mpms greenbook 2010v2 · pdf filemarin primary & middle school, 20 magnolia avenue,...

the GREENBOOK

MARIN PRIMARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL

MarinPrimary&MiddleSchool,20MagnoliaAvenue,LarkspurCalifornia94939http://www.mpms.org/school/values.html

Greenbook on Sustainable Living in Marin

AGuidetoRecyclingandLivingGreen

EarthDay,April22,2010


WelcometotheGreenbookonSustainableLivinginMarinCounty!Thisgreenhandbookisaresourceonhowtolivealittlegreenerandwheretorecyclejustaboutanything.ItwasdevelopedbytwoparentsinvolvedwiththeMarinPrimary&MiddleSchool(MP&MS)GreenCommitteetoprovideareferenceforcreatingamoresustainablelifestyle.Whetheryouarelookingtomakesmallchangesthatpositivelyimpacttheenvironment,findresourcesontopicsfromeverydaylivingtoscientificresearch,orgiveawaythoseoldbooksandshoestonon‐profitswithamissiontoservethosewhoareunderserved,wehavegotyoucovered.Sectionsofthehandbookprovidethefollowing:

• Easywaystobecomegreen

• Howtobeenvironmentallyfriendlyinyourhome,gardenandcar

• Onlinegreenresourcesincludingonlineexchange

• Arecyclingguideforalmosteverything

• WhatweatMP&MSaredoingtobecomegreener

Thishandbookisaworkinprogressandwewillupdateitperiodicallybasedonyourfeedback.Pleaseletusknowwhattopicsyouwouldliketoseeincludedinthefutureandifanyofoursourcesarenolongeraccurate.Wedidourbesttocheckallourreferencesbutthingschange.WewouldliketothankKateHansonandLindaCollinswhocreatedBurke'sFreecyclopedia,thegenesisofandinspirationforthishandbook.WewelcomeyourfeedbackandfeelfreetosharethissourcewithotherfriendsinMarin.CatherineBrown [email protected] [email protected]


TableofContents

I. EasyStepstoBeingGreen .............................................................................. 1 8TinyWaystoGoGreen ............................................................................................1 FamilyGuidetoGoingGreen....................................................................................3 StepstoReduceWaste ................................................................................................3II. GreenTips............................................................................................................. 4 FoodChoices....................................................................................................................4 FarmersMarkets............................................................................................................6 GreenHomeCleaning ..................................................................................................7 WaterUse..........................................................................................................................9 Garden .............................................................................................................................10 Driving.............................................................................................................................12 ReducingJunkMail ....................................................................................................13 SomeofOurFavoriteGreenProducts ...............................................................14 MiscellaneousTips.....................................................................................................15III. GreenOnlineResources................................................................................16

IV. RecyclingGuide ................................................................................................18 On‐LineExchangeCompanies...............................................................................18 CompaniesThatAcceptMostThings.................................................................19 HaulingandExchangeWebsites ..........................................................................19 MarinCountyRecycling,Disposal,andHazardousWasteCenters.......20 RecyclingGuide:AnAlphabeticalListingofRecyclingResources ........22V. MP&MSFocusingonGreenInitiativesEveryDay ..............................34

VI. ListofSources ...................................................................................................37ThisGreenbookwascreatedasanAdobeAcrobat9.0pdffileandcanbestbeviewedwithAdobeReader9.0,whichwillallowyoutoopenallweblinksthroughouttheGreenbook.YoucandownloadafreeversionofAdobeReader9at:https://acrobat.com/‐lThisGreenbookcanbefoundathttp://www.mpms.org/school/values.html

MP&MSGreenbookonSustainableLivinginMarin


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I. EasyStepstoBeingGreen

8TinyWaystoGoGreen

ByMarieLook,fromEarth911’s“GreenEight”serieshttp://earth911.com/blog/2009/05/18/8‐tiny‐ways‐to‐go‐green/

Ifyouaren’tquitereadytomakeanydrasticchangesbutstillwanttoloweryourimpactontheenvironment,thereareseveralstepsthat,oncetaken,you’llhardlyhavetothinkabouttwice.Hereareeighttinychangesyoucanmaketotiptoeyourwayintoagreenerlifestyle.

1.ParkIt

Whenrunningerrands,opttoparkyourcarandgoinsideinsteadofusingthedrive‐thru.TheEPAestimatesthatforeveryminutetheaveragecarengineidles,itemits6to7gramsofpollutantsintotheatmosphere.

Thatmeansthatifonemilliondriversturnedofftheircars,ratherthanidledunnecessarily,forjusttwominutesperweekforanentireyear,theseharmfulemissionswouldbereducedbymorethan750tons.Anddon’tforgetthatforeverytwominutesyourcaridles,itusesroughlythesameamountoffuelyou’dusetotravelonemile.Whatawasteofgas!

2.EatYourVeggies

Ifyou’repartofthemeat‐eatingpercentageofthepopulation,considergoingmeatlessforjustonemealaweek.It’sbeenestimatedthat18percentofallglobalgreenhousegasemissionsareassociatedwithmeatconsumption,includingraisingthelivestockandprocessing,packagingandshippingtheproducts.

TheEnvironmentalDefenseFundestimatesthatifeveryAmericansubstitutedavegetariandishforameatdishforjustonemealperweek,thecarbondioxidereductionwouldberoughlyequivalenttotakingmorethanone‐halfofamillioncarsofftheroads.

3.GoElectronic

Oneoftheeasiestwaystoreduceyourhousehold’spaperconsumptionisbypayingyourbillsonlineandreceivingstatementsviae‐mail.Takingadvantageofpaperlessprogramsatyourbankorutilitycompanymeansyou’llsavemoneyonstamps,eliminatepaperwasteandalwayshaveeasyaccesstoyouraccountinformationandpaymenthistory.



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4.PowerDown

Thefossilfuelsburnedtoprovideasinglehomewithelectricityputmorecarbondioxideintotheairthantwoaveragecars.Uselessenergybyturningofflightsandunpluggingapplianceswhenyoudon’tneedthem.

Evenacellphonechargercontinuestouseenergywhenpluggedin,whetheryourcellphoneischargingornot.Ifyouuseapowerstrip,youcanturnoffseveralapplianceswiththeflipofjustoneswitch.Bonuspoints:Eachtimeyouwearoutanappliance,replaceitwithamoreenergy‐efficientmodel.

5.CheckYourTemperature

Sometimesasmallchangeintemperaturecanhavebigresults.Trykeepingyourthermostatonetotwodegreeswarmerinthesummerandonetotwodegreescoolerinthewinter.Thiswillloweryourelectricitybillandsaveawealthofenergyoverthecourseoftheyear.

Also,adjustyourrefrigeratorthermostattosaveadditionalenergy.Storingfoodattherecommendedtemperatures–37to40degreesFforthefreshfoodcompartmentand5degreesFforthefrozenfoodcompartment–willguaranteeyourrefrigeratordoesn’tworkharderthanithastoandmakeitlastevenlonger.

6.SeetheLight

Ingoodweather,youcanusenaturallighttoyouradvantagebyopeningwindowsanddrawingbackcurtains,ratherthanlightingyourhouse24/7withlampsandceilinglights.Inhotweather,useheavycurtainsorshadestoblockouttheheatandpreventyourACfromworkingovertime.

Forthosetimesyoudoneedartificiallight,considerusingcompactfluorescentlight(CFL)bulbs.CFLsuse50to80percentlessenergythanincandescentbulbsandcanlastupto10timeslonger.Justaswithrechargeablebatteries,CFLscostmoreupfront,butasinglebulbcouldsaveyou$40to$50initslifetime.

7.CleanConservatively

Bytakingshorterandfewershowersyoucansavethousandsofgallonsofwatereachyear.Anordinaryshowerheadflows5gallonsofwaterperminute,soifyoutakeafive‐minuteshowerinsteadofa10‐minuteoneyou’llsave25gallonsofwater.Otherwaystosavewaterincluderunningfullloadsthroughyourdishwasherandlaundrywashingmachine.Bonuspoints:Usecoldwaterandcold‐waterdetergentstosaveenergyanduseadryerrackinsteadofthemechanicaldryeronceaweek.



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8.GetCharged

Anothersimplewaytoeliminatewasteandsavemoneyistomaketheswitchtorechargeablebatteries.Eventhoughtheirinitialcostishigher,rechargeablebatteriescanberechargedhundredsoftimesbeforetheygobad,meaningtheycouldlastforyearslongerthanthedisposablekindandsaveyousignificantcashinthelongrun.Remembertoresponsiblyrecycledeadbatteries,bothrechargeableanddisposable.

FamilyGuidetoGoingGreen

Checkoutthe2009GreenandSave.comFamilyGuidetoGoingGreen,athttp://earth911.com/household/go‐green‐family‐guide/http://www.greenandsave.com/greenguide/family.html

This10pagebookletprovidessimplewaysforkidstohelpoutandbecomemoreenvironmentallyconsciousincluding10specificstepstooffsetthepollutionofyourfamilycar.Inaddition,itprovidesthereturnoninvestmentofhouseholditemsincludingaprogrammablethermostat,compactfluorescentlightbulbs,waterefficienttoiletsandmanyothereco‐friendlyideas.ThisFamilyGuidewillhelptoanswerthequestionshowmuchCO2canIsaveifI:

• recyclehalfmyhouseholdwaste?• adjustmythermostatbytwodegrees?• eatonelessquarterpoundburgerpermonth?• drivetwofewermilesperweek?

StepstoReduceWaste

Thefollowingareothersimplestepsyoucantaketoreducewaste.RefertothisGreenbookforfurtherinformationonsomeoftheseideas.

• Lookforproductswithminimalpackagingandwhenpossible,buyinbulk• Buyconcentrates• Bringreusablebagswithyouwhenyoushop• Givemagazinestohospitalwaitingrooms,offices,coffeeshopsandyourgym• Buydurable,longlastingproductsandavoiddisposableproductswhenpossible• Donateorsellwhatyounolongerneed:seeouralphabeticalrecyclingguide

beginningonpage26• Removeyournamefromunwantedmailadvertisinglists



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II. GreenTips

FoodChoices

OrganicorNot?AccordingtoTheEnvironmentalWorkingGroup(http://www.ewg.org/),anon‐profitresearchorganization,thereare12fruitsthatconsistentlyhavethehighestlevelsofpesticides.EWGrecommendsconsumersbuyorganicallygrownwhenitcomestotheseproduceitems,knownasthedirtydozen.Arefrigeratormagnetwiththisinformationisavailable(http://www.foodnews.org/)aswellasanappforiPhones.

Doyouwantorganicproducedeliveredtoyourhome?Checkout:

http://www.planetorganics.com/ui/default.aspxhttp://www.farmfreshtoyou.com/index.php

http://www.spud.com/index.cfm(OrganicExpress)



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Bestfishchoices:AccordingtoSeafoodWatch(http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/seafoodwatch.aspx)thebestchoicesforbuyingfisharethosethatareabundant,wellmanaged,fishedandfarmedinenvironmentallyfriendlywaysandthatarelowestinmercury.Theseincludebutarenotlimitedto:

Sardines FarmedMusselsWildAlaskaSalmon FarmedClamsPacificHalibut FarmedOystersDungenessCrab FarmedBayScallopsFarmedTrout OregonShrimp

Fishtoavoidbecauseofhighmercurycontentandenvironmentalimpactare:

ChileanSeabass FarmedSalmonCaliforniaHalibut MonkfishImportedKingCrab AtlanticCodImportedShrimp AllTuna(Albacore,Yellowfin)

Downloadaprintableversionathttp://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/SeafoodWatch/web/sfw_regional.aspx?region_id=1



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FarmersMarkets

SausalitoSausalitoFerryLandingBridgewayandTracyFridays4pm–8pm(May–October)MillValleyAltoShoppingCenteratWholeFoodsE.BlithedaleatLomitaFridays9am–2pmTamValleyHwy1andTennesseeValleyRoadTuesdays3pm–7pm(June–October)CorteMaderaTownCenterTamalpaisDriveatHwy101Wednesdays12pm–5pmLarkspurLarkspurLandingCircleSaturdays10am–2pm(May–October)

RossRossCommonsPostOffice,LagunitasThursdays3pm–7pm(June–October)SanRafaelMarinCivicCenterCivicCenterDriveNorthSanPedroexitoff101Thursdays8am–1pm,Sundays8am–1pmDowntownSanRafael4thstreetbetweenBandCijosThursdays6pm–9pm(April–September)NovatoDowntownNovatoonGrantAvenuebetweenReichertandMachinAve.Tuesdays4pm–8pm(May–September)FairfaxBolinasParkat124BolinasRoadWednesdays4pm–8pm(May–September)



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GreenHomeCleaning

It’squickandeasytomakeyourowninexpensiveandeffectivecleaningproductsfromcommonhouseholdingredientslikewhitedistilledvinegar,bakingsodaandvegetableoil.Followingisalistofcommon,natural,environmentallysafeproductsthatcanbeusedaloneorincombinationforawealthofhouseholdapplications. BakingSoda Cleans,deodorizes,softenswater,scours. Soap Unscentedsoapinliquidform,flakes,powdersorbarsis

biodegradableandwillcleanjustaboutanything.Avoidusingsoapsthatcontainpetroleumdistillates.

Lemon Oneofthestrongestfood‐acids,effectiveagainstmost

householdbacteria. Borax Cleans,deodorizes,disinfects,softenswater,cleans (sodiumborate) wallpaper,paintedwallsandfloors. WhiteVinegar Cutsgrease,removesmildew,odors,somestainsandwax

build‐up. Cornstarch Canbeusedtocleanwindows,polishfurniture,shampoo

carpetsandrugs. CitrusSolvent Cleanspaintbrushes,oilandgreaseandsomestains.(Citrus

solventmaycauseskin,lungoreyeirritationsforpeoplewithmultiplechemicalsensitivities).



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Do‐it‐yourselfnon‐toxiccleaningproductsarestillthebestgreenpractice.Simple,successful,non‐toxicandnatural.Hereareafewsimpleformulas:AllpurposecleanerMix1/2cupvinegarand1/4cupbakingsoda(or2teaspoonsborax)into1/2gallon(2liters)water.(Asyoumayrecall,vinegarandbakingsodaarewhatourkidsusetorecreatevolcanicexplosions.Mixslowlyandwithcare).Storeandkeep.Useforremovalofwaterdepositstainsonshowerstallpanels,bathroomchromefixtures,windows,bathroommirrors,etc.Anotheralternativeismicrofiberclothswhichliftoffdirt,greaseanddustwithouttheneedforcleaningchemicals,becausetheyareformulatedtopenetrateandtrapdirt.Thereareanumberofdifferentbrands.Agoodqualityclothcanlastforseveralyears.BathroommoldcleanerMoldinbathroomtilegroutisacommonproblemandcanbeahealthconcern.Mixoneparthydrogenperoxide(3%)withtwopartswaterinaspraybottleandsprayonareaswithmold.Waitatleastonehourbeforerinsingorusingshower.CarpetstainremoverMixequalpartswhitevinegarandwaterinaspraybottle.Spraydirectlyonstain,letsitforseveralminutesandcleanwithabrushorspongeusingwarmsoapywater.Foraheavydutycarpetcleaner,mix1/4cupeachofsalt,boraxandvinegar.Rubpasteintocarpetandleaveforafewhours.Vacuum.ChoppingblockcleanerRubasliceoflemonacrossachoppingblocktodisinfectthesurface.Fortougherstains,squeezesomeofthelemonjuiceontothespotandletsitfor10minutes,thenwipe.WoodfloorcleanerandpolishApplyathincoatof1partvegetableoiland1partvinegarandrubinwell.LaundrydetergentMix1cupIvorysoap,1/2cupwashingsodaand1/2cupborax.Use1tbspforlightloads;2tbspforheavyloads.Refertothefollowingwebsitesforadditionalresourcesonhomecleaningproducts:

CenterforEnvironmentalHealth:http://www.ceh.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=257&Itemid=224http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htm



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WaterUse

FromtheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(http://www.epa.gov)Whileinstallinglow‐flowshowerheadsandefficienttoiletscanhelpreducewaterusage,behavioralpracticesthatinvolvechangingourhabitssothatwaterisusedmoreefficientlycanalsoallowustoreduceouroverallwaterconsumption.

Inthekitchen,forexample,10to20gallonsofwateradaycanbesavedbyrunningthedishwasheronlywhenitisfull.Ifdishesarewashedbyhand,watercanbesavedbyfillingthesinkoradishpanwithwaterratherthanrunningthewatercontinuously.Anopenconventionalfaucetletsabout5gallonsofwaterflowevery2minutes.

Inthebathroomwatercanbesavedbyturningoffthefaucetwhilebrushingyourteethorshaving.Watercanbesavedbytakingshortshowers(a5minuteshoweruses10‐25gallonsofwater)ratherthanlongshowersorbaths(afullbathtubusesabout70gallonsofwater).

Inthelaundryroomadjustwaterlevelsinthewashingmachinetomatchthesizeoftheload.Ifthewashingmachinedoesnothaveavariableloadcontrol,watercanbesavedbyrunningthemachineonlywhenitisfull.Ifwashingisdonebyhand,thewatershouldnotbeleftrunning.Alaundrytubshouldbefilledwithwaterandthewashandrinsewatershouldbereusedasmuchaspossible.

Outdoorwaterusecanbereducedbywateringthelawnearlyinthemorningorlateintheeveningandoncoolerdays,whenpossible,toreduceevaporation.Allowingthegrasstogrowslightlytallerwillreducewaterlossbyprovidingmoregroundshadefortherootsandbypromotingwaterretentioninthesoil.Growingindigenousplantscansavemorethan50percentofthewaternormallyusedtocareforoutdoorplants.Asageneralrule,lawnsonlyneedwateringevery5to7daysinthesummerandevery10to14daysinthewinter.Aheartyraineliminatestheneedforwateringforaslongastwoweeks.Foradditionalstepsyoucantaketoreducewater,refertothefollowing:

AmericanWater‐readabouttheirideasonhowtosavewater49wayshttp://www.americanwater.com/49ways.htmH2OUSE‐takethehometourtofindwatersavingopportunitiesinyourhomehttp://www.h2ouse.org/



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Garden

GiveCompostaChance:StartYourOwnPileFromearth911.comhttp://earth911.com/garden/give‐compost‐a‐chance‐start‐your‐own‐pile/Turningyourorganicwasteintousefulmulchismoreofapossibilitythanyoumaythink.Thisquickstartguidewillhaveyouupandcompostingbeforeyouknowit.

GetaLargeContainer:Biggerisoftenbettersinceheatbuildsupasyouaddmorematerials.Thoughbiggermaybebetter,keepitsmallerthanthreefeetbythreefeet.Oftentimesyoucangetoldtrashcansfromyourcityforasmalldepositfee.Theseareperfectandinexpensivecompostcontainers.Othertoolsareneeded:wheelbarrow,waterhoses,sprayers,pitchforks,shovels,pokingandhandmixingtools,rakesandscreens.

AddOrganicMaterial:Thisincludeswastefromyourkitchen,yardandgarden.Togeteveryoneinvolved,putupalistofcompostablematerialinyourkitchentoinformotherswhat’sinandwhat’sout.

WhattoCompostFruitandvegetablescrapesEggshellsLawnclippingsincludingleaves,branches,plantsandweedsShreddedpaperornewspaperStraworhayTealeavesandcoffeegrounds

WhatNottoCompostMeatscrapsFattytrashVegetableorothercookingoilsSawdustorlargeamountsofwoodashes

Keepinmindthatkitchenscrapssuchasfruitsandveggiesaretypicallyhighinnitrogen.Thisisneededtohelpheatupthecompostpileandspeedupthecompostingprocess.

KeepyourMixtureBalanced:Toomuchofanyonematerialwillslowdownthecompostingprocess.Trytokeepyourgreenmaterials(vegetablepeelsandgrassclippings)andbrownmaterials(leavesandstraw)evenlymixed.

AerateyourCompost:Thiscanbedoneintwoways.Ifyouhaveacompostingcontainerwithaturninghandle,simplyrotateyourcompostonaconsistentbasis.Ifyourcontainerisnotequippedwithaturningmechanism,takeapitchforkoracompostaerationtoolandmixthecompostfromtoptobottom.Agoodruleofthumbwouldbetoaerateyourcomposteachtimeyouaddsomethingnew.



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MonitoryourMoisture:Acompostpileneedsmoisturetokeepthecompostingprocessactivebuttoomuchcouldmakeitsoggyandsmelly.Wateritoftenwithagardenhose,increasingtheamountofwateraddedinthesummermonthsanddecreasinginwinter.RefertothefollowingarticleinTheWallStreetJournalforsuggestedcompostershttp://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704107204574471330808326984.html?KEYWORDS=compostersForanInternetresourcethatsellsalargevarietyofcomposterscheckouthttp://www.compostbins.com/compost‐bins/12177+12185.cfm Andtakealookatourpersonalfavorite,thecomposttumbler:

http://www.compostbins.com/compost‐bins/compost‐tumblers/goodideassoilmachinepro6cubicfootcomposttumbler.cfm

FormoreinformationcontactMarinCountyStormwaterPollutionPreventionProgram(499‐6528)whichoffersclassesoncompostingaswellasonalternativestopesticidesorthefollowingwebsites: http://www.earth911.com http://www.ireuse.orgForinformationonpesticidealternatives:http://www.pesticide.org/factsheets.html‐alternatives



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Driving

Thevehicleyouchoosetodriveandhowyoudriveitaffectmanyissuessuchasyourfuelcosts,pollution,aswellasdependenceonforeignoil.Tominimizetheseeffects,considersomeofthefollowingwaystoimproveyourvehicle'sfuelefficiency.FromTheU.S.DepartmentofEnergyhttp://www.energy.gov/4308.htm

• Idlinggets0milespergallon.Thebestwaytowarmupavehicleistodriveit.Itismorefuelefficienttorestartyourcarthanidleformorethan30seconds.

• Avoidhighspeeds.Above60mphgasmileagedropsrapidly.Thewebsitehttp://www.fueleconomy.gov/showshowdrivingspeedaffectsgasmileage.

• Keeptiresinflatedandalignedtoimproveyourgasolinemileageby3.3%.• Usethemotoroilrecommendedbyyourcar’smanufacturer.Usingdifferent

motoroilcanloweryourmileageby1%‐2%.• Reducedragonyourcarbyplacingitemsinsidethecarortrunk.Aloaded

roofrackcandecreaseyourfueleconomyby5%.

• Clearoutyourcar;extraweightdecreasesgasmileage.• Useairconditioningonlywhennecessary.

• Usingcruisecontrolonthehighwayinmostcaseswillsavegas.

• Combineerrandsintoonetrip.Severalshorttrips,eachonetakenfromacoldstart,canusetwiceasmuchfuelasonetripcoveringthesamedistancewhentheengineiswarm.

• Aggressivedriving(speeding,rapidaccelerationandbraking)wastesgas.



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ReducingJunkMail

Reducingjunkmailisaneasywaytohelpprotecttheenvironment.Thecreationofonetonofpaperrequiresthat17treesarecutdown.Thistranslatestoannualdestructionof100milliontreesjustforjunkmailintheUnitedStates.Decreasingyourjunkmailby30%annuallysaves840poundsofcarbon.Herearesomeresourcestohelpyoueliminateunwantedjunkmail:http://www.dmachoice.orgThroughthissimplewebsiteyouidentifythejunkmailyoureceiveandtheytakecareoftherest.http://www.catalogchoice.orgThisfreeserviceenablesyoutostopreceivingcatalogsyoudonotwant.http://www.greendimes.comThiswebsiteallowsyouto“bethebossofyourmailbox”withthreeeasystepsfor$20ayear.Theyalsowillplant5treesonyourbehalf.Checkoutthewebsiteforthecurrentstatisticsoncatalogsstopped,poundsofjunkmailstoppedandnumberoftreesplanted.Agreatgiftidea!http://www.41pounds.orgThiswebsitestatesthattheaverageadultreceives41poundsofjunkmailayear.Theywillstop80‐95%ofyourjunkmailfor$41forfiveyears.Theywilldonatetoyourfavoritecharitywhenyousignup.Anothergreatgiftidea!http://www.stopjunkmail.orgYoucandownloadafree“stopjunkmail”kitfromthiswebsite,apartnershipof110BayAreacitiesandcounties.http://www.optoutprescreen.comThiswebsite,sponsoredbythefourcreditagencies(Equifaxetc.),enablesyoutooptoutofreceivingprescreenedorpreapprovedcreditcardoffers.ValPakcoupons:Call800‐237‐6266tohaveyournameremovedfromthismailinglist.



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SomeofOurFavoriteGreenProducts

PreserveProductstableware,foodstorageandkitchenitems:http://www.recycline.com/catalog/index.phpEnvirosaxultracompactreusableshoppingbagsandreusablelunchbags:http://www.reusablebags.com/Clothnapkins:http://www.fabkins.com/Reusablestainlesssteelwaterbottles:http://www.kleankanteen.com/Reusablesandwichwraps:http://www.wrap‐n‐mat.com/Reusablewaste‐freelunchkits:http://www.kidskonserve.com/http://www.wastefreelunches.org/http://www.gogreenlunchbox.com/http://www.planetbox.com/index.htmlhttp://www.goodbyn.com/goodbyn/default.aspxIfyouhaveanyfavoriteproductsthatarenatural,environmentallyfriendly,chemicalfree,orgreeninsomeotherway,pleasesharethemwithus.



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MiscellaneousTips

ReuseeverydayhouseholditemsforotherpurposesUsetheSundayscomicsforwrappingpaper;useplasticgrocerybagsinyourcarasatravelgarbagebagortolinesmallergarbagecansinyourhomeorreturnthemtothegrocerytoberecycled;useoldwineorbeerbottlesascandleholders;refillplasticwaterbottlesandfreezetouseincoolersorlunchboxestokeepitemscool.Formoreideasseehttp://www.recycling‐revolution.com/reuse‐trash‐ideas.html.

ReduceToxicChemicalsKeepyourhomehealthybyreducingunnecessarytoxicchemicals.Medications,solventsandotherchemicalsshouldbedisposedofsafely,notflusheddownthetoiletorthrowninthegarbage.Cutdownonthepesticidesandfertilizersinyourgardenandyouwilllimitwhatgetswashedintoriversandoceans.ReduceEnergyUseandElectricBillManyelectronicdevicesinourhomesareusingenergyevenwhentheyareturnedoff.Electronicsconsumestandbypoweriftheyhaveanadapter,clock,touchpadorusearemotecontrol.Althoughwearelesslikelytounplugcableboxesanddigitalvideorecorderswhichareamongthelargestculpritsofresidentialenergyuse,wecanunplugourTVs,DVDs,VCRsandCDplayerswhennotinuse.Youcanevenuseapowerstripformultipledevicesandturnitoffwhennotinuse.Powerstripsonlydrawenergywhentheyareturnedon.RecycleAluminumMakingnewaluminumcansfromusedcanstakes95%lessenergythanusingvirginmaterials.Recyclingonealuminumcansavesenoughenergytokeepa100‐wattbulbburningforalmostfourhoursorrunyourtelevisionforthreehours(source:http://earth911.com/metal/aluminum‐can/facts‐about‐aluminum‐recycling/).

Foradditionalresourcestohelpreduce,reuseandrecyclecheckoutthefollowingwebsites:

42Explore:http://www.42explore.com/recycle.htmCaliforniansAgainstWaste:http://www.cawrecycles.org



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III.GreenOnlineResources

CenterforEnvironmentalHealthhttp://www.ceh.orgTheCenterforEnvironmentalHealthworkstoprotectpeoplefromtoxicchemicals,lobbiesforchangeatthegovernmentlevelandpromotesbusinessproductsandpracticesthataresafeforpublichealthandtheenvironment.Thisisagreatresourceforinformationaboutthetoxicchemicalsthatcanbefoundineverydayitems(babybibs,softlunchboxes,fauxleatherhandbags),whichproductsandmanufacturerstoavoidandwhichcompanieshavechangedtheirproductstocomplywithregulations.EnvironmentalWorkingGrouphttp://www.ewg.orgEnvironmentalWorkingGroupusesthepowerofpublicinformationtoprotectpublichealthandtheenvironment.Thissitehassectionsonhealthandtoxics,farmingandnaturalresources;inadditionithasachemicalindexwithdefinitionsofmanytoxicchemicalsandasectionspecificallyforparents.Earth911http://www.Earth911.com“MakingEveryDayEarthDay”Thiswebsiteprovidesinformationtohelpyoureduceyourimpact,reusewhatyou’vegotandrecycleyourtrash.Therearesectionsonpaper,metal,hazardouswaste,plastic,glass,electronics,automotive,household,gardenandconstruction.Youcanalsofindthenearestrecyclingcenterforanyitemsimplybytypingintheitemandyourlocation.EarthSavehttp://www.EarthSave.org"Promotingashifttowardahealthyplant‐baseddiet"EarthSaveisforthosewhoaretakingconcretestepstopromotehealthyandlife‐sustainingfoodchoices.Thewebsite'sresourcetabhasmanyarticlesontheareasofhealth,environmentandlifestyle.EarthEasyhttp://www.eartheasy.com/Thiswebsitecontainsinformationonhowtolive,grow,eat,play,wear,moveandgivemoresustainably.Italsohasanonlinestorethatsellsproductsrangingfromwaterconservationandenergyefficiencyitemstotoysandgamesaswellasablog.



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IReusehttp://www.ireuse.orgIReuseisacompilationofweblinksandresourcesforeachofthefollowingcategories:computerrecycling,energy,wastewater,wastemanagement,environment,composting,garbageandtrash.Thereareadditionallinksforgeneralresourcesintheareasofreuseandrecycle.GoodGuidehttp://www.goodguide.com/Forinformationonfindingsafe,healthyandgreenproducts.BrowseproductratingsandlearnabouttheissuesatGoodGuide.com.MarinCountyGreenBusinessResourceshttp://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/CD/main/comdev/advance/Sustainability/greenbusiness/resources/greenresources.cfmThisisMarinCounty'sresourceforsustainableliving.Frominitiativesandreports,energyprogramsandgreenbuildingandliving,toaresourceguidethatcoverstheareasofrecycling,energyandwaterconservationandpollutionprevention,thisisathoroughandusefulresource.SanFranciscoRecyclingResourcehttp://www.sfenvironment.orgAuser‐friendlysearchtoolthathelpsyoufindwheretorecycleanythinginSanFrancisco.Burke'sFreecyclopediahttp://www.kdbs.org/node/110Toseewhatanotherschoolhasproduced,seeBurke'sFreecyclopedia.



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IV. RecyclingGuide

OnLineExchangeCompanies

CraigsListhttp://www.craigslist.orgSearchforitemsorpostyourownunwanteditemsinthe“free”sectionwithinthe“forsale”sectionofyourlocalCraigsList.Alsoagoodplacetopostanupcominggaragesaletoclearoutandrecycleunwanteditems.ExcessAccesshttp://www.excessaccess.comThiswebsitelinksdonationsofbusinessandhouseholditemsandmaterialswiththewish‐listsofnearbynonprofitsforanannualfeeof$5.FreeCyclehttp://www.freecycle.org"Changingtheworldonegiftatatime"Theirmissionistobuildaworldwidegiftingmovementthatreduceswaste,savespreciousresourcesandeasestheburdenonlandfillswhileenablingmemberstobenefitfromthestrengthofalargercommunity.Afterjoiningalocalgroupyoucanpostamessagetothegroup’syahooaddress.Allitemsarefree.IReuse.Comhttp://www.ireuse.comiReuse(differentfromtheOn‐LineResourceIReuse.Org)servesbusinesses,individualsandnonprofits.Theyservebusinessesbyprovidingsustainabilityconsultingservices;theyserveindividualsbyhaulingunwantedmaterialsandbyprovidingaccesstousedproductsfromtheircorporateclients.Lastly,theyservenonprofitsbyhelpingthemtofulfilltheirwishlistsfromlocalavailableitems.MarinMaxhttp://www.MarinMax.orgThisisafreematerialsexchangewebsite,whichwillallowyoutoswap,barterorexchangeitemsthatyounolongerneedoracquiregoodssomeoneelseistryingtorecycle.



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CompaniesThatAcceptMostThings

GoodstuffThriftStore17014thStreetSanRafael,CA(415)456‐4227Goodwillhttp://www.goodwill.org/http://www.sfgoodwill.org/Home.aspx1CaminoAlto,MillValley5800NorthgateMall,TerraLinda9367thSt.,Novato(415)897‐5144VintageOaksShoppingCenter,Novato809LincolnAve.,SanRafael(415)456‐5273HospiceHodgepodgeThriftGift&CollectibleShop15574thStreet,SanRafael(415)459‐4686910GrantAve.,Novato(415)893‐9036

Mt.CarmelShop45LovellAvenue,MillValley(415)388‐4332SalvationArmyhttp://www.satruck.com/6090RedwoodBlvd.,Novato(800)742‐57873504thStreet,SanRafael(415)454‐7201Forpickupservicecall:(800)95TRUCKTiburonThriftShop94MainStreet,Tiburon(415)435‐7605UnitedCancerResearchSocietyhttp://www.unitedcancer.org/(800)443‐4224

HaulingandExchangeWebsites

AAAAStudentsHaulingService(866)HAUL‐247(428‐5247)ThisbusinessislocatedinSanFranciscoandhaulsappliances,buildingmaterials,furniture,mattresses,yardwasteandwood.

1800GotJunkhttp://www.1800gotjunk.com/Foraservicefeetheywillpickupappliances,bicycles,books,buildingmaterial,carpet,furnitureandmattressesamongotherthings.



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MarinCountyRecycling,Disposal,andHazardousWasteCenters

RecyclingCentersMarinRecycling&BuybackCenter535JacobyStreet,SanRafael(415)453‐1404OpenTuesday–Saturday,8am–4pmThiscenterpaysforCARedemptionaluminumcans,glassbottlesandplastic.Youmayalsodropoffscrapaluminum,copper,brassandlargequantitiesofpaperandcardboardthatcannotbecollectedwithyourcurbsiderecycling.MarinRecyclingalsoacceptsoldcarsfordismantlingandrecyclingforanominalfee.

NovatoRecycling&BuybackCenterhttp://www.novatodisposal.com/7576RedwoodBlvd,Novato(415)897‐4177OpenTuesday–Sunday,10am–4pmTheyacceptvariousmetals,paperproductsandplasticsforrecyclingaswellasCRVglass,plasticandaluminumforredemptionvalue.Thisfacilityalsoacceptslatexpaint,fluorescentbulbs,usedmotoroil,oilfilters,antifreeze,automotivebatteriesandhouseholdbatteries.Theyalsoacceptoldtiresforafee.

DisposalCentersMarinResourceRecoveryCenter565JacobyStreet,SanRafael(415)485‐5646OpenMonday–Saturday,8am–4pm;Sunday9am‐4pmThisisanindoorfacilitythatacceptsalltypesofnon‐hazardouscommercialandresidentialsolidwaste.Acustomizedsystemofscreens,conveyors,blowers,magnetsandhand‐sortingseparatesdirt,sand,metal,wood,concrete,paperandothermaterialsforrecycling.Theywillacceptappliances,buildingmaterial,carpet,mattresses,yardwasteandwood.

RedwoodLandfill8950RedwoodHwy,Novato(415)892‐2851OpenMonday–Friday,7am–3pm;Saturday8am–3:30pmThisisafullypermittedclassIIIdisposalsitethatacceptsavarietyofwastesincludingconstructiondebrisandminimallycontaminatedsoils.Redwoodlandfillengagesinrecyclingeffortsforavarietyofmaterialsincludingmetals,concreteandyardwaste.



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HazardousWasteCentersAsofFebruary9,2006itbecameillegaltodisposeofUniversalWastesinthegarbage,downstormdrainsorontotheground.UniversalWastesarecommonproductsthatweuseinourdailylivesthatcontainpotentiallyhazardousingredientsandrequirespecialcarefordisposal.UniversalWastesinclude:

• Aerosolcans(emptyorfull)• Batteries• Fluorescenttubes(lamps)• Electronicdevices(cellphones,

computers,PDA’setc.)

• Cathoderaytubes(e.g.,computermonitors,televisions)

• Metalhalidelamps;neonlamps• Mercury‐containingwastes(see

next)MercuryProductsDisposalBecausemercuryisverytoxic,productscontainingmercuryhavebeenbannedfromlandfilldisposal.AllkindsofproductscontainingmercuryareacceptedatHouseholdHazardousWastefacilities.Commonmercury‐containingproductsinclude:

• Fluorescentbulbs• Alkalinebatteriesbefore1993• Metalhalidelamps• Neonlamps

• Bloodpressuregauges• Mercuryvaporlamps• Thermostats• Thermometers

OtherHazardousWastesinclude:

• Acids,oxidizersandbases• Antifreeze• Asbestos• Brakefluid• Compressedgascylinders• Flammablesandpoisons• Paintsandsolvents• Motoroilandfilters

• Nailpolishremover• Needlesandsharpsgenerated

inhomehealthcare• PCB‐containingmaterials• Pesticidesandherbicides• Photowastes• Solvents• Treatedwood

MarinHazardousWasteFacility565JacobyStreet,SanRafaelResidential:(415)485‐6806Business:(415)485‐5648OpenMonday–Saturday,8am–4pmforresidentialcustomers;openMon.&Tues.byappointmentforbsnss.NovatoHazardousWasteFacility

7576RedwoodBlvd,NovatoResidential:(415)892‐7344Business:(415)892‐6395Open1stand3rdconsecutiveSundaysandMondaysofeachmonth,8:30am‐1:30pm

BothfacilitiesacceptsavarietyoftoxicwastefromMarinCountyandNovatoresidents,respectively,freeofcharge.Businessesmaydisposeofhazardouswastesbyappointmentandforafee.



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RecyclingGuide:AnAlphabeticalListingofRecyclingResources

LARGEAPPLIANCESJacoEnvironmentalhttp://www.jacoinc.net/(800)741‐0172Jacopartnerswithutilitycompaniestorecycleandproperlydisposeofoldrefrigeratorsandfreezers.Enteryourzipcodeonthewebsiteandarrangeforafreepickup.Theywillgiveyoua$35rebatefortheresponsiblerecyclingofyouroldappliance.Foradditionalresources,seealsoCompaniesthatAcceptMostThings,page19andHaulingandExchangeWebsites,page19SMALLAPPLIANCESAlllistingsacceptsmall,workableappliancesonly.HomewardBoundofMarinhttp://www.hbofm.org1385N.HamiltonParkway,Novato(415)382‐3363FamilyEmergencyCenter737E.Francisco,SanRafael(415)454‐7418Endinghomelessnesswithhousing,training,andhope.HomewardBoundisMarinCounty'schiefproviderofshelterandresidentialservicesforhomelessfamiliesandindividuals.Theyoperate12programsforhomelessmen,women,andchildren,servingapprox1,400peopleeachyear.Theyarein

needofsmallrefrigerators,microwaveovensandelectricskillets.HospiceHodgepodgeThriftGift&CollectibleShop15574thSt.,SanRafael(415)459‐4686910GrantAve.,Novato(415)893‐9036GoodwillIndustrieshttp://www.sfgoodwill.org1CaminoAlto,MillValley5800NorthgateMall,TerraLinda9367thSt.,Novato(415)897‐5144809LincolnAve.,SanRafael(415)456‐5273SeeCompaniesthatAcceptMostThings,page19ARTSUPPLIESS.C.R.A.P.(Scroungers’CenterforReusableArtParts)http://www.scrap‐sf.org801TolandStreet,SanFrancisco(415)647‐1746S.C.R.A.P.sellssuppliestothepublicaswellasdonatesthemtoteachers,artistsandschools.Theyacceptalmosteverythingexceptcomputers,clothing,furnitureandfood.Thegroupdiverts150tonsofmaterialsfromlandfillseachyear.Itemstheyacceptincludeleather,Plexiglas,candles,textilesaswellasalltraditionalartsupplies.Dropoffitemsortheywillpickupinbulk(minimum4boxes).



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MP&MSPaulMaeswillgladlytakeartsuppliesfortheMP&MSartroomaswellasitemsthatcanbeliberallyinterpretedasartsupplies:papertoweltubes,eggcartons,emptyboxes,babyfoodjars,buttons,beads,textiles‐‐justuseyourimagination.AUTOMOBILESCheckwithyourfavoritecharitytoseeiftheyacceptautomobiledonations.Belowareafewofoursuggestions:KQEDRadioStationhttp://www.kqed.org(866)573‐3123SanFranciscoSPCAhttp://www.sfspca.org250016thStreet,SanFrancisco(415)554‐3000MarinRecyclingBuybackCenterDropoffforafee;bringwithyourautomobile,pinkslip,StateofCAtitle,orDMVjunkslip.ForlocationandhoursseeMarinCountyRecyclingCenters,page20BABYCLOTHES&GEARCompassCommunityServiceshttp://www.compass‐sf.org995MarketStreet,SanFrancisco(415)644‐0504Compassprovideshousing,educationandemploymentservicestoSanFranciscofamilieswhoarehomelessorgoingthroughacrisis.Theyruna

childcarefacility,shelterandtransitionalhousingforhomelessfamiliesandtheirchildren.Theyareinneedofmanybabysuppliesincludingdiapers,formula,books,clothingandfurnitureincludingcribs,highchairs,strollers,carseats,swingsandbouncyseats.HomelessPrenatalProgramhttp://www.homelessprenatal.org250018thStreet(atPotrero),SF(415)546‐6756TheHomelessPrenatalProgramprovideshousingassistance,prenatalandparentingeducationprograms,jobtraining,paidinternshipsandotherservicestopregnantwomeninneed.Theywillacceptnewandgentlyusedclothesforinfants,childrenandadults,maternityclothes,strollers,babycarriers,carseats,disposablediapers,formulaandbabyfood(notexpired),booksandplasticandpapergrocerybags.PlayItAgainKids5084thStreet,SanRafael(415)485‐0304Thisconsignmentshopsellsbabyclothes,gearandfurniture.Theywillacceptupto10itemswithoutanappointment.Outgrown14174thStreet,SanRafael(415)457‐2219Theyacceptandsellclothes,shoes,toys,cribs,strollersandslings.



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ProjectNightNight148BeulahStreet,SanFrancisco(415)310‐0360http://www.ProjectNightNight.orgHelpinghomelesschildrenhavesweeterdreams.Donategentlyusedstuffedanimals,babyblanketsandchildren'sbookstohomelesschildrenthroughouttheUnitedStateswithProjectNightNight.BATTERIESInadditiontobringingallbatteriestoMP&MSyoucandropthemoffatthefollowinglocations:BatteriesPlus20664thStreet,SanRafael(415)455‐9221BestBuy700DuBoisStreet,SanRafael(415)256‐1398655IrwinStreet,SanRafael(415)482‐6439180DonahueStreet,Sausalito(415)332‐6529MarinCountyHouseholdBatteryRecyclingProgramhttp://www.cityofsanrafael.org/Government/Fire/Hazardous_Materials/Recycle_Your_Batteries.htm(415)485‐3308Thereareover30drop‐offlocationsinMarinincludinglocalfirestations,RiteAid,RadioShackandSafewayinCorteMaderaTownCenter,MillValleyCityHall,LibraryandCommunityCenterandSanRafaelCityHall,PubliclibraryandCommunityCenters.

BEDDING,BLANKETS,LINENSHomewardBoundofMarinhttp://www.hbofm.org1385N.HamiltonParkway,Novato(415)382‐3363FamilyEmergencyCenter737E.Francisco,SanRafael(415)454‐7418HomewardBoundisMarinCounty'schiefproviderofshelterandresidentialservicesforhomelessfamiliesandindividuals.Theyareinneedoftwinsheets,blanketsandnewpillows.SeeSMALLAPPLIANCESforadditionalinformationonthisorganization.MarinHumaneSociety71BelMarinKeysBlvd,Novato(415)883‐4621SanFranciscoSPCAhttp://www.sfspca.org/250016thStreet,SanFrancisco(415)554‐3000IntlBirdRescueResearchCenterhttp://www.ibrrc.org/4369CordeliaRoad,Fairfield(707)207‐0380Since1971,thisnonprofitwildliferehabilitationcenterhascleanedseabirdsharmedbyoilspills.Theyneedoldtowelsandsheets,Pedialyte,Ensureandinfantformula.AlsocheckyourlocalthriftstoreorCompaniesThatAcceptMostThingsonpage19



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BICYCLESTripsforKids6104thStreet,SanRafael(415)458‐2986TripsforKidsprovidesdaylongmountainbikingtripsaswellastrainingworkshopsforat‐riskyouththroughouttheBayArea.DropoffbicyclesandaccessoriesattheirReCycleryBikeThriftShopatthesamelocation.Thereisa$5dropofffeeifthebikeisinpoorcondition.NovatoHumanNeedsCenterhttp://www.nhnc.org1907NovatoBlvd,Novato(415)897‐4147Theyacceptonlybicyclesingoodcondition.BOOKSTheBookExchangehttp://www.bookexchange.marin.org821StateAccessRd.HamiltonField,NovatoCA(415)435‐7605TheBookExchangefindssecondhomeslocallyandgloballyforchildren'sreadingbooksandtextbooks.NovatoHumanNeedsCenterhttp://www.nhnc.org1907NovatoBlvd,Novato(415)897‐4147Anon‐profitorganizationthathelpslow‐incomepeopleovercometheircrisesandmovetowardselfsufficiency.

BooksfortheBarrioshttp://www.booksforthebarrios.com2350SuiteD,WhitmanLane,Concord(925)687‐7701Theydistributeeducationalmaterialtoimpoverishedchildrenaroundtheworld.Theyacceptdonationsofchildren’sbedtimestorybooks,textbooks,encyclopedias,dictionaries,NationalGeographicmagazinesandnearlyallschoolandartsupplies.Asanadditionalresource,checkyourlocallibraryfordonationsofallbooks:http://www.marinlibrary.org/branchesBUILDINGMATERIALSHabitatforHumanityhttp://www.habitat.orgSonomaCountyReStore2410thStreet,SantaRosa(707)568‐3228Throughvolunteerlaboranddonationsofmoneyandmaterials,HabitatforHumanitybuildsandrehabilitatessimplehousesforhomeowner(partner)families.HabitatReStoresacceptdonatedgoodssuchasfurniture,accessories,buildingmaterialsandappliancesforresale.HurricaneHauling&Demolitionhttp://www.hurricanehauling.com(415)456‐3407Thisfamilyownedbusinessserves7bayareacountiesintheareasofdemolition,haulingandcleanupandtreeandyardservice.Theysalvageanddonatereusableitems.



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OhmegaSalvagehttp://www.ohmegasalvage.com2407SanPabloAvenue,Berkeley(510)842‐7368Theysavearchitecturalmaterialsthatarestillusefultoothersandessentialtoauthenticrestorationprojectsaswellastosavethemfromendingupinlandfill.TheReusePeoplehttp://www.thereusepeople.org9235SanLeandroSt.,Oakland(510)383‐1983Theysalvagebuildingmaterialsanddistributethemforreuse.UrbanOre7thStreetnearAshby,Berkeley(510)841‐SAVEUrbanOrewantstoendtheageofwastebyadvocatinganddevelopingtotalrecycling.CARPETS.C.R.A.P.(Scroungers’CenterforReusableArtParts)http://www.scrap‐sf.org801TolandStreet,SanFrancisco(415)647‐1746S.C.R.A.P.sellssuppliestothepublicordonatestoteachers,artistsandschools.Dropoffitemsortheywillpickupinbulk(minimum4boxes).CATALOGUESSeeReducingJunkMail,Page13

CDs/DISKS/VIDEOTAPESBestBuy700DuBoisStreet,SanRafael(415)256‐1398655IrwinStreet,SanRafael(415)482‐6439180DonahueStreet,Sausalito(415)332‐6529CELLPHONESDropoffusedcellphonesatMP&MS.ThrougheScrip'sRecyclingproject,MarinPrimary&MiddleSchoolcollectsandrecyclescellphones,inkjetandtonercartridgesanddeliversthemtoeScrip.Qualifyingproductsearnrebatesforourschool.ShelterAlliancehttp://www.shelteralliance.net(866)744‐1003ShelterAllianceisaprogramofGRCWirelessRecyclingandisdedicatedtosociallyresponsiblecellphonerecycling.Theydistributerefurbishedcellphonesworldwideandrecyclenonreusablecellphones.TheWirelessFoundationhttp://www.wirelessfoundation.orgThroughitsDonateaPhoneGrassrootsprogram,localorganizationscollectusedwirelessphoneswhicharethenresoldasaneconomicalternativetonewphones.CurrentcellphonedonationsaresenttotheCalltoProtectprogramwhichhelpstoendfamilyviolence.ForotherlocaloptionscontactBestBuy,RadioShackandVerizonWireless.



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CLOTHINGImageforSuccesshttp://www.imageforsuccess.org15574thStreet,SanRafael(415)472‐5855Theyprovidetwo‐weekwardrobestodisenfranchisedmen,womenandchildreninMarinCountywhoaretransitioningtowardself‐reliance.OneWarmCoathttp://www.onewarmcoat.orgAnationalnon‐profitorganizationthatrunscoatdrivesforadultsandchildren.CompassCommunityServiceshttp://www.compass‐sf.org995MarketStreet,SanFrancisco(415)644‐0504HomelessPrenatalProgramhttp://www.homelessprenatal.org250018thstreet(atPotrero),SF(415)546‐6756SeeBABYCLOTHES&GEARforadditionalinformationonthesetwoorganizations.COINS/SPARECHANGECoinstarhttp://www.coinstar.comDidyouknowthatyoucandonateyoursparecoinstoanon‐profitwhenyouuseaCoinstarmachine?YoucanfindthesemachinesatMollieStones,LuckySupermarkets,andDeLano'sMarkets.

COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICSComputerRecyclingProjectemail:[email protected](415)342‐2244TheComputerRecyclingProjectcollectsoldercomputersforschools,non‐profitsandindividualswhodonothaveavailablecomputerresources.TheywillpickupthecomputerequipmentthroughouttheBayAreafordistributiontoschoolsandprogramsintheEastBayandCentralValley.Theywillacceptanycomputer:new,used,workingornotandtheircoreofschoolvolunteerswillhelpassemble,renovateandrepairdonations.ComputerRecyclingCenter&ComputersforEducationhttp://www.crc.org3227SantaRosaAvenue,SantaRosa(707)570‐1600CRCwilltakeallcomputerequipment,businessandhomeelectronicswithabatteryorplug,workingornonworking.TheydonatecomputerstoComputers&EducationTMforuseinpubliccharityandcommunityprograms.Theyalsoprovidetechnicaltrainingforhighschoolandcollegestudents,theyparticipateinnationalcollectioneffortsandtheysellsurpluspartstothepublic.MarinComputerResourceCenterhttp://www.mcrc.org42DigitalDrive,Novato(415)883‐1428Theydonateusedcomputersandrelatedequipmenttonon‐profits,schoolsandlow‐incomefamiliesinMarinCounty.Theyresponsibly



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recycleallcomputerequipment,electronicsandsmallappliancessuchasmicrowaves,toasterovens,etc.Theyalsodistributeusedcomputerequipmenttoothercountries.RenewComputershttp://www.renewcomputers.com446DuBoisStreet,SanRafael(415)457‐8801RenewComputerscollects,sortsandproperlyrecyclescomputersandrelatedequipment.Theirtechnicianswillfixcomputerssotheycanberecycledasreliableworkingsystems.Theyacceptcomputers,monitors,televisions,VCRs,printers,faxmachines,cables,cellphones,stereosandothersmallconsumerelectronics.Inadditiontotheirrecyclingcenter,theyoperateadiscountpartswarehouse,retailstoreandservicedepartment.ShelterHillComputerLearningCtr33MiwokWay,MillValley(415)383‐1571ShelterHillworkswiththeHUDNeighborhoodNetworksprogramandcommunityagenciesliketheMarinComputerResourceCentertobringtechnologytoeconomicallydisadvantagedpopulations.Theyprovideusedcomputerequipment,jobtrainingandsupporttoasubsidizedhousingcommunityinMillValley.GoodwillGoodwillIndustriespartneredwithDellComputerstocreateRECONNECT,afreeprogramforconsumerstoreuseandresponsiblyrecycleunwantedelectronics.RECONNECToffersfreedrop‐offatGoodwilllocations.For

locationinformationseeCompaniesthatAcceptMostThings,page19BestBuy700DuBoisStreet,SanRafael(415)256‐1398655IrwinStreet,SanRafael(415)482‐6439180DonahueStreet,Sausalito(415)332‐6529BestBuywilltakeanythingforfreeevenifitwasnotpurchasedfromaBestBuy.Itemsincludebutarenotlimitedtotelevisions,VCRs,computers,printers,cellphonesandgameconsoles.Apple,Dell,HP,IBMMostmanufacturerswillrecycleoldcomputersandsomewilldonateworkingcomputerstonon‐profits.CheckwithApple,Dell,HPandIBM,amongothers,forspecificinformation.U.S.EPAhttp://www.epa.gov/waste/partnerships/plugin/index.htmPlug‐InToeCyclingisapartnershipprogrambetweenEPAandconsumerelectronicsmanufacturersandretailers.Gotothewebsiteforinformationaboutrecyclingcellphones,computers,andtelevisions.



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CRUTCHESVIDAVolunteersforInterAmericanDevelopmentAssistancehttp://www.vidausa.org/home.html6251HollisSt.,Emeryville(510)655‐8432VIDAprovidesmedicalreliefanddevelopmentassistancetohealthinstitutionshelpingunder‐servedcommunitiesinLatinAmerica.TheyhelpwiththeBayArearecyclingandre‐useeffortbydivertingsurplusmedicalsupplies,medicines,andusedmedicalequipmentfromlandfillsandgivingthemtothoseinneed.Donateyourcrutches,orthopedicsupplies,andevenfirstaidkits.EYEGLASSESLionsClubhttp://www.lionsinsight.org1404LemonStreet,Vallejo94590(707)648‐2306(Warehouse)ThisCaliforniachapteroftheLionsClubInternationalacceptseyeglasses,hearingaids,inkcartridgesandcellularphones.Theyrefurbishtheitemsandsendthemtothoseinneedindevelopingcountries.LensCraftershttp://www.lenscrafters.comTownCenter,CorteMaderaNorthgateMall,SanRafaelTheyacceptdonationsofeyeglassesandsunglassesandworkwithOneSight(http://www.onesight.org)todelivereyecareandeyewearworldwide.

FLUORESCENTLIGHTBULBSFluorescentlampscontaintoxicmercuryvaporandcannotbedisposedofinthegarbage.Recyclethematarecyclingorhazardouswastefacility.SeeMarinHazardousWasteFacility,page21andNovatoRecyclingandBuybackCenter,page20Checkwithsomelocalhardwarestoresforrecyclingprograms:GoodmanBuildingSupply775RedwoodHighway,MillValley(415)388‐6233JimCorbet'sAceHardware1155MagnoliaAvenue,Larkspur(415)461‐5330FOODMarinFoodBank75DigitalDrive,Novato(415)883‐1302TheMarinFoodBankhasdropofflocationsthroughoutthecounty.Someinclude:RedwoodBresbyterianChurch110Magnolia,LarkspurWestamericaBankbranches:834SirFrancesDrake,SanAnselmo402IgnacioBlvd.,Novato1MitchellBlvd.,SanRafael800RedwoodHwy,MillValleySanGeronimoValleyCulturalCtr.6350SirFrancisDrake,SanGeronimo(415)488‐9385



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CompassCommunityServiceshttp://www.compass‐sf.org/995MarketStreet,SanFrancisco(415)644‐0504Compassprovideshousing,educationandemploymentservicestoSanFranciscofamilieswhoarehomelessorgoingthroughacrisis.Theyrunachildcarefacility,shelterandtransitionalhousingforhomelessfamiliesandtheirchildren.Theyareinneedoffoodsthatcanbestoredsuchascannedfoods,crackersanddriedfruit.FURNITURENovatoHumanNeedsCenterhttp://www.nhnc.org1907NovatoBlvd,Novato(415)897‐4147Theyacceptonlyalimitedamount,socallaheadtoscheduleadropoff.UrbanOre7thStreetnearAshby,Berkeley(510)841‐SAVESeeCompaniesthatAcceptMostThings,page19andHauling&ExchangeWebsites,page19HOUSEWARESSeeSMALLAPPLIANCESandCompaniesthatAcceptMostThings,page19MATTRESSESWaldenHousehttp://www.waldenhouse.org/

520TownsendStreet,SanFrancisco(415)355‐8485WaldenHouseisadrugandalcoholtreatmentcenterthatdistributesbedstoadultsandadolescentswhoarementallyandemotionallyill,sickwithAIDS,abused,socio‐economicallydisadvantagedandhomeless.HomewardBoundofMarin(2locations)http://www.hbofm.org1385N.HamiltonParkway,Novato(415)382‐3363FamilyEmergencyCenter737E.Francisco,SanRafael(415)454‐7418HomewardBoundisMarinCounty'schiefproviderofshelterandresidentialservicesforhomelessfamiliesandindividuals.TheyareinneedofnewmattresspadsandmattresscoversfortheirvariousprogramsincludingtheFamilyEmergencyCenter.SeeSMALLAPPLIANCESforadditionalinformationonthisorganization.MEDICALEQUIPMENTRacorseNetwork65Dorland,SanFrancisco(415)487‐5404Theyacceptmedicalsurplusandsupplies,reusablehomehealthcareequipmentandmaterials.MEDICATIONSSeePHARMACEUTICALS



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MUSICALINSTRUMENTSMP&MSOurownmusicdepartmentwillgladlyacceptyouroldorunwantedmusicalinstruments.CommunityMusicCenterhttp://www.sfcmc.org/site/544CappStreet(20th‐21stSt.),SF(415)647‐6015CommunityMusicCenterisSanFrancisco'slargestprovideroflow‐cost,highqualitymusiceducation.Calltoarrangetodonateamusicalinstrument.MusicInSchoolsTodayhttp://www.mustcreate.org/index.shtml582MarketStreet,Suite213,SF(415)392‐9010MuSTservesover10,000childreneachyearinSanFrancisco'spublicschoolsandcommunitycenters.PACKAGINGMATERIALEcoExpress85GalliDrive,Novato(800)733‐3495HandleWithCarePackagingStore401‐FMillerAvenue,MillValley(415)381‐1338604RedhillAvenue,SanAnselmo(415)457‐1234PostalPalace4460RedwoodHighway,SanRafael(415)479‐4705TheUPSStore775EastBlithedale,MillValley

(415)380‐0340336BonAirShoppingCtr,Greenbrae,(415)925‐1555862SirFrancisDrake,SanAnselmo(415)456‐9446448IgnacioBlvd.,Novato(415)883‐1988936‐B7thStreet,Novato(415)899‐1686PAINTPaintisahazardouswasteandneedstobedisposedofproperly.AllsmallamountsofpaintneedtoberecycledataHazardousWasteCenter.SeeHazardousWasteCenters,pg21Largequantitiesofpaint(inexcessof20gallons)canbebroughtto:HabitatforHumanity2619Broadway,Oakland(650)251‐6304SeeBUILDINGMATERIALSforadditionalinformationonHabitatforHumanityPESTICIDESSeeHazardousWasteCenters,pg21PETFOOD&SUPPLIESMarinHumaneSociety71BelMarinKeysBlvd,Novato(415)883‐4621SanFranciscoSPCAhttp://www.sfspca.org250016thStreet,SanFrancisco(415)554‐3000



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PHARMACEUTICALSFlushingexpiredorunwantedmedicinedownthedrainorputtingtheminthetrashishazardous.MostpharmaciesinMarinCountyparticipateinacountywideprogramtosafelyincineratepharmaceuticals.LuckySupermarket570MagnoliaAvenue,Larkspur(415)924‐6738MarinMedicalPharmacy750LasGallinasAve.,SanRafael(415)479‐1930PharmacaIntegrativePharmacy7514RedwoodBlvd.,Novato(415)892‐3700RossValleyPharmacy2BonAireRd.,Larkspur(415)924‐2454SafewayPharmacyVariouslocationsWalgreen’sPharmacyVariouslocationsPLASTICNURSERYPOTSSunnysideNursery130SirFrancisDrake,SanAnselmo,(415)453‐2701Accepts5gallonandlargerpots.PRINTERCARTRIDGESBothLasertonerandinkjetcartridgescontainchemicalsthatcanharmthe

environment.Whenusedcartridgesaredisposedofinlandfill,overtimethesechemicalscanleachintothegroundwater.Foreverycartridgethatisrecycled,2quartsofoilarekeptoutoflandfills.TheeasiestplacetodropoffusedprintercartridgesisatMP&MS.Otherdropoffretaillocationsincludethefollowing:BestBuy700DuBoisStreet,SanRafael(415)256‐1398655IrwinStreet,SanRafael(415)482‐6439180DonahueStreet,Sausalito(415)332‐6529ResolutionLaserPrinterServices15Lovell,SanRafael(415)459‐0909RenewComputers1241AndersonDrive,SanRafael(415)457‐8801PROPANETANKSGoodmanBuildingSupply775RedwoodHighway,MillValley(415)388‐6233JimCorbet'sAceHardware1155MagnoliaAvenue,Larkspur(415)461‐5330LuckySupermarket570MagnoliaAvenue,Larkspur(415)924‐5405SeeHazardousWasteCenters,pg21



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SHOESSoles4Soulshttp://www.soles4souls.orgThisnonprofitorganizationfacilitatesthedonationsofshoestothosewhoareinneedworldwide.Digoutthosegentlywornshoesfromyourcloset,bindeachpairtogetherwithrubberbandsanddropthemoffattheirSanFranciscolocation:ZCoilPainReliefFootwear,637IrvingStreet.NikeReUseAShoeProgramhttp://www.nikereuseashoe.comNikeacceptsanybrandofwornoutathleticshoes.TheyshredandconvertthemintoNikeGrindwhichisthenusedtoresurfaceathleticfields,courts,tracksandplaygrounds.Shoescanbedroppedoffatthefollowinglocations:NikeTown278PostSt.,SanFrancisco(415)392‐6453NikeFactoryStore2200PetalumaBlvd.N.,Petaluma(707)769‐9245SportsBasementhttp://www.sportsbasement.com/610MasonStreet(CrissyField),SF(415)437‐0100TranSportshttp://www.TranSportsRunSwim.com1559SolanoAve.,Berkeley(510)655‐4809Dropoffanypairofshoes,includingcrocs,intheirbinsbythefrontdoor.

TOILETRIESHomewardBoundofMarinhttp://www.hbofm.org1385N.HamiltonParkway,Novato(415)382‐3363FamilyEmergencyCenter737E.Francisco,SanRafael(415)454‐7418HomewardBoundisMarinCounty'schiefproviderofshelterandresidentialservicesforhomelessfamiliesandindividuals.TheyareinneedofmanytoiletriesfortheirvariousprogramsincludingtheFamilyEmergencyCenter.SeeSMALLAPPLIANCESforadditionalinformationonthisorganization.WINECORKSMP&MSThroughaparent‐ledGreenCommittee,ourschoolcollectsandrecyclescorksforReCORKAmerica.com.Bringinyournaturalcorksanddropthemoffatanyofthecollectionbinsaroundschool.



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V. MP&MSFocusingonGreenInitiativesEveryDay

MarinPrimary&MiddleSchoolbelievesthathealthybuildingsteach.Ourcommunity'sapproachtowardasustainableschoolenvironmentinvolvesgreeningourfacilitiesandoutdoorspaces,aswellaseducatingtopromoteholisticwaystopreserveourearth'sresources.OurGreenInitiativesinclude:energysavingretrofits,additionsofrenewableenergytechnologies,conservationandrecyclingpractices,extendedenvironmentalcurriculum,andwayswecollaborativelyworktoliveinasustainablecommunity.Constantlyevaluatingourfacilitiestobemoreenergyefficient,MP&MShasrecentlyupgradedsomelightingsystems,aswellasdecreasedourwaterusethroughtheinstallationofautomaticfaucetsinchildren’sbathrooms,lowflowtoilets,andefficientirrigation,whichiscombinedwithmorenative,drought‐resistantspecies.Inaddition,wehavereplacedcopiersandcomputerswithonesthatuselessenergy.WehaveinstalledsolarpanelsonourOutdoorEducationCenterandareassessingtheinclusionofsolarpanelsonourotherexistingaswellasnewbuildings.Thereisamonitorinthehallwayoutsidetheschoolofficethatshowshowmuchenergyhasbeengeneratedfromthesolarpanels(seewww.mpms.org/school/values.html).WeareinthefinalstagesofourMarinCountyGreenCertificationprocessforourexistingbuildingsandwewillworktowardsLEEDcertificationguidelinesontheschool'smasterplanprojects.MP&MSfocusesonrecyclingandwastereductiontoo.CompostingandrecyclingprogramsaremanagedbythestudentsandarealsoacomponentoftheparentvolunteerGreenCommittee.RecycledandcompostableproductsareusedwheneverpossibleandplasticwaterbottlesarenotprovidedatMP&MSevents.Emailisutilizedalmostexclusivelyforcommunication.AhealthyenvironmentisimportanttoeveryoneatMP&MS.Non‐toxiccleaningsuppliesandgardeningproductsareusedthroughoutthecampus.Wearefortunatetohaveafull‐timenurseonstafftopromoteandadvocatehealthypractices.Anaturalandorganiclunchandsnackprogramareavailableforstudents.Reducingthenumberofcarsontheroad,andtheirtoxicemissions,isapriority.Thereisasectionofthefamilydirectorybytown,whichenablesfamiliestosetupcarpools.Theschoolparkinglotwasreorganizedwithadrop‐offzonetoimprovetrafficflow.Inaddition,MP&MSparticipatesintheMarinCountySafeRoutestoSchoolprogram,whichsupportsthedevelopmentofsaferwalkingandridingtrailsforstudentsandpromoteswalkingandridingbicyclestoschoolthroughweeklyWalkandRolltoSchooldays,organizedbyparentsattheschool.ThereisastrongenvironmentalcurriculumatMP&MSincludingouruniqueOutdoorEducationCenter.Anorganicgardenisatoneendofthecampuswhichallowsthe



35

studentstolearnenvironmentalawareness,stewardshipandrespect,andresponsibilityforourenvironmentanditsinhabitants.Studentslearnaboutmakinghealthyfoodchoices,thecareandraisingofplantsandseeds,non‐toxicalternativestopesticides,waterconservation,andsoilcharacteristicssuchasbuildingandmaintainingsoilfertilitythroughtheuseofcovercrops,croprotation,andacompostandwormbinsystem.Studentsrecycletheirleftoversintoourgardencompost.StudentscontinuelearningaboutenvironmentaleducationthroughovernightsandweeklongtripstoYosemite,Mendocino,SantaCruz,OlympiaNationalPark,thedesert,Pt.ReyesNationalSeashoreandtheMarinHeadlands.Inaddition,allthemiddleschoolstudentsparticipateinacoastalcleanupday.ParentsatMP&MScanvolunteertobeinvolvedwithmanygreeninitiatives:

• Weparticipateinthe“CooltheEarth”(www.cooltheearth.org)programwhichteacheskidsabouttheimpactofglobalwarmingandmotivatesthemtodecreasetheirfamily’semissionsandcarbonfootprint.

• Wehaveseveralrecyclingefforts.Onsitewecollectbatteriesandtakethemtoourlocalfiredepartment.ThrougheScripwecollectandrecycleemptyink/tonercartridges,laptops,cellphonesandiPods.Lastyear,MP&MShadthesecondhighestcollectiontotalnationally!NaturalwinecorksarealsocollectedandrecycledthroughtheReCorkAmericaprogram(www.recorkamerica.com).

• Ourwastereductioneffortsincludesuggestionsonhowtoreduceholidaywasteaswellasin2008wesponsoredanEcoSaleforwastefreelunchproducts.

• Pastresearchandexplorationeffortshavelookedintotheuseofdisposableplatesandflatwareforclasspartiesandreplacingthemwithcompostableproductsinstead.

• ThisGreenbookonSustainableLivinginMarinwascreatedbyparents.

• Greenspeakersareinvitedtocampustoeducateparents.Forthe2008/09schoolyearthetopicswereleadintoysandcomposting.

• GreentipsintheMP&MSnewsletter.

• ParentscreateandmanageEarthDayactivitiesfortheschoolcommunity.

• EveryWednesdaymorningthe“WalkandRoll”programgetskidsandparentsinthehabitofbiking,walkingandcarpoolingtoschool.Thisisjustonepartof



36

MarinCounty's“SafeRoutestoSchool”programthatalsoprovidesbicyclesafetytraining,analysisofwalkandbikeroutestoandfromourschool,andactivitiesthatrecognizestudentswhoregularlywalkandrolltoschool.ParentrepresentativesfromMP&MSserveonthecityandcountySafeRoutestoSchoolcommittees.

Moreinformationonourcommitmenttotheenvironment,akeyvalueatMP&MS,canbefoundontheschoolwebsiteatthefollowinglink:http://www.mpms.org/school/values.html

DisclaimerThishandbookisintendedforinformationalpurposesonly.Alloftheinformationpresentedinthishandbookwasobtainedfrompubliclyavailablesourcesin2009.Whileeveryeffortwasmadetoensurethisinformationisaccurateandcurrent,somemistakesmayexistandsomeinformationmaychangeorbecomeoutofdate.MarinPrimary&MiddleSchooldoesnotendorseortakeanyresponsibilityfortheorganizationsorserviceslistedinthishandbook.



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VI. ListofSources

Page1• Look,

Marie,(2009,May18)8TinyWaystoGoGreen,Earth911.com http://earth911.com/blog/2009/05/18/8‐tiny‐ways‐to‐go‐green/Page3

• 2009GreenandSave.comFamilyGuidetoGoingGreen http://earth911.com/household/go‐green‐family‐guide/

• 2009GreenandSave.comFamilyGuidetoGoingGreen http://www.greenandsave.com/greenguide/family.htmlPage4

• TheEnvironmentalWorkingGroup http://www.ewg.org/

• Shopper'sGuidetoPesticides http://www.foodnews.org/

• PlanetOrganics.com http://www.planetorganics.com/ui/default.aspx

• FarmFreshToYou.com http://www.farmfreshtoyou.com/index.php

• OrganicExpress.com http://www.spud.com/index.cfm(OrganicExpress)Page5

• SeafoodWatch http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/seafoodwatch.aspx

• WestCoastSustainableSeafoodGuide(2009,July) http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/SeafoodWatch/web/sfw

_regional.aspx?region_id=1Page8

• CenterforEnvironmentalHealth: http://www.ceh.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id

=257&Itemid=224• EarthEasy.com

http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_solutions.htmPage9

• EnvironmentalProtectionAgency http://www.epa.gov/

• AmericanWater http://www.americanwater.com/49ways.htm

• H2OUSE http://www.h2ouse.org/



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Page10

• Earth911.com http://earth911.com/garden/give‐compost‐a‐chance‐start‐your‐

own‐pile/Page11

• WallStreetJournal http://online.wsj.com/article/SB100014240527487041072045744

71330808326984.html?KEYWORDS=composters• http://www.compostbins.com/compost‐bins/12177+12185.cfm• http://www.compostbins.com/compost‐bins/compost‐

tumblers/goodideassoilmachinepro6cubicfootcomposttumbler.cfm• http://www.earth911.com• http://www.ireuse.org• http://www.pesticide.org/factsheets.html‐alternatives

Page12

• U.S.DepartmentofEnergy http://www.energy.gov/4308.htm

• http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ Page13

• http://www.dmachoice.org

• http://www.catalogchoice.org

• http://www.greendimes.com

• http://www.41pounds.org

• http://www.stopjunkmail.org

• http://www.optoutprescreen.com

Page14

• http://www.recycline.com/catalog/index.php

• http://www.reusablebags.com/

• http://www.fabkins.com/

• http://www.kleankanteen.com/

• http://www.wrap‐n‐mat.com/

• http://www.kidskonserve.com/



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• http://www.wastefreelunches.org/

• http://www.gogreenlunchbox.com/• http://www.planetbox.com/index.html• http://www.goodbyn.com/goodbyn/default.aspx

Page15• http://www.recycling‐revolution.com/reuse‐trash‐ideas.html • http://earth911.com/metal/aluminum‐can/facts‐about‐aluminum‐

recycling/ • http://w

ww.42explore.com/recycle • Californi

ansAgainstWaste http://www.cawrecycles.orgPage16

• CenterforEnvironmentalHealth

http://www.ceh.org• EnvironmentalWorkingGroup

http://www.ewg.org• Earth911

http://www.Earth911.com• EarthSave

http://www.EarthSave.org• EarthEasy

http://www.eartheasy.com/Page17

• IReuse http://www.ireuse.org• Good

Guide http://www.goodguide.com/• Marin

CountyGreenBusinessResourceshttp://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/CD/main/comdev/advance/Sustainability/greenbusiness/resources/greenresources.cfm

• SanFranciscoRecyclingResource

http://www.sfenvironment.org• Burke's

Freecyclopedia http://www.kdbs.org/node/110

Page18• CraigsList

http://www.craigslist.org• ExcessAccess



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http://www.excessaccess.com• FreeCycle

http://www.freecycle.org• IReuse.Com

http://www.ireuse.com• MarinMax

http://www.MarinMax.org

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