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Green $en$e Guide
An in-depth look at how local businesses can get on the right
Green $en$e track.
$ $ $
Reducing waste and recycling are sound business practices that can
make economic sense. Waste is not always garbage--in many cases it can
and should be considered a valuable resource.
Here are some things to consider:
Glass
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Every ton of glass recycled saves the equivalent of nine gallons
of fuel oil needed to make glass from virgin materials.
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At least 30% of glass containers on grocery store shelves have
been recycled.
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Container glass can be recycled repeatedly with no loss of
quantity of quality.
Metals
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Every three months, the U.S. throws away enough aluminum to
rebuild our entire commercial air fleet.
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Recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy than making new aluminum
from bauxite ore.
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We throw away enough iron and steel to continuously supply all
of America's auto makers.
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Metal is melted down and reformed into new products such as
cans, automobile parts, siding, appliances and building materials.
Paper
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Making new paper from old paper uses 30% to 55% less energy than
making paper from trees, and reduces related air pollution by 95%.
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Each day American businesses generate enough paper to circle the
globe at least 40 times!
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Newspaper is recycled into newspaper, game boards, egg cartons,
gift boxes, animal bedding, insulation and packaging material.
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Office paper is recycled into office paper, tissue paper, paper
towels and toilet paper.
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Corrugated cardboard is recycled into new cardboard and cereal
boxes.
Plastic
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35% of the polyester carpet sold in America contains recycled
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles (primarily soft drink
bottled).
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Recycled plastics are made into fiberfill bottles, shower
stalls, recycling bins, scouring pads, paint brushes, industrial
strapping, drainpipes, plastic lumber and flowerpots. Markets are
expanding and developing daily.
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