Here is a series of small videos detailing the process of single stream recycling provided by RecycleBank. I recommend you go directly to the http://www.explorethecycle.com/ site rather than watch the embedded version here. Their site has a lot of interactive options. Certainly, an interesting set of videos on the technology that allows for single stream recycling to be nearly automatically accomplished. One perspective that should come from this viewing is how energy intensive recycling can be. Don’t get me wrong as I am huge supporter of recycling. And recycling aluminum is certainly less energy intensive that mining for ore. That being said, there are huge gains to be made by reuse. Consider the energy used in bottled water to make the bottle, distribute the bottle and then recycling the bottle when you can avoid all of that by simply reusing a container.

Have you heard of Freecycle yet? It is a non-profit network of groups all around the world getting and giving stuff for free. And guess what? There are already groups started for Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.  I recommend joining all three as its the neighborly thing to do.

Sign up today at freecycle.org

How does it work? (From Freecycle)

“When you want to find a new home for something — whether it’s a chair, a fax machine, piano, or an old door — you simply send an e-mail offering it to members of the local Freecycle group.

Or, maybe you’re looking to acquire something yourself. Simply respond to a member’s offer, and you just might get it. After that, it’s up to the giver to decide who receives the gift and to set up a pickup time for passing on the treasure.

Our main rule: Everything posted must be free, legal, and appropriate for all ages.”