Vermont’s Universal Recycling Law (Act 148) goes into effect today. The law was passed unanimously by the Vermont legislature in 2012. VPIRG believes that Act 148 will be a great complement to our state’s most successful recycling law – the Bottle Bill. Act 148 will provide an excellent opportunity to expand recycling rates for items …
Last week we brought you a list of ways to recycle more. This week we hope you’ll check out our tips on how to recycle better- read on for some common items folks commonly recycle wrong, as well as ways to make sure they’re disposed of properly. 1. Coffee Cups Last post we talked about recycling coffee …
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. When done together, these three elements of conservation can go a long way to being responsible for our own waste and maintaining a healthy planet. But with so many different kinds of waste out there, VPIRG would like to shed some light on the third R- with our top five list of …
Act 148, the universal recycling law passed by the legislature in 2012 will be taking effect quite soon. The law bans disposal of recyclables (metal, glass, plastics #1 & #2, and paper/cardboard) by JULY 1, 2015; leaf and yard debris and clean wood by JULY 1, 2016; and food scraps by JULY 1, 2020. It …
Legislators gathered yesterday to tour the TOMRA recycling facility in Essex. They were given an inside look at beverage container recycling in Vermont, with presentations from TOMRA, the owner of Essex Discount Beverage owner, and the President of Quebec’s 2M Ressources – a company that buys recyclable material from Vermont. After presentations about the redemption …
By embracing an ambitious “zero waste” program, Vermont can, and should, break from current linear use of our resources, wherein which raw materials are extracted, processed into consumer goods, consumed, and then disposed primarily by being landfilled or incinerated.
The benefits of fluorescent bulbs in terms of energy efficiency are tremendous, and VPIRG supports their continued use. However, fluorescent bulbs also contain mercury, a known neurotoxin that can build up in our bodies and the environment. As the demand for energy efficient lighting increases, it’s imperative that Vermont have an effective recycling infrastructure in place.
Last spring, VPIRG successfully advocated for an e-waste law that requires manufacturers to pay for an electronics recycling program in Vermont, including free and convenient collection programs in every county across the state. The Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) has drafted their plan and took public comment — including many from our VPIRG members — in December.
The Electronics Take Back Coalition has partnered with Annie Leonard and the Story of Stuff team on a new “Story of Electronics” film. The film tells the story of how electronics are really “designed for the dump” and are not made to last or be recycled. Follow the link to see all of the …
Great documentary on the way we deal with E-Waste Read More »
