The North Face’s Denali Recycled Hoodie: Green, Comfy, Durable
By Wendy Gabriel
With the bulk of its body made from recycled materials, the Denali Hoodie is both green and practical.
If you are an avid outdoors enthusiast, then you are probably already a devotee of The North Face. The California-based company not only makes great products that are stylish and perform at a high level, but also cares about how it uses the resources necessary to make its products.
The North Face’s commitment to protecting the planet is what really sets it apart. The company has a philosophy it calls the “virtuous cycle” that joins the passion for the outdoors with environmental responsibility.
It is a simple concept based on the idea that “if you get people outdoors, they will love that experience. The more they come back, the more they will grow to care about conservation and protecting the environment.”
This philosophy extends to the fabrics sourced for many pieces North Face apparel. A beautiful example is the Women’s Denali Hoodie ($199). This stunning jacket is made with 56% to 84% recycled content (pre- and/or post-consumer sources), so the material in this product helps divert waste from landfills and saves valuable resources.
The North Face’s Denali Hoodie in Spicy Orange (left) and Graphite Grey
Details on the Denali hoodie
A favorite fleece among outdoor enthusiasts, this hoodie is made from durable, soft, recycled Polartec 300 series fleece on the body, with abrasion-resistant panels at the shoulders, torso, elbows and hood for added durability at these high-stress areas. The hoodie comes in eight different color combinations and is a great layering piece for below-zero winter weather or a perfect jacket by itself for spring or fall.
More features of the Denali hoodie
•Standard fit with sizes ranging from XS to XXL
•Zip-in compatible with other North Face jackets to make it a perfect layering piece
•Fleece-lined hood for extra cozy warmth
•Front hood adjustment to keep the wind out
•Abrasion-reinforced shoulders and elbows
•Napoleon chest pocket for your cell phone or lip balm
•Two hand pockets
•Elastic-bound cuffs
•Hem cinch cord
Monday, December 9, 2013
Sunday, December 8, 2013
How to Recycle Ink Cartridges
How to Recycle Ink Cartridges
By Chantal McCulligh
Recycling ink cartridges saves consumers money while conserving raw materials and lessening energy output.
Although a “paperless” approach has been integrated into the daily lives of consumers and businesses, there is still widespread use of printers, fax machines and, ultimately, ink cartridges.
Despite our best efforts, this has allowed landfills to continue to fill with ink cartridges that could have otherwise been recycled. It is estimated that approximately 11 cartridges are thrown out every second, which leads to hundreds of millions of disposed ink cartridges annually. This is certainly a statistic that needs to decline, as we continue to waste our resources instead of reusing them through proven recycling processes. Unfortunately, it is too easy to let this concept slip the mind and toss these items into a trash bin.
Recyclable components of ink cartridges
Since ink cartridges can be recycled up to six times while producing the same quality and output as brand new ones, they are often refurbished, refilled and resold to consumers. Purchasing recycled ink cartridges not only saves consumers money, but also conserves raw materials and drastically lessens energy output. In fact, it takes approximately 80% less energy to recycle ink cartridges into new ones than it does to create them from scratch.
Recycling ink cartridges is about much more than dropping them off at a recycling facility. It is also about reusing their recycled versions, which we’ll discuss below.
The benefits of recycling ink cartridges
As mentioned above, there are a variety of environmental and personal benefits that come from opting to recycle used ink cartridges. In addition to reducing waste, conserving raw materials, using less energy and saving money for consumers, recycling these items also reduces air and water pollution.
The benefits do not end there, though. Ink cartridge recycling so also reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change, and most importantly, it helps to provide a sustainable environment for future generations. Ink cartridges that are not recycled sit in landfills for hundreds or even thousands of years since plastic decomposes at an extremely slow rate. Although you may not live to see the damage that these items will certainly cause, the generations after you will. Making a change now will ensure a healthier future.
The ink cartridge recycling process
After ink cartridges have been collected for recycling, the disassembly begins, which starts with an inspection. Smaller cartridges are sent through a device to ensure that the product is, indeed, an ink cartridge. This technology works similarly to the machines that you see on produce lines and in other production factories.
Once confirmed to be ink cartridges, they are gathered together, boxed and sent down the line. Laser technology scans the cartridges to determine their model number, which allows the cartridges to be thoroughly sorted into bins of similar models. Any remaining ink is drained and the gold and palladium contained within are separated and melted down at a downstream facility. Dismemberment of the ink cartridges also happens to remove any pieces that must also be separated into other piles, such as the foam that covers the ink holes or metal pieces.
The next process tackles 40% of the ink cartridge. The plastic is shredded down and processed into resin and then mixed with similar plastics based on resin code, but not before being thoroughly washed.
Tests are then conducted to ensure that the resin strength has not been jeopardized, and each individual cartridge is rebuilt, topped with toner and finally further tested to gauge product quality. Inspection is a vital part of the ink cartridge recycling process, as it ensures that all components are working to their fullest potential. If any component is questionable, it is removed and put into material recovery piles and replacement components are integrated into the new ink cartridge.
To finish the process, the cartridges are labeled and sealed in new packages and resold. Those ink cartridges that cannot be recycled are sent to be recycled into other items.
Reusing ink cartridges
Beyond the environmental and economic benefits of recycled ink cartridges, the quality of the ink and the printing job is the exact same as a brand new ink cartridge. Now, if only we had the capabilities and motivation to thoroughly make our personal and work lives completely paperless.
Until then, opting to recycle ink cartridges instead of throwing them out in the trash will help the environment. It takes only a couple minutes to do. Many retailers offer drop-off boxes for your empty cartridges and others allow you to mail them in.
Learning how to recycle ink cartridges is as simple as actually doing it. It does not have to be a messy or tedious task. It will, however, be one that will considerably reduce your carbon footprint.
By Chantal McCulligh
Recycling ink cartridges saves consumers money while conserving raw materials and lessening energy output.
Although a “paperless” approach has been integrated into the daily lives of consumers and businesses, there is still widespread use of printers, fax machines and, ultimately, ink cartridges.
Despite our best efforts, this has allowed landfills to continue to fill with ink cartridges that could have otherwise been recycled. It is estimated that approximately 11 cartridges are thrown out every second, which leads to hundreds of millions of disposed ink cartridges annually. This is certainly a statistic that needs to decline, as we continue to waste our resources instead of reusing them through proven recycling processes. Unfortunately, it is too easy to let this concept slip the mind and toss these items into a trash bin.
Recyclable components of ink cartridges
Since ink cartridges can be recycled up to six times while producing the same quality and output as brand new ones, they are often refurbished, refilled and resold to consumers. Purchasing recycled ink cartridges not only saves consumers money, but also conserves raw materials and drastically lessens energy output. In fact, it takes approximately 80% less energy to recycle ink cartridges into new ones than it does to create them from scratch.
Recycling ink cartridges is about much more than dropping them off at a recycling facility. It is also about reusing their recycled versions, which we’ll discuss below.
The benefits of recycling ink cartridges
As mentioned above, there are a variety of environmental and personal benefits that come from opting to recycle used ink cartridges. In addition to reducing waste, conserving raw materials, using less energy and saving money for consumers, recycling these items also reduces air and water pollution.
The benefits do not end there, though. Ink cartridge recycling so also reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change, and most importantly, it helps to provide a sustainable environment for future generations. Ink cartridges that are not recycled sit in landfills for hundreds or even thousands of years since plastic decomposes at an extremely slow rate. Although you may not live to see the damage that these items will certainly cause, the generations after you will. Making a change now will ensure a healthier future.
The ink cartridge recycling process
After ink cartridges have been collected for recycling, the disassembly begins, which starts with an inspection. Smaller cartridges are sent through a device to ensure that the product is, indeed, an ink cartridge. This technology works similarly to the machines that you see on produce lines and in other production factories.
Once confirmed to be ink cartridges, they are gathered together, boxed and sent down the line. Laser technology scans the cartridges to determine their model number, which allows the cartridges to be thoroughly sorted into bins of similar models. Any remaining ink is drained and the gold and palladium contained within are separated and melted down at a downstream facility. Dismemberment of the ink cartridges also happens to remove any pieces that must also be separated into other piles, such as the foam that covers the ink holes or metal pieces.
The next process tackles 40% of the ink cartridge. The plastic is shredded down and processed into resin and then mixed with similar plastics based on resin code, but not before being thoroughly washed.
Tests are then conducted to ensure that the resin strength has not been jeopardized, and each individual cartridge is rebuilt, topped with toner and finally further tested to gauge product quality. Inspection is a vital part of the ink cartridge recycling process, as it ensures that all components are working to their fullest potential. If any component is questionable, it is removed and put into material recovery piles and replacement components are integrated into the new ink cartridge.
To finish the process, the cartridges are labeled and sealed in new packages and resold. Those ink cartridges that cannot be recycled are sent to be recycled into other items.
Reusing ink cartridges
Beyond the environmental and economic benefits of recycled ink cartridges, the quality of the ink and the printing job is the exact same as a brand new ink cartridge. Now, if only we had the capabilities and motivation to thoroughly make our personal and work lives completely paperless.
Until then, opting to recycle ink cartridges instead of throwing them out in the trash will help the environment. It takes only a couple minutes to do. Many retailers offer drop-off boxes for your empty cartridges and others allow you to mail them in.
Learning how to recycle ink cartridges is as simple as actually doing it. It does not have to be a messy or tedious task. It will, however, be one that will considerably reduce your carbon footprint.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
AmeriCorps program aims to improve environmental outreach in N.C.'s underserved areas
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RALEIGH – Members of the federal AmeriCorps program started service this week with the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources to improve the state agency’s environmental education efforts in North Carolina’s underserved areas.
The 20 Mountains to the Sea AmeriCorps Program members will serve as interpreters at state parks, tour guides at the state aquariums and other functions aimed at increasing environmental literacy and natural resource stewardship in rural and underserved communities.
“Educating people about the importance of the environment is a crucial part of our mission to improve customer service in DENR,” said N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Secretary John Skvarla, who spoke with the new AmeriCorps members during an orientation the department held this week. “This program enables us to put service members in areas where environmental programming would not otherwise exist. Increasing environmental literacy helps ensure we all have clean air, water and land for future generations.”
The Mountains to the Sea AmeriCorps Program will be administered by the department’s Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs. The Mountains to the Sea AmeriCorps Program includes 20 service members and a program director, Abby Van de Bogert. The AmeriCorps program in DENR will be paid for using a $256,956 federal grant and $180,498 from the state agency. AmeriCorps is a domestic version of the Peace Corps. More than 5,000 people have served in North Carolina with AmeriCorps.
The new service members were trained by department staff during a three-day orientation this week at Haw River State Park in Browns Summit. Service members will work for about a year carrying out the following duties:
· Three members will lead tours, provide interpretive programs and presentations at the state’s coastal aquariums in Pine Knoll Shores, Fort Fisher and Roanoke Island.
· Six members will provide interpretative programs, tours and educational presentations for visitors at six state parks, including New River State Park in Laurel Springs, Haw River State Park in Browns Summit, Eno River State Park in Durham, Carvers Creek State Park in Spring Lake, Cliffs of the Neuse State Park in Seven Springs and Falls Lake State Recreation Area in Raleigh.
· Four members will host hands-on science lessons at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh.
· Two members will conduct research, create educational materials and use social media to communicate about the programs in the divisions of Air Quality and Water Resources. They will be based in Raleigh.
· One member will develop and conduct public outreach programs on estuaries and coastal ecology for the state Division of Coastal Management in Wilmington and another member will provide programs on coastal habitats for the Division of Marine Fisheries in Morehead City.
· One member will expand recycling materials and public outreach campaigns for the Office of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service.
· Two members will lead field trips, workshops and outreach events on important natural areas and resources for the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program and the Office of Land and Water Stewardship.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs - Phone: 919-707-8626 -- 1601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1601
Jamie Kritzer, Public Information Officer, 919-707-8602, Jamie.Kritzer@ncdenr.gov
Pat McCrory, Governor -- John E. Skvarla, III, Secretary
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RALEIGH – Members of the federal AmeriCorps program started service this week with the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources to improve the state agency’s environmental education efforts in North Carolina’s underserved areas.
The 20 Mountains to the Sea AmeriCorps Program members will serve as interpreters at state parks, tour guides at the state aquariums and other functions aimed at increasing environmental literacy and natural resource stewardship in rural and underserved communities.
“Educating people about the importance of the environment is a crucial part of our mission to improve customer service in DENR,” said N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Secretary John Skvarla, who spoke with the new AmeriCorps members during an orientation the department held this week. “This program enables us to put service members in areas where environmental programming would not otherwise exist. Increasing environmental literacy helps ensure we all have clean air, water and land for future generations.”
The Mountains to the Sea AmeriCorps Program will be administered by the department’s Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs. The Mountains to the Sea AmeriCorps Program includes 20 service members and a program director, Abby Van de Bogert. The AmeriCorps program in DENR will be paid for using a $256,956 federal grant and $180,498 from the state agency. AmeriCorps is a domestic version of the Peace Corps. More than 5,000 people have served in North Carolina with AmeriCorps.
The new service members were trained by department staff during a three-day orientation this week at Haw River State Park in Browns Summit. Service members will work for about a year carrying out the following duties:
· Three members will lead tours, provide interpretive programs and presentations at the state’s coastal aquariums in Pine Knoll Shores, Fort Fisher and Roanoke Island.
· Six members will provide interpretative programs, tours and educational presentations for visitors at six state parks, including New River State Park in Laurel Springs, Haw River State Park in Browns Summit, Eno River State Park in Durham, Carvers Creek State Park in Spring Lake, Cliffs of the Neuse State Park in Seven Springs and Falls Lake State Recreation Area in Raleigh.
· Four members will host hands-on science lessons at the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh.
· Two members will conduct research, create educational materials and use social media to communicate about the programs in the divisions of Air Quality and Water Resources. They will be based in Raleigh.
· One member will develop and conduct public outreach programs on estuaries and coastal ecology for the state Division of Coastal Management in Wilmington and another member will provide programs on coastal habitats for the Division of Marine Fisheries in Morehead City.
· One member will expand recycling materials and public outreach campaigns for the Office of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service.
· Two members will lead field trips, workshops and outreach events on important natural areas and resources for the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program and the Office of Land and Water Stewardship.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs - Phone: 919-707-8626 -- 1601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1601
Jamie Kritzer, Public Information Officer, 919-707-8602, Jamie.Kritzer@ncdenr.gov
Pat McCrory, Governor -- John E. Skvarla, III, Secretary
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer
Friday, December 6, 2013
N.C. Coastal Resources Commission will meet Dec. 11-12 in Atlantic Beach
N.C. Coastal Resources Commission will meet Dec. 11-12 in Atlantic Beach
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RALEIGH – The public is invited to Atlantic Beach for next week’s meeting of the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission, which will be used to discuss future priorities for the commission, a study on creating a new Area of Environmental Concern for lands adjacent to the mouth of the Cape Fear River, and other coastal development issues.
The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission, or CRC, will meet Dec. 11-12 at the Hilton Double Tree in Atlantic Beach. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 11 and 9 a.m. Dec. 12. The following are some of the items on the CRC’s agenda:
· Commissioner Orientation– N.C. Division of Coastal Management staff will present information on division programs, including the regulatory, permitting, compliance and enforcement, and land use planning programs. The commission will also hear presentations on rule development and variance procedures.
· CRC Planning –The commission will review and adopt changes to CRC internal operating procedures, and discuss future priorities for the commission.
· Cape Fear River AEC Study– N.C. Division of Coastal Management staff will present a draft report of the feasibility of creating a new Area of Environmental Concern for lands adjacent to the mouth of the Cape Fear River. The commission classifies areas as Areas of Environmental Concern to protect them from uncontrolled development, which may cause irreversible damage to property, public health or the environment.
· Variances –The CRC will hear two requests for variances from its rules.
· CRC Rule Development– Staff with the N.C. Division of Coastal Management staff will present fiscal analyses of proposed rule amendments regarding 15A NCAC 7H.1300, which simplifies the permitting process for non-commercial boat ramps and associated access docks along estuarine and public trust shorelines; 15A NCAC 7H.1200, which modifies the general permit for piers and docking facilities; and 15A NCAC 7H.0213, which modifies the CRC’s sediment criteria rules for beach nourishment projects. Division staff will also present public comments received regarding 15A NCAC 7H.0304, which proposes to remove the Inlet Hazard Area designation from Mad Inlet and remove the temporary Unvegetated Beach designation from the area in the vicinity of Hatteras Village.
· Land Use Planning– The CRC will consider certification of two land use plan amendments for the towns of Swansboro and Nags Head, and will hear three land use plan status reports.
· Public Input and Comment –Members of the public may comment on CRC issues at 10:45 a.m. Dec. 12.
A full meeting agenda is posted on the N.C. Division of Coastal Management’s website at www.nccoastalmanagement.net.
The Coastal Resources Commission establishes policies for the N.C. Coastal Management Program and adopts rules and policies regarding dredging as well as coastal development within areas of environmental concern. The commission also certifies local land-use plans.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs - Phone: 919-707-8626 -- 1601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1601
Jamie Kritzer, Public Information Officer, 919-707-8602, Jamie.Kritzer@ncdenr.gov
Pat McCrory, Governor -- John E. Skvarla, III, Secretary
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RALEIGH – The public is invited to Atlantic Beach for next week’s meeting of the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission, which will be used to discuss future priorities for the commission, a study on creating a new Area of Environmental Concern for lands adjacent to the mouth of the Cape Fear River, and other coastal development issues.
The N.C. Coastal Resources Commission, or CRC, will meet Dec. 11-12 at the Hilton Double Tree in Atlantic Beach. The meeting will begin at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 11 and 9 a.m. Dec. 12. The following are some of the items on the CRC’s agenda:
· Commissioner Orientation– N.C. Division of Coastal Management staff will present information on division programs, including the regulatory, permitting, compliance and enforcement, and land use planning programs. The commission will also hear presentations on rule development and variance procedures.
· CRC Planning –The commission will review and adopt changes to CRC internal operating procedures, and discuss future priorities for the commission.
· Cape Fear River AEC Study– N.C. Division of Coastal Management staff will present a draft report of the feasibility of creating a new Area of Environmental Concern for lands adjacent to the mouth of the Cape Fear River. The commission classifies areas as Areas of Environmental Concern to protect them from uncontrolled development, which may cause irreversible damage to property, public health or the environment.
· Variances –The CRC will hear two requests for variances from its rules.
· CRC Rule Development– Staff with the N.C. Division of Coastal Management staff will present fiscal analyses of proposed rule amendments regarding 15A NCAC 7H.1300, which simplifies the permitting process for non-commercial boat ramps and associated access docks along estuarine and public trust shorelines; 15A NCAC 7H.1200, which modifies the general permit for piers and docking facilities; and 15A NCAC 7H.0213, which modifies the CRC’s sediment criteria rules for beach nourishment projects. Division staff will also present public comments received regarding 15A NCAC 7H.0304, which proposes to remove the Inlet Hazard Area designation from Mad Inlet and remove the temporary Unvegetated Beach designation from the area in the vicinity of Hatteras Village.
· Land Use Planning– The CRC will consider certification of two land use plan amendments for the towns of Swansboro and Nags Head, and will hear three land use plan status reports.
· Public Input and Comment –Members of the public may comment on CRC issues at 10:45 a.m. Dec. 12.
A full meeting agenda is posted on the N.C. Division of Coastal Management’s website at www.nccoastalmanagement.net.
The Coastal Resources Commission establishes policies for the N.C. Coastal Management Program and adopts rules and policies regarding dredging as well as coastal development within areas of environmental concern. The commission also certifies local land-use plans.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs - Phone: 919-707-8626 -- 1601 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1601
Jamie Kritzer, Public Information Officer, 919-707-8602, Jamie.Kritzer@ncdenr.gov
Pat McCrory, Governor -- John E. Skvarla, III, Secretary
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Buffalo Exchange Thinks Outside the Bag for Sustainability
Buffalo Exchange Thinks Outside the Bag for Sustainability
From the time that Kerstin and Spencer Block opened the first Buffalo Exchange store in 1974, the company has been dedicated to sustainability. Providing hip and fun stores for customers to buy, sell and trade new and recycled clothing and accessories, the company has grown to include 46 stores and three franchises in 17 states.
The store’s sustainability efforts go well beyond giving clothes a second life through reuse and recycling. Among the many initiatives the store has implemented over the years is the innovative Tokens for Bags program, which has raised nearly $525,000 since 1994. The money raised has gone to local nonprofit organizations and also has kept some 10.4 million bags out of the landfill.
Long before the “bring your own bag” concept became cool and commonplace, Buffalo Exchange identified this as an area where they could reinforce the “reduce, reuse and recycle” mind-set. When shoppers decline a bag, they’re given a 5-cent token instead. That token can then be placed into a box representing a charity — there are three boxes/charities to choose from at each location.
Given the more than half a million dollars raised by this campaign alone, it has shown its merit. And now, other stores are borrowing from Buffalo Exchange and creating similar campaigns. At Whole Foods Market, many of the stores offer customers a wooden token for every reusable bag that customers bring in and use for carting home their groceries. Each bag they bring in represents 5 cents, and shoppers can choose which selected charity they’d like to give their donation to. A similar program exists at Wild Oats Market, a member-owned cooperative
From the time that Kerstin and Spencer Block opened the first Buffalo Exchange store in 1974, the company has been dedicated to sustainability. Providing hip and fun stores for customers to buy, sell and trade new and recycled clothing and accessories, the company has grown to include 46 stores and three franchises in 17 states.
The store’s sustainability efforts go well beyond giving clothes a second life through reuse and recycling. Among the many initiatives the store has implemented over the years is the innovative Tokens for Bags program, which has raised nearly $525,000 since 1994. The money raised has gone to local nonprofit organizations and also has kept some 10.4 million bags out of the landfill.
Long before the “bring your own bag” concept became cool and commonplace, Buffalo Exchange identified this as an area where they could reinforce the “reduce, reuse and recycle” mind-set. When shoppers decline a bag, they’re given a 5-cent token instead. That token can then be placed into a box representing a charity — there are three boxes/charities to choose from at each location.
Given the more than half a million dollars raised by this campaign alone, it has shown its merit. And now, other stores are borrowing from Buffalo Exchange and creating similar campaigns. At Whole Foods Market, many of the stores offer customers a wooden token for every reusable bag that customers bring in and use for carting home their groceries. Each bag they bring in represents 5 cents, and shoppers can choose which selected charity they’d like to give their donation to. A similar program exists at Wild Oats Market, a member-owned cooperative
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Landfill Tour
Thank you Cindy Seymour for bringing your class from Craven Community College here to the Tuscarora Landfill for a tour.
If your organizition would like to visit us for a tour, please call me, Bobbi Waters, at 252-633-1564 or e-mail me at bobbi@crswma.com
Have a great day.
If your organizition would like to visit us for a tour, please call me, Bobbi Waters, at 252-633-1564 or e-mail me at bobbi@crswma.com
Have a great day.
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