Hi all,

I'm pleased to announce that our Plastic Bottle Challenge in conjunction with the New York Plastics Challenge turned out some fascinating opinions about plastic, water, and waste. I for one have almost completely stopped buying plastic bottles in favor of a beer glass.

It sounds like many of you took our challenge. Here are what some of you had to say:

“For me, I just had not considered the impact of all those bottles. I find it reassuring if I can recycle something, but just the sheer volume of consumption blows me away. Given that I grew up in the country where we had 100% REAL spring water and that most of the water in those bottles is actually tap water, also really made me try to answer the following questions: “What am I really paying for?” and “What is the impact of those purchases in the world?” The answer: Not buying is a small way to make a difference—telling people why you aren't buying makes a bigger difference.” -Denise DiMatteo

“I found that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't live without a water bottle in my bag. It's New York ! I found an old sports bottle in my cupboard, but it leaked all over the place. I just couldn't do it. Then I really understood the magnitude of that much waste. And the carcinogens! I went in search of a new sports bottle. It's plastic, but I'll use it for a long time. I feel so much better for making the switch, and for not wasting any more money!” -Mark Robertson

“Wow!  What a message from Pop Sustainability!  I rarely buy new plastic bottles of water.  I refill old ones!!  As Sonya says, NYC drinking water is excellent, and ALL of us should give up buying new ones... for more than just one week!!” -Doug Frank

Over the last few weeks I've discovered so many more simple ways to be more sustainable, especially when it comes to plastics.

Check out these sustainability solutions in NYC!

Plastic Recycling in Brooklyn !

Plastics 2, 4 and 5 that are not accepted by NYC plus plastic shopping bags finally have a place to go!
Every SECOND Saturday bet Noon-2 PM
and Every LAST Sunday bet 10 AM-Noon ONLY
Park Slope Food Co-op
782 Union St , between 7 & 8 Aves, Brooklyn

Cell Phone Recycling in Manhattan !

Recycle your old cell phones at Whole Foods on 24th and 7th. 
They have a box on the left just as you walk into the store. 
Alternately, recycle them to a battered women's shelter
It's tax-deductible and they will give you a receipt.

Electronics Recycling Day in the Upper West Side !
Tuesday, September 14, 2004 from 3-7 PM
Yorkville CSA (90 th Street & 5 th Avenue )
ONLY working and non-working: Computers (laptops and desktop), monitors, printers, keyboards, mice and cables TV's and VCR's (no wooden consoles models, only plastic sases),fax machines, cell phones and pagers

For more information please contact:
Lower East Side Ecology Center
212.477.4022
oreinc@earthlink.net

Plastic Bag Round-Up Crosses the Nation and Around the World!
When: Every Day and Night
www.reusablebags.com
Suggests numerous ways to reuse the useage of those pesky plastic bags

To buy the T Shirt click here

Cheers!

Sonya