As it learns about your habits and purchasing proclivities, Oroeco begins to build a profile for you, as well as provide you with an analysis of what areas of your daily life are leaving the greatest imprint on the planet. It then compiles suggestions and alternatives for how you could minimally change your typical spending patterns or activities to make better use of natural resources as well as spend smarter no matter where you shop.
While it may sound a bit invasive to report minor details of your personal life – such as how often you did your laundry or what sort of snacks you bought during your last grocery run – to an app that can compare your habits to those of other users in your area, Oroeco is also an effective way to let someone else plan ahead for you. By allowing the app an insider’s look at the way you live, you and your roommates or neighbors can get a head start on your New Year’s resolution to live more sustainably.
Need more tips for everyday recycling? Stay tuned to Carolina Fibre’s blog, where we outline everything from holiday-themed projects to news in the recycling industry.