Holy Horticultural Hyperbole, Plantman! The Plant April 25th, 10-2.
You have a thing for free stuff, I hear. Luckily, you can grab up a load of plant stuff and all it will cost you is a smile! It’s Plant Swap time, where we bring in great green gobs of growth to the Whitehorse Crit Space and you come and take it off our hands. All you need to do is have something to put your treasures in as you cart them away.
Please Email with any additional questions to sustainability@everettcc.edu and get your calendar marked in green for Plant Swap on April 25th
What You Need to know about the impact of Plastic on Human Health:
From production to disposal, plastics wreak havoc on human, plant, and animal health and cause immense amounts of waste in our ecosystems, clogging our land, air, and waterways. Plastic pollution in particular poses a serious threat to all life on Earth because of the toxic nature of the chemical additives used during the production process. Recent research reveals plastics are able to enter into the human bloodstream, permanently residing in our bodies until the day we die.
Plastics are a pervasive and dangerous issue, likely hitting us harder than climate change ever will. If we do not figure out solutions, or the severity of the issue, life as we know it faces an impending deathly threat. To tackle these challenges, we must first understand how plastic harms human health.
How are plastics detrimental to human health?
Did you know the most commonly used plastic products carry toxic chemicals easily inhaled and ingested by humans? In fact, the incineration of plastic waste in the disposal stage disperses these chemicals into the air and causes the contamination of water and soil, lethal to all people who inevitably come in contact with it.
Every time someone litters at the beach or fails to dispose of their waste properly, they contribute to the spread of toxic chemicals into the environment. This is because ocean waves and radiation from the sun break down plastics such as water bottles, producing microplastics. Microplastics float around in the environment, carrying chemicals used in plastic production along with them and end up being consumed by people through food, water, and breathing them from air.
Studies have shown microplastics significantly damage cells in the human body, leading to serious health effects, including cancers, lung disease, and birth defects. Not only this, but toxic chemical additives in plastics can alter hormone activity in the human body which disrupts reproduction, growth and cognitive function. Microplastics also act as vessels for pathogens to enter the human body which increases the spread of disease.
We must recognize how the dangers of plastics for human health are also an issue of human rights and environmental injustice, as the question of who experiences these health effects the most is connected to where you live and the air you breathe.
Children and infants in the womb are most vulnerable to the harmful effects of plastics due to the early stages of human development being particularly sensitive to hazardous chemicals in the environment. Exposure to plastics has been found to increase the risks of birth complications, lung growth and childhood cancer. Crucially, this means plastic pollution will continue to wreak havoc on our lives and earth for generations to come.
The United States is one of the top contributors of plastic waste globally. The impacts of plastics on human health are particularly concerning due to the difficulty of removing plastic from the environment once they have entered ecosystems.
Join the fight to End Plastic Pollution and together we will make a difference in raising awareness and reducing the impact of plastics on human health.
Save the Day
EverettCC “Plan Swap Event”
Holy Horticultural Hyperbole, Plantman! The Plant Swap Returns April 25, 10-2.
You have a thing for free stuff, I hear. Luckily, you can grab up a load of plant stuff and all it will cost you is a smile! It’s Plant Swap time, where we bring in great green gobs of growth to the Whitehorse Crit Space and you come and take it off our hands. All you need to do is have something to put your treasures in as you cart them away.
Right now is your opportunity to help out with donations of green things for the Swap. Think of any plants, seeds, bulbs, or implements of destruction you might want to donate for the swap and wander them over to drop off inside the Maintenance Office from 7-4 Monday-Thursday before the swap, and we’ll add them to the inventory. We’ve got people (like the incredible Dennis & Jill Ryan, the EvCC Grounds crew and WSU Horticulture group) that have already donated and potted up a ton of stuff for you. They can take your donations and get them sorted and appropriately potted.
So come on down and help the cause with some of your donations. More times and details are to be revealed as soon as we make them up, so send questions to sustainability@everettcc.edu and get your calendar marked in green for Plant Swap on April 25.
We know that the plastic pollution problem is HUGE.
Sometimes it feels like our society is just starting to figure out that plastic isn’t great and eliminating single-use plastic should be the goal. Single-use plastics are disproportionately polluting our oceans and strangling our marine life, kills our wildlife, plants and natural habitats, emits dangerous greenhouse gases that exacerbate global warming, and somehow, even makes its way back into our own bellies as microplastics.
Of all the plastic produced today, over half is designed to be single-use, and less than 9% is recycled. We need to stop ocean pollution and plastic waste at the source, and that means changing our individual behaviours too.
Below are some Tips for Getting Started on a Plastic-Free Life:
1. Invest in a reusable water bottle
Globally, over a million plastic bottles are sold every. single. minute. Investing in a reusable water bottle is one of the simplest ways that you can stay hydrated without contributing to one of the largest sources of single use plastic.
3. Say no to plastic bags
More and more stores are banning plastic bags (or by “banning” we mean, charging for them too). If you want to help the planet and also save yourself the five cents for a plastic bag at the store, bring your reusable tote bags whenever you go shopping.
5. Avoid single-use plastic to-go containers
We love a world of convenience, but we certainly don’t love a world filled with plastic. Cooking or packing your lunch is a great way to avoid plastic or Styrofoam to-go containers.
6. Shop “Zero Waste” where you can
We know it can be challenging to find a good zero waste or bulk food store, however food markets are a great option for those looking to cut out single use plastics from their food shop. Farmers markets usually have a great selection of fresh produce, minus the plastic. Shopping locally also helps to support local farmers and limits the amount of carbon emissions from food transportation.
7. Ditch the Clingfilm
When storing food, it can be easy to reach for a disposable plastic lunch bag, or clingfilm. Instead of choosing to keep leftover food in disposable plastic containers, invest in some reusable food storage containers, or nifty beeswax wraps that can keep your food fresh without the plastic!
8. Don’t forget single-use plastics in your bathroom
We usually think about single-use plastics in terms of food and drink, but don’t forget about the plastics in your bathroom! From toothbrushes, shampoos, lotions and potions, the plastics in your bathroom can add up! Try opting for bars of soap instead of body wash, seek out plastic-free alternatives where you can, and if you’re feeling adventurous, give solid shampoo a try!
9. Quit smoking!
This is probably a good tip for anyone. But if you care about plastic pollution, then you should have even more incentive to kick the habit. Cigarette butts are one of the most common items found in beach cleans and can easily be mistaken for food by birds and sea life. Quitting smoking can help your wallet and your health.
Holy Horticultural Hyperbole, Plantman! The Plant Swap Returns April 25, 10-2.
You have a thing for free stuff, I hear. Luckily, you can grab up a load of plant stuff and all it will cost you is a smile! It’s Plant Swap time, where we bring in great green gobs of growth to the Whitehorse Crit Space and you come and take it off our hands. All you need to do is have something to put your treasures in as you cart them away.
Right now is your opportunity to help out with donations of green things for the Swap. Think of any plants, seeds, bulbs, or implements of destruction you might want to donate for the swap and wander them over to drop off inside the Maintenance Office from 7-4 Monday-Thursday before the swap, and we’ll add them to the inventory. We’ve got people (like the incredible Dennis & Jill Ryan, the EvCC Grounds crew and WSU Horticulture group) that have already donated and potted up a ton of stuff for you. They can take your donations and get them sorted and appropriately potted.
So come on down and help the cause with some of your donations. More times and details are to be revealed as soon as we make them up, so send questions to sustainability@everettcc.edu and get your calendar marked in green for Plant Swap on April 25.
We are Hiring!
Positions in the Sustainability Office provide a unique opportunity for students to impact the future of EvCC’s sustainable growth and management. Students working in the Sustainability Office are also responsible for assisting with developing and implementing future sustainability projects and programs at EvCC.
Participate on the Green Fee Committee as a voting member
Gather batteries and bulbs from campus recycling stations for proper disposal
Gather old printer cartridges from recycling stations, box up for shipping.
Help cover campus Sustainability events and work as backup of other team members
Sustainability Officer
Student chair of the Green Fee Committee (GFC)
Organizing and hosting the GFC meetings and events
Attend all ASB Senate meetings and provide updates to the ASB Senate
Prepares annual budget with the RCM for GFC, presents this to ASB Senate for review
Checks sustainability email and participates in outreach and email response
Data and Programs Coordinator
Checks and enters energy data through EnergyCap and utility invoices into EvCC Portfolio Manager profile
Checks sustainability email and participates in outreach and email response
Attends GFC meetings and events, reports any spikes or anomalies it utility use to RCM
Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
The theme for World Earth Day 2024 is “Planet vs. Plastics”. This captivating theme aims to increase public awareness of the harmful effects that plastic pollution has on the environment and its inhabitants. It seeks to spark a global movement to significantly cut back on the use and manufacture of plastic. The official Earth Day organizers, EARTHDAY.ORG, are working toward a plastic-free future by advocating for a 60% decrease in plastic manufacturing by 2040. They encourage individuals, businesses, and governments to take concrete actions like:
Eliminating Single-Use Plastics: Say no to straws, plastic bags, utensils, and water bottles.
Recycling and Com[posting Responsibly: To reduce the amount of garbage that ends up in landfills, make sure that acceptable plastics are recycled and food scraps are composted.
Embracing Reusable Alternatives: Invest in reusable shopping bags, food containers, coffee mugs, and water bottles.
Advocating for Policy Change: Make sure your representatives are aware of the issue of plastic pollution and encourage them to take action.
Supporting Sustainable Businesses: Select companies that are dedicated to cutting back on plastic usage and making use of recyclable resources.
An excellent chance to become active in environmental action and significantly improve the earth is provided by International Mother Earth Day. Engage in neighborhood activities, plan clean-up campaigns, spread awareness in your neighborhood, and help turn “Planet vs. Plastics” into a reality.
Holy Horticultural Hyperbole, Plantman! The Plant Swap Returns April 25, 10-2.
You have a thing for free stuff, I hear. Luckily, you can grab up a load of plant stuff and all it will cost you is a smile! It’s Plant Swap time, where we bring in great green gobs of growth to the Whitehorse Crit Space and you come and take it off our hands. All you need to do is have something to put your treasures in as you cart them away.
Right now is your opportunity to help out with donations of green things for the Swap. Think of any plants, seeds, bulbs, or implements of destruction you might want to donate for the swap and wander them over to drop off inside the Maintenance Office from 7-4 Monday-Thursday before the swap, and we’ll add them to the inventory. We’ve got people (like the incredible Dennis & Jill Ryan, the EvCC Grounds crew and WSU Horticulture group) that have already donated and potted up a ton of stuff for you. They can take your donations and get them sorted and appropriately potted.
So come on down and help the cause with some of your donations. More times and details are to be revealed as soon as we make them up, so send questions to sustainability@everettcc.edu and get your calendar marked in green for Plant Swap on April 25.
We are Hiring!
Positions in the Sustainability Office provide a unique opportunity for students to impact the future of EvCC’s sustainable growth and management. Students working in the Sustainability Office are also responsible for assisting with developing and implementing future sustainability projects and programs at EvCC.
Participate on the Green Fee Committee as a voting member
Gather batteries and bulbs from campus recycling stations for proper disposal
Gather old printer cartridges from recycling stations, box up for shipping.
Help cover campus Sustainability events and work as backup of other team members
Sustainability Officer
Student chair of the Green Fee Committee (GFC)
Organizing and hosting the GFC meetings and events
Attend all ASB Senate meetings and provide updates to the ASB Senate
Prepares annual budget with the RCM for GFC, presents this to ASB Senate for review
Checks sustainability email and participates in outreach and email response
Data and Programs Coordinator
Checks and enters energy data through EnergyCap and utility invoices into EvCC Portfolio Manager profile
Checks sustainability email and participates in outreach and email response
Attends GFC meetings and events, reports any spikes or anomalies it utility use to RCM
Sustainable gardening is a term that has no technical definition. It’s the concept of using gardening practices that cause no harm to the earth and its inhabitants while attempting to actually enhance it. Words that define “sustain” and “sustenance” are support, preserve, keep alive, maintain, reinforce, and nourishment. These words help paint the picture. By practicing sustainable gardening, you practice good environmental stewardship.
Start gardening sustainably
Get rid of fertilizers, weedkillers, and other pesticides. Reduce the amount of water you waste on creating the perfect lawn. Fill your garden with native plants. And use everything you can in your garden as much as possible. We must stop thinking of our gardens only as somewhere to have a barbecue or catch some rays.
Instead, we need to consider the amount of garden space that takes up the country and consider the effect that it has on the world around us. From helping local pollinators to helping with erosion control and stormwater management, the right plants in the right garden can change how we impact the world around us. And it’s easy to participate no matter the size of your space, even patios can be wildlife attractions. And when we stop adding chemicals to the soil and plants in our sustainable gardens, everyone benefits, now and for future generations.
Sustainability Office are Hiring!
Positions in the Sustainability Office provide a unique opportunity for students to impact the future of EvCC’s sustainable growth and management. Students working in the Sustainability Office are also responsible for assisting with developing and implementing future sustainability projects and programs at EvCC.
Participate on the Green Fee Committee as a voting member
Gather batteries and bulbs from campus recycling stations for proper disposal
Gather old printer cartridges from recycling stations, box up for shipping.
Help cover campus Sustainability events and work as backup of other team members
Sustainability Officer
Student chair of the Green Fee Committee (GFC)
Organizing and hosting the GFC meetings and events
Attend all ASB Senate meetings and provide updates to the ASB Senate
Prepares annual budget with the RCM for GFC, presents this to ASB Senate for review
Checks sustainability email and participates in outreach and email response
Data and Programs Coordinator
Checks and enters energy data through EnergyCap and utility invoices into EvCC Portfolio Manager profile
Checks sustainability email and participates in outreach and email response
Attends GFC meetings and events, reports any spikes or anomalies it utility use to RCM
With Spring just around the corner, we feel that there’s no better time than the present to start sprucing up our space. Not only does decluttering create a more mindful abode, but it can also contribute to your mental well-being. So, whether you like to clean room-by-room or tackle the entire house in one sweep, below are some simple and sustainable tips to get you through the season.
Use non-toxic cleaning products. Vinegar, water and baking soda can handle most daily cleaning needs. Use natural fiber sponges and cleaning agents that are biodegradable, phosphate-free, chlorine-free, and unscented.
One of our recent go-to’s has been making our own chemical-free cleaner. Not only is it all-natural, but it can also easily be customized with your favorite combination of scents. To make a standard all-purpose solution:
Mix 1-part vinegar to 1-part water in a glass spray bottle (plastic can occasionally react with essential oils, so it’s important to use a glass container)
Add 8-10 drops of your favorite essential oil
You can also add citrus peels to the above mix for extra cleaning power
Reduce paper use. Use rags instead of paper towels and wash them for reuse. Buy post-consumer recycled paper and recycle it when you’re done.
Repair instead of replace. Spring is wonderful time for a fresh start. But think twice before you throw out that perfectly good pair of shoes or piece of clothing from “last season.” The longer you use an item, the less virgin materials are needed to replace it.
Clear the Clutter by Categorizing
One of the most rewarding parts of cleaning is clearing out your closet. Start by separating all of your clothing into four categories:
donate
sell
throw-away
keep
Take your time when sorting and do your best to avoid creating a “maybe” or miscellaneous pile. Once you’re finished with clothing, move on to homewares.
Items that are still in good condition can be donated or gifted to a friend.
When it comes to donating, look locally for a no-contact option. Safely dropping off things you no longer use (but are still in good condition), will not only contribute to your community, but it will also help reduce your environmental impact.
Set Small Goals & Stick to Them
When it comes to cleaning, it’s best to commit. Setting small goals and sticking to them will make each task less overwhelming and motivate you to keep going. Start by making a list and cross things off along the way. If you live with others, cleaning can also be a fun group activity. Dedicate specific days and times to complete household chores with your roommates or family. Be diligent with daily projects and take comfort in knowing that almost no task will take as long as you think.
Master the Art of Organizing
Making sure that everything has a home will save you a lot of time in the long run. Spend a few minutes to walk around your home at the end of the day. Is there loose paper on the table? Are there dirty clothes in the living room? Assessing the state of your space is an easy indicator to your organizational needs. Here are some tips to help restore order:
Laundry to Linens: Small baskets are a great way to keep household linens organized and looking fresh.
Pots to Pantry: If you find yourself needing a little bit of extra counter space, a wall-mounted shelf or rail is a stylish space saver.
Magazines to Books: A small storage rack can lend a helping hand to stray publications, records, and books.
Celebrate Successful Spring Cleaning
Once your checklist is complete, it’s important to celebrate a job well done!
Around 1.3 billion tonnes of food gets wasted each year with much of it ending up in landfill and contributing to climate change.
Food waste doesn’t just mean wasted food, it means wasted money, wasted water, wasted energy, wasted land and wasted transportation. Throwing out your food can even contribute to climate change. Discarded food is often sent to landfill where it is left to rot and produce methane gas.
Easy Ways to Reduce Food Waste
Many people tend to buy more than they need. Shop smart by creating a list and buy only what you need from your list.
Store food properly
Improper storage leads to a massive amount of food waste. Many people are unsure how to store fruits and vegetables, which can lead to premature ripening and, eventually, rotten produce.
For instance, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, cucumbers and onions should never be refrigerated. These items should be kept at room temperature. The stems of leafy greens and herbs can be submerged in water. Store bread in your freezer if you think you won’t finish it in time. Do your part by choosing slightly imperfect produce at the grocery store, or better yet, directly from the farmer.
Save leftovers (and actually eat them too)
Leftovers aren’t just for the holidays. If you happen to cook a lot and you regularly have leftovers, designate a day to use up any that have accumulated in the fridge. It’s a great way to avoid throwing away food.
What’s more, it saves you time and money.
Make friends with your freezer
Freezing food is one of the easiest ways to preserve it, and the types of food that take well to freezing are endless.
For example, greens that are a bit too soft to be used in your favourite salad can be put in freezer-safe bags or containers and used at a later date in smoothies and other recipes.
An excess of herbs can be combined with olive oil and chopped garlic, then frozen in ice cube trays for a handy and delicious addition to sautés and other dishes.
You can freeze leftovers from meals, excess produce from your favourite farm stand, and bulk meals like soups and chilis. It’s a great way to ensure you always have a healthy, home-cooked meal available.
Pack your lunch
Although going out to lunch with co-workers or grabbing a meal from your favourite restaurant may be enjoyable, it is also costly and can contribute to food waste.
A helpful way to save money while reducing your carbon footprint is to bring your lunch to work with you.
If you’re strapped for time in the morning, try freezing your leftovers in portion-sized containers. That way, you’ll have premade, hearty lunches ready to go each morning.
Make a homemade stock
Whipping up a homemade stock is an easy way to reduce food waste.
Sauté vegetable scraps like the tops, stalks, peels and any other leftover bits with some olive oil or butter, then add water and let them simmer into an aromatic vegetable broth.
Compost if you can
Composting leftover food is a beneficial way to reuse food scraps, turning food waste into energy for plants.
While not everyone has room for an outdoor composting system, there’s a wide range of countertop composting systems that make this practice easy and accessible for everyone, even those with limited space.
An outdoor composter may work well for someone with a large garden, while a countertop composter is best for city dwellers with houseplants or small herb gardens.
The bottom line is that we all can reduce our food waste and there are endless ways to do so. By thinking more about the food your household throws away every day, you can help create positive change to conserve some of the Earth’s most valuable resources.
Even minimal changes to the way you shop, cook and consume food will help reduce your impact on the environment. It doesn’t have to be difficult.
With a small amount of effort, you can cut your food waste dramatically, save money and time, and help take some pressure off Mother Nature.
Sometimes the process of becoming zero waste can seem overwhelming.
Whether you’re just starting to learn about it, or you’ve been working towards it for months now, you’ve probably figured out that it’s not something that happens overnight.
It’s hard to change the ways we’ve done things all our lives.
One of the most overwhelming aspects of modern life is knowing about major global-impact issues like climate change and plastic waste pollution and feeling like there isn’t much that We can do to really change things.
Take all that plastic we go through day in and day out. It’s about the stuff that comes with food and bottled drinks, cosmetics, carryout containers, bags and wrappers — more than 40% of all plastic made is packaging, which is used only once or twice before being thrown away. Don’t we feel at least a little guilty when we toss one plastic snack wrapper or coffee cup after another into the trash?
If not, maybe we should. According to a recent analysis examining global plastic waste generation between 2010 and 2016, the United States was responsible for more plastic trash than any country in the world. That’s millions and millions of tons of plastic waste. Per capita, that boils down to nearly 300 pounds of plastic trash per person(!) per year.
Will it be recycled? Some will, yes, but not that much. It’s estimated that only about 9% of plastic waste generated in the U.S. is recycled and that the rest ends up in landfills, incinerators and, unfortunately, marine environments such as rivers and oceans. And there, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, it will remain for hundreds of years.
How can we stop plastic pollution from filling our oceans and endangering wildlife and the environment? Simple: Every one of us, from world leaders and corporate leaders to individuals, needs to take urgent action to reduce how we use and dispose of plastic.
Here are 9 of the best plastic-free products:
1. Reusable grocery bags
Opt out of plastic bags at the market. Grab a tote bag — charity and thrift stores and online marketplaces like Etsy are great places to look, or learn how to make your own!
2. Package-free haircare
Shampoos and conditioners typically come in plastic bottles, which can be a nightmare for anyone looking to cut plastic waste out of their bathroom.
Ditch the plastic and go naked with the solid shampoo bars and conditioners. Making haircare solid eliminates the need for plastic bottles, reducing the environmental impact enormously and saving tons of plastic from ever being produced or entering landfills. They’re easy to travel with because they are small and won’t spill in your bag, and they’re very easy to use.
Animal cruelty-free shampoo bars that last up to 80 washes.
The zero-waste shop Package Free also has multiple options for package-free haircare. And if you’re not a fan of bar soaps for hair, the shop also carries refillable conditioners (packaged in aluminum) that are vegan and chemical free. Opt out of the pump and go for the cap for a fully plastic-free conditioner.
3. Reusable drinking straws
Plastic straws litter our oceans, causing harm to wildlife and are polluting our environment. How we can solve this everyday problem?
Instead of buying plastic bottled water or using disposable cups, try out a stainless bottle.
6. Reusable and plastic-free food storage and service
The easiest way to protect yourself is admittedly pretty difficult: getting rid of plastic food storage containers. No more pop-top plastic cereal containers or zip-top plastic baggies, no more reheating your soup in the quart-sized plastic takeout container it came in. It’s a big change to make, so we did our part by rounding up some of our favorite nonplastic food storage containers in stainless steel, bamboo, cork, silicone, glass, linen, and wood. Refrigerate, freeze, and microwave to your heart’s content.
7.Make laundry day plastic-free
Liquid laundry detergents packaged in plastic containers can be easily switched out for more environmentally friendly, natural soaps.
8.Waste-free skincare accessories
Disposable cotton rounds and their plastic packaging are wasteful. The Waste Less Shop for reusable facial rounds, which come in two colors for different applications. The rounds come with a wash bag to keep things clean and plastic-free.
Switch out the plastic shaving razors for reusable metal razors with replaceable blades instead.
9.Plastic-free oral hygiene
Innovative companies now offer plastic-free dental hygiene alternatives including tubeless toothpaste products and bamboo toothbrushes. Bite, for example, offers tube-free oral care tablets that come in glass jars and act in the same way that toothpaste does to clean your teeth and freshen your breath.
It can seem like a big ask at first, with everything seemingly wrapped up in plastic from food to everyday household products. The good news is that there are eco-conscious brands that want to reduce the amount of plastic you bring home. Finding replacements you can trust can feel overwhelming, but it helps if you know where to start looking.
Did you know, it is estimated that styrofoam takes more than 500 years to decompose? Styrofoam has been around since 1941 – but most people are unaware of the harmful effects this petroleum-based product has on our population and our planet. How can a product that is 95% air create such a detriment to people and our planet?
Styrofoam is made from a product called polystyrene, which is a petroleum-based form of plastic. Styrofoam is used in a variety of ways; from food packaging to packaging fragile products. A 2014 National Toxicological Program report on carcinogens classified styrofoam as a product which is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen – and has been linked to occurrences of leukemia and lymphoma cancer.
Over 5 billion pounds of styrofoam ends up in our landfills and waterways each year.
The world produces more than 14 million tons of styrofoam each year.
Americans alone, throw away around 25 billion styrofoam cups annually.
25-35% of all landfill waste is from styrofoam products.
40% of all styrofoam produced is used for food storage.
Styrofoam that sits in landfills releases methane gases that have over 20 times the ozone-destroying potency as CO2 emissions.
Styrofoam breaks down into smaller particles that marine animals can easily mistake for food.
Styrene, a component of polystyrene, is a harmful chemical that can leach into food and drink.
Less than 1% of styrofoam is recycled.
Global Goodness:
Simply say “no” to products packaged in styrofoam.
The majority of eco-friendly companies have chosen not to use styrofoam in their packaging.
Purchase a reusable travel cup. Stainless steel or glass cups are a great alternative to to-go cups.
If eating out, take your own glassware – or simply request a piece of aluminum foil instead of a styrofoam box.
Planet Protector:
Buy Used. Need a new tv or computer? Look online, or at a used goods store to see if you can find the model you’re looking for. You will save the pesky packaging – and most likely a few dollars.
Check with your local UPS store about styrofoam recycling. Many times they will recycle styrofoam or connect you with a company who will dispose of it safely for you.
Choose to be an Ambassador for Change, and always Spread Love and Spread Light.
In 2021, Washington State passed a new law (S.B. 5022) to reduce plastic waste and strengthen markets for recycled plastic. The policy bans the use of StyrofoamTM packaging in mid-2023, and StyrofoamTM food serviceware like takeout containers and foam cups in mid-2024.
EvCC Styrofoam Recycling Event
EvCC Students for Enviromental Action (SEA) Club and Sustainability Department invites you to be an environmental hero! Bring clean styrofoam, packing peanuts in bags or boxes, bubble wrap and plastic film to be recycled–for FREE! If you are bringing styrofoam, please consider bringing a donation for the Marysville Food Bank of non-perishable food or monetary donations. We hope to collect as much styrofoam as possible; help us spread the word to your family, neighbors, and friends.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 Parking Lot F 10am-2pm
What We Accept EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Guidelines Your material must be: • Clean • Dry • Free of all tape and any labels so it does not contaminate the recycle process. • Please bag your peanuts separately for drop off • No contaminated material accepted. • We will accept any amount, large or small. Sorry, no hot tub covers, please.
To Identify Your Foam: • Look for the #6 or EPS inside the recycle symbol • Bend the material – it should break and snap with loose beads
Polystyrene Examples:
Clean Styrofoam
Clean Takeout
Clean Polyethylene
Clean Shipping Coolers
Clean Styrofoam Sheets
Other Materials We Accept:
Packing Peanuts (in bags or boxes please)
Clear bubble wrap
Clear plastic wrapping (Clean & dry material only)
What We Do Not Accept:
Spray-in Foam
Insta-pak Foam
Grey Insta-pak Foam
Foil-covered Foam
Pink or Blue Insulation Foam (XPS)
Hot Tub Covers
More Info
SEA Club is all about promoting environmental awareness and having fun while learning about current sustainability initiatives. For more information about this event please contact Laura Wild, Club Advisor at lwild@everettcc.edu
What impact does it have on you, your health, your household, the economy, the planet?
While the switch to zero waste can be hard, there can be many benefits for you on a personal level as well as for your household in general, such as:
Improved physical health
Packaged food does not necessarily mean unhealthy food, but unhealthy foods often mean lots of packaging.
Often the packaging is so thin that it can’t even be recycled. One of the zero waste health benefits is simply being forced to shop, cook, and eat healthier. What’s more, being made to slow down and think about what you’re buying at the grocery store creates a more mindful way of shopping, allowing you to make better decisions for the entire life cycle of the products you buy!
Improved wellbeing
Mindfulness has been shown to have various positive effects such as stress reduction, increased working memory and focus, less emotional reactivity, and more. Extend this concept to mindful consumption beyond food and drinks, and people are obliged to assess the products they clean themselves and their homes with.
Fewer toxic chemicals in your home
Zero waste cleaning and self-care products tend to have fewer potentially damaging chemicals (and fewer ingredients in general) meaning a happier, healthier, and more sustainable household. The same is often true for the packaging of these products, and waste reduction through the use of non-toxic materials in packaging (such as plastics and other petroleum-based materials) means fewer issues caused by microplastics in the local, national, and global environment.
The ultimate goal of zero waste is to help people reuse, repair, and repurpose things that have come to the end of their life. By reusing rather than replacing you can save significant amounts of money, making it another zero-waste lifestyle benefit.
EvCC Styrofoam Recycling Event
EvCC Students for Enviromental Action (SEA) Club and Sustainability Department invites you to be an environmental hero! Bring clean styrofoam, packing peanuts in bags or boxes, bubble wrap and plastic film to be recycled–for FREE! If you are bringing styrofoam, please consider bringing a donation for the Marysville Food Bank of non-perishable food or monetary donations. We hope to collect as much styrofoam as possible; help us spread the word to your family, neighbors, and friends.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 Parking Lot F 10am-2pm
What We Accept EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) Guidelines Your material must be: • Clean • Dry • Free of all tape and any labels so it does not contaminate the recycle process. • Please bag your peanuts separately for drop off • No contaminated material accepted. • We will accept any amount, large or small. Sorry, no hot tub covers, please.
To Identify Your Foam: • Look for the #6 or EPS inside the recycle symbol • Bend the material – it should break and snap with loose beads
Polystyrene Examples:
Clean Styrofoam
Clean Takeout
Clean Polyethylene
Clean Shipping Coolers
Clean Styrofoam Sheets
Other Materials We Accept:
Packing Peanuts (in bags or boxes please)
Clear bubble wrap
Clear plastic wrapping (Clean & dry material only)
SEA Club is all about promoting environmental awareness and having fun while learning about current sustainability initiatives. For more information about this event please contact Laura Wild, Club Advisor at lwild@everettcc.edu
