Podcasts about scrap recycling industries isri

Robin Wiener, president of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), joins the conversation to explore the evolution of the circular economy and how the role of recycling will evolve. Today's recycling infrastructure is closely aligned with the waste management system. There are growing signs that the reuse of products is essential and that recycling services can be built into the product lifecycle as the last step when no more reuse is possible. But the challenge recyclers face, along with the rest of us, is the limited range of choices in recyclable materials used in products and packaging. Consumer goods and packaging companies must simplify their designs, abandoning hard-to-recycle materials that cannot be processed by the equipment currently available in local recycling facilities.Recycling has gotten a bad rap in recent years, and only sometimes for good reasons. Robin explains that when we talk about the overall plastic recycling rate, which is an abysmal five to six percent, we miss that some materials, like PET beverage bottles, are collected and processed at much higher rates. Many materials can be collected at even higher rates when states put deposit programs in place to encourage their return for recycling. For now, each of us can look closely at products before we buy them to understand whether we can recycle them when finished using them. You can learn more about ISRI at https://www.isri.org/

Are you going to be at #Packexpo2023 in Vegas? Want to buy labels or folding cartons from Meyers? Let's connect up!It's also not too early to join Specright in Vegas or at the Specsummit 2024Know of anyone who would be a good guest on Packaging Unboxd Podcast, Sustainable Packaging Podcast with Cory Connors, or People of Packaging Podcast? You can submit an application here!Podcast this week:Rosalyn Bandy from TLMI and Adam Frey from Wausau Coated Products, Inc came on the People of Packaging Podcast!Join TLMI and Wausau Coated as we explore the world of label release liners and their impact on sustainability. Discover how we can work together to create a more sustainable future for the packaging industry. #Sustainability #CircularEconomyDon't have time to listen to the entire episode? Well you're in luck! Deciphr.ai has used the internet to write a lovely summary article!The Future of Label Release Liners: A Sustainable SolutionIntroductionLabel release liners play a crucial role in the packaging industry, serving as the carrier for labels on various products. However, the issue arises when it comes to the disposal of these release liners after the labels have been applied. Currently, the majority of release liners end up in landfills, contributing to environmental waste and sustainability concerns. In this thought-provoking discussion, I had the pleasure of speaking with Adam Frey, Business Manager of Rolled Products at Wausau Coated, and Roz Bandy, VP of Sustainability at the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI). We delved into the challenges surrounding label release liner recycling and explored potential solutions to create a more sustainable future for the industry.Understanding the Label Release LinerAdam Frey highlighted the significance of label release liners, explaining that they can be made from either paper or film and serve as the carrier for labels seen on everyday packaging. However, once the label is applied, the question arises: what should be done with the release liner? Currently, the default option is landfill, which is far from ideal considering the energy-intensive process involved in manufacturing release liners. Adam emphasized the need to find alternative uses for this valuable product, rather than simply discarding it.Roz Bandy added that TLMI has been working towards raising awareness about the recyclability of release liners. She mentioned that paper release liners, which account for approximately 85% of pressure-sensitive labels, have recently been recognized as a high-quality product by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). This recognition opens up opportunities for recycling and repurposing release liners, but there are challenges to overcome.The Challenge of Recycling Release LinersOne of the main obstacles to recycling release liners is the lack of volume. Roz explained that mills interested in recycling release liners require a significant amount of material, typically around 50,000 pounds, to qualify it for their processing. However, finding copackers or consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies willing to set aside such a large volume of release liners for recycling has proven to be a challenge. This lack of supply hinders the ability to meet the demand from mills interested in recycling release liners.Additionally, the issue of contamination arises when paper release liners are mixed with pet release liners during the recycling process. Roz mentioned that some pet liner recyclers have stopped accepting release liners due to the high levels of contamination caused by paper labels. This contamination not only affects the quality of the recycled material but also results in financial losses for recyclers. It is crucial for copackers and CPG companies to be mindful of the contamination issue and ensure that the release liners they send for recycling are free from excessive paper labels.Creating a Circular Economy for Release LinersTo address the challenges surrounding release liner recycling, collaboration and education are key. Adam Frey emphasized the importance of joining TLMI and actively participating in committees focused on sustainability. By working together, industry stakeholders can share ideas, educate one another, and find innovative solutions to improve the recycling process for release liners.Roz Bandy highlighted TLMI's efforts in providing education and resources to its members and the wider industry. TLMI's website offers valuable information on release liner recycling, including documents explaining the recyclability of release liners and a map of recyclers across the country. This map allows copackers and CPG companies to locate nearby recyclers, reducing shipping costs and facilitating the recycling process.The Role of Manufacturers and BrandsAs a manufacturer of pressure-sensitive roll stocks, Adam Frey emphasized the need for manufacturers to explore ways to make release liners more repulpable and environmentally friendly. By collaborating with paper mills and engaging in ongoing discussions, manufacturers can work towards creating a conduit for the recycling of release liners. Additionally, manufacturers can incorporate sustainability messaging on shipping documents and explore the possibility of printing recycling information and QR codes on the end rolls of release liners. This would provide easy access to recycling information for copackers and CPG companies, encouraging them to recycle their release liners.TLMI's Role in Driving ChangeTLMI, as a trade association, plays a crucial role in driving change within the label industry. Roz Bandy highlighted TLMI's collaborative efforts with organizations like C Lab, which focuses on creating a circular economy for labels in the United States. TLMI provides education, resources, and platforms for industry stakeholders to come together and work towards a common goal of sustainability. By sharing ideas, developing projects, and staying informed about upcoming legislation, TLMI members can stay ahead of the curve and prepare for future sustainability mandates.Conclusion and Future OutlookThe issue of label release liner recycling is a complex one, but it is one that the label industry must address to create a more sustainable future. Through collaboration, education, and innovation, industry stakeholders can find solutions to increase the recycling of release liners and reduce their impact on the environment. The efforts of organizations like TLMI, manufacturers like Wausau, and the commitment of copackers and CPG companies are crucial in driving this change. By working together, the label industry can pave the way for a circular economy, where release liners are repurposed and recycled, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.Next week's podcast episode is going to be an awesome look into #sneakers and #packaging with Mike Sykes from the Kicks You Wear and a potential surprise #unboxing with a dope collab! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.packagingisawesome.com/subscribe

In this episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, Jeremy C. Park sits down with Matt Kripke, CEO of Kripke Enterprises, Inc., Mid South Aluminum. From humble beginnings in Toledo, Ohio, to becoming a majority shareholder and recognized expert in aluminum and hedging, Matt shares his journey of hard work, passion, and resilience. Having held significant positions in influential organizations such as the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), Young Presidents Organization (YPO), and currently the Toledo Jewish Community Foundation, Matt provides valuable insights into leadership and community involvement. Listen as Matt discusses the importance of people development in business, his approach to managing risk in volatile markets, and how he balances a successful career with a fulfilling personal life. "Making the world a better place" is Matt's motto, a principle he ardently practices through substantial philanthropy and community service with his employees. Alongside his business achievements, he is deeply committed to serving the community, as evidenced by his support for organizations such as The Red Cross, United Way, Ronald McDonald House, Habitat For Humanity, Boys and Girls Club, Mom's House, Josina Lott Community Services, Humane Society, Cherry Street Mission, Northwestern Ohio Food Bank, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, and Toledo Botanical Gardens.Tune in for an inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of giving back, making a difference, and achieving purpose in life.Learn more about Matt here: https://www.kripke.com/about-us/Be inspired by other positive media produced by cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com 

Ready to step up and lead the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), new ISRI Chairman Brian Henesey is prepared to get the ball rolling to change this industry. Brian and John Sacco sit down at the ISRI Summer Meetings in D.C. to discuss what it's going to take to educate our youth and legislators about recycling, enlist community reinforcement, and create an innovative approach to acquire new ISRI members and better serve current ones. Overall, raising the bar and setting new goals for the trade association.

Listen to Robin Wiener, president of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), as she shares her smart insights on developing the next generation of recyclers, the role of the recycling industry in environmental justice, the importance of engaging with brands, and more. #NothingWastedPodcast Like this episode? Make sure to leave it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review and hit subscribe, so you never miss when a new episode drops!

Ep 41. Recycling & Reinventing in the Family Business  On this episode of The Family Biz Show, listen as we talk to three members of the Shine Family* of Manitoba Corp about the various ways a family business can re-invent itself over the generations to stay fresh and on top. This Weeks Guests RICHARD W. SHINE  Richard grew up in Amherst, NY and attended Amherst Central High School.  He attended St. Lawrance University in Canton, NY for his freshman and sophomore years.  He transferred to the University of Buffalo to pursue a business degree, graduating in 1964.  While at UB he participated in Air Force ROTC and was commissioned a 2nd Lt.  in the USAF in September of that year.  He attended pilot training and served six years flying missions all over the world including spending his final active-duty year in Vietnam.  Upon release from active duty in 1970, he found that his intention to become an airline pilot would be a very difficult path since the airlines had hired so many pilots in the prior three years.  Thus, he joined his father's small local business recycling metals.  Manitoba Corporation only had a total of four employees at that time not including ownership.  They served an area of less than 20 miles from their facility.  He quickly realized that we were strictly a middleman and had no machinery to process metal and worse, many of the accounts the company had, were leaving Western New York in the mid 1970's.  To survive he leaned upon his training as a pilot and purchased a small airplane with which he and his partner could use to make sales calls very efficiently but still be able to spend the majority of his time overseeing the activities of the company.  The company began to grow and expand and continues to do so today.  Over the years they added a great deal of machinery and equipment as well as personnel.  The trading area of Manitoba grew to encompass much of North America and some overseas business as well.  He continued to fly for the Air Force Reserves and retired with 26 years of service and the rank of Colonel.  Over the years, Manitoba owned and operated a number of different airplanes to support their business.  In 2009 Richard was invited to join the board of directors of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) an organization which promotes and supports the use of airplanes for business purposes.  Richard felt that the use of a business aircraft not only was responsible for Manitoba's growth, but for the company's very survival and he wanted to give back something to this industry through participation in this organization.  He eventually was elected chairman of NBAA and served in that capacity for two years.  Recently, he sold his company shares to his sons but remains active in the daily operation of the company.  BRIAN SHINE  Brian Shine represents fourth generation nonferrous metals recycler as CEO of Manitoba Corporation, which operates two plants: Lancaster (Buffalo), New York, and St. Louis, Missouri, with a primary focus on processing high-grade copper scrap.  Shine just completed a two-year term as Chairman of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) which is a national trade association based in Washington, DC representing 1300 member companies.  Shine graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Bowling Green State   University and also obtained a certificate from the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at the University of Buffalo, where he has since mentored a dozen candidates through the program. He also is a member of the Young Presidents Organization and a graduate of Leadership Buffalo.   Brian is married to Lynne and has three sons, Sam, Jake, and Drew.  ADAM SHINE  Adam has worked in the recycling industry for over 11 years and grew up around it, as he represented the 4th generation at Manitoba Corporation. One of his main responsibilities is running day to day operations at Sunking Inc*, which focuses on Electronics Recycling. Over the past several years, Adam, along with others, have helped Sunkin expand from processing 12 million lbs annually to over 25 million lbs today. The increased throughput saw Sunking expand from a 140,000 sqft faciity to a new state-of-the-art 204,000 sqft facility with automated processing capabilities. Prior to entering the recycling industry, Adam traveled globally selling and implementing software systems to five-star hotels and resorts. Adam has a love for all things technology and often tries to incorporate it in business where and when it makes sense. In his spare time, Adam coaches his sons ice hockey team and enjoys time with his family. Adam also serves on the advisory board for Camp Good Days and Special times, an organization he cares about deeply.  President of Manitoba Corporation  Vice President of Sunking and Utility Recyclers International  Vice Chair of ISRI Electronics Division Committee  Membership Chair of the ISRI Empire Chapter  Member of the REMADE Governance Board  Member of the REMADE Strategic Advisory Committee  Leadership Buffalo Rising Leaders Graduate 2009  University of Buffalo School of Management Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Graduate 2012   ----------------  *Not affiliated with Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.  Michael Palumbos is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.   Securities and investment advisory services offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker/dealer (member SIPC) and registered investment advisor. Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies.   Family Wealth and Legacy LLC is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.  CRN-3736438-082721   

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a draft National Recycling Policy in October. Earth911 speaks with Adina Renee Adler, vice president of advocacy at the Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) about the plan's strengths and areas for improvement. ISRI offered comments about the EPA's focus on job creation as a primary goal and basis for measuring the new regulations' success. Instead, increased collection of valuable materials combined with lower contamination rates should guide policy.We discuss the changes to recycling collection and investments in consumer education that can raise the laggard U.S. recycling rate. Americans recycle between 28% and 35.2% of the materials they buy, depending on the source. The industry supports 750,000 jobs that pay about $36.6 billion in salaries annually, but has become increasingly complex and inefficient as the volume and variety of product and packaging materials has increased in recent decades. Individual state and municipal recycling rules make it difficult for people to understand what they can recycle in their curbside bin or at a local transfer station, and the EPA proposal will do little to reduce the confusion.Adler also shares ISRI's ideas about the importance of transparency and accountability by recyclers to help increase consumer confidence in the recycling system. The comment period for the National Recycling Policy continues through December 4, 2020. You can contact the EPA through Regulations.gov or send comments to your Congressional representative.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a draft National Recycling Policy in October. Earth911 speaks with Adina Renee Adler, vice president of advocacy at the Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) about the plan's strengths and areas for improvement. ISRI offered comments about the EPA's focus on job creation as a primary goal and basis for measuring the new regulations' success. Instead, increased collection of valuable materials combined with lower contamination rates should guide policy.We discuss the changes to recycling collection and investments in consumer education that can raise the laggard U.S. recycling rate. Americans recycle between 28% and 35.2% of the materials they buy, depending on the source. The industry supports 750,000 jobs that pay about $36.6 billion in salaries annually, but has become increasingly complex and inefficient as the volume and variety of product and packaging materials has increased in recent decades. Individual state and municipal recycling rules make it difficult for people to understand what they can recycle in their curbside bin or at a local transfer station, and the EPA proposal will do little to reduce the confusion.Adler also shares ISRI's ideas about the importance of transparency and accountability by recyclers to help increase consumer confidence in the recycling system. The comment period for the National Recycling Policy continues through December 4, 2020. You can contact the EPA through Regulations.gov or send comments to your Congressional representative.

The recycling industry, like the rest of the world, is coping with the massive disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joe Pickard, the chief economist of the Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), shares his insights into how recycling will change as a new normal emerges after the pandemic. Even as homeowners and apartment-dwellers send more recyclables through curbside programs, the commercial recycling market has slowed with closures and declining manufacturing. The results are that overall recycling rates have fallen in most states, such as California and Oregon.After closures, many recycling programs are re-opening with new employee safety programs. And recycling firms will fail. Those without the cash to get through the crisis are at the greatest risk, Pickard explains. Recyclers are wrestling with the changing requirements for the Payroll Protection Program loans from the Small Business Administration, but before the pandemic investments in U.S. recycling was on the increase. Perhaps the "new normal" will be a more efficient and innovative recycling infrastructure.Join the conversation and share your thoughts with the community in our Earthling Forum.

The recycling industry, like the rest of the world, is coping with the massive disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joe Pickard, the chief economist of the Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), shares his insights into how recycling will change as a new normal emerges after the pandemic. Even as homeowners and apartment-dwellers send more recyclables through curbside programs, the commercial recycling market has slowed with closures and declining manufacturing. The results are that overall recycling rates have fallen in most states, such as California and Oregon.After closures, many recycling programs are re-opening with new employee safety programs. And recycling firms will fail. Those without the cash to get through the crisis are at the greatest risk, Pickard explains. Recyclers are wrestling with the changing requirements for the Payroll Protection Program loans from the Small Business Administration, but before the pandemic investments in U.S. recycling was on the increase. Perhaps the "new normal" will be a more efficient and innovative recycling infrastructure.Join the conversation and share your thoughts with the community in our Earthling Forum.

Update: Due to the ongoing developments of the novel Coronavirus ISRI, including the WHO pandemic declaration and the many state-of-emergency declarations around the country, ISRI cannot go forward with ISRI2020 this April. However, this podcast episode still highlights the benefits of attending an ISRI National Convention. We hope to see you at ISRI2021 in San Diego! If there’s one thing the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) is known for, it’s their conventions. Chuck Carr, mastermind behind the industry’s biggest event of the year, talks with John Sacco about the significant benefits ISRI’s conventions can bring to your business. Although networking is number one on that list, the keynote speakers and the educational programs make it a guarantee that this event won’t disappoint.

What's the path to a career in recycling? Sean Daoud, Treasurer of PNW Metal Recycling Inc. in Portland, Oregon, talks with Earth911 about how he got involved recycling, what his job involves, and the work environment. If you want to help to save the world for a living, this episode is for you. Daoud was born into a recycling family, starting out in the scrap yard running equipment after high school. After completing internships and sales and his degree in human resources, he returned to the family business, where his responsibilities now include planning the company's future. The work involves constant communication and traditional business networking, as well as an eye for innovation and efficiency that can be introduced to improve profits.Daoud is an active member of the Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), where he is vice president of the Pacific Northwest Chapter. Participating in ISRI has proven an effective tool for building recycling industry connections and expertise. Sean shares the advice that recent grads seeking to work in the industry should network and use every opportunity to learn. We also talk about the growing role of communications and sorting technology, which has accelerated the pace of change in the industry. Recycling workers are now connected from the yard to the office and across customer relationships by technology. It is a dynamic industry like any other, with materials flowing across boundaries and through many regulatory regimes around the world, all of which recycling executives must master to succeed. And Daoud has good advice for listeners who want to work in recycling. Check out this episode to learn how to get started in recycling. Whether you start in the yard or back office, there are great futures ahead in recycling for those who network and learn.Join the conversation and share your thoughts with the community in our Earthling Forum.

What's the path to a career in recycling? Sean Daoud, Treasurer of PNW Metal Recycling Inc. in Portland, Oregon, talks with Earth911 about how he got involved recycling, what his job involves, and the work environment. If you want to help to save the world for a living, this episode is for you. Daoud was born into a recycling family, starting out in the scrap yard running equipment after high school. After completing internships and sales and his degree in human resources, he returned to the family business, where his responsibilities now include planning the company's future. The work involves constant communication and traditional business networking, as well as an eye for innovation and efficiency that can be introduced to improve profits.Daoud is an active member of the Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), where he is vice president of the Pacific Northwest Chapter. Participating in ISRI has proven an effective tool for building recycling industry connections and expertise. Sean shares the advice that recent grads seeking to work in the industry should network and use every opportunity to learn. We also talk about the growing role of communications and sorting technology, which has accelerated the pace of change in the industry. Recycling workers are now connected from the yard to the office and across customer relationships by technology. It is a dynamic industry like any other, with materials flowing across boundaries and through many regulatory regimes around the world, all of which recycling executives must master to succeed. And Daoud has good advice for listeners who want to work in recycling. Check out this episode to learn how to get started in recycling. Whether you start in the yard or back office, there are great futures ahead in recycling for those who network and learn.Join the conversation and share your thoughts with the community in our Earthling Forum.

Throughout generations of his family being involved in the industry, current ISRI Chairman Brian Shine, knew scrap was in his blood from the very beginning. From incorporating the values that he had learned from his family business in addition to the experience he’d acquired through his involvement in the industry, he leads the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) to its continued success. Brian joins John Sacco to discuss the strategy behind the magic that is ISRI and how important the organization has been for the entire scrap recycling community as a whole.

Explore the state of U.S. recycling with Joe Pickard, Chief Economist and Director of Commodities at the Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). He joins Earth911 to talk about the recently released ISRI 2019 Economic Impact Study. Despite massive change after China refused to accept U.S. recyclables in early 2018, the U.S. recycling industry grew last year to $110 billion in economic activity and added jobs. More than 531,510 people work in recycling-related jobs and direct employment in recycling increased by about 5 percent since 2017.Joe and Mitch Ratcliffe discuss the changing landscape in U.S. recycling. New players and new technology are improving recycling efficiency, yet the progress is not always visible to consumers who are still seeing declines in glass, plastic, and paper acceptance at their municipal recycling programs. ISRI conducts ongoing work to provide new guidelines for recycled materials. Joe explains how the recently announced ISRI Scrap Specifications Working Group is helping to introduce new recycling practices that will expand the recycling of plastics, paper, and new materials appearing in the market. At the end of the day, recycling must be economically sustainable and these new guidelines will help improve the overall U.S. recycling rate.Join the conversation and share your thoughts with the community in our Earthling Forum.

Explore the state of U.S. recycling with Joe Pickard, Chief Economist and Director of Commodities at the Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). He joins Earth911 to talk about the recently released ISRI 2019 Economic Impact Study. Despite massive change after China refused to accept U.S. recyclables in early 2018, the U.S. recycling industry grew last year to $110 billion in economic activity and added jobs. More than 531,510 people work in recycling-related jobs and direct employment in recycling increased by about 5 percent since 2017.Joe and Mitch Ratcliffe discuss the changing landscape in U.S. recycling. New players and new technology are improving recycling efficiency, yet the progress is not always visible to consumers who are still seeing declines in glass, plastic, and paper acceptance at their municipal recycling programs. ISRI conducts ongoing work to provide new guidelines for recycled materials. Joe explains how the recently announced ISRI Scrap Specifications Working Group is helping to introduce new recycling practices that will expand the recycling of plastics, paper, and new materials appearing in the market. At the end of the day, recycling must be economically sustainable and these new guidelines will help improve the overall U.S. recycling rate.Join the conversation and share your thoughts with the community in our Earthling Forum.

Recycling safety is the topic of Earth911's interview with Scott Wiggins, vice president of Environmental Health & Safety at the Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). On June 12th, most recycling programs and scrap yards will close down for an hour each shift to focus on workplace safety as part of Safety Stand Down Day, and you can help protect recycling workers by making smart choices. Wiggins shares stories about injuries caused by the usual workplace culprits, such as slips, falls, and impacts, as well as how medical sharps and lithium-ion batteries. He shares how to prepare sharps and batteries for recycling, noting that both need special handling and do not belong in your blue bin.Learn about the busy environment where recycling workers process materials. One surprising fact: A major source of injuries is distracted driving by collection drivers, who have run over scrap yard workers. Progress in recycling must be accompanied by improved safety so that everyone, including the workers who handle your recycling, gets home safe each day.

Recycling safety is the topic of Earth911's interview with Scott Wiggins, vice president of Environmental Health & Safety at the Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). On June 12th, most recycling programs and scrap yards will close down for an hour each shift to focus on workplace safety as part of Safety Stand Down Day, and you can help protect recycling workers by making smart choices. Wiggins shares stories about injuries caused by the usual workplace culprits, such as slips, falls, and impacts, as well as how medical sharps and lithium-ion batteries. He shares how to prepare sharps and batteries for recycling, noting that both need special handling and do not belong in your blue bin.Learn about the busy environment where recycling workers process materials. One surprising fact: A major source of injuries is distracted driving by collection drivers, who have run over scrap yard workers. Progress in recycling must be accompanied by improved safety so that everyone, including the workers who handle your recycling, gets home safe each day.

Spring is here! Even in our northern corners, gardeners are assessing their plots and making plans. So we thought today would be a perfect time to talk about some spring garden essentials – particularly, soil prep, including building raised beds and greenhouses, as well as solarizing the soil and encouraging kids-and-beginning-gardeners to try their green thumbs. There are no mistakes in gardening if you are learning all the time from your experience. We start with soil and preparing for planting, discussing nine pest-preventing plants, seven DIY greenhouse projects we like, and the benefits of native plants. On the topics of food and sustainable eating, we explore how to start small in the garden with edible container gardening and the many vegetable and fruit cast-offs from cooking that can be re-grown and eaten.In the news, get the low-down on Earth911's first sustainability awards and the recent Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) national conference, where women in recycling leadership were in the spotlight.As usual, we answer your Earthling Questions. This week, we talk through the disposal and recovery of spoiled mulch, how and where to recycle cathode-ray tube (CRT) televisions, and the proper disposal of Roundup and other herbicides and pesticides.

Spring is here! Even in our northern corners, gardeners are assessing their plots and making plans. So we thought today would be a perfect time to talk about some spring garden essentials – particularly, soil prep, including building raised beds and greenhouses, as well as solarizing the soil and encouraging kids-and-beginning-gardeners to try their green thumbs. There are no mistakes in gardening if you are learning all the time from your experience. We start with soil and preparing for planting, discussing nine pest-preventing plants, seven DIY greenhouse projects we like, and the benefits of native plants. On the topics of food and sustainable eating, we explore how to start small in the garden with edible container gardening and the many vegetable and fruit cast-offs from cooking that can be re-grown and eaten.In the news, get the low-down on Earth911's first sustainability awards and the recent Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) national conference, where women in recycling leadership were in the spotlight.As usual, we answer your Earthling Questions. This week, we talk through the disposal and recovery of spoiled mulch, how and where to recycle cathode-ray tube (CRT) televisions, and the proper disposal of Roundup and other herbicides and pesticides.

Billy Johnson, the chief lobbyist for the Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), joins Earth911's Mitch Ratcliffe to talk through the major policy issues facing recycling in 2019. From the growth in ferrous metal exports despite China's ban on contaminated scrap imports to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board's impact on domestic recycling prices, we cover the growing sophistication of recycling companies as the United States shifts toward circular economies that preserve materials for reuse instead of sending them to landfills. We also talk about the job and entrepreneurial opportunities in recycling and the national, state, and municipal rules changing with the times.It's also a great introduction to ISRI on the eve of its annual convention in Los Angeles, where Earth911 will be participating in a residential recycling workshop on plastic pollution and collection strategies. Tune in to get on top of recycling politics and policy.Join the conversation and share your thoughts with the community in our Earthling Forum.

Billy Johnson, the chief lobbyist for the Institute for Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), joins Earth911's Mitch Ratcliffe to talk through the major policy issues facing recycling in 2019. From the growth in ferrous metal exports despite China's ban on contaminated scrap imports to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board's impact on domestic recycling prices, we cover the growing sophistication of recycling companies as the United States shifts toward circular economies that preserve materials for reuse instead of sending them to landfills. We also talk about the job and entrepreneurial opportunities in recycling and the national, state, and municipal rules changing with the times.It's also a great introduction to ISRI on the eve of its annual convention in Los Angeles, where Earth911 will be participating in a residential recycling workshop on plastic pollution and collection strategies. Tune in to get on top of recycling politics and policy.Join the conversation and share your thoughts with the community in our Earthling Forum.

Mark Carpenter has worked for the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) for six years and currently serves as the Assistant Vice President of Communications and Marketing. He has more than 20 years of experience in communications and marketing having served in a variety of roles on Capitol Hill, political campaigns, trade associations, and advocacy groups. ISRI is the voice of the recycling industry and works to promote safe, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible recycling through networking, advocacy, and education.

“One of the biggest issues we face is that often when people think of scrap or recyclables, they think of waste, and scrap and waste are two very different things,” says Robin Wiener, President of the Washington DC-based Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). Wiener goes on to explain that while waste is material that has reached the end of its useful life and will end up in a landfill, scrap material gets recycled into commodity-grade products. In fact, more than 40% of the raw material needs of global manufacturing is met through scrap products.  As an annual purchaser of over $5.6 billion worth of US-based scrap materials, China has played an integral part as a major consumer of US-based recyclable goods. But in the face of a massive environmental crisis, China is implementing serious change, including increased restrictions on the import of goods. Weiner discusses the cause and effect of these restrictions and the way in which the US is responding. As part of the effort to mitigate these changes, ISRI is working closely with US-based manufacturers to increase the use of recyclable materials in their manufacturing processes, identifying the challenges that prevent certain goods and products from being recycled, and exploring solutions to those challenges.  Also discussed is the US Department of Energy REMADE Institute, whose efforts in enabling early-stage applied R&D to reduce embodied energy and carbon emissions are closely tied to recycling. Wiener addresses a range of interesting and informative topics--all of which implicate the future of the US and the world at large. To learn more, visit www.isri.org.