Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Have you heard of World Environment Day? This international holiday takes place on June 5, 2024, and is focused on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience.

At Stardust, we take the health of our environment seriously. We are passionate about reuse and diverting usable materials from our landfills. This work helps reduce our carbon footprint, improve the health of our environment and reduce the negative effects caused by extreme heat.

Through the week of June 5 – June 12, 2024, donate a case of water to either Stardust Reuse Center, and receive a Stardust reusable tote bag! The water will be distributed to nonprofit partners such as St. Vincent de Paul and UMOM working at the front lines of heat relief efforts.

Thank you for donating, shopping, and supporting reuse efforts in our community!

Why should you donate water?

While Stardust is always happy to accept donations of building materials and supplies, we are including water for the week of World Environment Day in an effort to help tackle the vicious problem of heat relief in our city.

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) has a specialized program called the Heat Relief Network, “a network of partners providing hydration stations, refuge locations, and water donation sites throughout the Valley with the goal of preventing heat-related illnesses and deaths among vulnerable populations.” (Want to view the map?)

Do you want to learn how you can be more “green” or “eco-conscious”? To help us celebrate National Recycling Day, Stardust is starting the conversation about what it currently means to recycle, and how we can change for the better in the future.

What is “recycling”?

In this context, “Recycle” is the process of converting certain reusable waste materials into new products, which is a much more environmentally-friendly way of managing waste and using resources, instead of throwing them into landfills. Recycling can be done in many different ways, but in America, municipal recycling programs where recycling is sorted into blue or green bins by residents are offered in most areas. (Not sure if your area has a recycling program? Check your city’s government website, or search WM’s website.)

Recycling is among one of the most important sustainable actions you can take because it has a direct impact not only on you, but also on your community, and the planet as a whole – by diverting a large amount of reusable materials into recycling, you help lower the amount of waste added to landfills, or processed in general. When you limit your use of non-recyclable materials, you are making for a more sustainable future.

All week long, we have been sharing information about the “5 R’s of Sustainability”, how to be more eco-friendly, and Stardust’s role in the community, with today being the finale! If you have been following along with us for all 5 days, thank you – this is the first time we’ve put together an educational campaign on social media like this, and we hope you’ve enjoyed everything we’ve shared.

So far this week, we’ve shared info on “Refuse”, “Reduce”, “Rot”, “Recycle”; the last R in the series, which we will talk about today, is “REUSE”, and this R is very special to us at Stardust because it is the main idea that our whole business is based around!

About Reuse

In this context, “Reuse” is the practice of using an item multiple times, whether for its original purpose (“conventional reuse”) or for a different function “creative reuse”). Reuse can span many different categories, from clothes and home goods, to electronics and tools, to materials and supplies. Some examples of this include:

• Shopping at second-hand clothing stores when you need/want a new outfit
• Finding ways to repurpose items around your house instead of throwing them out (for example, metal filing cabinets make great outdoor planters!)
• Repairing furniture, tools, clothes, etc, instead of buying new
• Buying a used car

Do you want to learn how you can be more “green” or “eco-conscious”? To help us celebrate National Reuse Day on Friday, October 20, throughout this week we will be sharing information about the “5 R’s of Sustainability”, how to be more eco-friendly, and Stardust’s role in the community.

Have you heard of the 5 R’s of Sustainability? They are made up of “Refuse”, “Reduce”, “Rot”, “Recycle”, and “Reuse”. (You may also see other versions including “Repair”, “Repurpose”, or “Reclaim”.)

The fourth R in the series, which we will talk about today, will be: “RECYCLE”.

About Recycle

In this context, “Recycle” is the process of converting certain reusable waste materials into new products, which is a much more environmentally-friendly way of managing waste and using resources, instead of throwing them into landfills. Recycling can be done in many different ways, but in America, municipal recycling programs where recycling is sorted into blue or green bins by residents are offered in most areas. (Not sure if your area has a recycling program? Check your city’s government website, or search WM’s website.)

Are you interested in learning more about what it means to be “green” or “eco-conscious”? All this week, we will be sharing information about the “5 R’s of Sustainability”, how to be more eco-friendly, and Stardust’s role in the community.

Have you heard of the 5 R’s of Sustainability? If not, here’s a little history on them: Originally conceived of in 1970, the same year that Earth Day was first introduced in America, the 3 R’s (as it was back then) consisted of “Reduce”, “Recycle,” and “Reuse”. As time went on, these basic tenets were added to, so nowadays the 5 R’s are made up of “Refuse”, “Reduce”, “Rot”, “Recycle”, and “Reuse”. (You may see other versions including “Repair”, “Repurpose”, or “Reclaim”.)

The third R in the series, which we will talk about today, will be: “ROT”.

About Rot

In this context, “Rot” refers to composting natural waste instead of throwing it out. Don’t know what composting is? No worries, we’ve got you covered: “Composting” is the process of turning leftover organic matter into compost, which is a nutrient-rich soil perfect for plants, through a natural, aerated breakdown. Compost is usually made up of waste that breaks down easily, including fruit & vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells (never use grease, meat, cheese, or any other animal product in composting). Compost can help nourish just about any kind of plant, from grass and flowers, to trees, to food grown in gardens or greenhouses.

Do you want to learn how you can be more “green” or “eco-conscious”? To help us celebrate National Reuse Day on Friday, October 20, throughout this week we will be sharing information about the “5 R’s of Sustainability”, how to be more eco-friendly, and Stardust’s role in the community.

Have you heard of the 5 R’s of Sustainability? They are made up of “Refuse”, “Reduce”, “Rot”, “Recycle”, and “Reuse”. (You may also see other versions including “Repair”, “Repurpose”, or “Reclaim”.)

The second R in the series, which we will talk about today, will be: “REDUCE”.

About Reduce

In this context, “Reduce” means reducing consumptive habits, which usually means being aware of the amount of products or items you buy (especially if those new items have lots of byproducts from production, or use large amount of wasteful packaging) – this is especially important with non-recyclable items. In conjunction with the 1st R, “Refuse”, “Reducing” items bought in the first place is shown to create a huge environmental impact because it means that less waste is going in the landfill: When you limit the use of these materials, you are making for a more sustainable future. Try to use the smallest amount of material to lessen the amount of excess waste.

Do you want to learn more about what it means to be “green” or “eco-conscious”? To help us celebrate National Reuse Day on Friday, October 20, from Monday through Friday of this week, we will be sharing information about the “5 R’s of Sustainability”, how to be more eco-friendly, and Stardust’s role in the community.

Have you heard of the 5 R’s of Sustainability? If not, here’s a little history on them: Originally conceived of in 1970, the same year that Earth Day was first introduced in America, the 3 R’s (as it was back then) consisted of “Reduce”, “Recycle,” and “Reuse”. As time went on, these basic tenets were added to, so nowadays the 5 R’s are made up of “Refuse”, “Reduce”, “Rot”, “Recycle”, and “Reuse”. (You may see other versions including “Repair”, “Repurpose”, or “Reclaim”.)

The first R in the series, which we will talk about today, will be: “REFUSE”.

About Refuse

In this context, “Refuse” means refusing to create waste, or to support products/companies that create unnecessary waste. Some examples of this include: single-use plastic bags at the supermarket (and other stores); layers of ‘protective’ paper in packaging (especially new technology, appliances, or tools), or extra-large mailing boxes filled with packing peanuts; or even fruit that has a protective rind being wrapped in cellophane (bananas, watermelons, apples). In addition to the question of “too much” waste, there is also a separate-but-related issue of many of these not being recyclable.

Halloween is right around the corner! And, we’re adding fall vibes in the warehouse with a few upcycled glass shade pumpkins. This is an easy and fun DIY because all you have to do is drip paint. You will need the following…

• Glass Shades
• Acrylic Paint
• Cork Top
• Wire
• Wire Cutters
• Super Glue

Bar carts are super trendy right now. Priced anywhere from $150 to $300 in regular retail stores, we built one with reclaimed materials for under $30! All you need are some drawers, shelves, casters, and time.

For years “starve the landfill” has been the Stardust rallying cry! Now, Starve the Landfill is a program that advocates the importance of deconstruction and building material reuse to businesses in the construction industry.

Here to explain more about this new program is Stardust Resource Development Manager, Jason Carlyle!

Can you tell me about the STL program?

We launched the program in June to encourage sustainability in the Phoenix construction industry. Our goal is to create a strong community of eco-friendly contractors and suppliers who want to reduce their construction waste.

What are the benefits of this program?

The biggest benefit of the STL program is that companies will be recognized for their commitment to sustainability and the reuse of building materials. Participating businesses will receive recognition in our two reuse centers, online via our website and social media, and an annual press release about their partnership and impact on the community.

What kind of items can companies donate?

We accept excess and gently used building materials. This includes cabinetry, appliances, doors, windows, water heaters, a/c units, light fixtures, pool fence and equipment, toilets, sinks and so much more. With three ways to donate we make it easy for busy contractors to donate. Plus donations are tax-deductible.

For many people entertaining and eating is done right in the Kitchen. This is an important focal point for not only your guests but also potential buyers/renters. Giving your kitchen a facelift could be just the thing it needs! I know, easier said than done, considering the cost not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend on a new kitchen. Using salvaged items not only adds character but also allows you to go green while trimming your budget.

Here are some ideas that will take your kitchen to the next level while maintaining your budget.