Dear Recycle Lady,
Today I received a beautiful Thanksgiving card in an envelope with gold foil lining. Can this envelope be recycled? Thankful
Dear Thankful,
Enjoy your beautiful card, but unless the gold foil lining can be removed from the paper part of the envelope, it can’t be recycled. If the card doesn’t have any glitter, foil, glue, or non-paper designs on it then the card can be recycled with office paper or magazines, depending on whether its surface is paper-like or slick.
Dear Recycle Lady,
We are getting ready to decorate for Christmas and I have found several strings of older non-LED and LED Christmas lights that are missing bulbs, are all tangled up or don’t work anymore. Can they be recycled? Lights That Sparkle
Dear Lights That Sparkle,
Yes, all Christmas lights, regardless of condition, can be recycled as the copper within the cords has value. Take them to the Recycling Center and put them in the yellow bin that sits on the porch near the sign that says Aluminum. Lowes also recycles Christmas lights just inside the entrance door where returns are processed.
Dear Recycle Lady,
This year I am trying to wrap all my gifts in recyclable wrapping paper as I want to be more aware of the environment and waste. Does this wrapping paper go in the newspaper or magazine bin? Gift Wrapper
Dear Gift Wrapper,
Kudos for being aware of waste and the environment. If more people paid attention, we would have a healthier environment and less waste. Unfortunately, it is impossible to distinguish recyclable wrapping paper from plain wrapping paper, so the local recycling center is unable to recycle any wrapping paper. With care, your wrapping paper can be rolled on a cardboard tube or folded and reused next year. If your recyclable wrapping paper is biodegradable, or a hemp-blend, it can be added to your compost pile or bin. Have you tried using alternatives to commercial wrapping paper such as decorative tin boxes, reusable shopping bags, cloth bags, tablecloths, kitchen towels, or a decorative basket? Newspapers, especially the comics page, can also be used to wrap gifts and they are totally recyclable.
Dear Readers,
Happy Turkey Day! Here’s wishing everyone a day with family, friends, good conversations, and good food. Hopefully, your Thanksgiving dinner this year will also be good for the environment. Using reusable dishes, eating utensils, and cloth tablecloths and napkins all save on landfill space. If you must use disposables, please purchase 100% recycled or compostable plates, cups, napkins, and utensils. (Kroger and Walmart both have them.) Cleaning recyclable aluminum foil, trays and pans used for baking turkeys or casseroles can be a bit of a chore, but worth the effort as they are reusable. Last but not least, be safe, enjoy the day, and have a very Happy Thanksgiving,
Interesting Information: Octopuses don’t just have one heart—they’ve got three! Two hearts pump blood to their gills, while the third takes care of the rest. This helps them survive in low-oxygen environments. They’re like the multi-taskers of the ocean, putting their hearts into everything! (fto.com)
Have questions about recycling or interesting information about recycling? Send questions or requests Reto cyclelady7@gmail.com. Dear Recycle Lady is sponsored jointly by the Greenbrier Recycling Center and Greenworks Recycling.
