Post by Category : Interesting Stuff

Ventura County Reporter: EYE ON THE ENVIRONMENT | STOPPING ILLEGAL DUMPING: ENFORCEMENT AND PREVENTION

To catch people unlawfully dumping garbage along roadways during the past year, the Ventura County Public Works Agency installed motion-activated, hidden cameras in strategic locations along rural roads. The cameras upload images to the Internet and send incriminating evidence of  people dumping, showing their vehicle and license plates to county staff. In response, the Public Works Agency files a police report which is then investigated by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. In most cases a citation is issued, and the responsible party is required to appear in court

https://vcreporter.com/2021/06/eye-on-the-environment-stopping-illegal-dumping-enforcement-and-prevention/

The Independent: World Environment Day: What action can I take to tackle the climate crisis?

The climate crisis is the biggest existential challenge modern humans have ever faced, and judging by our progress so far we’re not coping with the threat of annihilation very well.

Ahead of the G7 summit in Cornwall, it bears repeating that those seven nations have, since the Covid-19 pandemic, pumped billions more dollars into greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels – worsening the crisis – than they have into clean energy.

Despite decade after decade of increasingly desperate warnings from scientists and activists, and more and more promises from politicians and corporations, the amount of greenhouse gases being emitted through human activity is still going up, the temperature is going up, and the risks are going up too.

https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/world-environment-day-2021-facts-activities-b1859053.html

CNBC.com: World’s largest offshore wind farm developer to recover, reuse or recycle turbine blades

  • The issue of what to do with wind turbine blades when they’re no longer needed is a challenge for the industry.
  • A number of companies involved in the sector have attempted to find solutions to the issue.

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/03/energy-giant-orsted-to-recover-reuse-or-recycle-turbine-blades.html

The Greater Manchester News: Giant rainbow made from recycled cans appears in Piccadilly Gardens

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nyone looking to bask in a bit of the sunshine this half term in Manchester city centre might come across a giant rainbow that has appeared overnight in Piccadilly Gardens.

While it’s not to coincide with Pride Month, as some might presume, the giant rainbow installation is actually part of a campaign to raise awareness over recycling.

Measuring four metres high and seven metres wide, the rainbow is made entirely out of recycled cans and has been installed by not-for-profit group Every Can Counts.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/giant-rainbow-made-recycled-cans-20742314

Bored Panda: 39 Things That Are Free On The Internet That You Should Take Advantage Of, As Shared By People In This Online Group

https://www.boredpanda.com/useful-things-free-online-reddit/?cexp_id=39971&cexp_var=1&_f=trending&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic

The Canberra Times: Five ways to properly dispose of old furniture

3. Give it away. An alternative to donating old furniture is giving it away. Freecycle is an online non-profit organisation where users can post items they no longer use for collection, in addition to requesting things they need. Made up of more than 5000 local town groups with over nine million members worldwide, Freecycle can breathe new life into your furniture.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7263464/proper-ways-to-dispose-of-your-old-stuff/?cs=14247

The Guardian: Twenty firms produce 55% of world’s plastic waste, report reveals

The enormous plastic waste footprint of the top 20 global companies amounts to more than half of the 130m metric tonnes of single-use plastic thrown away in 2019, the analysis says.

Single-use plastics are made almost exclusively from fossil fuels, driving the climate crisis, and because they are some of the hardest items to recycle, they end up creating global waste mountains. Just 10%-15% of single-use plastic is recycled globally each year.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/18/twenty-firms-produce-55-of-worlds-plastic-waste-report-reveals

Ideal Home: Getting rid of old furniture? These companies are making it easier to pass on pre-loved pieces

You can also list items to sell on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree and FreeCycle. You can even list things as collection only, so it’s simply a case of taking some pictures, writing a description and waiting for someone to come and take it away.

https://www.idealhome.co.uk/news/getting-rid-of-old-furniture-tips-276391

Ideal Home: Presenter Angellica Bell shares her five simple swaps for creating a more sustainable home

4. Freecycle old pieces of furniture

If you’ve had a good clear out, rather than taking your old unwanted items to the tip Angellica recommends taking them to a charity shop or freecycling.

‘Often with things we don’t want we put it on freecycle so people can come to pick it up,’ she explains. ‘You put the item online, and if someone wants it you arrange to go meet them with it.’

There are plenty of websites dedicated to freecycling, and charity shops that specialise in homeware. However, do check that the item is in good condition before dropping it off.

But don’t just stop at handing on second-hand items, consider investing in them too. For inspiration for making the most of older items take a look at our upcycled furniture ideas feature.

https://www.idealhome.co.uk/news/angellica-bell-shares-sustainable-swaps-in-the-home-276472

Nerd Wallet: 5 Ways to Get Free Clothes Online and Near You

3. Look for contests, sweepstakes and giveaways

Retailers often give out free clothing or gift cards through contests and promotions. Entering is usually as simple as submitting your email address, leaving a product review or tagging a friend in an Instagram comment. Follow your favorite brands on social media, check their websites and subscribe to their emails for announcements. However, there’s no guarantee you’ll win.

You’ll likely have better luck getting free clothes through giveaways in your community. The best way to track them down: Browse niche social networking groups, such as Freecycle and the Buy Nothing Project, or marketplaces like Craigslist. You can regularly find secondhand apparel that people want to give away.

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/get-free-clothes