Here it is! We are proud to present our first ever podcast!! Thanks to an artist in this year's festivity Robert Gonyo we are able to hear it. We couldn't be more proud. Enjoy as there is a lot of information and suggestions discussed.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Brooklyn Truck Farm
This has to be watched RIGHT NOW! Stop what you are doing and watch these videos they will change your perception of what is possible in an urban environment. I know I am always searching for amazing produce in NYC and I find grocery stores usually fall short. Farmer's Markets are the way to go but sometimes you need a fix right now. Why not start your own garden?
Struck with the urge to build a garden but with no land to grow it on, Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis (co-creators of the film King Corn) of Wicked Delicate productions decided to use a 1986 gray Dodge Ram pickup truck to create a portable vegetable and herb garden.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Recycling: Our Biggest Blog Ever
Hi PCTF Members,
The question we get asked the most is in regards to recycling. From your unused medication to your furniture to whether or not your yogurt container can be recycled. NYC.gov makes it all really easy and lets you know laws and regulations and locations where all of this is possible. From car batteries to your own batteries.
Here it all is!
Recycling is the law in New York City. Residents, schools, institutions, agencies, and all commercial businesses must recycle.
The requirements detailed below apply to all New York City residences, as well as schools, institutions, and agencies serviced by the Department of Sanitation.
What and How to Recycle:
PAPER & CARDBOARD
YES - PLACE IN RECYCLING
NO - PLACE IN TRASH
Flatten and bundle large pieces of corrugated cardboard and tie with sturdy twine, or break into small pieces to place in your recycling bin or bag. (Or place loose in the white dumpster for paper recycling, if your building has one.)
See how you can reduce your junk mail.
What and How to Recycle:
BEVERAGE CARTONS, BOTTLES, CANS, METAL & FOIL
YES - PLACE IN RECYCLING
NO - PLACE IN TRASH OR DISPOSE PROPERLY
*Appliances with CFC Gas
Before discarding appliances containing CFC gas, or freon — such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, or dehumidifiers — you must schedule an appointment to place the item at the curb for CFC recovery. You can make an appointment on the Sanitation website or call 311. If you're participating in New York's Great Appliance Swap Out, be sure to note your appointment confirmation number from 311 as you will need it to file for your rebate. See important program details.
For safety reasons, the law requires doors to be removed from refrigerators and freezers before placing at the curb.
When to Recycle and Missed Collections
To find out your Recycling Day use the collection schedule feature on the Sanitation website, or call 311.
To report missed collections, call 311, or complete the Missed Collection form on the Sanitation website.
Improve recycling in your apartment building by participating in New York City's Apartment Building Recycling Initiative.
Special Waste Sites - Residents Only
The NYC Department of Sanitation operates Self Help Special Waste Drop-Off Sites in every borough for the collection and recycling (or proper disposal) of: batteries (household & auto), fluorescent bulbs, latex paint, mercury-filled thermostats and thermometers, motor oil and filters, transmission fluid, and tires.
Special Waste sites are open to residents only. City agencies, schools, businesses, and institutions are not permitted to use these sites, and must make alternative arrangements for proper disposal and recycling of material. Residents, City agencies, schools, businesses, and institutions can use the links below for waste prevention tips and how to properly dispose of these items (do not place these materials in your recycling bin!):
batteries: automotive for residents
batteries: automotive for agencies
batteries: household
batteries: businesses
fluorescent bulbs
mercury thermometers and thermostats
motor oil
paint
tires
Furniture
Residents - First, consider donating your used furniture. To find a new home for your used furniture, visit new homes for old stuff. For disposal, see what and how to recycle: BULKY TRASH.
Rechargeable Batteries
ALSO SEE: NYC rechargeable battery law: info for consumers, and rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling: info for agencies.
While rechargeable batteries reduce waste and can be more economical than alkaline batteries, they may contain mercury, cadmium, lead, and other heavy metals which can be dangerous if not disposed of properly.
Residents - Effective December 2006, New York City's Rechargeable Battery Law (Local Law 97 of 2005) makes it illegal for New York City residents to discard rechargeable batteries in the trash.
All NYC stores that sell rechargeable batteries or products that contain rechargeable batteries (with the exception of small food stores) must accept up to ten batteries of the same shape and size as they sell, no purchase necessary.
Large Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) batteries are not covered under this law. Visit batteries in resources for more info.
Do not place these materials in your recycling bin.
Businesses, Agencies, and Institutions - All businesses, City agencies, and institutions are required to recycle rechargeable batteries and cell phones. Visit rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling: info for agencies.
Syringes, Lancets, and Other Household Medical Waste
Many people use syringes, needles, and lancets (known as household sharps) to manage their health care at home. Proper storage and disposal of used household sharps is necessary to protect children, pets, and Sanitation workers.
These products must be packaged safely, and can be discarded at any hospital or nursing home in New York State. If packaged safely, properly labeled sharps containers can be placed in the trash. Never place loose sharps in the trash and never place sharps containers in your recycling bin.
Visit household medical wastes in reducing toxics at home for info on syringes and lancets, thermometers, unwanted medications, and medical equipment.
Toner and Ink Cartridges
Go to recyclers and vendors to find toner cartridge recyclers and manufacturers with toner cartridge recycling programs.
Visit new homes for old stuff to find toner cartridge donation outlets.
Also See toner cartridges in Tips for Your Agency
Additional Materials
For items not listed here, try the "how do I dispose of..." feature on the Sanitation website.
Go to recyclers and vendors to find recyclers for bulk quantities of items NOT collected for recycling by the NY Department of Sanitation, including cell phones, and CDs.
Visit new homes for old stuff to find places to donate, sell, or buy second-hand goods.
Recycling Containers and Decals
The Department of Sanitation does not provide recycling or garbage bins or bags. See where to buy recycling bins. Any container can be used for recycling so long as it is properly labeled. Containers cannot be larger than 32 gallons and must have a lid. CLEAR bags must be 13- to 55-gallon size.
Label containers on both sides and the lid with Department of Sanitation decals, or permanently marked in letters at least 4" high:
RECYCLING: MIXED PAPER (green decal)
RECYCLING: BOTTLES, CANS & FOIL (blue decal)
You can get free decals to label containers for curbside recycling collection using Literature/Decal Request or call the NYC Citizen Service Center at 311.
Decal application is most effective when decal is applied:
to a receptacle that is dry, clean, and free of all dirt;
during temperatures between 40° and 50°F; and
to a receptacle with a smooth surface.
Request new decals when fading/peeling occurs.
The question we get asked the most is in regards to recycling. From your unused medication to your furniture to whether or not your yogurt container can be recycled. NYC.gov makes it all really easy and lets you know laws and regulations and locations where all of this is possible. From car batteries to your own batteries.
Here it all is!
Recycling is the law in New York City. Residents, schools, institutions, agencies, and all commercial businesses must recycle.
The requirements detailed below apply to all New York City residences, as well as schools, institutions, and agencies serviced by the Department of Sanitation.
What and How to Recycle:
PAPER & CARDBOARD
YES - PLACE IN RECYCLING
- white, colored, and glossy paper (staples OK)
- mail and envelopes (window envelopes OK)
- wrapping paper (remove ribbon and tape)
- smooth cardboard (food boxes — remove inside & outside plastic wrappers — shoe boxes, tubes from paper towel and toilet paper rolls, cardboard from product packaging)
- paper bags
- cardboard egg cartons and trays
- newspapers, magazines, and catalogs
- phone books, softcover books (paperbacks, comic books, etc.; no spiral bindings)
- corrugated cardboard (flattened boxes)
NO - PLACE IN TRASH
- hardcover books
- napkins, paper towels, or tissues
- soiled paper cups or plates
- paper soiled with food or liquid
- paper with a lot of tape and glue
- plastic- or wax-coated paper (candy wrappers, take-out containers, etc.)
- photographic paper
Flatten and bundle large pieces of corrugated cardboard and tie with sturdy twine, or break into small pieces to place in your recycling bin or bag. (Or place loose in the white dumpster for paper recycling, if your building has one.)
See how you can reduce your junk mail.
What and How to Recycle:
BEVERAGE CARTONS, BOTTLES, CANS, METAL & FOIL
YES - PLACE IN RECYCLING
- metal cans (soup, pet food, empty aerosol cans, dried-out paint cans, etc.)
- aluminum foil wrap & trays
- household metal (wire hangers, pots, tools, curtain rods, knives, small appliances that are mostly metal, etc.)
- bulk metal (metal furniture, cabinets, large appliances, etc.)
- glass bottles & jars only
- plastic bottles & jugs only
- milk cartons & juice boxes (or any such cartons and aseptic packaging for drinks: ice tea, soy milk, soup, etc.)
NO - PLACE IN TRASH OR DISPOSE PROPERLY
Empty and rinse containers before recycling. Place all together in CLEAR bags, or in any bin labeled with blue recycling decals or marked "BOTTLES & CANS".
Remove caps & lids. Place METAL caps & lids in the recycling bin; put plastic caps & lids in the garbage.
Wrap knives or similar sharp metal objects in cardboard (such as a piece of cereal box) and secure with tape. Label the package "CAUTION: SHARP" and place with other designated metal, glass, plastic recyclables. For Home Sharps/Hypodermics, see Household Medical Wastes.
Place bulk metal next to recycling bins or bags.
Call 311 before discarding appliances that contain CFC gas.
5¢ deposit: Bring deposit bottles and cans back to the store for refunds.
What and How to Recycle: BULKY TRASH
YES - PLACE WITH RECYCLING
- plastic items other than plastic bottles & jugs (such as deli and yogurt containers; plastic toys, cups, wrap, etc. — if it's not a bottle or jug, DON'T put it in the recycling bin, place in trash)
- any glass items other than glass bottles & jars (mirrors, lightbulbs, ceramics, glassware, etc.), place in trash
- Styrofoam (cups, egg cartons, trays, etc.) place in trash
- batteries
- plastic bags
Empty and rinse containers before recycling. Place all together in CLEAR bags, or in any bin labeled with blue recycling decals or marked "BOTTLES & CANS".
Remove caps & lids. Place METAL caps & lids in the recycling bin; put plastic caps & lids in the garbage.
Wrap knives or similar sharp metal objects in cardboard (such as a piece of cereal box) and secure with tape. Label the package "CAUTION: SHARP" and place with other designated metal, glass, plastic recyclables. For Home Sharps/Hypodermics, see Household Medical Wastes.
Place bulk metal next to recycling bins or bags.
Call 311 before discarding appliances that contain CFC gas.
5¢ deposit: Bring deposit bottles and cans back to the store for refunds.
What and How to Recycle: BULKY TRASH
YES - PLACE WITH RECYCLING
- Furniture and appliances that are predominantly metal* and are too big for your recycling container or clear bag — such as washing machines, metal filing cabinets, box springs, or water heaters — should be placed beside the recycling container on your regular Recycling Day.
- If you're participating in New York's Great Appliance Swap Out, be sure see important program details before setting any of your old items out for recycling collection. You must note your 311 appointment number for appliances with CFC gas as it is needed for filing your rebate. In order to receive the maximum rebate for a clothes washer, you must have the retailer recycle it since Sanitation does not provide proof of recycling for such items.
NO - PLACE IN TRASH OR DISPOSE PROPERLY
- Non-recyclable trash that is too big for your garbage container or bag — such as mattresses, lumber, or debris from small construction or garden projects — may be placed at the curb on any regular garbage collection day.
- For info on how to handle TVs and other broken electronics, see electronics recycling
- For info on how to donate reusable furniture and other goods, see new homes for old stuff.
*Appliances with CFC Gas
Before discarding appliances containing CFC gas, or freon — such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, or dehumidifiers — you must schedule an appointment to place the item at the curb for CFC recovery. You can make an appointment on the Sanitation website or call 311. If you're participating in New York's Great Appliance Swap Out, be sure to note your appointment confirmation number from 311 as you will need it to file for your rebate. See important program details.
For safety reasons, the law requires doors to be removed from refrigerators and freezers before placing at the curb.
When to Recycle and Missed Collections
To find out your Recycling Day use the collection schedule feature on the Sanitation website, or call 311.
To report missed collections, call 311, or complete the Missed Collection form on the Sanitation website.
Improve recycling in your apartment building by participating in New York City's Apartment Building Recycling Initiative.
Special Waste Sites - Residents Only
The NYC Department of Sanitation operates Self Help Special Waste Drop-Off Sites in every borough for the collection and recycling (or proper disposal) of: batteries (household & auto), fluorescent bulbs, latex paint, mercury-filled thermostats and thermometers, motor oil and filters, transmission fluid, and tires.
Special Waste sites are open to residents only. City agencies, schools, businesses, and institutions are not permitted to use these sites, and must make alternative arrangements for proper disposal and recycling of material. Residents, City agencies, schools, businesses, and institutions can use the links below for waste prevention tips and how to properly dispose of these items (do not place these materials in your recycling bin!):
batteries: automotive for residents
batteries: automotive for agencies
batteries: household
batteries: businesses
fluorescent bulbs
mercury thermometers and thermostats
motor oil
paint
tires
Furniture
Residents - First, consider donating your used furniture. To find a new home for your used furniture, visit new homes for old stuff. For disposal, see what and how to recycle: BULKY TRASH.
Rechargeable Batteries
ALSO SEE: NYC rechargeable battery law: info for consumers, and rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling: info for agencies.
While rechargeable batteries reduce waste and can be more economical than alkaline batteries, they may contain mercury, cadmium, lead, and other heavy metals which can be dangerous if not disposed of properly.
Residents - Effective December 2006, New York City's Rechargeable Battery Law (Local Law 97 of 2005) makes it illegal for New York City residents to discard rechargeable batteries in the trash.
All NYC stores that sell rechargeable batteries or products that contain rechargeable batteries (with the exception of small food stores) must accept up to ten batteries of the same shape and size as they sell, no purchase necessary.
Large Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) batteries are not covered under this law. Visit batteries in resources for more info.
Do not place these materials in your recycling bin.
Businesses, Agencies, and Institutions - All businesses, City agencies, and institutions are required to recycle rechargeable batteries and cell phones. Visit rechargeable battery and cell phone recycling: info for agencies.
Syringes, Lancets, and Other Household Medical Waste
Many people use syringes, needles, and lancets (known as household sharps) to manage their health care at home. Proper storage and disposal of used household sharps is necessary to protect children, pets, and Sanitation workers.
These products must be packaged safely, and can be discarded at any hospital or nursing home in New York State. If packaged safely, properly labeled sharps containers can be placed in the trash. Never place loose sharps in the trash and never place sharps containers in your recycling bin.
Visit household medical wastes in reducing toxics at home for info on syringes and lancets, thermometers, unwanted medications, and medical equipment.
Toner and Ink Cartridges
Go to recyclers and vendors to find toner cartridge recyclers and manufacturers with toner cartridge recycling programs.
Visit new homes for old stuff to find toner cartridge donation outlets.
Also See toner cartridges in Tips for Your Agency
Additional Materials
For items not listed here, try the "how do I dispose of..." feature on the Sanitation website.
Go to recyclers and vendors to find recyclers for bulk quantities of items NOT collected for recycling by the NY Department of Sanitation, including cell phones, and CDs.
Visit new homes for old stuff to find places to donate, sell, or buy second-hand goods.
Recycling Containers and Decals
The Department of Sanitation does not provide recycling or garbage bins or bags. See where to buy recycling bins. Any container can be used for recycling so long as it is properly labeled. Containers cannot be larger than 32 gallons and must have a lid. CLEAR bags must be 13- to 55-gallon size.
Label containers on both sides and the lid with Department of Sanitation decals, or permanently marked in letters at least 4" high:
RECYCLING: MIXED PAPER (green decal)
RECYCLING: BOTTLES, CANS & FOIL (blue decal)
You can get free decals to label containers for curbside recycling collection using Literature/Decal Request or call the NYC Citizen Service Center at 311.
Decal application is most effective when decal is applied:
to a receptacle that is dry, clean, and free of all dirt;
during temperatures between 40° and 50°F; and
to a receptacle with a smooth surface.
Request new decals when fading/peeling occurs.
Recycling Symbol
Many residents are confused about what to recycle because so many products display the universal recycling symbol. However, only items that have a viable resale market are accepted by New York City's Recycling Program.
Some manufacturers voluntarily place a number inside the recycling symbol on their plastic products, but these numbers only serve to identify the plastic resins used in manufacturing, and do NOT indicate that the item is recyclable.
The only plastics accepted for recycling in New York City are bottles & jugs (with necks smaller than their bodies). All other plastic containers and all other plastic items should be placed in the regular trash — even if they are labeled #1 PETE or #2 HDPE.
Refer to the lists above to decide what to put into recycling containers. Do not place items in your recycling containers just because the package contains a recycling symbol or other recycling information. When in doubt, leave it out.
Helpful Hints
Some manufacturers voluntarily place a number inside the recycling symbol on their plastic products, but these numbers only serve to identify the plastic resins used in manufacturing, and do NOT indicate that the item is recyclable.
The only plastics accepted for recycling in New York City are bottles & jugs (with necks smaller than their bodies). All other plastic containers and all other plastic items should be placed in the regular trash — even if they are labeled #1 PETE or #2 HDPE.
Refer to the lists above to decide what to put into recycling containers. Do not place items in your recycling containers just because the package contains a recycling symbol or other recycling information. When in doubt, leave it out.
Helpful Hints
- Keep containers for collecting paper in your main work areas, such as where you sort your mail and discard kitchen items. Devise your own system to make it easy for you.
- If you are concerned about the confidentiality of your mail, remove address labels and tear up or shred mail. Find out how to opt out of credit card offers and reduce junk mail.
- Set up a place in the kitchen to recycle paper packaging.
- Leave labels on. Discard plastic caps and lids; recycle all metal.
- Avoid pests and odors by rinsing recyclables before storing them.
- Save space by flattening beverage cartons and plastic bottles (it won't affect recyclability).
- Recycle aluminum foil used for wrapping, not for cooking (unless food and grease washes off easily).
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Help Planet Connections win a grant!!!
As you know, last month we were running for a Pepsi Refresh Grant. Since we were in the top 100 spots, we are now in the running for the grant once again! Help us reach number 1!!
We're looking to you guys to help us reach number 1! And now, not only can you vote for us, you can be entered to win an All-Festivity Pass! Here's how:
For the next 10 days, every time you vote for Planet Connections on the Pepsi Refresh website, "Share" the fact that you voted to Twitter or Facebook along with the hashtag #PCTFGrant. You must include the hashtag in order win, as that is how we will be tracking the entrants.
Here are the rules:
- You MUST include the hashtag (#PCTFGrant), or your entrance will not be noted
- You can vote and share once a day per e-mail address on the Pepsi site. This means that if you vote with 3 different e-mail addresses, and you share with 3 different e-mail addresses, you get 3 entries into the contest.
- You can vote multiple days in a row (and we encourage you to do so!)
- All of your friends/family/coworkers can participate in the contest! This is not just for festivity participants, but for anyone interested in the festivity as a whole!
The contest will be closed at midnight on April 30th. The contest drawing will take place Noon on May 1st.
Have questions? Email me at planetandic@gmail.com.
Get out there and vote!
Best,
Andi
We're looking to you guys to help us reach number 1! And now, not only can you vote for us, you can be entered to win an All-Festivity Pass! Here's how:
For the next 10 days, every time you vote for Planet Connections on the Pepsi Refresh website, "Share" the fact that you voted to Twitter or Facebook along with the hashtag #PCTFGrant. You must include the hashtag in order win, as that is how we will be tracking the entrants.
Here are the rules:
- You MUST include the hashtag (#PCTFGrant), or your entrance will not be noted
- You can vote and share once a day per e-mail address on the Pepsi site. This means that if you vote with 3 different e-mail addresses, and you share with 3 different e-mail addresses, you get 3 entries into the contest.
- You can vote multiple days in a row (and we encourage you to do so!)
- All of your friends/family/coworkers can participate in the contest! This is not just for festivity participants, but for anyone interested in the festivity as a whole!
The contest will be closed at midnight on April 30th. The contest drawing will take place Noon on May 1st.
Have questions? Email me at planetandic@gmail.com.
Get out there and vote!
Best,
Andi
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
PCTF Supporter Film Biz Recycling is having BLOWOUT SALE
Name your own price week! We only do this four times a year.
We are expecting 3 HUGE donations soon and we need to clear the shelves! The boutique is bursting with sunshine and beautiful things. This is a great time to load up on items from NYC's TV shows, films, commercials, print shoots and theater.
Remember - your patronage helps support our mission of diverting production waste from landfills. 75 tons in 2009!
Film Biz Recycling
43-26 12th street 2nd floor (walk up)
Long Island City
718-392-3304
mon to fri 10-6 sat 12-5
want to know about sales before anyone else? follow us on twitter!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Happy Earth Day!!
Celebrate Earth Day at Grand Central Station's Earth Fair! The earthfair has an indoor and an outdoor fair with tons of organic food and drinks, local environmental companies and green businesses, as well as live musical entertainment including numerous well-known performers and regional bands. Something worth checking out!
Help Planet Connections win a grant!!!
As you know, we are in the running for a Pepsi Refresh grant. We're looking to you guys to help us reach number 1! And now, not only can you vote for us, you can be entered to win an All-Festivity Pass! Here's how:
For the next 10 days, every time you vote for Planet Connections on the Pepsi Refresh website, "Share" the fact that you voted to Twitter or Facebook along with the hashtag #PCTFGrant. You must include the hashtag in order win, as that is how we will be tracking the entrants.
Here are the rules:
- You MUST include the hashtag (#PCTFGrant), or your entrance will not be noted
- You can vote and share once a day per e-mail address on the Pepsi site. This means that if you vote with 3 different e-mail addresses, and you share with 3 different e-mail addresses, you get 3 entries into the contest.
- You can vote multiple days in a row (and we encourage you to do so!)
- All of your friends/family/coworkers can participate in the contest! This is not just for festivity participants, but for anyone interested in the festivity as a whole!
The contest will be closed at midnight on April 30th. The contest drawing will take place Noon on May 1st.
Have questions? Email me at planetandic@gmail.com.
Get out there and vote!
Best,
Andi
For the next 10 days, every time you vote for Planet Connections on the Pepsi Refresh website, "Share" the fact that you voted to Twitter or Facebook along with the hashtag #PCTFGrant. You must include the hashtag in order win, as that is how we will be tracking the entrants.
Here are the rules:
- You MUST include the hashtag (#PCTFGrant), or your entrance will not be noted
- You can vote and share once a day per e-mail address on the Pepsi site. This means that if you vote with 3 different e-mail addresses, and you share with 3 different e-mail addresses, you get 3 entries into the contest.
- You can vote multiple days in a row (and we encourage you to do so!)
- All of your friends/family/coworkers can participate in the contest! This is not just for festivity participants, but for anyone interested in the festivity as a whole!
The contest will be closed at midnight on April 30th. The contest drawing will take place Noon on May 1st.
Have questions? Email me at planetandic@gmail.com.
Get out there and vote!
Best,
Andi
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
