You Can Recycle That: Flip Flops

For years and years, I wore flip flops from the first snow melt to the first snow fall of the year. I mean I lived in the things! Thanks to places like Old Navy, I could get a pair of rubber flip flops for $2, and stockpile them, with a pair in every color imaginable. Now, my problem feet require something a bit more supportive, and I'm more conscious about where my footwear is coming from. So my flip flop collection is sitting idle, taking up valuable space in my closet. I can't bring myself to toss them, because I know they're going to end up in a landfill somewhere. Luckily, I've come across another handy recycling service that will solve this dilemma!

The Flip Flop Brigade!!!

TerraCycle has teamed up with Old Navy to create this awesome service. Gather up about 10 (or more) pairs of unwanted flip flops, download a FREE shipping label, and drop your package off at UPS. Done! Your flip flops are on their way to becoming something brand new and awesome! As a bonus, Old Navy will send you a coupon for a free pair of flip-flops, and other discounts. (I'll be donating my coupons to the local women's shelter, as I prefer not to shop at Old Navy, or other "fast fashion" retailers.) Remember, you can send in any brand of rubber flip flops; not just Old Navy!

If you're in Buffalo, and want to add your flip flops to my shipment, let me know! I'm also accepting reusable shopping bags, worn or orphaned socks, and just about anything else I've written a "You Can Recycle That" post about. If you're nearby, I'll even pick it up! Send me a Tweet, or email me at smallonessurroundus@gmail.com to let me know.

For more information about the Flip Flip Brigade, check out their FAQ page.

You Can Recycle That: Reusable Shopping Bags

It seems a little weird - why would you need to recycle a reusable shopping bag? Their whole purpose is to eliminate waste. But a lot of us have a surplus of reusable shopping bags that we just don't use. It seems that every business is distributing the bags as promotional items to market themselves. They've become so popular that just about every store is giving them away, and a lot of us end up with so many that we can't use all of them. Personally, I have at least 15-20 of the bags, but only about 4 or 5 that I actually use

Luckily, there's the ChicoBag Repurposing Program. 

Package up all of your unwanted reusable shopping bags and ship them to ChicoBag. The bags will be distributed to low-income families, encouraging them to "start a reusable bag habit." Any bags that are determined to be unusable will be disassembled and woven into new products suchs as aprons or rugs by The Grateful Thread, providing job training opportunities for victims of domestic violence.

Not only will you be ridding your home of clutter and keeping your reusable bags out of landfills, you'll also be encouraging others to reduce their plastic bag consumption, and providing employment opportunities to those in need. It's a win-win-win-win!

Send your unwanted reusable shopping bags to:

ChicoBag Company
C/O Zero Waste Program
13434 Browns Valley Drive
Chico, CA 95973

You Can Recycle That: Erotic Toys

I'll admit to being a little shocked myself when I came across this service. Adult toys and novelties are one of those topics that you only discuss with your closest friends, right? So let's just skip all the taboos and get to the point. If you have old toys that you don't use or want anymore, you probably want to get rid of them quickly and discreetly. Luckily, they don't have to wind up in a landfill.

While it may seem like a total joke, there is actually a real company that offers sex toy recycling services. Scarlet Girl is an online erotic toy store based in Oregon. When you send in your old sex toy for recycling, they give you $10 credit towards a new one! All you have to do is clean it, package it up, and ship it to them! Check out the details on their sex toy recycling page.

Scarlet Girl Recycles

Before you start shopping for some new toys to replace the ones you recycled, remember there are green options available! Check these out.

Leaf by Swan - This is a totally "green" line of adult toys. They're even endorsed by eco-celebrity, Alicia Silverstone!

Good Clean Love - An eco-friendly personal lubricant brand. All of their products are free of parabens, glycerin, silicon, and petrochemicals. They're 100% organic and cruelty-free, and because they're vegan, they're also edible!

Glyde - Certified ethical, vegan, and fair trade condoms.

Earth Erotics - Your one-stop-shop for earth-friendly erotic supplies.

And I'll be keeping my eyes out for GӒSM, the eco-friendly vibe that started out as an April Fools joke from Swedish sex toy brand, Lelo. The joke was so popular that the toy-makers are supposedly planning to come out with the real thing!

Further Reading

http://www.ecohearth.com/eco-blogs/clean-and-green-everyday/1376-safe-sex-not-if-your-sex-toys-arent-green-.html


This post was shared on Thank Your Body Thursday.