Port of Portland-EcoStars

I'm going to start buying in bulk whenever possible, using reusable bags, so I don't have to purchase items that have been packaged.

I need to be more cognizant of bringing my own items with me when possible. I'm really good about reusable bags, but not so good at reusable hot and cold beverage cups.

I actually started running my plastic items through a quick rinse in the dishwasher to make sure they are clean, but I know so many people throw dirty items into the recycle bin. How does the contamination affect the ability to recycle plastic and other items?

I just watched the video about where our plastic goes.. or went. It just made me ask more questions: what was China, and now other southeast Asian countries, doing with the plastic? Why did they want it? What do we do now that we can no longer sell it to China?

My recycling ride or die just joined the Port of Portland Ecostars team!

Green Century Recycling recycles a wide range of materials that can't be recycled in the curbside bin. Reasonable pricing, too.

I caught myself looking at the numbers in the chasing arrows symbol last night, making sure the plastic I had was recyclable. I'm a big fan of Ridwell because it gives me an opportunity to recycle the PET 1 directly through them. They have done a lot of work to reduce waster and allow for more recycling of harder to recycle items.

Reusable drink cups. I need to remember to have one at my desk and bring when I go for a beverage in the terminal. I was walking around today looking at the plastic cup in my hand thinking, you know you could do better.

I did not like seeing the actual number. There's so much I hadn't thought about that was part of the plastic problem. I forget that our electronics are plastic. I'm thinking about everything around me and it's really upsetting how much is actually plastic. I try to get the eco-poop bags for my dogs, but they still are essentially plastic! My...

Less packaging also means more whole foods (generally), which is healthier because it's not processed and contains fewer preservatives.