This first post focusing on Plastic Recycling is Part 1 of a 2-Part Series on Plastic.  Part 2 will focus on the Health and Safety issues related to plastic, and will be posted here on Alternative Consumer in a few days.

It requires only the power of observation to recognize that the world we’re living in is increasingly plastic. Initially drawn to plastic’s versatile, lightweight and sturdy promises, the euphoric state that accompanies inventions allowed us to glimpse over the fact that due to the very qualities we produced them to have, plastics don’t want to go away. So until biodegradable plastics dominate our industries, Earth will be yearning for us to become better recyclers of the pervasive plastics at hand.

We must first recognize that plastics’ rotating triangular codes, although wearing our beloved recycling symbol’s clothes, mean nothing of the sort. They disclose only their chemical identity, enabling them to be numerically sorted. All plastics are not created equal and with several being virtually impossible to recycle, focusing our eyes on their numbers is vital.

The recycling champions are numbers 1 and 2, easily recycled virtually everywhere. With #3, a rare recycling center is the key. Although recyclable outside many grocery stores, #4 is a chore as curbside pickup is not yet available. 5 and 6 are rarely recycled so be sure to steer clear whenever feasible. Sinful number 7 is practically impossible to recycle. To obtain more facts, recycling tips and info on each plastic type check out @ earth911.org/plastics/

Meanwhile, twist off bottle lids, rinse containers free of yesterday’s cravings, crush them with all your might, and educate yourself on your local recycling programs before your plastics hit the bin. Above all, rethink how you can reduce your plastic habits and reuse whenever possible.

From the “every little bit helps” department comes this little green gadget. Humbly marketed as “the World’s Easiest Green Product”, the RefrigeratorSaver is a thermometer that is designed to save you energy by accurately telling you the temperature of the food and produce in your fridge or freezer.   By accurately setting your fridge’s thermostat the company estimates you can save anywhere from 8-24% on the annual cost to run your refrigerator; a savings of up to $50 year.

The key component of the RefrigeratorSaver is the silicone gel inside; it accurately mimics the temperature of food, not the temperature of the air like other appliance thermometers. Most consumers have their refrigerators set to run too cold, for every one degree you’re able to change on your refrigerator thermostat you’ll save 8% on energy costs.

$29.99 @ refrigeratorsaver.com – starts shipping Oct. 1st

The Australian architect, Sally Dominguez, has created the Rainwater HOG, a unique solution to the problem of rainwater run-off and greywater storage in areas where space is limited. The Rainwater HOG’s relatively small size enables it to fit into many spaces previously not available to water tanks. And its modular design enables it to be extended and capacity increased bit by bit, and in multiple locations around your house and property.

The Rainwater HOG’s narrow profile makes it a great water storage solution along side walls, down narrow passages and underneath decks and house structures. Being able to sit flat, on its side or stand upright on its end, the Rainwater HOG is sized to fit between the timber joists of her deck. The tank can support its full weight on any of its surfaces without bulging.  Each Rainwater HOG stores about 47 gallons of water.

The tank is roto-moulded food grade plastic, which complies with FDA and HPB regulatory standards for food contact, but should never be used for drinking water. This is because the water from your roof is contaminated with animal and vegetable matter which needs to be filtered from the stored water before it is fit for consumption. The tank material itself is recyclable and carries a 1 year guarantee. In another bit of green design, the unit ships unpackaged.  A good green building concept though not cheap.

distributed in the USA, Australia and Canada: dealer locator

$450 ea. @ design within reach

via: cool hunting

•  Financial Turmoil No Bar to Climate Deal: U.N. – reuters
• Offshore wind project gets curveball…GE May Change Cape Wind Direction – capecodtimes.com
• As CES Approaches, Vendors Give Glimpse of 2009 Gadgets – betanews
• This news must be from some parallel universe…Bush Eyes More Pacific Marine Protections – msnbc
• I’m sure she wasn’t influenced by the $13 million she got to stay put in Vegas…Bette Midler Stops Touring for the Sake of the Planet – ecorazzi
• An update on an earlier story…Charges Dropped in Gas-Passing Case – aol news

When I look up at the tv these days, I’m seeing an awful lot of the two presidential candidates and their running mates.  You know, the old, cranky “Sit! Stay!” geezer basking in the glow of his beehive-sporting “leave that dog outside” VP.  And the easy going “I wouldn’t advise chewing on that table leg” black guy alongside the older guy with the comb-over and run-on sentences.

Given the current presidential choices, I propose an alternate pairing, (pictured here), these nifty ‘Sweater Monkeys.’  No debating, attack ads, or political shenanigans with these guys; just grab a leg and start chewing.

Handmade from recycled sweaters so they’re one-of-a-kind.

$26 a pair @ olivegreendog.com

Made from soft, sustainable merino wool, lingerie in the NATURE ULTRALITE line is super gentle on your skin. This beautiful range of pure merino underwear features stunning, nature-inspired prints. The Grace Cami adheres to every contour of your body, with sexy side paneling, a gentle v-neck, an athletic-inspired back and adjustable straps.

Won’t hold odors or moisture, is non-itchy, extremely soft and luxurious against your skin.

a choice of four tasteful colors
$44.99 @ icebreaker.com

• Other stores just roll it into the price…Upscale NYC Market Charges ‘Energy Surcharge‘ – wcbstv.com
• They fiddle with it, and this bill will die…House to Vote on Extending Energy Tax Credits – reuters
• I bet they cut down everything in sight before the deadline.  Brazil Unveils Deforestation Plan – bbc
• (photos) Best Science Images of 2008 – natgeo
• He lived life on his own terms…End of the Road for Pigzilla – ananova
• Hope you won’t see this from the Kennedy compound. Rhode Island Eyes Offshore Wind Power – msnbc
• The Yin and Yang of life…The Green Picture: Philip Seymour Hoffman Smokes While Biking – ecorazzi

Italian designer Marcella Foschi has created these one-of-kind wallets out of old audio cassette tapes.

Does this meet the definition of ‘upcycling’? I guess it depends on the original recording artist. Due to the unique nature of this product it is currently out of stock.  Figures.

$39 + $4 s&h @ designboom.com

Schwinn Bicycles has announced a strategic collaboration with Toshiba that could significantly alter the electric bicycle market worldwide.

Schwinn has incorporated Toshiba’s new Super Charge ion Battery (SCiB) technology into the Schwinn Tailwind, a brand new electric bike it formally unveiled yesterday in Las Vegas at the Interbike International Bicycle Expo.

The breakthrough news on this bike is that Toshiba’s power technology will enable Tailwind owners to recharge their eBike in 30 minutes through a standard electrical outlet (or as little as five to seven minutes through a commercial charger). It currently takes four hours or longer to fully recharge the battery of most eBikes currently on the market.

The Tailwind will arrive in stores in early 2009 and will go for a pricey $3199.99

via: marketwatch.com

Related – ebike posts previously on the alternative consumer:

ultra motors A2B Electric Bike – 8.16.08

EZGO folding electric bike – 6.16.08