R ECYC L E
G r e at e r R i c h m o n d V i r g i n i a C E L E B R AT E , C H RO N I C L E & I N S P I R E A Q UA RT E R LY P U B L I CAT I O N P RO D U C E D b y R e c y c l i n g Pe r k s . c o m
ISSUE 4 P u b l i s h e d M a y 2 n d 20 1 6
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Illustration: Alex McCain, Volunteer Artist
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Mayday! Mayday for the Planet!
Recycle Greater Richmond Virginia is produced by Recycling Perks. It is our goal to build awareness of recycling, encourage people to participate in recycling every day and every week by rewarding for recycling with discounts and freebies. YOUR RICHMOND TEAM Shannon Freeman | sfreeman@recyclingperks.com Bill Dempsey | bdempsey@recyclingperks.com
3 WHY ARE BOTTLE CAPS BAD FOR RECYCLING?
4 THE LANDFILL TRUTH / HOW LONG UNTIL IT’S GONE?
5 LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: CAPITAL ALE HOUSE
6 CITY INFORMATION
7 WHY YOU SHOULD NOT PUT YOUR PLASTIC BAGS IN YOUR RECYCLING CONTAINER 8 RECYCLING PERKS REWARD PARTNERS
Are you looking for a list of all the other businesses on board? We’ve got it all right here.
10 RECYCLE FOR AMERICA RECYCLED CRAFTS TO DECORATE FOR THE HOLIDAYS 11 RECYCLING PERKS INFORMATION 12 LOCAL EVENTS 13 GREEN QUOTE #RECYCLE 14 ADD THE ONES YOU LOVE TO YOUR ACCOUNT 15 MAYDAY: 4 TIPS TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO RECYCLE 16 RECYCLING COMICS
WHY ARE BOTTLE CAPS BAD FOR RECYCLING? WORDS:
Let’s end the confusion about whether caps should be left on your recycled bottles and jars. They should NOT, and the reason may surprise you. At the TFC Recycling materials recovery facilities, glass is separated out of the recycled material we collect and then processed through a machine that breaks and sorts it to a specific size. To get more technical, good quality recycled glass should be between 3/8 to 2 inches in size. So guess what else is about that same size? You got it…….bottle caps. Caps that come off of recycled containers end up in the recycled glass pile as contaminants. These contaminants reduce the value of the recycled glass. Caps in the recycled glass means more highly mechanized
(and costly) processing by the glass recycling companies. It’s not just the caps that cause problems. Anything that fits through the sizing machine contaminates recycled glass. This includes wine corks, pill bottles, cigarette lighters, metal keys and other items too numerous to mention. Don’t put them in your recycling container!
Tad Phillips, TFC Recycling
The Central Virginia Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) has been promoting throwing away caps and lids since they started curbside recycling in the Richmond area over 20 years ago. For more information, please visit their website at www.cvwma. com or call the Recycling Hotline at 804-340-0900.
Recycling glass is already a huge challenge and TFC Recycling has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to improve the processing and recovery of glass. In fact, TFC Recycling is the only company in Virginia that recycles glass for the purpose of selling it to companies that make new glass containers (Ever wonder what the other “recyclers” do with their glass?).
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The landfill truth WORDS: Monique Webb, Recycling Perks
People often wonder why recycling is such a big deal to gung-ho recyclers. Well, let me be the first to tell you the landfill truth about your so-called ‘trash.’ Garbage, as most people like to call it, takes time to break down and some of course, longer than others. This means that the big pile of trash that we generate, or the Landfill as most people know it, will continue to grow until some of the garbage in the bottom of the pile disintegrates making space for more trash to be piled on top. This means that we are wasting valuable land resources to house the one thing we put out to the curb on a regular basis, our trash. That pile continues to grow on a daily basis when it could be greatly reduced in size if more people simply reduced, reused and recycled. Take a closer look at your (recyclable and reusable) garbage. You might be surprised to know just how long those items you called trash will last in its Landfill home. There are many ways to reduce your consumption of packaged materials, recycle almost all of your household items and reuse items in creative ways in order to reduce the amount of waste you generate. Why don’t you donate your shoes and clothing to someone in need, use your scrap plywood to make a birdhouse, or the old fishing line to make a recycled win chime? Maybe because you never thought of ways to reuse trash, but there are loads of resources online that can help you turn that around. Check out sites like www.Instructables.com or even www.Pinterest.com for ideas and inspiration on reducing, reusing and recycling everything in your home.
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WORDS:
Linzy Browne, Marketing Manager for Capital Ale House
Capital Ale House Through recycling, volunteering and setting new goals to make an environmental difference, Capital Ale House was awarded the Virginia Green Travel Leader award on behalf of the Virginia Green program.
the current programs, projects and services they possess. Recycling in all five locations they reduce their impact on waste and have begun efforts to switch their annual Oktoberfest to a green festival.
Ale House to offer discounts to the citizens of Richmond. Currently Capital Ale House offers limited and special discounts to those who meet specific recycling goals through Recycling Perks.
Capital Ale House was distinguished with the award along with 20 other Virginia businesses on Feb. 24, 2016 in Arlington, Virginia. The award was presented by Virginia’s first lady Dorothy McAuliffe and President Rita McClenny of Virginia Tourism Corporation for their exceptional efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of their operations.
Through their volunteer program better known as “Beer Corps” the employees of Capital Ale House donate their time to support their communities with many of the volunteer opportunities focused on environmental concerns. Once a month the downtown Richmond staff volunteers with the James River Park System removing graffiti, invasive species and clean up.
Capital Ale House is honored to serve as a leader in the greening of Virginia tourism. This award not only highlights what they have already accomplished but what exciting, new and impactful opportunities are ahead. Go Green!
The Virginia Green Program is run through a partnership with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association and the Virginia Green Travel Alliance. The program encourages green practices through the tourism industry and helps its partners with environmental efforts, programming and impacts.
“Volunteering gives our staff the opportunity to bond together outside their normal routines, building relationships with the community and one another.” – Matt Simmons, President of Capital Ale House
Capital Ale House was recognized through
In-house recycling and volunteering is not the only way Capital Ale House supports green initiatives. Through Recycling Perks, a company that records and rewards community members for their recycling efforts, recruited Capital
Find Capital Ale House at 3 Richmond locations: Downtown Richmond 623 E. Main Street 804-780-2537 Midlothian 13831 Village Place Drive 804-897-5815 Innsbrook 4024 Cox Rd. 804-780-2537
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The City of Richmond Clean City Commission WORDS: Darlene Mallory, Support Services Mgr., Dept. Of
Clean City Commission
Public Works,
The City distributed 95-gallon recycling carts to City households with curbside recycling back in January 2015. The enhanced recycling initiative comes as a result of a grant for a first-of-its-kind private/public recycling agreement with The Recycling Partnership, (formerly Curbside Value Partnership or CVP). Richmond is one of only four cities in the southeast to receive the grant money. In addition to increasing the amount residents can recycle, the program will enable the City to provide alley collection in neighborhoods where trash is picked up in alleys. Until now, all recycling collections have been curbside. This graph is showing how well this enhancement has improved our tonnage for the city.
Richmond Recycling Tons
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Month
2014
2015
Difference
Total
3,380.91
4,995.82
1,614.91
July
531.69
583.38
51.69
August
486.85
781.82
294.97
September
581.89
886.45
304.56
October
562.90
846.60
283.70
November
539.84
883.19
343.35
December
677.74
1,014.38
336.64
Why you should not put your plastic bags in your recycling container WORDS:
T. Hungate, Volunteer Author
You may have heard that plastic bags are not supposed to go in your curbside recycling container, but do you know why? There are a few reasons actually, and they may surprise you. Reason 1 – Most recycling centers’ first stage of sorting is done by hand, by hard working individuals at your local recycling station. They sort through tons of material an hour, and lose precious time if they have to untie or open a plastic bag. The workers cannot tell what is inside of a closed bag. It could be full of 100% recyclable material or it could be full of things like dirty diapers or food scraps and other contaminants. This also makes it unsafe for recycling center workers to open the bags, and in most cases they end up being thrown in the trash! Reason 2 – Plastic bags that do make it past the first sorting stage can interfere with the automatic sorting machines which use conveyor belts, rotating tunnels, spinning wheels, and magnets to sort items. Plastic bags can easily get caught in the belts and wheels causing them to jam. Your little plastic bag could bring an entire recycling sorting station to a dead stop. It could take workers hours to find the plastic culprit and remove it, thereby greatly reducing the efficiency of the recycling station. What should you do with your plastic bags if you can’t put them in the bin? There is good news for plastic bags when it comes to recycling. Over 18,000 retail store locations have added plastic bag recycling to their list of services offered. You may have even noticed these bins at the entrance to some of your favorite grocery stores or home improvement stores. The bins are typically labeled, easy to see and easy to use. Use this tool to find exact locations to dispose of your plastic bags, by zip code: http://www.plasticfilmrecycling.org.
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RECYCLING PERKS REWARD PARTNERS BEAUTY & SPA
Support the businesses who support you! All of the rewards on Recycling Perks are provided by businesses who support recycling in Richmond Virginia. Log on to RecyclingPerks.com to enroll in your free account and redeem earned recycling points for discounts from these fine establishments.
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A Dezinerz Edge Nail Studio A New You Wellness Center Andres’ Day Spa and Gifts Galore Bardos Massage and Wellness David Madison Massage Escape Salon Felicia’s Fabulous Nails Gentle Hands Massage Heavenly Handed Spa Services Kneading Therapy Natural Elegance Haircare Studio NeeChic Perception Organic Salon and Spa Pressed Purify RVA Master Hairstylist Sterling Harrelson at Nirvana Hair Salon Sacred Waters Holistic Spa Think Pretty Unleashed The Salon 804 Wellness
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES Color Me Mine in Richmond ComedySportz® Richmond Crazy Dash Digital Adventures G-Force Karts James River Cellars Winery Kayak Richmond Keystone Tractor Museum, INC. Laser Quest Richmond Peak Experiences Richmond History Tours Rigby’s Jig River City Food Tours River City Segs Science Museum of Virginia Spirited Art Swift Creek Mill Theatre Theatre VCU The John Marshall House The Laurianda Clothing Company The Stitching Studio The Valentine Museum The Tipsy Sommelier Wacky Walks Windy Hill Sports Complex XZone Zero Gravity Bungee Trampoline 3Quest Challenge
FOOD & DRINK Argyle Cupcakes
Baja Bean Co. Balkan Restaurant Capital Ale House Carytown Burgers and Fries Christian’s Pizza Cold Stone Creamery VCU Edible Arrangements Richmond Family Secrets Lakeside Farmers’ Market Lucy’s Mexico Restaurant Mimmo’s Restaurant Mo’s Sweet Minis Moe’s Southwest Grill of Richmond Padow’s Hams & Deli Pizza Express Postbellum Regency Family Restaurant Shockoe Whiskey and Wine Social52 Station 2 Strangeways Brewing Streetcar Cafe Sweet T-Miller’s Sports Bar & Grill The Vine Wine Club The Wiener Shack Tropical Smoothie Cafe’ in Richmond Tuckahoe Seafood Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe Wasabi Japanese Restaurant Which Wich in Glen Allen
GROCERY Dominion Harvest Ellwood Thompson’s Farm Fresh Little House Green Grocery Relay Foods
HEALTH & FITNESS Ascension Swimming for Adults Crunch DSTinction Fitness Ericka J. Fitness FSR Fitness Studio Girya Garage Kettlebell Cross-Training Glatter Fitness Green AcuClinic Hanover Yoga Incite Fitness Jazzercise Fitness Center Kia Potts Zumba Next Level Fitness Onward Fitness Richmond Balance
Cartridge World Come to Order Companion Extraordinaire Conscious Cuts Universal Services Crittertown BathHouse DMV Characters Ductz of Richmond Southside East Coast Laser Tattoo Removal Fast Fix Jewelry and Watch Repair First Capital Bank Fox Insurance & Financial Services Fruit Fixed Home Energy Store Home Loan Zone Kim Sebrell with Keller Williams Real Estate Lamb Exterminating Merrymaker Fine Paper Minuteman Press Nora the Cleaning Lady PATH Acupuncture Pink Photography Pin-up Organize and Clean RVA Life Coaching RVA Hypnotherapy RVA Wireless Richmond Insurance Services Simply Storage TAC-Solutions The Appliance Place The Mosquito Authority of Richmond Transworld Business Advisors Tree Diaper by Zynnovation Veterans Cleaning Services
Richmond City Yoga Shockoe Bottom CrossFit Simply Ballroom Dance Studio Studio X Dance and Fitness Summit Fitness The Hot Yoga Barre Trimatrix Fitness Waitkus Counseling Group X-Team Fitness YogaHikes Zinger Fit
HOME & GARDEN Frame Nation Gregory Chem Dry Clean Perfect Clean Sneed’s Nursery & Garden Center Tree Diaper by Zynnovation Veterans Cleaning Services
SERVICES A-1 Door Company Aloha Mind Math Animal Motel Anthony Rumley Photography BVisionMedia (BVM) CAREGISTICS
Window Genie of Richmond nTelos Staples Mill rebecca d’angelo PHOTOGRAPHY theNeatNiche vetXpress Virginia Grace Events
SHOPPING AlterNatives Boutique Appliances on Lakeside Cartridge World CaryTown Teas Darien Bath and Body Elements of Carytown Fleet Feet Sports Flip Flop Shops Halcyon Vintage Peace Pieces Pinup-ish Plato’s Closet Richmond Quilting Adventures Stories Comics T-Shirt Studio The Olive Oil Taproom The Toy Center Twig Urban Interiors Walkabout Outfitter Whispers of Time
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Recycle For America! http://thebasicsmagazine.com
WORDS: Monique Webb, Recycling Perks
Recycled craft article for holidays on May 25th (Memorial Day), June 14th (Flag Day) and July 4th (Independence Day).
Bottle Cap Wreath MATERIALS: - Bottle caps (in white, red and blue) - Circular wooden frame - White paint - Red paint - Blue paint - Industrial strength glue - White ribbon DIRECTIONS: 1. Paint your wooden frame with white. 2. Separate your bottle caps by color (if you do not have red, white and blue bottle caps, you can simply paint your bottle caps). 3. Glue a layer of white bottle caps to the frame. 4. Glue on the second layer of bottle caps. Be sure to center the bottle cap between the two 10
5. 6.
caps beneath it. Alternate your bottle caps between blue and red bottle caps. Add a few additional white caps on top of red and blue layer to your liking. Wrap ribbon around wreath and tie on top in a bow or use the ribbon to hang your wreath.
Tin Can Luminaries MATERIALS: - Empty steel cans, cleaned and labels removed - Water - Sand - Nail - Hammer
- Scrap paper - Tape - Red, white, and blue paint DIRECTIONS: 1. Place a handful of sand in y our cans, then, fill the can to the top with water. Place the cans in the freezer until the water is frozen solid. 2. Create stencils of your designs for your cans on scrap paper. 3. Once your cans of sand and water are frozen, remove them from the freezer and tape your stencil design onto the can. 4. Using a nail and hammer, gently punch out the design from your stencil. 5. Allow the ice in the can to melt so that you can dispose of water (keep your sand to reuse it later). Then dry the cans completely. 6. Paint your cans on the outside, and on the inside, with any red, white and blue pattern. 7. Once your paint is dry, you can simply add sand to weigh down the can and add a tea light candle to illuminate your design. See more on our Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/recyclingperks/
THANK YOU FOR RECYCLING!
R E T S I G E
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Local Events May
River City Food Tours Carytown Food & History Tour, every Saturday! Get BOGO tickets with your Recycling Perks Reward!
5/7 19TH ANNUAL KOMEN
5/20-22 DOMINION RIVER ROCK FESTIVAL
Browns Island
5/21 ANIMAL ENRICHMENT Maymont
CENTRAL RACE FOR THE CURE 5/14 HOLTON HUSTLE 5K FESTIVAL Downtown 5/17 90 YEARS AMAZING TREES Maymont
5/21 GEOCACHING Maymont 5/27 FAMILY CAMP OUT - A NIGHT
UNDER THE STARS Maymont
June 6/4
ASHLAND STRAWBERRY FAIRE Ashland, VA
GENWORTH 32ND ANNUAL CELEBRATE FREEDOM INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT
6/10 WHOSE AWAKE? FAMILY
7/3
RVA FIREWORKS ON THE JAMES
Maymont
7/4
I KNOW RICHMOND BUS TOUR PRESENTED BY THE VALENTINE
7/4
INDEPENDENCE DAY REENACTMENT
7/4
DOGWOOD DELL 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
NIGHT HIKE
6/11 BEER, BOURBON AND BBQ
FESTIVAL
Richmond Raceway Complex
6/12 BACON FESTIVAL 17th Street Farmer’s Market 12 4
7/1 FAMILY SCAVENGER HUNT Maymont 7/3
6/9
HIGHLIGHTS OF HOLLYWOOD CEMETERY EVENING TOUR
July
6/18 FAIRY CHASE Maymont
St. Johns Church
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Add the ones you love to your account Invite your spouse, child, roommate, co-worker, or anyone who helps you earning points.
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SAME ADDRESS
SEND INVITE
ENJOY
Anyone who recycles at the same address as yours, can be added to your account.
In your account, click on “Invite someone to your account”. Type in the name and email of the person you would like to share your points with. The new user will receive an invitation to create their account.
Everyone will be able to use the common earned points, in their own way. You might want to redeem a free yoga class, while they might want to go out for dinner...
www.recyclingperks.com
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4 tips to encourage
others to recycle
WORDS: Sandra Hungate, Recycling Perks
Mayday, mayday!! Our beautiful planet needs our attention. The world population is growing, and its waste along with it. There is only so much space to deposit our waste, and it takes many human lifetimes for some of the materials to decompose. Some of these materials will soon disappear due to intensive exploitation by mankind. Aluminum, at the current rate of use, is set to disappear by 2139. Even earlier, in 2021, silver will be completely exploited – so recycling will be the only way to maintain silver on our Earth! We need to encourage others to recycle! Try these 4 main tips: 1. Educate people about the importance of recycling. Many simply don’t know what it is about, or what it does; they consider the recycling bin as a second trash can. 2. Open people’s eyes and minds. Get the word out through your social groups, both online and off. Share the facts, numbers, and videos like the plastic bags in the oceans, etc. You can find lots of information on www.facebook.com/recyclingperks. 3. Consider having a recycling presentation at your neighborhood’s association meeting. Recycling Perks provides this as a free service. Or, you can present the facts yourself. 4. Rather than just telling people, you can also show them. Here is the link to a great video touring the RVA facility: http://cvwma.com/education-and-outreach/journey-through-the-mrf/
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Comic strip: Hank Samuels, Volunteer Artist
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