Recycling!
#1
Specialized Sirrus LTD
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 72
Bikes: Secialized Sirrus Ltd
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Recycling!
I will admit that I have become an environmental fanatic. Is there any responsible way to recycle worn wool items such as wool socks?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 11,016
Bikes: Custom Zona c/f tandem + Scott Plasma single
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 77 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 19 Times
in
11 Posts
Yes!
Unravel the wool item and roll it up into a ball. Use the wool yarn to hand knit new sox, sweater, scarf,etc.
That's what we used to do when I was a kid in Europe during he Nazi occupation as everything was rationed but nothing was available except on the blackmarket.
Unravel the wool item and roll it up into a ball. Use the wool yarn to hand knit new sox, sweater, scarf,etc.
That's what we used to do when I was a kid in Europe during he Nazi occupation as everything was rationed but nothing was available except on the blackmarket.
#3
His Brain is Gone!
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Paoli, Wisconsin
Posts: 9,979
Bikes: RANS Stratus, Bridgestone CB-1, Trek 7600, Sun EZ-Rider AX, Fuji Absolute 1.0, Cayne Rambler 3
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
In general, except for certain easily recyclable metals, the best thing to do with just about anything is to use it again in some fashion. Things that are used twice and then discarded in the trash, save far more materials and energy than something used once and then recycled.
One of the interesting aspects of the recycled plastics industry is that most of the ads you see that promote the usefulness of recycled plastic are being paid for by the virgin plastics industry. Their goal is to get people into thinking plastic is more environmentally friendly and thus will be receptive to buying things packaged in plastic. This results in more sales of virgin plastic products. A lot of the plastic that is put into recycle bins is actually not recycled, as much of it is too expensive to recycle.
Thus if you want to be more environmentally friendly, it is better to buy less plastic and use things twice. People who buy a lot of plastic, use it once, and then put it into recycle bins, really aren't doing much in the way of helping the environment.
One of the interesting aspects of the recycled plastics industry is that most of the ads you see that promote the usefulness of recycled plastic are being paid for by the virgin plastics industry. Their goal is to get people into thinking plastic is more environmentally friendly and thus will be receptive to buying things packaged in plastic. This results in more sales of virgin plastic products. A lot of the plastic that is put into recycle bins is actually not recycled, as much of it is too expensive to recycle.
Thus if you want to be more environmentally friendly, it is better to buy less plastic and use things twice. People who buy a lot of plastic, use it once, and then put it into recycle bins, really aren't doing much in the way of helping the environment.
__________________
"Too often I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen." Louis L'Amour
There are two types of road bikers: bikers who are faster than me, and me. Bruce Cameron - Denver Post
"Too often I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen." Louis L'Amour
There are two types of road bikers: bikers who are faster than me, and me. Bruce Cameron - Denver Post
#4
just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 173 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
+1
Reusing trumps recycling.
Reusing trumps recycling.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 618
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
mY 2 CENTS
hi,
I stopped buying bottled water, I have three nice bike water bottles that I refil and take to work with instant Ice tea, and then rinse them out a refil with bottled distillled I buy with 5 gal jugs that are refilled at the water hut, zero plastic to the land fill. I have the perfect renewable water bottles.
Its hard to find ways to go green but we really need to think about every possiable resource is renowable.
Doug
I stopped buying bottled water, I have three nice bike water bottles that I refil and take to work with instant Ice tea, and then rinse them out a refil with bottled distillled I buy with 5 gal jugs that are refilled at the water hut, zero plastic to the land fill. I have the perfect renewable water bottles.
Its hard to find ways to go green but we really need to think about every possiable resource is renowable.
Doug
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Johnson City, TN
Posts: 217
Bikes: Bianchi via Nirone 7 / Trek Marlin 5 29er
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Seriously though, you could save them and stuff pillows, or use as cozies for hot pots, use them to patch other wool items?
+1 on reusing before recycling.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 6,900
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
In general, except for certain easily recyclable metals, the best thing to do with just about anything is to use it again in some fashion. Things that are used twice and then discarded in the trash, save far more materials and energy than something used once and then recycled.
One of the interesting aspects of the recycled plastics industry is that most of the ads you see that promote the usefulness of recycled plastic are being paid for by the virgin plastics industry. Their goal is to get people into thinking plastic is more environmentally friendly and thus will be receptive to buying things packaged in plastic. This results in more sales of virgin plastic products. A lot of the plastic that is put into recycle bins is actually not recycled, as much of it is too expensive to recycle.
Thus if you want to be more environmentally friendly, it is better to buy less plastic and use things twice. People who buy a lot of plastic, use it once, and then put it into recycle bins, really aren't doing much in the way of helping the environment.
One of the interesting aspects of the recycled plastics industry is that most of the ads you see that promote the usefulness of recycled plastic are being paid for by the virgin plastics industry. Their goal is to get people into thinking plastic is more environmentally friendly and thus will be receptive to buying things packaged in plastic. This results in more sales of virgin plastic products. A lot of the plastic that is put into recycle bins is actually not recycled, as much of it is too expensive to recycle.
Thus if you want to be more environmentally friendly, it is better to buy less plastic and use things twice. People who buy a lot of plastic, use it once, and then put it into recycle bins, really aren't doing much in the way of helping the environment.
#8
His Brain is Gone!
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Paoli, Wisconsin
Posts: 9,979
Bikes: RANS Stratus, Bridgestone CB-1, Trek 7600, Sun EZ-Rider AX, Fuji Absolute 1.0, Cayne Rambler 3
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
What I said I believe is true, from several research reports that I have read, along with some in-depth TV programs on this subject.
You should note that I said, "A lot of the plastic ... is actually not recycled." I didn't say all of it, or even half of it, wasn't. There are a few types of plastic which are being recycled to a fair degree.
And even a plastic drink bottle used twice or more is more environmentally friendly than a single use then recycled. I've reused plastic water bottles up to 8 to 10 times before recycling them. When I go on plane trips, I pick up a plastic drink bottle very early after arriving. Sometimes it's water, sometimes a soft drink or juice. I pick out a bottle that is sturdy. I use it for my entire trip. Then toss it into a recycling bin at the airport on the way home. Skipping the use of 8-10 extra bottles is a hugely positive action.
All plastics now have a recycling symbol on them, with a number within it. Plastics #1, #2, and #6 have a fair chance of actually being recycled. Numbers 3, 4, 5, and 7 will usually end up in a landfill, even if you put them into a recycle bin.
I love all of the products now using recycled plastic.
As to the question about wool, a number of craft people make products out of recycled wool. It's quite usable if someone takes the time to do it. Places like:
https://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement...ool/index.html
https://www.hgtv.com/crafting/recycle...ing/index.html
https://www.abundantearth.com/store/W...esBlanket.html
https://simplyserina.wordpress.com/20...-wool-longies/
You should note that I said, "A lot of the plastic ... is actually not recycled." I didn't say all of it, or even half of it, wasn't. There are a few types of plastic which are being recycled to a fair degree.
And even a plastic drink bottle used twice or more is more environmentally friendly than a single use then recycled. I've reused plastic water bottles up to 8 to 10 times before recycling them. When I go on plane trips, I pick up a plastic drink bottle very early after arriving. Sometimes it's water, sometimes a soft drink or juice. I pick out a bottle that is sturdy. I use it for my entire trip. Then toss it into a recycling bin at the airport on the way home. Skipping the use of 8-10 extra bottles is a hugely positive action.
All plastics now have a recycling symbol on them, with a number within it. Plastics #1, #2, and #6 have a fair chance of actually being recycled. Numbers 3, 4, 5, and 7 will usually end up in a landfill, even if you put them into a recycle bin.
I love all of the products now using recycled plastic.
As to the question about wool, a number of craft people make products out of recycled wool. It's quite usable if someone takes the time to do it. Places like:
https://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement...ool/index.html
https://www.hgtv.com/crafting/recycle...ing/index.html
https://www.abundantearth.com/store/W...esBlanket.html
https://simplyserina.wordpress.com/20...-wool-longies/
__________________
"Too often I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen." Louis L'Amour
There are two types of road bikers: bikers who are faster than me, and me. Bruce Cameron - Denver Post
"Too often I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen." Louis L'Amour
There are two types of road bikers: bikers who are faster than me, and me. Bruce Cameron - Denver Post
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,489
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
What's wrong with the socks? Can they be mended? I was talking to my sons the other day about a gourd in our garden. I mentioned that it would be perfect for darning socks. They both looked at me like I was from another planet. So, we came back into the house and I put up the following web site for them:
https://www.ehow.com/how_648_darn-sock.html
https://www.ehow.com/how_648_darn-sock.html
Last edited by NOS88; 10-03-08 at 10:16 AM.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 730
Bikes: 1976 Apollo Mk IV, mid-'80s Miyata touring bike, mid-'80s Miyata mtn bike, 2007 Trek 6500 mtn bike, 2008 Trek Madone 5.2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have very fond childhood memories of watching my mother darn socks back in the 1950s. It was like magic.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 6,900
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
"And even a plastic drink bottle used twice or more is more environmentally friendly than a single use then recycled."
Making something into something that lasts 10-20 years is not environmentally good**********? Just the energy savings alone is worth it.
Making something into something that lasts 10-20 years is not environmentally good**********? Just the energy savings alone is worth it.
#12
His Brain is Gone!
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Paoli, Wisconsin
Posts: 9,979
Bikes: RANS Stratus, Bridgestone CB-1, Trek 7600, Sun EZ-Rider AX, Fuji Absolute 1.0, Cayne Rambler 3
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
If you use something twice, then you just halved your use of new materials.
That savings is far greater than the minor savings gained, in terms of total energy consumed, of recycling a single use product. That's what I was talking about.
Of course using something twice or more and then recycling is even better. But it goes that if you make an effort to use things twice, you are having a greater environment impact than using them once and recycling them. Especially if the plastic you are using twice is a #3, #4, #5, or #7 plastic, which is probably not really going to be recycled.
Using a water bottle and refilling it hundreds of times is immensely more environmentally friendly than buying bottled water and recycling all of the bottles.
That savings is far greater than the minor savings gained, in terms of total energy consumed, of recycling a single use product. That's what I was talking about.
Of course using something twice or more and then recycling is even better. But it goes that if you make an effort to use things twice, you are having a greater environment impact than using them once and recycling them. Especially if the plastic you are using twice is a #3, #4, #5, or #7 plastic, which is probably not really going to be recycled.
Using a water bottle and refilling it hundreds of times is immensely more environmentally friendly than buying bottled water and recycling all of the bottles.
__________________
"Too often I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen." Louis L'Amour
There are two types of road bikers: bikers who are faster than me, and me. Bruce Cameron - Denver Post
"Too often I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen." Louis L'Amour
There are two types of road bikers: bikers who are faster than me, and me. Bruce Cameron - Denver Post
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 11,016
Bikes: Custom Zona c/f tandem + Scott Plasma single
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 77 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 19 Times
in
11 Posts
Another use for 'worn out sox':
Slip the sock over plastic bike water bottle . . . great insulation to keep water cooler in the summer.
Note: water bottles on our tandem all have 'soxy' covers on them . . . keeps water cooler in our desert climate in the Southwest.
Pedal on!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
Slip the sock over plastic bike water bottle . . . great insulation to keep water cooler in the summer.
Note: water bottles on our tandem all have 'soxy' covers on them . . . keeps water cooler in our desert climate in the Southwest.
Pedal on!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
#14
just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 173 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
Another use for 'worn out sox':
Slip the sock over plastic bike water bottle . . . great insulation to keep water cooler in the summer.
Note: water bottles on our tandem all have 'soxy' covers on them . . . keeps water cooler in our desert climate in the Southwest.
Pedal on!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
Slip the sock over plastic bike water bottle . . . great insulation to keep water cooler in the summer.
Note: water bottles on our tandem all have 'soxy' covers on them . . . keeps water cooler in our desert climate in the Southwest.
Pedal on!
Rudy and Kay/zonatandem
#15
Specialized Sirrus LTD
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 72
Bikes: Secialized Sirrus Ltd
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have some socks that are so worn that darning is no longer an option. It just seems wasteful to throw the wool away. I am wondering if Goodwill recycles material that can no longer be used as clothing. Hotwired in Milwaukee
What's wrong with the socks? Can they be mended? I was talking to my sons the other day about a gourd in our garden. I mentioned that it would be perfect for darning socks. They both looked at me like I was from another planet. So, we came back into the house and I put up the following web site for them:
https://www.ehow.com/how_648_darn-sock.html
https://www.ehow.com/how_648_darn-sock.html