Holiday Waste Reduction Tips from the Wisconsin DNR
As the holiday season approaches, many families are busy preparing for festive gatherings, gift-giving, and merrymaking. However, amidst the excitement, it’s essential to remember the environmental impact of our actions. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers valuable tips to help families reduce waste and save money during the holiday season.
Reducing Paper Waste
Items that can be recycled in Wisconsin include:
- Plastic bottles and jugs
- Glass bottles and jars
- Paper and cardboard
- Metal cans
- Electronics
- Batteries
- Tires
- Textiles
- Hazardous waste
What Can Be Recycled in Wisconsin? Wisconsin residents can recycle a wide variety of items, making it one of the most environmentally friendly states in the country. From plastic bottles and glass jars to paper and cardboard, the options are endless. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of items that can be recycled in Wisconsin and provide guidance on how to get started. ### Types of Items That Can Be Recycled
How to Get Started
To start recycling in Wisconsin, residents need to know what items can be recycled in their area. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides a comprehensive list of items that can be recycled, which can be found on their website. Additionally, many municipalities and recycling centers offer curbside pickup or drop-off locations for recyclables.
Benefits of Recycling
Recycling has numerous benefits for the environment and the community.
However, some programs may not accept wrapping paper with certain types of ink or dyes.
Understanding the Recycling Process
When it comes to recycling wrapping paper, it’s essential to understand the recycling process. Wrapping paper is typically made from a combination of paper pulp, water, and additives. The pulp is then formed into a sheet, dried, and treated with chemicals to give it the desired texture and appearance. This process can make the paper difficult to recycle.
What Can Be Recycled? Wrapping paper that is torn and doesn’t have any glitter, foil, ribbons, or other adornments can be recycled. Some programs may accept wrapping paper with certain types of ink or dyes, but it’s best to check with the local recycling program before recycling. Wrapping paper that is coated with a wax or plastic coating can be difficult to recycle. ## Challenges in Recycling Wrapping Paper
Don’t Toss It, Recycle It!
Items to Avoid in Curbside Recycling Bins
- Holiday decorations, such as wreaths, garlands, and ornaments
- Plastic wrap and bags
- Styrofoam
- Bubble wrap
- Cardboard tubes from paper towel rolls
- Corrugated cardboard boxes
- Plastic containers, such as yogurt or margarine tubs
- Styrofoam cups and plates
- Newspaper and cardboard inserts from magazines
- Difficulty in identification: Workers rely on visual inspection to identify the type of material, but bags can obscure the contents, making it hard to determine what’s inside. Contamination risk: If the bag contains non-recyclable materials, it can contaminate the entire batch, rendering it unusable.
The Hidden Dangers of Everyday Items
Rechargeable batteries, tissue paper, and collection trucks are just a few examples of everyday items that pose hidden dangers to our environment and health. These seemingly harmless objects can have devastating consequences when not handled or disposed of properly.
The Fire Hazard of Rechargeable Batteries
Rechargeable batteries, in particular, are a significant concern. When not disposed of correctly, they can cause fires in collection trucks and facilities. This is because many electronics contain hazardous materials, such as lithium and nickel, which can ignite when exposed to heat or sparks. The risk of fire is further exacerbated by the fact that rechargeable batteries are designed to be reused multiple times, increasing the likelihood of a malfunction. Some common causes of fires in collection trucks include: + Overcharging or over-discharging batteries + Improper storage or handling of batteries + Electrical shorts or sparks + Exposure to high temperatures or flames
The Environmental Impact of Tissue Paper
Tissue paper, on the other hand, is a seemingly innocuous item that poses a significant environmental threat. The problem lies in its short lifespan and inability to be recycled and reused again.
The staggering amount of food waste is not limited to Thanksgiving, however. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average American generates about 200 pounds of food waste per year.
The Problem of Food Waste
Food waste is a significant issue in the United States, with far-reaching consequences for the environment, economy, and public health. The sheer scale of the problem is staggering, with an estimated 40% of the food produced in the U.S.
Infant formula is regulated by the FDA and must meet specific standards for safety and nutritional content.
Understanding the Importance of Food Quality
Food quality is a critical aspect of ensuring public health and safety. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) emphasizes the importance of examining foods to determine if they meet quality standards. This involves checking for visible signs of spoilage, such as mold, slime, or an off smell. However, not all foods are created equal, and some may appear normal but still pose a risk to consumers.
The Role of Date Labels
Date labels are often used to indicate the freshness of a product, but they are not regulated by federal law. This means that manufacturers can use arbitrary dates to label their products, which may not necessarily reflect the actual quality or safety of the food. In fact, some products may be several months or even years old but still be labeled as “fresh” or “new.”
- Key points to consider when evaluating date labels:
+ Date labels do not indicate food safety. + Infant formula is an exception, regulated by the FDA. + Manufacturers can use arbitrary dates to label products.
The Risks of Consuming Spoiled Food
Consuming spoiled food can have serious health consequences, including food poisoning, allergic reactions, and even life-threatening illnesses. Spoiled food can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can cause illness. In addition, spoiled food may also contain toxins, such as aflatoxins, which can be carcinogenic. Signs of spoiled food: + Visible mold or slime. + Off smell or taste. + Slimy or sticky texture.
Planning and Preparation
Before you start shopping, take some time to plan your meals and make a grocery list. This will help you avoid buying unnecessary items and reduce food waste. Consider the number of people you’ll be hosting and the type of meals you’ll be serving. Make a list of the ingredients you’ll need and stick to it. Consider the dietary restrictions and preferences of your guests
- Plan for leftovers and meal prep
- Make a list of the ingredients you already have at home
Organizing Your Fridge
Once you have your list, it’s time to organize your fridge.
Frozen eggs can be used in cooking and baking. Frozen eggs can be used in recipes that require eggs, such as omelets, cakes, and cookies.
What Happens to Items in Curbside Recycling Bins
When items are collected and sorted, they are typically sent to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). At the MRF, the materials are separated and processed into raw materials that can be used to make new products. However, not all materials can be recycled, and some may be contaminated.
Sorting through uncertainty, bagged recyclables pose significant challenges for workers and facilities.
The Challenges of Bagged Recyclables
The use of bagged recyclables has become a contentious issue in the recycling industry. While it may seem convenient to bag recyclables, it poses significant challenges for workers and facilities. The main problem is that workers can’t be sure what’s inside the bag, making it difficult to sort and process the materials.