We Asked: What does Earth Day mean to you?

April 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Over the past week or so, we have been asking our staff, customers, vendors, and friends – “What does Earth Day mean to you?” From planting trees to stepping up our recycling efforts, each of us can do our part to keep Mother Earth healthy and clean.

 

What does Earth Day mean to you? Here is what you told us:

 

“Every year on Earth Day I always plant a tree! And the last few years I dig in walnuts that fell from trees last year out at our farm!”
Chris Cremer, Vice President of Operations at Harmony EnterprisesEarth Day Ideas

 

“It’s a reminder that no matter how much we #reduce, #reuse and #recycle we can always do more and it takes very little effort.”
PA Resources Council via Twitter @prclitterbug

 

“Earth day is like a birthday for earth to me. It’s a day to remember to take care of our natural resources and help strengthen our resolve to reduce, reuse and recycle.”
Scott Pugh, Director of Operations for Sparrer Organization (Read their Case Study here)

 

“Earth day is a day for all of us to remember the environment in our busy lives. A day that reminds us to continue to do the little things that help our environment. Things like turning off the lights, the conservation of energy, plant trees, recycle, reduce, and reuse.”
Ramon Hernandez, Customer Service Manager at Harmony Enterprises

 

“Our philosophy at ROUND2 is that Earth Day should not be limited to a single day each year but utilized as a national forum to educate and connect with our neighbors and friends to demonstrate the importance of being a responsible citizen. Earth Day isn’t just about batteries or electronics or plastic bottles, it’s about caring for our planet and being stewards of the environment.”
ROUND2 Inc via Twitter @ROUND2 (Read their Case Study here)

 

“Earth Day means keep the earth clean and keep the air clean.  If you litter, pick up the litter. The earth is like our house.”
Gage Anderson, First Grader

 

“#earthday means appreciating/preserving our #environment by #recycling #composting & living #green to #MakeADifference :)
Wasteless Wednesday via Twitter @WastelessWed

 

“I have planted thousands of trees over the last 20 years on Earth day with my family. That’s how I give back to the environment. Everyone needs to give back to the earth to protect our wildlife!”
Larry Nolan, Assembler at Harmony Enterprises

 

“Earth Day for us in the antique/junk business is all about re-purpose, resell & reuse!”
Old Crow Antiques in Canton, MN via Twitter @OldCrowAntiques 

 

“To me, #EarthDay means a day to make as little impact on the planet as possible. The less we do, the more we celebrate.”
Alex Eaves, Reuse Pro & Environmentalist via Twitter @alexeaves

 

“Earth day is a day that reminds us to think about where we live and how to protect it for generations to come. We need to recycle our waste rather than bury it in landfills!”
Lana Soppa, Office Manager at Harmony Enterprises

 

“Earth Day at Werner is a time to reflect on and renew our commitment to clean energy. We are training our internal customers to be aware of the need to recycle whenever possible and to work toward implementing renewable energy solutions to reduce our carbon footprint and to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel sources. We have committed to a Solar PV system on our main corporate facility along with a wind turbine to significantly reduce our overall energy use. We will continue, under the direction of our internal ‘Green Team’, to identify recycling opportunities and implement energy saving initiatives throughout all of our facilities company wide.”
Randy Moberg, Energy Services & Solutions Manager at Werner Electric via Twitter @WernerElectric

 

What does Earth Day mean to YOU?  Please let us know in the comments below!

 

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How to Recycle e-Waste

April 5, 2012 By 1 Comment

In today’s techno-savvy world, many of us are using electronic devices for just a few years, before replacing with something faster or more advanced. Electronic waste (also known as e-waste or e-scrap) can be described as discarded, obsolete, or broken electronics that use either electricity or battery power to run. E-waste is reported to be growing at a rate three times that of of other municipal waste!

recycle electronic waste

Our lifestyle today includes daily use of electronics of some sort: cell phones, computers, radios, camera, TV’s, and so on. But as new products hit the market, we need to ensure that outdated electronics are discarded properly. Disposing of e-waste properly is important, not only because of the growing amount of e-waste in the landfills, but also because improper disposal can be a dangerous health issue.

 

Before disposing of your electronics, consider:

Donating First

Remember, “old” to you, could be “new” to someone else! It may not be obsolete yet. A school, non-profit organization, or family member may have a need for the technology. Here are 5 charities for donating your consumer electronics, and information about preparing your unwanted electronics for donation.

Recycling
Consumers have many options for recycling their devices through manufacturers or retailers (for instance Apple offers a gift card in exchange for recycling some devices). On a large scale, electronic devices have many useful materials such as glass, copper, aluminum, plastic, and other components that can be re-used. Some recyclers, like ROUND2, de-manufacture computers and other electronic waste for their customers, so they can recycle the materials for reuse and value recovery (read the ROUND2 case study here).

Supporting Green Business
A greater number of companies are becoming aware of their environmental impact and are taking extra efforts to provide greener products. Do your research and support the companies who are doing earth-friendly business. Greenpeace has been ranking the largest electronics manufacturing companies here on the Guide to Greener Electronics.

Obviously, recycling old and outdated electronics makes environmental sense because it keeps waste out of the landfills. For companies who have a large amount of end-of-life electronics, recycling e-waste also makes economic sense because they can earn revenue back on the recyclable materials. Even consumers can benefit economically from donating or recycling their electronics, through trade-in programs or tax write-offs for donations.

Now, what electronics can you donate or recycle? 

Photo Credit: Steve Worsethandetroit

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What’s in Your Trash? Infographic

March 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Most of us probably think that we do a pretty good job recycling. Your family recycles their household waste like cardboard, plastics, or aluminim on a small scale, at home. Maybe your company uses compactors or balers to condense trash and recyclables into manageable bales.  Whatever you are doing, every effort counts.  But there is always more we can do.

The infographic below shows that in 2010, Americans generated over 250 billion tons of garbage. One-third of our garbage is being recycled, but that still means over 150 billion tons of garbage ends up in our landfills.

Landfill Waste Versus Recycling

  • Out of the 70 million tons of paper discarded in 2010, 62.5% was recycled
  • Out of the 31 million tons of plastic discarded in 2010, less then 8% was recycled
  • Out of the 22.4 million tons of metals discarded in 2010, nearly 30% was recycled
  • Out of the 13 million tons of textiles discarded in 2010, 15% was recycled [Read more...]

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Clean, Dry and Baled – Cardboard Recycling

February 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Cardboard is used frequently in our day-to-day lives for packaging and shipping. In fact, cardboard is used to ship 90% of all products in the United States. Cardboard is made of biodegradable materials, making it easy to recycle into more paper products, including new cardboard or paperboard.

Whether you are recycling cardboard at your home, office, facility, or store, there are both environmental and economic benefits.  For instance, larger facilities who use a vertical baler to compact their cardboard, significantly reduce the expense of paying a garbage hauler to take it away. For some countries who do not have sustainable wood resources, recycling corrugated cardboard can help them build a local paper and packaging industry.

There are 2 Main Types of Cardboard:

recycle cardboard boxes1) Corrugated Cardboard is often used in shipping boxes and is more durable. In a commercial setting, old corrugated cardboard (OCC) can be compressed and baled for easy transportation to the recycling center.

2) Paperboard is usually thinner with a coated or glossy appearance that used for items such as cereal boxes, beverage boxes, or shoe boxes. Check with your recycling center to see if the paperboard should be separated from the other types of paper and cardboard.

Recycling Cardboard is Easy:

1) Cardboard must be clean (no oil or grease contamination i.e. pizza boxes).

2) Cardboard must be dry (water makes it non-recyclable).

3) Cardboard boxes must be flattened or baled.

With most of cardboard waste coming form big companies such as grocery stores and department stores, it is apparent that cardboard recycling needs to be done at sources other than just the home. Leaders such as Fareway Stores and the Renault Car Factory have set the standards high by installing balers for their cardboard recycling, other companies and communities who have not started a cardboard recycling program should follow suit. Progressive recycling centers such as the one in Winneshiek County has seen the impact of what a small community can do with a “green” recycling state of mind.

Are you considering taking control of the cardboard waste at your company?
Harmony Enterprises can help you find a cardboard compactor or baler solution.
Read more baling cardboard or contact us at 800-658-2320.

Cardboard Stats Source: Earth911 on Cardboard Recycling  and Recycling Infographic

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Recycling Facts & Statistics Infographic

February 2, 2012 By 1 Comment

The infographic below shows some fun facts about recycling aluminum, paper, plastic, and glass and what states are leading the way in their green efforts. The recycling facts and statistics that stand out the most:

  • There has been an approximate 100% Increase in total recycling in the US in the past decade.
  • The U.S. has the most pounds of trash per person per day (4.6 lbs of trash per person, 1.5 lbs of recycled materials per person)
  • Aluminum can be recycled forever with NO loss of quality (good thing since we use over 80,000,000,000 aluminum cans each year)
  • Americans use 2,500,000 plastic bottles, most of which are thrown away.  In landfills, where plastic bottles are shielded from sunlight, they will not decompose for thousands of years.
  • The energy saved by recycling one glass bottle would run a computer for 30 minutes.
  • Recycling 1 ton of mixed paper saves the energy equivalent of 185 gallons on gasoline.
  • Every year, Americans use 1 billion shopping bags, creating 300,000 tons of landfill waste.
  • The greenest states are Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Nevada, Hawaii, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Colorado [Read more...]

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Fueled by the Sun – Solar Power

January 19, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Most people are trying to do their part to make the earth a greener place through reducing, reusing and recycling, and maybe even riding bike to work instead of driving. But, we can also make it a little more yellow- sunny yellow, with solar power. Many home owners and green businesses are using solar power as an alternative energy for convenience and to save money.

There are two main types of solar power usage:

Stand-Alone Solar Powered Devices
Chances are you have been using solar power with devices such as a solar powered calculator or solar panel solar powered landscape lights. Newer solar power products on the market today include solar cell phone and laptop chargers, security cameras, watches, speaker systems and all kinds of outdoor & indoor lighting. Many of these products, like the solar lights, accumulate power on batteries to be able to function while the sun is down. Soon, you may even see some waste compactors that are solar powered.

Grid-Tied Solar Powered Systems
Solar Power that is tied to the building’s electricity can be used in both remote locations or urban areas. [Read more...]

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8 Green New Years Resolutions that Align with Mother Earth

January 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

A start of a new year is the perfect time to assess your goals as they relate to Mother Earth.  Is what you are aiming to achieve this year going to do a small part in creating a greener earth for future generations?

8 Earth-Friendly New Years Resolutions

1. Recycle More
Beyond the obvious recycling of aluminum, cardboard, paper, plastic, and so on – what items around your home or facility can be re-purposed or given to someone else who can use them instead of putting them in the trash? Think simply, but creatively (i.e. composting, art projects, etc) and you may find the perfect fit! Try to reduce the amount of trash you throw out.

2. Buy (or Grow) Natural Foods
Eat more seasonal fruits, vegetables and whole grains, preferably locally grown when you can.  Avoid the “boxed” processed foods and lean towards foods that come from the earth. Local organic foods will be free of pesticides and also don’t take so much energy to get to you.

3. Use the Re-Usable Shopping Bagsrecycling green new years resolutions
In order for the reusable shopping bags to do any good, they have to be used!  Find a way to remember to bring the earth-friendly bags with you to the store (keep them by the door or in your car) and reduce the number of plastic bags that you waste.

4. Think Local
Doing business locally not only helps our local economy to bloom, but also reduces the carbon footprint we are making on Mother Earth.  Lessening your commute can save money, as well as provide more opportunities for walking or biking and getting in touch with the outdoors. [Read more...]

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10 Ideas to Recycle & Minimize Waste this Christmas Season

December 14, 2011 By 1 Comment

With Christmas near, it is inevitable that there will be an abundance of garbage bags full of wrapping paper and packaging in the days towards the end of December. There are numerous ways to reduce and re-use during this holiday season with some thoughtful planning and creative thinking. ‘Tis the season where more material is thrown away than any other time of year, so let’s all be more resourceful by re-using and recycling this Christmas!

Christmas Cards and Decorations

1.  Christmas Cards: Send your Christmas cards via email (E-card), buy cards made of eco-friendly stock, or use a holiday photo card which may be used as a keepsake instead of thrown away. If you get a lot of Christmas cards in the mail, use them the next year for kids’ Christmas activities or crafts such as homemade gift tags.

2.  Holiday Decorations: Before throwing out old Christmas decorations, consider if someone else may appreciate them. Donate them to a thrift store like the Salvation Army or other organizations if they are in acceptable condition. Even old Christmas lights are readily accepted for recycling or trade-in now in exchange for the more energy efficient LED lights.

3.  Christmas Trees: Don’t throw away your natural Christmas tree. Most areas have some Christmas tree recycling options such as curbside recycling, non-proft pickups, or other creative ways to re-use Christmas trees such as mulching programs, soil erosion barriers, and bird feeders.

Green Gift Giving & ShoppingRecycled wrapping paper

4.  Re-Usable Shopping Bags: Just like any time of year, utilize re-usable shopping bags to reduce the number of plastic bags that are thrown in the trash later.

5.  Gift certificates: Gift cards are a great way to minimize waste and drive down your transportation footprint by keeping business local. [Read more...]

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How to Drive Down your Transportation Footprint

December 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Unless you live, work and play in a bustling metropolis like New York City or the bike-loving city of Amsterdam, you probably depend on a car for most of your transportation.  As we all know, driving and flying contribute to the release of carbon dioxide in the air and global warming. There is a lot that each of us can do to change our transportation habits, that does not take a huge commitment or selling your car.

6 Transportation Habits that make a Difference:

1.      Carpool: You may need to adjust your schedule slightly to match a co-worker’s, but if you can be flexible with your schedule, it will mean one less car on the road.

Added benefit: Save gas money and catch up with a friend.ride bike instead of driving

2.      Walk or Ride your Bike: Remember how fun riding bike was when you were a kid? Try riding your bike or walking to the grocery store instead of always hopping in your car.

Added benefit: Get some exercise and some exhilarating fresh air!

3.      Take the Bus or Train: Depending on where you are, taking the bus or subway instead of driving your own vehicle may be a viable option for you.

Added benefit: Catch up on your reading, check your email, or even put your make-up on! [Read more...]

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4 Ways to Reduce the Waste of Plastic Bags

November 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Whether you are in New York City or rural Minnesota, it is not uncommon to see plastic bags in places they don’t belong – stuck in trees, blowing around parks, or even lying in our beaches and lakes.

There are many solutions to help re-use and reduce waste, not just as corporations and businesses, recycle plastic bagsbut also as individuals, families and schools.  When a person makes an everyday purchases in a grocery or retail store, they often walk out of the store with one or more plastic bags in hand.  Whether you leave the store with a plastic bag, and what you do with it later, is what makes the difference. As a solution provider for balers, compactors, packers, and other solid waste equipment, Harmony Enterprises also wants to offer consumers simple solutions to their everyday waste challenges. [Read more...]

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