I think we’re all in agreement that trying to recycle Syrofoam is a pain. With the holiday season coming, there’s bound to be an avalanche of this material surrounding our gifts and arriving at our doorsteps. Not even my huge recycling facility takes that stuff, so I had to dig a little deeper. It seems that polystyrene’s blessings are also a curse. Its light weight and durability make it such a great packaging material, but also give it a low scrap value. Currently in the USA, expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam packaging is being recycled at a rate of only about 10-12% each year. More...

If you have a political sign in your yard, you're probably wondering what to do with it right about now. Depending on whether your signs are are plastic, metal, wood, or corrugated plastic commonly called coroplast, there may be a special collection pickup or drop off location near you. Contact StopWaste, or Contra Costa residents can call the recycling hotline (925-335-1225). Obama supporters can put materials up for free at ObamaCycle to be claimed by another user.

With coroplast signs, you can make bike panniers, fenders, or handlebar bags with these guides from Kent Peterson, formerly of the Bicycle Alliance of Washington in EcoMetro city Seattle. Novice DIYers can start with the handlebar bag, while the more adventurous ecomaniacs can tackle fenders. The step-by-step instructions for panniers (pictured at right) are especially easy to follow. Recyling election signs into bike gear lets you prepare for winter weather and continue to show your political opinions. More...

Even though it is not one of my favorite things to do, it’s become sort of a hobby to reach into the garbage and pull out something that should have been placed in the recycle bin. I find myself saying to no one in particular, “Didn’t you know this liquid soap bottle is made out of low-density polyethylene #4? Hello! Even curbside recycling takes that!”

While most people are aware that items like used batteries and old cell phones can be recycled, there are a host of other every day things where the thought that it’s recyclable may not even occur. It may take a little extra effort (or spending a little on postage), but things like used toothpaste tubes, and even old cassette and VHS tapes- can definitely be recycled. More...

In April I wrote about iResQ, a website that can help you resurrect your ailing iPod.  But if all you need is to replace your iPod battery I recently discovered an even easier option – Batteries Plus. More...