If you are interested in improving the air quality of your home, I suggest you read this book. I use this book to purchase plants for my home. The common indoor plants featured in the book are all rated for their ability to remove toxins from the air. The informaiton is all based on plant studies conducted by NASA. This is one book you are sure to refer to many times.

Often altered to more toxic forms during industrial processes, heavy metals take to the wind, settle into the soil, and leach into our waterways. Heavy metals can contaminate ecosystems across long distances. Posing the most risk to human health are arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium.

While the above mentioned metals may be considered the most toxic, overexposure to any heavy metal is potentially harmful. The cleanup of aluminum, chromium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, and zinc are worldwide endeavors too.

Conventional techniques, like excavation, can be used to rid soils of these contaminates. But what if bringing in the excavation equipment, digging up the earth, hauling the contaminated soil off to a landfill, and replacing the recently excavated soil with good soil is simply too costly? What if the contaminated site is not easily accessible to heavy equipment?

Phytoextraction may be the answer.

Phytoextraction, a type of soil remediation, is the use of plants to remove contaminates from the soil. If the proper plants and harvest techniques are employed, metals can be extracted from the soil and then recycled. Now this is truly green technology.

Since the early 1980’s scientists around the world have been investigating the best plants and methods for the job. The beauty of this technology is that it is less costly than excavation, often uses indigenous plants, and leaves clean soil behind. Since heavy metal contamination often resides at the top layers of soil, using plants to uptake these metals is a viable recovery option. But, what kinds of plants are suitable for phytoextraction? Plants that naturally thrive in heavily metallic soils are good contenders, but it is not only plants that thrive but ones that uptake higher than normal quantities of metal into their roots and stems that make the grade. These plants are known as “hyperaccumulators”. Most hyperaccumulators are metal specific. Although there are no specific uptake standards required for a plant to be designated as a hyperaccumulator, most researchers look for at least 1% metal uptake to dry plant weight (however, actual percentages can be 15% or higher). In the case of gold (yes, even gold can be harvested) the amount is milligrams per kilogram.

Phytoextraction is a simple process that can produce great results. The metal specific hyperaccumulator is planted on top of the contaminated soil. If foraging by wildlife or livestock is a concern, the remediation area is properly contained. The plant is grown and harvested. The best hyperaccumulators pass metals through their roots systems to be accumulated in their stalks and stems. The metal from these plants can be easily harvested by cutting; the plant remains in the soil to re-grow and continue accumulating. In the case of root accumulators, the entire plant must be harvested and then replanted for future “metal crop”. As with most agricultural processes, it takes time to create results. Remediating contaminated soil by phytoextraction often involves several crop growing cycles. However, you only have to look at the following plants to see that phytoremediation is a beautiful thing. All photos are public domain stock images. In the case that citation is required for image use, it is listed next to the photo.

Thlaspi caerulescens

Commonly known as Alpine pennycress, Thlaspi caerulescens is a small, perennial plant with tiny white flowers. Found mainly in the western USA and northern Europe, this little plant is best known for its ability to hyperaccumulate cadmium and zinc. It has also been successfully used to remediate iron, copper, and molybdenum contaminated soils. Alpine pennycress is proving to be a mulit-metal hyperaccumulator!

Solanum tuberosum

The ubiquitous Potato or Solanum tuberosum is a herbaceous perennial plant and depending on its variety can have white, pink, blue, or purple flowers. Studies conducted in Europe have determined that the potato plant is a hyperaccumulator of aluminum. Accumulating this heavy metal in the roots, leaves, and tubers, the entire plant should be harvested during phytoextraction.

Ipomoea carnea

The Bush Morning Glory or Ipomoea carnea originated in the tropical Americas and is a shrub that grows 4 to 16 feet tall. The beauty of the its pink flowers make it a choice ornamental plant. Having a strong alkaloid content the Bush Morning Glory is unpalatable to many herbivores and best left to grow rather than be eaten. It is a proven hyperaccumulator of the heavy metal chromium.

Photo by Clarence A. Rechenthin @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Hibiscus cannabius

Kenaf or Hibiscus cannabinus is an annual herbaceous plant of African origin. Although traditionally grown to make rope in Africa and Asia, Kenaf leaves are edible and the woody stalks are often used for fuel. The economic and cultural importance of Kenaf to developing societies has sparked much research into the cultivation and potential uses for the plant. In Nigeria, research is underway to determine the best methods for using Kenaf for the phytoextraction of cadmium.

Alyssum murale

Alyssum murale, commonly known as Yellowtuft, is an annual broad leaved, non-woody, non-grass herb found in all USA states except Alaska and Hawaii. Most prevalent in the states of Colorado and Michigan, this meadow loving plant is a hyperaccumulator of nickel.

Permission granted to use image under GFDL by Kurt Stueber

Conyza canadensis

Canadian Horseweed or Conyza canadensis is an annual plant growing up to four and a half feet tall. Considered a weed, this flowering plant can be found thorough most of North America and Central America. It is a hyperaccumulator of manganese.

Elsholtzia splendens

Elsholtzia splendens or Aromatic Madder is a deciduous shrub found throughout Europe and Asia. Growing between three and six feet high, its aromatic, lilac-colored flowers bloom during summer. Used in traditional chinese medicine to treat headaches, chills, abdominal pain and fevers, Aromatic Madder is also a well known hyperaccumulator of copper.

Brassica juncea

Indian Mustard or Brassica juncea is a species of the mustard plant. Originating in Asia, the plant has been introduced around the world. This drought tolerant plant typically growns in full sun and in most soil types. It can be found growing along railroads, roadsides, and in vacant lots. With edible leaves, seeds, and stems it is often an ingredient of Asian, African, and Indian cuisine. Given its widespread habitat and ability to grow in poor soil conditions, this plant has been well researched for its hyperaccumulation capabilties. Indian mustard is a hyperaccumulator of lead, cadmium, and selenium.

Helianthus annus L

The Sunflower or Helianthus annus L is an annual plant native to the Americas. Reaching heights of five to twelve feet, it is best grown under full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Helianthus annnus L is not only beautiful but grown commerically for its seeds and extracted oil. Research into the hyperaccumulator properties of the Sunflower have shown it to be effective for the phytoextraction of arsenic and lead.

Pteris vittata L.

Pteris vittata L. or the Ladder Brake Fern is native to China. Best grown in the shade, the fern is found throughout the southeastern USA and also in California. Ladder Brake Fern is a hyperaccumulator of arsenic.

From the above information it is apparent that remediating heavy metal contaminated soil with hyperaccumulating plants is a more nature friendly, less invasive process than removing the soil with heavy construction equipment. But, what do you do with all the metal laden plant material that is harvested?

Research has shown that incineration is a viable method for handling harvested hyperaccumulators. When the plant material is incinerated, the metal(s) can be recovered, hence, recycled. Volatile heavy metals like mercury and cadmium and intermediate volatile metals like zinc and lead become part of the incineration emissions and can be are captured with filters. Non-volatile metals like nickel, chromium, and copper do not enter the gaseous phase but remain in the bottom ash after all the material has been burned. These captured metals are then collected and recycled. With many communities incinerating municipal solid waste (MSW) rather than sending it to landfills, harvested hyperaccumulators can even be incorporated into the MSW stream.

Phytoextraction is a sound technology that is gaining momentum. Seeking greener, less expensive methods for cleaning up the environment , governments around the world are backing university research in this area. The validation of new hyperaccumulators, improved methods, and the support of the private sector will ensure this eco-friendly technology continues to advance. For those of you who wish to learn more about the phytoextraction of metals, check out the book below.

Happy Green Reading!

© 2010 Recycle Life, LLC
The RecyGal^©logo and the RecyGal^© character are registered trademarks of Recycle Life , LLC

References for this article: “Thermal Treatment of Metal-Enriched Biomass Produced from Heavy Metal Phytoextraction”, Keller, Catherine, et al, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland, Environmental Science &Technology, Vol. 39, No. 9, 2005, “New Methods of Cleaning Up Heavy Metal in Soils and Water, Lambert, M., et al, Environmental Science and Technology Briefs for Citizens, Great Plains/Rocky Mountain Hazardous Substance Reach Center, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, “Phytoremediation and Metal Speciation in Highway Soils”, Kumari Padmavathiamma, P., The University of British Columbia, April 2010, “Phytoextraction-Removing Toxins from the Soil using Plants”, www.bluedominos.com, “Phytoremediation potential of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) grown in different soil textures and cadmium concentrations”, Saheed Bada. B, Adekunle Raji, K., Dept. of Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, April 12, 2010, Comparative Uptake and Phytoextraction Study of Soil induced Chromium by Accumulator and High Biomass Weed Species, Ghosh, M., Singh, S.P., Biomass and Waste Management Laboratory, School of Energy and Environmental Studies, Delhi Ahilya University, Indore, India. Goyer, R. A., “Toxic Effects of Metals.” In Casarett & Doull’s Toxicology: Basic Science of Poisons, ed. C. D. Klaassen. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1996, Hawkes, S. J. (1997). “What Is a Heavy Metal?” Journal of Chemical Education, Vol. 74, No. 1374, 1997, United Nations (1998). Protocol to the 1979 Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution on Heavy Metals, www.unece.org/env/lrtap/protocol/98hm.htm, “Phytoremediation, Hyperaccumulators”, Hyperaccumulators, Table 1, www.reference.com/browse/melastoma+malabathricum, “The influence of the Root Zone Temperature on the Phytoextraction of Boron and Aluminium with Potato Plants Growing I the Field, Baghour,M., et.all, Departme of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, SW-901 83 Umea, Sweden, Department of Plant Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Grandad, E-18071, Granada, Spain, Department of Plant Biology, EUP Agricultural Engineering and Technology, 04120 Almeria, Spain, Department of Horticulture, CIFA , Puchil Way S/N 18004-Granada, Spain, November 2005, “Arsenic, As”, Kaslow, J. MD,, www.drkaslow.com/html/arsenic.html, “Arsenic hyperaccumulation in ferns: a review”, The Royal Society of Environmental Chemistry Group, Bulletin, July 2003, www.wilkipedia.com, www.hort.perdue.edu/newcrop/cropfactsheets/kenaf.html,
www.sagevud.com/yellowtuft-alyssum-murale/, www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral/elsholtzia.php , www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/indian-mustard.htm,www.plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/353

You’ll be heard in Washington. -R.G.

I hope you are allowed to at least “recommend” the amount of funding which will be required for the program. Implementing a proper recycling program takes ingenuity as well as pencil pushing. The better you have contemplated your recycling needs, the better the budget you can put forward. With a little work you will be able to come up with a reasonable budget or use your given budget to the best of its ability.

To encourage recycling, many municipalities and states offer grants and incentives for schools to establish recycling programs. Browse the web or Google “Recycling grants for schools name of your state or town” and see if anything relevant comes up. Also, phone your local municipality’s waste department and ask if there are any grants available for schools in your area. If you find your budget is tight, you may find some extra funding where you least expect to find it.

Recycling programs do not need to be expensive, they need to be effective. Successful recycling programs have high participation and strong collection rates. When thinking about your program always ask yourself, “How can I use my funding to encourage individuals to strongly participate in the program?”

Second, what is your type of school ?

Is your school public or private? Depending on your school’s funding and its location, recycling pick-up may be handled by the municipality or contracted privately. To find out how recycling pick-up will work with your school, phone your local municipal office and inquire. If you must privately contract recycling pick-up, you may be able to keep your expenses down by contracting both trash and recycling collection services with the same hauler.

Once you’ve determined who will pick-up your recyclables, find out from the hauler how the recyclables must be collected. Can you co-mingle the recyclables or must you separate the recyclables? How often will the recyclables be picked-up? Knowing how to manage the recyclable collection will determine how best to choose the recycling bins for your program.

Third, how many “recyclers” will be participating in the program?

Will your recycling program encompass an entire school district or pertain to certain grades? Determine the number of students, teachers, and office staff that will be recycling. Oh, and don’t forget the potential number of additional “recyclers” that come along with afterschool activities; parents picking up kids after classes, spectators, and visiting sports teams will have bottles and cans to recycle too!

Fourth, what type of recyclables will you be collecting?

Most schools collect paper (classroom and newsprint), beverage containers (glass, plastic, and aluminum cans) and corrugated cardboard. In addition, many offer ancillary recycling opportunities for fund raising and charity; these recyclables can be used books, old cell phones, used clothing, aluminum can tabs, and even plastic bottle caps. (See http://www.recygal.com/?p=841 for section on Aveda). Since many schools have cafeterias, it is important to find out if the cafeteria recyclables will be included in the program too, e.g. Food service size #10 cans, compostable food trays/leftovers, and plastic wrap are often part of cafeteria recycling needs. Interviewing all school departments and asking for their input is important. And, above all, if you are not part of the maintenance department, make sure they are included. Maintenance personnel can make or break a recycling program; their input and buy-in is essential. Once you have interviewed all potential participating departments, you should have a good idea of the types of recyclables and quantities your program will be collecting.

Fifth, are foremost, what type of recycling bins will you need?

The proper recycling containers are critical for the success of your program. Knowing the type of recyclables you plan to collect and their estimated collection quantities will help you to choose the best recycling bins for your program. If your program will offer recycling options both inside the school and out of doors, you may need to consider distinct types of bins for these different collection areas. Depending on where your school is located, the intensity of the sun, rain, wind, and amount of snowfall may influence the bin material specifications required for outdoor collection. If you school hosts sporting events, larger bins may be needed.

Once you are confident you know what are where you will be collecting, you can best begin your search for the proper recycling bins. Do you plan to have collection bins in each classroom or will rooms share collection bins? For example, if you can co-mingle beverage containers (glass, plastic, and aluminum cans), then you will need one bin to collect all three recyclables. If paper must be collected separately, choose a coordinating bin which by color and/or lid style distinguishes itself from the beverage collection unit. Place both bins together and create a recycling station. Why? Collection rates are always highest when people do not have to walk to several locations to recycle. To keep TRASH out of your recyclables, it is important to have a trash receptacle located by your recycling bins too. A coordinating trash bin alongside your recycling containers makes for a super convenient, clearly recognizable locale to handle all waste disposable/recycle needs.

In general, younger students (especially preschool and early elementary school kids) need smaller/shorter recycling bins so they can easily deposit their recyclables. Bins with bold colors and/or eye-catching graphics can help to identify the bins and bring a touch of fun to recycling. Teach the benefits of recycling while introducing the new program and you can spark enthusiasm for a greener lifestyle that can last a lifetime.

Teens and adults need containers that clearly identify the type of recyclables to be collected. Conveniently placing receptacles in high traffic areas and where they are most needed ensures strong collection rates. Actively engage students to put up recycling signs and posters. Consider incorporating school mascots or team logos on the recycling containers. Use school pride and team spirit to raise recycling awareness and support for the program.

For more information of recycling collection stations, please check out the Hexcycle® III Center and the Megabin® Waste System Center at www.recyclingbin.com. These multi-functional recycle/waste collection systems can be customized with school colors and graphics and are designed to withstand the rigors of school recycling both inside and out of doors.

Last, but not least, appoint recycle program managers

As with any initiative, someone must be responsible for implementing and maintaining the program. Placing the collection bins, collecting and emptying the recyclables into the hauler’s dumpster, replacing bin liners, and making sure the bins are in good working order is an on-going process. Winning management takes dedication and enthusiasm; enthusiasts can be found everywhere. Seek recycling program management volunteers from your school’s student environmental club, its maintenance department, or even the P.T.A. Working together will ensure a successful recycling program. I hope these questions have served to spark a few ideas for your program. Please feel free to ask me any questions, I will be happy to assist you. And, don’t forget to let me know how it all works out for you!

© 2009 Recycle Life, LLC
The RecyGal^TM and the RecyGal character, logo are trademarks of Recycle Life , LLC

Is the time right for MRF World to take plastics more seriously? Should plastics be at the forefront of curbside recycling? Just as co-mingling of recyclables has made collection at curbside easier, the co-mingling of information on recovered materials may provide some answers. Trust me. We are not mixing apples and oranges; the markets do share some interesting parallels. To see what drives the market dynamics behind all the plastic containers we recycle, we need to take a brief look at other recovered materials like paper, metal, and glass.

Basically, in fall of 2008, the demand for most reclaimed materials drastically fell. According to an article published in, The Gazette, Melissa Kolwaite (a spokesperson for Waste Management) said, “we have been in the recycling industry for 40 years, and the reality is that there are cycles in terms of highs and lows”. Kolwaite goes on to explain this particular downturn was so severe because it coincided with a worldwide recession. While that may be true, I think it is only part of the story (For more background discussion see: http://www.recygal.com/?p=684#more-684)

Up until the fall of 2008, strong Asian demand for reclaimed materials left MRFs scrambling to export more and more recyclables. Taking their “eyes” off local markets, shipment of scrap papers, scrap metals, and scrap plastics flowed to faraway places. Overcome by the lure of moola from Asia, investment and development in less “hot” opportunities came to a standstill. In many cases, development of more sustainable, closer to home opportunities were either totally ignored or put on the put on the back burner. Just when the “hot” strategy seemed to be paying off, Asia dried up!

As Asia wilted, reclaimed material prices melted: aluminum dropped by about 50%, scrap plastic fell by 20% (www.plasticsmarket.net), scrap glass by 58% (see:www.glassgo.net), scrap paper fell by 44% (www.paperfiber.net ) and recovered papers such as newsprint fell as much as 70%! The rapid price deflation not only lowered recycling’s profitability; it questioned its feasibility. Everything from aluminum cans to plastic soda bottles were in the fray. Needless to say, with the value for recyclables in the garbage, some of our recyclables went to landfills. What a shame!

The market value for many recovered materials declined for 6 months, then in summer 2009 prices started to move up. As of 4th quarter 2009, prices for scrap plastic have actually reached or surpassed previous high levels. The big question is, “How volatile are these prices?” If there are any economists out there, I would really appreciate your thoughts!

During the whole mess, the decline in composite plastic value (an average index taken across all reclaimed plastics) lagged far behind that of metal (www.metalpricing.com) and paper. Although Asia’s pull out hurt PET (#1) bales (prices sunk another 40% to 60%), the across the board value for reclaimed plastics was not so drastically effected. To give you an idea how Asian demand drove the post consumer PET (#1) bottle market, we must take a look at the past decade. From 1998 to 2008, the total market increased by over 80% to reach 1,549 MM lbs. While U.S. reclaimer purchases declined by 6% (757 MM lbs to 713 MM lbs), the explosive export market grew by over 800% (89 MM lbs to 836 MM lbs). Half of this explosion occurred within the past three years! Overheated Asia pushed market growth as the captive PET (#1) market base remained relatively unchanged.

Plastic recycling (as we know it today) began with the PET (#1) bottle which was patented in 1973. Soon after its introduction, PET (#1) bottles began replacing glass bottles for many beverages. Although PET (#1) recycling began in 1977, it took “years” before most facilities began to accept this plastic for recycling. The breakthrough came in 1991, when Coca Cola^© introduced the first recycled PET (#1) bottle. Recycling of PET (#1) bottles has grown from 8 MM pounds in 1979 to an estimated 2,410 MM pounds in 2009. (A 300 fold increase in 30 years!) With volumes of this magnitude, PET (#1) is the most recycled consumer plastic. With a large, captive beverage market, reclaimers that specialize solely in PET (#1) weathered the recent storm better than those reclaimers focusing on more volatile materials like paper.

Because reclaimers often handle several commodities, including PET (#1), many of these “mixed” facilities were snagged by the lure of Asia. Focusing on fast, lucrative export sales, attention was taken away from building more sustainable business models closer to home. As the Asian market for reclaimed materials dried up, export focused firms were not positioned to tap other outlets for their recyclables. Many found themselves dumb struck or scrambling for new ways to justify their existence.

The recent upswing in reclaimed materials pricing, points to MRF recovery. As MRFs begin to operate more smoothly again, plastic reclamation should play a larger role. According to the “2008 Report on Postconsumer PET Container Recycling Activity” ¹, the total pounds of PET bottles and jars available in the U.S. for recycling were 5.366 billion. The amount of postconsumer PET bottles collected for recycling and sold in the U.S. was 1.415 billion pounds. The resultant Gross Recycling Rate was 27%. Honestly, wouldn’t you think it would be higher? While many professionals in the plastics industry are ecstatic with this recycling rate (the highest in the past 10 years), it still falls short of the 1996 rate of 31.7%. With 27% reclaimed, there is still 73% not accounted for and likely ending up in landfills. Let’s get more PET bottles collected and recycled!

The second most reclaimed plastic is HDPE (#2) – with a recycle rate of 29%, 71% remains as garbage. Over the past decade, usage of PP (#5) for food containers has continually increased. However, with a recycle rate of only 11.4%, there are lots of yogurt containers and bottle caps “missing in action”. Despite the low recycle rate, the trend for PP (#5) recycling is actually on the upswing. New brand initiatives should help to increase recycling awareness of PP (#5) and improve the overall recycle rate.

Preserve Gimme 5 Bin

Launched this past January, “Preserve Gimme 5”, is a noteworthy program. For more than a decade, the company Recycline has been marketing tooth brushes made from post consumer plastic under the Preserve brand. Preserve Gimme 5 is a partnership formed by the Preserve brand team, Stonyfield Farm, Organic Valley and Whole Foods. Consumers who purchase items packaged in PP (#5) like yogurt, cottage cheese, hummus, sour cream, etc. can return the used containers to a designated recycling station inside their local Whole Foods store. The program is expected to keep one million pounds of PP (#5) out of landfills this year.

Another PP (#5) recycling program, “Recycle Caps with Aveda”, collects plastic bottle caps to melt and convert into post consumer recycled bottle caps. Depending on the type of cap, the post consumer plastic content can be as high as 25 – 100%. PP (#5) caps are found everywhere (beverage bottles, shampoo bottles, peanut butter jars, laundry detergent, etc., etc.). Unfortunately, millions upon millions of these caps are not recycled. Millions end up in landfills where they sit undisturbed for centuries; millions more find their way into drainage systems polluting waterways and physically choking marine life.

No one has captured the disastrous effects that floating bottle caps can have on marine life better than the photographer, Chris Jordan. Please visit his incredible website, www.chrisjordan.com, and see his new video which vividly shows the effects of plastic litter on avian life in the Pacific Ocean.

Dead Albatross with stomach full of bottle caps

After viewing Chris’s video, I am sure you will never want to “Not Recycle” another plastic bottle cap. Save them up and give them to Aveda. Aveda offers collection stations at its 150 U.S. stores and works with designated schools and independent salons to act as drop-off points for collected caps.

Aveda Cap Collection at University

Many colleges and universities participate in the program too; these organizations simply mail in the caps to Aveda for reclamation. Started in April 2008, Aveda collected more than 50,000 lbs of bottles caps in its first 7 months of program operations.

What is interesting about these recycling initiatives is that they are spearheaded by consumer products companies, not municipalities or MRFs. The companies behind these initiatives not only care about the environment, they are filling a void in the marketplace for recovered plastic. It is time that more MRFs take a serious look at PP (#5) collection and recycling. Investment in the recycling of clean, food grade plastics such as PVC (#3) or LDPE (#4) or PS (#6) would also make the industry less vulnerable to market swings and keep more plastics out of our landfills and waterways. The global market shake up of 2008 shows that recycling should be approached from a broad perspective. The days of narrow focus on “What’s hot”, need to end. By supporting efforts like Preserve Gimme 5 or Recycle Caps with Aveda we help to sustain worthy recycling programs. With continued corporate efforts, perhaps our municipalities will take notice and begin recycling these materials too. I sure hope my municipality does. In the meantime, I will be dropping of PP (#5) containers at my local Whole Foods store and plastic bottles caps at the closest Aveda pick up station. Does your city or municipality offer curbside pickup for any of the above plastics? Please let me know. This is a topic which demands further attention.

© 2009 Recycle Life, LLC
The RecyGal^TM and the RecyGal character, logo are trademarks of Recycle Life , LLC

References for this article were obtained from:
¹“2008 United States National Postconsumer Plastics Bottle Recycling Report”, American Chemistry Council and Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers, 2009 “Report on Post-Consumer Pet Container Recycling Activity”, National Association for PET Container Resources, 2009, “2007 United States National Post-Consumer Report on Non-Bottle Rigid Plastics Recycling”, American Chemistry Council, 2009, “Recycling Takes Hit As Needs Fall Back”, The Gazette, April 12, 2009, “Sagging Economy Trashes Demand for Recyclables”, Albany Times Union, December 26, 2008, “History of Recycling”, California Environmental Protection Agency Integrated Waste Management Board, California Department of Conservation, 1997, “Overview of the Recovered Paper Market, Moore & Associates, March 2009, “Is Export Important?”, Waste Age, July 2009, “U.S. Aluminum Can Recycling Reached 54.2 Percent in 2008.”, Business Wire, August 12, 2009, “Plastic Packaging”, www.ballcorporate.com, 2009, “Reduce, recover, reuse: preserve CEO Eric Hudson shares his vision to make stylish, eco-friendly products–and preserve resources and encourage recycling at the same time”, Brand Packaging, May 1, 2009, “Preserve Gimme 5 Program Offers Recyclers With Polypropylene #5 Plastics Convenient Recycling Option”, Food Business Week, February 12, 2009, “Aveda creates system to recycle bottle caps”, Plastics News, December 8, 2008, “Recycle Caps with Aveda”, aveda.com