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Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Recycling & Disposal Guide: Outdoor Tents & Inflatable Items ✅ Recycling & Reuse Options: 🏕 Outdoor Tents: Donate Usable Tents: If your tent is in good condition, donate it to homeless shelters , scout groups , or outdoor recreation programs . Repair & Repurpose: Many outdoor gear stores, like REI , offer tent repair services. You can also repurpose fabric for tarps, bags, or DIY projects. Textile Recycling: Some fabric recycling programs accept tent materials (check with TerraCycle or local textile recyclers). Metal Parts Recycling: If your tent has aluminum or steel poles , they can be recycled at scrap metal facilities. 🚫 Not Accepted in Regular Curbside Recycling Most tents and inflatables are made of mixed materials (nylon, polyester, PVC, plastic coatings), which are not recyclable in standard curbside bins . Vinyl & PVC items (like pool floats and bounce houses) are difficult to recycle and should be disposed of responsibly . 🛠 Best Disposal Option for Non-Recyclable Items: Landfill : If beyond repair, dispose of them in regular trash. Check with Local Waste Services : Some areas have designated drop-off locations for specialty plastics.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Proper Disposal of Fireworks Fireworks contain explosive materials and toxic chemicals that can be hazardous if not handled, stored, or disposed of properly. The following guidelines help ensure safety and prevent environmental harm. ⚠️ Safety Cautions for Handling and Storing Fireworks Keep Away from Heat & Flames – Fireworks are highly flammable. Store them in a cool, dry place away from open flames, heat sources, and direct sunlight. No Smoking or Open Sparks – Avoid smoking or exposing fireworks to sparks, which can trigger unintended explosions. Store Out of Reach of Children & Pets – Fireworks contain toxic substances that can be harmful if ingested. Keep them locked away in a secure area. Handle with Dry, Clean Hands – Moisture or contamination can affect the stability of fireworks, leading to unpredictable behavior. Do Not Tamper or Modify Fireworks – Cutting, dismantling, or attempting to extract explosive materials is highly dangerous and can cause accidental detonation. 🚨 Hazards: Poisoning & Environmental Risks Toxic Chemicals – Fireworks contain heavy metals, perchlorates, and other substances that can poison children and animals if ingested. Residue in Water & Soil – Firework debris can contaminate water sources and soil, harming wildlife and ecosystems. Airborne Toxins – When ignited, fireworks release harmful chemicals into the air, affecting respiratory health. ✅ Proper Disposal Methods 1. Unused Fireworks Check Local Laws – Some areas classify fireworks as hazardous waste; contact local authorities for proper disposal options. Soak in Water – Submerge fireworks in a bucket of water for at least 24 hours. Wrap & Dispose – Place wet fireworks in plastic bags to prevent drying out, then dispose of them according to local waste regulations. 2. Misfired or Dud Fireworks Do NOT Relight – Wait at least 30 minutes before approaching a misfired firework. Soak in Water – Keep submerged in water for a full 24 hours. Dispose in Trash or Hazardous Waste Facility – Follow local disposal instructions. 3. Spent (Used) Fireworks Let Them Cool Completely – Ensure no heat or embers remain. Soak in Water – Prevent accidental ignition by soaking thoroughly. Dispose Safely – Wrap and place in trash per local guidelines. ❌ NEVER Do the Following: 🚫 Burn Fireworks – This can release toxic fumes and cause explosions.🚫 Bury Fireworks – They can remain dangerous and contaminate soil and groundwater.🚫 Throw in Waterways – Chemicals can leach into water sources, harming aquatic life. By following these safety precautions, you can help prevent accidents, injuries, and environmental damage. Always consult local authorities for regulations on fireworks disposal. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only. CTDP is not responsible for any damages, injuries, or consequences resulting from handling, storing, or disposing of fireworks. 4o

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Disposal Methods for Cellphone Cases If recycling or donation options are not feasible, here are a few responsible disposal methods: ✅ 1. Donate : If the case is in decent condition, donation to local charities or thrift stores is a great way to extend its life. You can check if shelters, schools, or even friends and family can make use of it. ✅ 2. Recycle through Programs : TerraCycle : As mentioned, TerraCycle offers a specialized recycling program for items like cellphone cases. You can sign up to send in your cases and they will be properly recycled. Manufacturer or Retailer Take-Back Programs : Some phone brands and retailers (like Apple, Samsung, and Best Buy) offer take-back programs for accessories, including phone cases. Check their websites for recycling programs or in-store drop-off details. ✅ 3. Local Recycling Centers : Some local recycling centers may accept phone cases, particularly if they are made from recyclable plastics. Contact your local facility to confirm whether they accept them. ✅ 4. Landfill (Last Resort) : If you have no other options, as a last resort, you may dispose of your phone case in a landfill, though this is not recommended due to the environmental impact of plastic waste. Always try to seek recycling or donation alternatives first. 💡 Note : Check for specific recycling or disposal guidelines based on the material of your phone case (e.g., silicone, plastic, or rubber), as this may affect the recycling process.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards How to Donate Shoes to Africa and Other Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) ✅ Donation Options for Shoes :Many organizations accept gently used shoes to send to communities in need, including those in Africa. Here are some reputable options: Soles4Souls : This nonprofit collects shoes and clothing and distributes them to people in need, both domestically and internationally, including in Africa. They accept all types of shoes. How to Donate : You can donate online by sending your shoes to their collection centers or through community drop-off locations. Shoes for Africa : An initiative by various organizations aimed at providing footwear to communities in Africa. This includes both new and gently used shoes. How to Donate : You can find local donation drives or partner organizations that support this cause. Some shoe retailers and NPOs also host collection drives. The Shoe That Grows : This organization provides shoes for children in developing countries, especially in Africa, where shoes are a rare commodity. How to Donate : You can either make a direct donation of funds or shoes to be sent to children in need. Local NPOs & Shelters : Many NPOs, particularly those focused on poverty relief, accept shoes to send to underserved communities. This includes local shelters or programs dedicated to international aid. Check with organizations such as Goodwill or The Salvation Army for details on how they might support shoe donation efforts abroad. 🚫 Make Sure the Shoes are Gently Used : When donating, ensure that the shoes are in good condition—clean and not too worn out. Most organizations prefer shoes that are still wearable, as they can be directly used by people in need. Would you like more details on how to donate shoes or need help finding a local drop-off point? https://soles4souls.org/

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Disposal and Recycling of Water Filter Pitchers and Cartridges 1. Manufacturer Take-Back Programs Many water filter brands offer recycling programs for both pitchers and cartridges: Brita : Partners with TerraCycle to recycle used filters, pitchers, and dispensers. You can collect your used items and mail them in. PUR : Works with TerraCycle for recycling used cartridges. ZeroWater : Has a mail-in recycling program for their filters. 2. Retail Drop-Off Locations Some Whole Foods, Home Depot, or Best Buy locations may accept water filter pitchers and cartridges for recycling. Always check with the store beforehand. 3. Local Recycling Centers While some municipal recycling programs accept plastic pitchers, most do not take filter cartridges due to their mixed materials. Check with your local waste management service to confirm if they accept these items. 4. Upcycling and Reuse Ideas Pitchers can be repurposed for watering plants, storing dry goods, or as DIY planters. Cartridges may be used in DIY filtration systems for non-drinking purposes like aquariums or gardening. 5. Proper Disposal If no recycling options exist, pitchers made of recyclable plastic (like #5 polypropylene) can be placed in curbside recycling if accepted by your local program. Cartridges should go in the trash if recycling is not available. Do not place them in curbside bins unless explicitly accepted.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Wildfires Are Growing Stronger and Harder to Extinguish: Causes, Challenges, and Solutions The following data concerning the acreage of areas burned by wildfires (excluding those caused by human activity) appears to illustrate the impact of climate change on the nature of wildfires. Since 1983, an average of around 70,000 wildfires per year has been documented by the National Interagency Fire Center. The fluctuations in wildfire occurrences from year to year exhibit no discernible pattern, as they are contingent upon various factors, including the climate conditions of each specific year. However, the acreage of damaged areas by wildfires per year has dramatically increased since the 1980s. The number of fires per year has remained relatively stable, yet the acreages have consistently increased year by year, regardless of advancements in firefighting technology. While each fire has unique circumstances and conditions, the steady growth in burned acreage may imply that wildfires are intensifying in strength and/or lasting longer in duration. So, what factors could potentially contribute to the expansion of burned acreage in non-man-made wildfires? Climate can change significantly influence wildfires by altering weather patterns, temperature, and vegetation, creating conditions conducive to their ignition, spread, and intensity. It amplifies the factors which contribute to wildfires such as higher temperatures, extended fire seasons, droughts, reduced snowpacks, increased lighting, and stronger winds. Sources: https://www.epa.gov/.../climate-change-indicators-wildfires https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/statistics/wildfires Data by National Interagency Fire Center. Updated May 2023

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Disposal & Recycling of Sneakers, Sandals, and Boots Footwear like sneakers, sandals, and boots are often made from a variety of materials, including rubber, leather, synthetic fibers, and textiles. Disposing of them responsibly is crucial to reduce landfill waste and encourage recycling. Here's how to dispose of or recycle these items: ♻️ Recycling & Reuse Options: Donate: If your shoes are gently used, donate them to charitable organizations such as Soles4Souls or Goodwill. These programs redistribute footwear to those in need. Sneaker Recycling Programs: Some brands, like Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe , offer recycling programs specifically for athletic shoes. They recycle the shoes into new products such as playground surfaces, athletic tracks, and more. Shoes for Repurposing: Certain organizations accept shoes to be repurposed into products like insulation material or flooring. Check with local or national recycling programs to see if they accept footwear. Upcycling: Get creative by upcycling old shoes into new accessories or products, such as planters or art pieces. Disposal Considerations: Rubber and Plastic Components: If your footwear is worn out and cannot be donated or recycled, it’s important to separate the materials when possible. Rubber soles can be recycled in some areas as part of the rubber recycling stream. Leather & Synthetic Materials: Leather footwear, if not recyclable, should be disposed of in the trash. Leather can take years to break down, while synthetic materials can pose environmental risks. Mixed Material Shoes: Shoes made from various materials, such as leather, rubber, and synthetic fibers, should be separated before disposal. For example, cut off any laces or fabric, and send the rubber sole to the appropriate recycling program. Avoid Disposal in Landfills: Avoid sending shoes and footwear directly to landfills whenever possible, as they take years to decompose. Donate or recycle them instead. Key Takeaways: ✔️ Donate: If in good condition, donate to charities that repurpose footwear. ✔️ Recycle: Utilize sneaker recycling programs (like Nike Reuse-A-Shoe ) or look for local recycling programs that accept shoes. ✔️ Upcycle: Consider reusing materials for creative projects if they are no longer wearable. ✔️ Proper Disposal: If no recycling option is available, break down shoes into their material components and dispose of them according to local guidelines.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Sustainable Prom: Give a Dress, Get a Dress, Reduce Waste! All the fellow high school students in Chicago, do you need a prom dress or suit but can't afford one? Look no further. These non-profit organizations offer free prom attires. They have designers and great collections. Please share the info because your friend might be able to use one. And to those who live in different states, there are many similar organizations around the country. If you are interested in a similar opportunity, you should google "Prom dress giveaway near me." Good luck! 1) The Gift of Glamour: https://www.facebook.com/thegifto.../https://www.713ceg.org/ 2) 713 Ceg & Prom Girls Rock: https://www.713ceg.org/ 3) Humble Hearts: humbleheartsfoundation.org Home - Humble Hearts Helping People In Need Connecting resources to those in need by providing living essentials to end impoverishment through community outreach. Donate Our charity works to collect resources such as In-kind goods, hygiene products, food, & other miscellaneous items for the homeless, people in need, families leaving shelter life, & those who suffer from mental health issues.… #ctdp #connectingthedotsproject #recycling #recycle #circularfashion #upcycling #prom #prom2024 #dresses #promdresses #chicago #illinois #giveaway #giveaways #promdressgiveaway ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Disposal & Recycling of Hats with Various Materials Hats are made from different materials, including fabric, wool, leather, synthetic blends, plastic, and straw. The method of disposal or recycling depends on the material composition and condition of the hat. ♻️ Recycling & Reuse Options: Donate: If the hat is in good condition, consider donating it to local charities, shelters, secondhand stores, or organizations that distribute clothing to those in need. Upcycle: Old hats can be repurposed for crafts, costume projects, or DIY home décor. Sell or Swap: Platforms like thrift stores, online marketplaces, or clothing swap events may accept gently used hats. Fabric Recycling: Textile recycling programs accept cloth-based hats (cotton, wool, polyester). Check with your local facility for guidelines. Composting (for natural materials): Straw and untreated wool hats can sometimes be composted if they are free of synthetic dyes or chemicals. 🗑️ Disposal Considerations: Mixed Material Hats (Blends of Fabric, Leather, Plastic, etc.): These are difficult to recycle due to different material compositions. If no recycling option is available, they may need to be disposed of in regular waste. Plastic or Synthetic Hats: Some plastic-based hats (like hard hats) may be accepted at specialized recycling centers. Check with local waste management. Leather Hats: Genuine leather is generally not recyclable, but some upcycling programs may accept them for repurposing. Key Takeaways: ✔️ Prioritize reuse, donation, or upcycling before disposal.✔️ Check local recycling facilities for material-specific options.✔️ Consider sustainable hat choices in the future, such as biodegradable or upcycled materials.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Recycling & Disposal Guide: Inflatable Items ✅ Recycling & Reuse Options: 🎈 Inflatable Items (Air Mattresses, Pool Floats, Bounce Houses, etc.): Patch & Reuse: Repair small holes with a vinyl patch kit. Upcycle: Old inflatables can be cut into waterproof fabric for bags, covers, or ground tarps . Specialty Recycling: Some brands like TerraCycle offer mail-in recycling for vinyl and plastic inflatables. 🚫 Not Accepted in Regular Curbside Recycling Most tents and inflatables are made of mixed materials (nylon, polyester, PVC, plastic coatings), which are not recyclable in standard curbside bins . Vinyl & PVC items (like pool floats and bounce houses) are difficult to recycle and should be disposed of responsibly . 🛠 Best Disposal Option for Non-Recyclable Items: Landfill : If beyond repair, dispose of them in regular trash. Check with Local Waste Services : Some areas have designated drop-off locations for specialty plastics.

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back Geothermal energy from abandoned coal mines has given a new lease Geothermal energy from abandoned coal mines has given a new lease of life and being repurposed to provide zero-carbon energy in various countries in Europe and Canada. Springhill, Nova Scotia, in Canada, started harnessing heat from dormant coal mines as early as 1989, with one local packaging firm now operating a 100% renewable system throughout the year. The technology also has been used to heat hundreds of properties in Gateshead, England. This initiative is seen as a success and showcases the potential of using old mining tunnels for clean, green energy. The warm water, found in disused coal mines, is a valuable and underused source of clean energy, with geologists estimating that the UK's mine shafts hold significant potential. The process involves drilling boreholes to bring the warm water to the surface, then using heat pumps and extractors to raise its temperature before distributing it through heating networks. Once the heat is absorbed in buildings, the water can be returned to the mines to be reheated. This method works year-round and is not affected by seasonal changes, making it a reliable and sustainable energy source. A similar project is underway in Asturias, northern Spain, where flooded coal shafts are used for heating and cooling multiple buildings, including a hospital and a university. Sources: https://www.euronews.com/.../flooded-and-forgotten-how ... https://www.cnbc.com/.../abandoned-coal-mines-may-be-gold ... . https://www2.groundstability.com/geothermal-energy-from.../

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards LAND < Back An Eco-Friendly and Effective Indoor & Outdoor Solution for Mosquito and Fungus Gnat Control Our house is a small urban jungle with many plants, and if you enjoy indoor gardening as we do, you may also have encountered infestations of unwelcome pests. These pests can enter your home through open windows or come with newly acquired plants. Removing them completely is a tedious and tenacious task. However, dangerous insecticides, which often contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals and other harmful agents, should be avoided as they can harm your family and pets. So, how do you remove pests safely? Now, let us share our experience with a product called Mosquito Bits. We have been using it for over 4 months. And we are happy to report to you that it has worked incredibly well. Mosquito Bits are granules containing Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (Bti), a naturally occurring bacterium toxic to mosquito and fungus gnat larvae. When applied to standing water or soil, larvae ingest the bacteria, which disrupts their digestive systems and kills them. Here is something we were taken aback though. When we first purchased the product, we were concerned about the warning label. The package label was very contradicting; it says safe and not safe. hmmmm... So to clarify, we contacted the corporate office, and they explained that the warning is mandated by the EPA for any insect-killing product. Ok, that is a relief. Despite the warning, Mosquito Bits are safe for humans, pets, plants, and fish. We also checked the EPA website and this is what it says. "2. Does Bti pose health risks to humans? No. Bti has no toxicity to people and is approved for use for pest control in organic farming operations. It has been well tested by many studies on acute toxicity and pathogenicity (ability to cause disease) for Bacillus thuringiensis including studies specifically on Bti. Based on these studies, EPA has concluded that Bti does not pose a risk to humans." The label on the Mosquito Bits package says it can be used in bird baths, rain barrels, animal watering troughs, ponds, flower pots, and saucers. Choose Mosquito Bits for a safer, more responsible way to protect your home and garden. Sources: www.epa.gov Bti for Mosquito Control | US EPA Bti is used to control mosquito larva. View questions and answers on Bti and its regulation. #IndoorPlants #anthurium #philodendron #monstera #cactus #plants #ponds #mosquito #bti #MosquitoBits #connectingthedotsproject #ctdp #outdoors #pests #pestcontrol #indoor #environment #environmentallyfriendly #sustainable #sustainability #ecofriendly #safety #MosquitoBits #MosquitoFree #gnats #fungusgnats