Before you toss it in the trash or recycling bin, think to yourself, "can this be art?" If the answer is yes, bring it to school! The teachers have been encouraging the children to think of new ways to use old items in art projects. Here are just a few examples of things to donate: glass jars, corks, egg cartons, old cards and wrapping paper, newspaper, buttons, ribbon, fabric, screws, washers, etc. One person's trash becomes another's artistic treasure. Now you can be on the lookout for recycled art materials and enjoy the masterpieces your little ones create!
What do you do with the styrofoam (bottom of boat)? I always assumed it was a lost cause.
ReplyDeleteGreat question! SF doesn't recycle styrofoam, but it actually is recyclable and then reusable in many products. Wal-Mart even has their own internal recycling to turn it into picture frames. Here is what you can do with EPS (technical name for styrofoam is Expanded Polystyrene):
ReplyDelete1. Reuse it in potted plants (whole peanuts or crush large pieces into granules) as an aerator and to help with drainage. Be sure to do the crushing in a utility area, as it is a messy process. Do not do it outdoors; it will blow away very easily and become virtually irretrievable, hazardous litter.
2. Reuse it for sending packages
3. Take to a local EPS drop-off location for recycling. The closest one to us is Tegrant Corporation, 3466 Enterprise Avenue, Hayward, CA. Call ahead for times and guidelines about what they accept.
4. AFPR (The Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers) http://www.epspackaging.org/ has lots more info and details about a mail back program too
Hope this helps!
I have also dropped off packing peanuts and bubble wrap at the mail box type stores that send packages. The store owners seem happy to take the packing materials.
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