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The Lower East Side Ecology Center just opened a new permanent e-waste drop-off & reuse center in Brooklyn . It's at 469 President Street (near Nevins Street) just a half mile from the Park Slope Food Coop. No more waiting months and months for collection day to ditch that cathode computer monitor! Even better than the one-day events, the warehouse offers both recycling and reuse—you can stop by the warehouse to peruse their selection of affordable electronic equipment and parts. Stop by the Community Reception to celebrate the opening February 04, 2012 | 12:00pm - 4:00pm Light refreshments will be provided. All are welcome. For regular hours (beginning January 31) and a list of accepted materials, click here . Find directions to the warehouse.

I don’t have to use a plastic bag to shop at the Coop...in fact I REuse plastic bags I’ve already been using, many times. Even in the bulk aisle, those muslin bags - you know, the beige flags which are hanging up near the mangoes and the bananas, near the bulk aisle and other places in the store. They move around with the air currents, looking like they are there for a purpose, and yes they are. I discovered that these little to large bags can hold flour (they’re not mesh but a very tight weave cotton), and most every other bulk item. I use a twist tie or bring rubber bands and put the stock number yellow sticker on the tag of the bag itself. Easy ! I put my carrots into these great muslin bags. Even the beets. The muslin bags are washable. The greens are big, so those go in my REused plastic bags until they tear. Wow - it takes a really long time to make those bags UNusable. Sometimes I’ll put all my greens into one reused plastic bag or better yet, a recyclable shoulder bag,...

Some of my co-workers are on an infographic craze, so I decided to look for some eco-infographics. What are infographics? They're just a graphical way to present date, that makes it more interesting to look at and easier to understand. Click on the infographic for a larger version and answer the following questions; you can also use the zoom feature on your browser to enlarge the image. How is the US doing compared to Germany in the waste management of common materials like paper and plastic? How do our waste disposal techniques compare to other countries (landfill vs. recycling, etc.)?

The Lower East Side Ecology Center is bringing its 9th Annual After the Holidays E-waste Event series to all five boroughs this January to help you responsibly recycle of all of your unwanted or broken gadgets. Please spread the word about responsible disposal of electronics to your family, friends and neighbors. In Park Slope: January 15, 2012 | 10:00am - 4:00pm Prospect Park West and 3rd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215 - Post this flyer in your lobby or workplace. - See a list of what can be accepted for recycling . See a complete list of all January E-waste recycling events in all five boroughs.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead image of NYS Adirondacks courtesy of Marcy Hall Haislip

Wildpoldsried,  a village of 2,600 in Germany, produces 321% more energy than they use.  Employing a variety of methods including wind turbines and solar panels, the village is now in a position, both earth-friendly and enviable, of making money by doing the right thing. Currently they earn $5.7 million in revenue a year by selling their extra energy back to the national grid. They made their changes over a period of 14 years, and they did it without going into debt.  See their story and slide show here . For more information on this village's energy transformation, see this article , or do some googling. Wildpoldsried's experience and inspiration is now available not just online but in person.  The mayor visits other towns, giving advice on how to make changes.  Also, the village council offers energy tours and talks for people who want to visit the village to see for themselves. Don't know about you, but I've been waiting 40 years for a story like this.  On one ha...

It’s really easy to make your own multi-purpose cleanser—mix one part vinegar with one part water. Vinegar is known to kill germs and bacteria; although there are different estimates, the most common one is that vinegar kills 99% of bacteria, 82% of mold, and 80 percent of germs (viruses). You can get creative by adding a few drops of one of the many essential oils sold by the coop (jasmine, juniper, etc.) The coop also sells reusable spray bottles to store your cleanser. If you share your home with others, just make sure to label the bottle so others know what is in it. You will save a lot of money by doing this (vinegar is inexpensive!) and have an environmentally friendly cleanser. You will not have to buy and dispose of multiple plastic bottles of cleanser at the store. And it's fun to pick your own scent(s). Write us at ecokvetch at yahoo.com if you have any creative cleaning recipes/ideas you want to share.