Although Covid-19 vaccines are being administered around the world, the necessity of face masks will be with us for an undetermined amount of time. Medical experts are still unsure about viral spread post-vaccination, so it is advised that even those who have been vaccinated continue to wear a mask to protect those who still haven’t received their jab. The CDC currently
recommends
both non-medical disposable masks and cloth masks for use outside of healthcare settings. 
While non-medical disposable masks are an attractive option as you don’t have to deal with laundering, they are wreaking havoc on the environment. Like many disposable items, discarded masks are ending up in our oceans, polluting them and causing harm to animals who call the sea home. Take a look at
this poor gull
whose feet were wrapped up in the ear loops of a disposable face mask. When I first saw this image, I couldn’t help but be reminded of
plastic rings
that hold together canned drinks. Surely we all know by now to cut up the plastic rings prior to throwing them out; this same sentiment should be applied to your disposable face mask. If you must use a disposable face mask, please take an extra 5 seconds and cut the ear loops prior to discarding it, because you never know where your mask may end up after it’s tossed in the trash. You could save a life with this one easy step!

The CDC says that the most effective cloth masks are breathable—yet tightly woven—as well as multi-layered. They recommend avoiding masks with vents as these allow particles to escape. (It is also still advised to reserve surgical masks and respirators for medical personnel.) So taking into consideration these recommendations, as well as the environmental impacts of disposable masks, a reusable cloth mask is your best bet. When choosing a cloth mask, there are a plethora of sustainable options available. Better yet, you don’t have to break the bank when purchasing an eco-friendly mask, and some companies even donate a portion of their proceeds to non-profits. 

The CDC says that the most effective cloth masks are breathable—yet tightly woven—as well as multi-layered. They recommend avoiding masks with vents as these allow particles to escape. (It is also still advised to reserve surgical masks and respirators for medical personnel.) So taking into consideration these recommendations, as well as the environmental impacts of disposable masks, a reusable cloth mask is your best bet. When choosing a cloth mask, there are a plethora of sustainable options available. Better yet, you don’t have to break the bank when purchasing an eco-friendly mask, and some companies even donate a portion of their proceeds to non-profits. 

 

If you don’t have local mask makers in your area, check out these reusable, affordable and environmentally-friendly masks online. And be sure to consistently check in with the
CDC
to stay up to date with current COVID-19 information.
see it here

 

Eco Mask
Claims to be the most sustainable face mask on the planet;
here’s
why

Tested in a world-class German laboratory with results showing 98% filtering efficiency against particles down to 0.3μm in size

Tested in a world-class German laboratory with results showing 98% filtering efficiency against particles down to 0.3μm in size

5 layers

5 layers

UPF 50+ UV protection

UPF 50+ UV protection
1% of proceeds go to
Healthy Seas 

Made from post-consumer recycled content

Made from post-consumer recycled content

Made in Germany with 100% renewable energy

Made in Germany with 100% renewable energy

Recyclable at end of use – send it back to Eco Mask and they will take care of it

Recyclable at end of use – send it back to Eco Mask and they will take care of it

Comes in compostable carbon negative packaging

Comes in compostable carbon negative packaging

 

United By Blue Salvaged Hemp Blend Face Mask
   

Crafted to CDC specifications

Crafted to CDC specifications

Has a filter slot between layers

Has a filter slot between layers
Made from deadstock fabric: a blend of Hemp, Organic Cotton, Recycled Polyester, and
TENCEL
fabric

Made responsibly at their apparel factory in China

Made responsibly at their apparel factory in China
For each 3 pack purchased, one mask will be donated to
Chosen 300
to benefit Philadelphia residents experiencing homelessness.

 

Eileen Fisher Double Layer Organic Linen Mask

• Made from Organic Handkerchief Linen, this fabric uses French flax grown without harmful chemicals
• No filter pocket
• Made in the USA
• For every mask purchased, one is donated to an essential worker

Made from Organic Handkerchief Linen, this fabric uses French flax grown without harmful chemicals

Made from Organic Handkerchief Linen, this fabric uses French flax grown without harmful chemicals

No filter pocket

No filter pocket

Made in the USA

Made in the USA

For every mask purchased, one is donated to an essential worker

For every mask purchased, one is donated to an essential worker

 

5 Smiley Mask Pack

• Made with organic cotton
• Double layered
• Has filter pocket

Made with organic cotton

Made with organic cotton

Double layered

Double layered

Has filter pocket

Has filter pocket

 

Onzie Mindful Mask

• Designed for working out
• Made from up-cycled activewear material
• Has filter pocket

Designed for working out

Designed for working out

Made from up-cycled activewear material

Made from up-cycled activewear material

Has filter pocket

Has filter pocket

Are you an avid recycler? Do you take an extra few minutes out of your day to rinse that glass kombucha bottle or plastic yogurt cup before tossing it in the bin? I, too, have been a diligent recycler and believer in the “reduce, reuse, recycle” mantra since I was a child. Recycling feels like a part of who I am—as natural as stretching upon waking. If you feel the same, I am very sorry to say that I have some sad news to share with you. Not all of your recycling is being recycled. 

 

Single-Stream Recycling 101

Single-Stream Recycling 101

What Does China Have To Do With This?

What Does China Have To Do With This?

Prior to 2018, China was the world’s largest buyer of recyclables from the US, Australia, Canada and parts of Europe. That’s right, your kombucha bottle and little yogurt cup used to travel all the way from Florida to China to be processed! But due to environmental and health concerns caused by multiple-million metric tons of recycling imported from around the world, the Chinese government instituted a policy stating they will only accept foreign materials with a very low contamination rate of 0.5%. They have also completely denied certain recyclables, including mixed paper and most plastics. While this is wonderful for their people and environment, this drastic change in policy has left our local waste management companies with piles of recycling. They now have the choice to pay higher rates to get rid of their materials or dump them. Usually, the cheapest option for disposal is to simply cart everything off to the landfill, which certainly is not where most of us believe our recycling is going. 

 

To be clear, not all of your recycling is going to the landfill. But since China has refused our waste, domestic recycling companies are tossing out more than they used to.

all

What Can I Do?

What Can I Do?

When I first learned that China stopped taking most of our recycling, admittedly I threw my hands in the air and wondered, “what’s the point?” The thought of my recycled items wasting away in a landfill, emitting methane and contributing to our warming Earth, was discouraging. But after further research and contemplation, I realized there is a lot you and I can do on the individual level to reduce contamination and also mitigate excessive recyclables from being diverted to landfills.

Improve your recycling habits.

Improve your recycling habits.

• • • • Once you know what can be recycled, recycle it properly! Thoroughly rinse and dry items before tossing them in the bin; be sure items are free from food and grease.

• • • Once you know what can be recycled, recycle it properly! Thoroughly rinse and dry items before tossing them in the bin; be sure items are free from food and grease.

• • • Once you know what can be recycled, recycle it properly! Thoroughly rinse and dry items before tossing them in the bin; be sure items are free from food and grease.

• • Once you know what can be recycled, recycle it properly! Thoroughly rinse and dry items before tossing them in the bin; be sure items are free from food and grease.

• • Once you know what can be recycled, recycle it properly! Thoroughly rinse and dry items before tossing them in the bin; be sure items are free from food and grease.

• Once you know what can be recycled, recycle it properly! Thoroughly rinse and dry items before tossing them in the bin; be sure items are free from food and grease.

• Once you know what can be recycled, recycle it properly! Thoroughly rinse and dry items before tossing them in the bin; be sure items are free from food and grease.

Once you know what can be recycled, recycle it properly! Thoroughly rinse and dry items before tossing them in the bin; be sure items are free from food and grease.

rinse
and dry
view details

• • • • Do NOT bag your recyclables. Plastic bags clog the machinery and contaminate batches.

• • • Do NOT bag your recyclables. Plastic bags clog the machinery and contaminate batches.

• • • Do NOT bag your recyclables. Plastic bags clog the machinery and contaminate batches.

• • Do NOT bag your recyclables. Plastic bags clog the machinery and contaminate batches.

• • Do NOT bag your recyclables. Plastic bags clog the machinery and contaminate batches.

• Do NOT bag your recyclables. Plastic bags clog the machinery and contaminate batches.

• Do NOT bag your recyclables. Plastic bags clog the machinery and contaminate batches.

Do NOT bag your recyclables. Plastic bags clog the machinery and contaminate batches.

• • • • When in doubt about an object’s recyclability, throw it out. 

• • • When in doubt about an object’s recyclability, throw it out. 

• • • When in doubt about an object’s recyclability, throw it out. 

• • When in doubt about an object’s recyclability, throw it out. 

• • When in doubt about an object’s recyclability, throw it out. 

• When in doubt about an object’s recyclability, throw it out. 

• When in doubt about an object’s recyclability, throw it out. 

When in doubt about an object’s recyclability, throw it out. 

 

In addition to upping our recycling game, we should also be revisiting that phrase I love so much: “reduce, reuse, recycle.” It seems that we lost sight of “reduce and reuse” over the years, don’t you think? So much of our world is disposable and cheaply made. It is often less expensive to buy a new item than it is to get it repaired, just like it is frequently cheaper for companies to make items out of new materials rather than recycled ones. This information can be discouraging as well, but there are easy things we can do. The best part is, many of these solutions are not only good for our planet but they are good for your wallet too!

Reduce your consumption. 

Reduce your consumption. 

This can be tough when we are constantly inundated with ads for the latest tech, fashion trends and the newest “must have” thing. But in order to create less waste, you must consume less. Full stop. In 2015, Americans generated 262.4 million tons of waste, which averages to nearly 5 pounds per person, per day!

per day!

Although I am not perfect, I truly try to avoid frivolous purchases. I am extremely conscientious about bringing new items into my home, which is an exercise in mindfulness. If you must purchase something, ensure that the new item either is  genuinely needed or is replacing a similar item that is being recycled or tossed.

 

Reuse what you have or what others no longer need.

Reuse what you have or what others no longer need.

Avoid disposable or one-time use items. Ask your barista if you can bring your own cup rather than using a paper/plastic one. (This may not be allowed right now due to Covid, but it is good information to have in the future.)

Consider buying items second-hand like clothes, household goods, phones, etc. Pre-loved items have the benefit of being more affordable, and the life of the item is extended thus keeping it out of the landfill for longer. The EPA states that landfills comprise 17.7% of all U.S. methane emissions—that’s a lot of rotting garbage.

a lot

Is The State Government Helping?

Is The State Government Helping?

“Recycling in Florida, the United States, and the world has changed significantly over the last 10 years. Many of the challenges we currently face with recycling have occurred as a result of changes in collection methods, recycling markets and the types and quality of materials acceptable for recycling.

Given these challenges and others detailed in the report, the current practices in Florida are not expected to increase the recycling rate. The recycling rate has continued to decline since 2016 to the state’s current recycling rate of 49%. Without significant changes to our current approach, 75% does not appear to be achievable. However, based on ongoing discussions with Florida recycling stakeholders, Florida’s recycling program for 2020 and beyond could transition to a Sustainable Materials Management approach that would more effectively track environmental benefits.

The Legislature could consider laws that allow for the transition to a methodology that incorporates alternative life-cycle metrics; i.e., sustainable materials management goals into Florida’s recycling efforts. While no one single goal can measure the full environmental impact of the materials used from cradle to grave, multiple goals can be set, based upon the environmental attribute(s) that are most important to the state.”

Be More Mindful 

Be More Mindful 
 

The Florida Legislature appears to be moving in the right direction and facing these challenges with new solutions. It is clear that China’s refusal to continue to accept our contaminated recycling has altered the state of recycling as we know it. Americans—especially Floridians with our vast coastlines and precious marine life—must really begin to self-assess and consider our direct impact on the environment. There are little steps each day that we can take to minimize or be more mindful about our consumption. Head down to the comments below and share with us what you’re doing to reduce, reuse and recycle. Let’s inspire one another to do better. And remember, don’t forget to rinse and dry your yogurt cup!

Sustainability.

Chances are, you’ve probably heard this word on social media, at your supermarket on your favorite products, in statements from large corporations who seem anything but eco-conscious. For Eco Eclectic, sustainability is at the very core of our ethos. But what does it really mean, for the world, for us?

What is Sustainability?

Global Waste Statistics 2021

^st

Some of the most common single use plastics that pollute the ecosystem and harms wildlife are

• Plastic drink bottles
• Plastic drink bottle caps
• Disposable food wrappers and Styrofoam containers
• Plastic lids
• Plastic straws, coffee stirrers, etc
• Food containers

Plastic drink bottles

home page

Plastic drink bottle caps

Disposable food wrappers and Styrofoam containers

Plastic lids

Plastic straws, coffee stirrers, etc

Food containers

And there are many, many more items that pollute our environment.

Sustainability: Making a Difference from the Ground Up

How do you fix a multivariate problem such as environmental pollution or global warming? You may think the world needs a super genius to come up with a profound solution to the ecological crisis we’re facing, but in actuality, it is the simple effort of everyday people such as ourselves that makes the biggest difference. A small shift in direction of just a degree can change course dramatically over thousands of miles.

In addition to that, we offer recycling services in Neptune Beach FL to help properly dispose of difficult to recycle everyday items such as detergent bottles, baking soda pouches, Swiffer refills, febreeze cans, stationary, discarded beauty products, etc.

Best Eco Friendly Products Neptune FL

What does sustainability mean to you? For Eco-Eclectic, it means many things—including finding creative solutions on the ground-floor of green living to cut our reliance on the wasteful practices regarding single-use plastics and other conveniences that have come at an expense to the environment.

Most of all, it means acknowledging that the small things matter. Choosing eco-friendlier products DOES make an impact, putting extra effort in properly recycling certain products DOES make an impact. Much like the EPA stated, sustainability is just as much a guiding principle as it is a concrete concept to adhere to.

An easy guide to recycling so you can help keep our environment clean

Recycling can be super confusing – between figuring out what items should go in the trash or the recycling, what actually happens to those items after they’re picked up, and deciding whether or not to rinse that yogurt cup out, it can all be mind-numbing. We’re here to give you your guide to recycling and some easy tips for learning what to throw away where.

(Keep in mind that these are relevant as of the date of posting, applicable to the Jax Beach area, and guideline may vary from location to location.)

 

What’s Up with All Those Numbers?

Many plastic items have a small number in a triangle somewhere on the packaging (usually on the bottom). This number indicates the type of plastic it is, and not how recyclable it actually is. Contact your local recycling or waste hauler to find out what numbers they accept (at the time of writing, the Jacksonville area recycling facilities are accepting #1, #2, #3, #5, and #7 plastics).

There’s a catch though – there’s a LOT of different types of plastics within each number category. While a #1 plastic bottle is widely accepted, #1 plastic strawberry containers often end up in landfills since they’re chemical composition makes them much harder to turn into a new item. Make sure to ask your local facility what types of items they can actually handle. (Scroll down to see a list of do’s and don’ts for the Jacksonville area!)

 

To Trash Or Not To Trash?

Make sure all items are cleaned and dried before putting them in your curbside recycling bin. Otherwise, they could contaminate an entire batch of recycling and cause it to go to the landfill. This is due to the greasy, oily, moldy, or otherwise gross coatings that occur due to food residue that make it very difficult to turn the item into a new, marketable material.

If the item can’t be cleaned, like a greasy pizza box, or you’re not sure if it can be recycled, it’s better to throw it in the trash (when in doubt, throw it out!) Although this can seem sad or wasteful, it’s important to keep our recycling streams as clean as possible to give those items the best chance at a new life!

 

Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Rot, Recycle

We can often get so caught up in the awesome practice that is recycling that we forget that it’s not the best solution for reducing plastic waste or creating a more sustainable society.

Refuse

Refuse

The first step to reducing waste is to avoid creating it in the first place. Refuse items when possible – especially paper handouts, unwanted magnets or stickers, or even “sustainable” items and freebies. If you don’t need it, say no – taking that free water bottle communicates to the organizer that people want single-use plastics, and they’ll continue to provide them.

Reduce

Reduce

Consciously think out what you need, and avoid buying more food or other items than you really need.

Reuse

Reuse

Try repurposing or donating an item that you no longer need – there’s tons of great “upcycling” resources on the web!

Rot

Rot

Try starting some compost! If you have a yard or garden area, put your fruit and vegetable scraps in a compost pile or container to create some new soil!

 

Do’s of Recycling in Jacksonville

Paper

Paper

• Office + School
• Mail + Newspapers
• Magazines + Catalogs
• Paperback books
• Paper bags
• Paper boxes (cereal , crackers, and cookie boxes)
• Cardboard (don’t be lazy, flatten it)

Office + School

Mail + Newspapers

Magazines + Catalogs

Paperback books

Paper bags

Paper boxes (cereal , crackers, and cookie boxes)

Cardboard (don’t be lazy, flatten it)

Plastic

Plastic

• Plastics labeled 1-3,5,7
• #1 PETE: bottles and food packaging
• #2 HDPE: Milk jugs, detergents, cosmetics, and cleaners
• #3 PVC: pipes, some shampoo bottles and cleaners
• #5 PP: syrup, condiment, and medicine bottles
• #7: Miscellaneous category

Plastics labeled 1-3,5,7

#1 PETE: bottles and food packaging

#2 HDPE: Milk jugs, detergents, cosmetics, and cleaners

#3 PVC: pipes, some shampoo bottles and cleaners

#5 PP: syrup, condiment, and medicine bottles

#7: Miscellaneous category

Metal

Metal

• Steel containers
• Aluminum cans and containers

Steel containers

Aluminum cans and containers

Glass + Cartons

Glass + Cartons

• Green glass
• Brown glass
• Clear glass

Green glass

Brown glass

Clear glass

Don’ts of Recycling in Jacksonville

• Straws, bottle caps, and lids. They will clog recycling machines.
• #4 plastics, thin plastic bags. Grocery stores like Publix usually have a drop off for grocery bags.
• #6 plastics, Styrofoam (avoid at all cost!)
• Aerosol cans
• Batteries
• Cables/Wires
• Rubber
• Food containers with waste or grease residue
• Food and Yard waste…. perfect for composting though.
• Don’t bag your recyclable in plastic

Straws, bottle caps, and lids. They will clog recycling machines.

#4 plastics, thin plastic bags. Grocery stores like Publix usually have a drop off for grocery bags.

#6 plastics, Styrofoam (avoid at all cost!)

Aerosol cans

Batteries

Cables/Wires

Rubber

Food containers with waste or grease residue

Food and Yard waste…. perfect for composting though.

read this

Don’t bag your recyclable in plastic

The Basics

The Basics

Greenwashing is when a company makes a product seem more eco-friendly, “green”, or sustainable than it really is. This is achieved through marketing and packaging, and leads consumers to believe that a product is doing more good for the planet than it actually is.

that site

Why It’s Bad

Why It’s Bad

Conscious consumers want to choose products that have a positive impact on the environment. They may be looking for products with minimal plastic, eco-friendly packaging, recycled components, or non-toxic chemicals. When companies deceive consumers into thinking their products are more sustainable than they are, they’re betraying their users’ trust and consumers are unknowingly supporting non-environmentally-friendly practices.

How to Spot Greenwashing

How to Spot Greenwashing

Look at ingredients
Take a peek at the ingredient list or materials list for a product. Does it contain natural fibers like bamboo and cotton, or synthetics like polyester? How about common seasonings, flavors, or fragrances? If you’re unsure about an ingredient, give it a google! Sometimes products use chemical names for common items like salt, but other times those unpronounceable names are oil-based synthetics or harmful cleaning agents.

Look at ingredients

Find the website
Take a look at a company’s website to see what their goals are – do they have a mission statement or impact reports detailing where and how their products are made, or what they do with their profits?

Find the website

Learn about parent companies
Often, smaller eco-friendly companies will be bought out by larger conglomerates with range of brands – not all of which are eco-friendly. Do a quick internet search of a brand to see if it has been purchased by a larger company, learn what that company’s practices are, and see if they have changed anything about the eco-friendly brand they purchased.

Learn about parent companies

Check for independent verifications

What We’re Doing

What We’re Doing

Here at Eco Eclectic, we vet all of the brands and products that we stock. We carefully read ingredient labels, mission statements, learn about sourcing, and find information from independent analysts to ensure that every product on our site is truly green. We’re also constantly re-evaluating products to ensure that company policies haven’t changed in a direction we don’t approve of. If a company ever stops meeting our standards, we stop carrying them. Period.