Blog Archives

Borrow things, not just books, from the library

1/31/2025

The Delaware County library system has a library of things, with items that you can borrow ranging from kitchen/lawn appliances and tech gadgets to camping gear. Before buying things new, first look for it at the library to see if you can just borrow them for the time that you need it. Borrowing items instead of buying new reduces using precious resources for manufacturing, packaging, and transporting new products. It also saves you money and helps you cut back on your clutter at home. Once you are finished with your task or event, just bring the item back to the library for others to use or until you need it again. You might be surprised by the variety of items on their lending list! It includes: yard games and board games (Jenga, connect four, table tennis, horseshoes, Bocce ball, croquet), electronics (scanners, metal detectors, DVD players, power adaptors, calculator), tools (drill, wrenches), musical instruments (guitar, glockenspiel), camping gear, health needs (blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter, walkers and canes), crafts (sewing machine, crochet and knitting kits), and more!

For a complete list, check out the Delco Library System webpage and search for “library of things”. Or click this link.

Buy bamboo toothbrushes

1/24/2025

Bamboo toothbrushes are biodegradable and manufactured from a renewable resource.

Reduce the plastic in your life by purchasing toothbrushes made with a bamboo handle. Bamboo is biodegradable and has antimicrobial properties, making it just as sturdy as plastic but more sustainable. As an added sustainable bonus, many companies that make bamboo brushes also package them in a recyclable paperboard box. Before disposing of your bamboo toothbrush, check the packaging to determine if the bristles are nylon. If they are, pull them out with pliers and throw them away. The empty handle can then be added to commercial compost bins. In our area, bamboo toothbrushes are available at Martindale’s in Springfield.

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Use rechargeable instead of disposable batteries

1/17/2025

Rechargeable batteries cost a little more upfront than disposables, but they save you money in the long run because they can be reused hundreds of times. According to Consumer Reports, rechargeable batteries are useful for devices that draw a lot of power over a shorter amount of time and require frequent battery changes, such as toys and computer mice. Disposable batteries are still better suited for clocks and smoke detectors which draw a low amount of energy over a long time.

When they come to the end of their life, be sure to keep rechargeable batteries out of the landfill and instead deposit them where they are accepted for recycling, such as The Home Depot, and Lowes. Recycling rechargeable batteries not only recovers their toxic metals to keep them out of the environment but also reduces the need to mine metals needed for new batteries!

Read more at ConsumerReports.org

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Recycle glass jars and bottles at the Swarthmore Recycling Center

1/10/2025

Swarthmore now has a glass recycling bin at our Public Works Recycling Center at 121 Dartmouth Avenue. This single-streamed recycling option is superior to curbside mixed-product recycling because it ensures that the glass will be used to make new glass products. Glass that is picked up curb-side is crushed and used to line landfills, a use which does not take advantage of the fact that glass is infinitely recyclable. Bringing your glass to the Recycling Center should also reduce the fees paid by the Borough for hauling and disposal, saving homeowners money, as glass is often the heaviest item we toss.

You can drop off your glass in the big blue bin at the Recycling Center as you drop off your aluminum cans and cardboard and paper. All glass jars, jugs, and bottles of any color are accepted. Please make sure all vessels are empty. Do not deposit porcelain, ceramic, glass bakeware, mirrors, stemware, window glass, TVs, or light bulbs. Remove recyclables from the containers you bring them in - do not throw any bags or boxes into the bin for glass.

The new glass recycling program is the Borough’s next step to a zero-waste protocol - part of our effort to be better stewards of the planet. Initially, the bin is a pilot for six months, after which time it may become permanent. Wherever possible, consider buying products in glass rather than plastic containers, and always recycle responsibly.

More information here from the Pennsylvania Resources Council

Beware of PFAS in watchbands

1/3/2025

Many smart and fitness watchbands designed to resist skin oils and sweat contain elevated levels of PFAS “forever chemicals” that may be leaching into skin, according to a study at the University of Notre Dame.

A press release from the American Chemical Society stated that the researchers found especially high amounts of a particular forever chemical, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), contained in more expensive synthetic rubber wristbands. The discovery stands out because these items are in prolonged contact with our skin.

Read more at Ecowatch.com

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Borrow things, not just books, from the library

Buy bamboo toothbrushes

Use rechargeable instead of disposable batteries

Recycle glass jars and bottles at the Swarthmore Recycling Center

Beware of PFAS in watchbands

Categories

Archives