Electronics Recycling Event, Sat May 30

Saturday, May 30
9am – 1pm
Somerville, Parking lot next to Dilboy Field

Free for residents of Somerville, Cambridge, Arlington and Belmont

BRING

• Computer Monitors (flat panels OK)
• Television Sets** (all sizes)
• Personal Computers
• Printers / Scanners / Fax machines
• Calculators
• Cell phones
• Electronic Scales
• Keyboards & Mice
• Microwaves
• Radios
• Stereos
• Telephones
• Toasters
• Vacuums

NO

• No White Goods (ex. Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Refrigerators)
• No Batteries
• No Car Parts
• No Chemicals
• No Light Bulbs
• No Hazardous Waste**
• No Metal Waste
• No Mercury Items
• No Tires

http://www.cambridgema.gov/TheWorks/news/electronicsevent.htm

There is also an upcoming household hazardous waste collection in Cambridge (for Cambridge residents only) on June 20th.

Reusable Water Bottles

Waste Not, Want Not

As you are already most likely aware, the water sold in water bottles is basically tap water and costs more than gas. If that isn’t enough to wean you from relying on water bottles, consider the negative environmental impacts bottled water generates including:

• bottle production energy and waste,
• energy for transportation of bottles,
• post-consumer waste (with less than 20% getting recycled even in areas with curbside recycling), and
• potential life-threatening dangers to water-based animals creatures.

In addition to the lack of regulation of bottled water, there is the concern that it takes away from public water systems resulting in the commodification of water.

Collapsible Reusable Water Bottles

In my search for a reusable water bottle, I came across collapsible water bottles. These types water bottles appealed to me because of their increased portability; they are lighter than conventional water bottles and take little space once they are empty. Currently, there are two companies offering collapsible water bottles: Platypus and Evernew. Evernew comes in four sizes: 600ml, 900ml, 1.5L, 2L with an attached screw top, which helps in preventing the loss of the cap. The PlatyBottle comes in three sizes: .5L, 1L and 2L and is available with a sport pull top or screw top. Both products offer insulated carrying cases. The Platypus brand is more readily available (not surprising since Platypus is a US based company, while Evernew is based in Japan). As a result, I purchased the 1L PlatyBottle with a sports top.

The PlatyBottle can be multi-purposed. Because it can be frozen or boiled, it can be used as an ice pack or hot water bottle. For long trips, one can freeze water to have the water stay cold longer. Then, you can place the frozen water in a cooler as an ice pack ; increasing the available space in the cooler by eliminating the need for ice or a conventional ice pack. Its multiple uses are ideal for those looking to simplify and reduce.

Personally, the improved portability is ideal since I bike to sports-related destinations. As advertised, the Platypus does not add any flavors/taste to the water. A reviewer  mentioned that it was convenient for bringing through airport security and then filling with water. Unfortunately, in my experience the water that comes out of the airport water fountains can be unpalatable and rather revolting. Generally, I prefer my water cold and fill it with chilled water filtered through a Brita pitcher.

Resources:

Food & Water Watch, Bottled Water Facts

Breaking the Bottled Water Habit, USA Today

Starting the morning right, the Swiss way

This year I resolved to eat breakfast every morning. Often, my problem with eating breakfast was deciding what to eat. In order to simplify the daily choice, I decided to eat the same healthy breakfast every morning (with the exception of a hot American style breakfast on the weekends). I chose to make myself Swiss muesli, as it includes a range of nutritional ingredients including whole grains, fruits, nuts and dairy.

Swiss Muesli / Bircher Muesli

This recipe is inspired by muesli made by a Swiss friend in Zurich and based on recipes online.

• Rolled oats (or other rolled whole grains)
• Nuts and/or seeds (unroasted and unsalted, varied: almonds, cashews, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds)
• Dried fruit (Raisins are the norm, but I use apricots because I hate raisins.)
• Fresh fruit (varies on weekly purchase: strawberries, apple, blueberries, raspberries, plum, banana, etc), chopped
• Flax seeds, freshly ground
• Plain yogurt (The Swiss use quark and you can substitute Greek/Mediterranean style yogurt for a more similar consistency.)

Normally, the grains should be soaked overnight in water or milk, but I skip this step. Chop the nuts. Cut the dried and fresh fruit, if necessary . Grind flax seed. Mix all ingredients together with yogurt. Enjoy.

I dislike sweet food in the morning and the natural sweetness from the fruits was enough for me, however if you have a sweet tooth you can add a natural sweeter such a honey or maple syrup.

Portions may vary from individual to individual, but I find three heaping tablespoons of both the rolled grains and yogurt enough, especially once all the other ingredients are added. What may seem like a small portion can be quite filling. You can sprinkle the flax seeds whole, however, grinding or releasing the oils provides additional health benefits.

To make it more affordable, make your own mix from (Whole Foods) bulk products. Reusing ziploc baggies when purchasing bulk items not only reduces waste, but simplifies grocery shopping and eases preparation with easy access.

I will follow with a review on the different brands of yogurts that I try.

The Twenty Year Towel

I have a tendency make the objects I use last as long as they can and use them for the life of the object. After all, if it works, why bother getting a new one? One extreme example of this is my beach towel.

I still have the beach towel I acquired (20+ years ago) as child during a family trip to Virginia Beach. We rarely went to the beach and as a result I’m not really a beach person. I limited its use to the beach (except for the rare occasions of desperation when I was down to my last towel). The towel followed me to university and all my subsequent moves. Lately, I have been going to the beach more regularly every summer to play volleyball and of course I use my towel. I didn’t think, until my SO teased me about it.

Here’s a pic, so you can see why:

I didn’t really consider how silly it might look to others until my SO said something. I still don’t really care, but sometimes when my SO is around and if I remember, I’ll wrap it around me with the ducks facing inward.

Cambridge: Electronics Recycling Event

Electronics Recycling Event for Cambridge Residents
Saturday, February 28
9am-2pm
450 Concord Avenue (National Guard Armory)

Residents only, no businesses. This one-time event will be paid for, courtesy of Samsung Corporation.

YES

• Computer Monitors (flat panels OK)
• Television Sets (all sizes)
• Personal Computers
• Printers / Scanners / Fax machines
• Calculators
• Cell phones
• Electronic Scales
• Keyboards & Mice
• Microwaves
• Radios
• Stereos
• Telephones
• Toasters
• Vacuums

NO

• No White Goods (ex. Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Refrigerators)
• No Batteries
• No Car Parts
• No Chemicals
• No Light Bulbs
• No Hazardous Waste
• No Metal Waste
• No Mercury Items
• No Tires