NewsBits

NewsBits

A new lifecycle analysis [1] conducted on behalf of Cascades, a company that makes consumer goods from recycle materials, has found that polystyrene has more environmental benefits than previously thought. According to the analysis, despite being rarely recycled, the material uses less energy, requires less raw material to make and fewer greenhouse gases are emitted in its production.

Recyclebank, a recycling incentives program, has announced that it's launching the "Green Your Seasons Challenge [2]," a nationwide contest to encourage people to be environmentally-minded during the holiday season. In addition to earning Recyclebank points, participants can win prizes including $5,000 worth of Kohler Tresham products to create a dream bathroom, an Eco-Citizen Paladion watch and a Simmons Natural Care mattress set.

Drivers of the new Ford Focus Electric will be sitting on 20 plastic bottles while operating the vehicle. According to Ford, the car features seats that use REPREVE-branded fiber [3] made from post-consumer water bottles.

In response to an encouraging resolution [4] passed by the U.S. Senate, the National Recycling Coalition will form a Recycling Jobs Task Force to foster further dialogue on how recycling can drive jobs. Additionally, it plans to roll out a "Blue Ribbon" Recycling Advisory Council early next year to help promote "integrative strategies to further build national recycling infrastructure."

Freudenberg North America has unveiled a new pool and spa filter made out of post-consumer recycled polyester [5].

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