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06 Jan 04 - toothbrush; iPod; compost; reuse centers; toilet brush; green building ** WASTE PREVENTION FORUM ** -- A project of the National Waste Prevention Coalition -------- Forum archive: http://www.reuses.com/nwpcarchive --------------------- The first three postings are in response to the 12/30/03 item about the Apple iPod (a pocket-sized, computerized music player) and the complaint that it only lasts about 18 months, with a battery that is not replaceable by the user. --------------------- From Greg Harder, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Harrisburg, PA: I read the story of the non-replaceable iPod battery with some interest. I've had a beef with the electric toothbrush manufacturers for making it impossible to replace the rechargeable batteries. I even wrote to Braun about their product. This is their response: "Dear Mr. Harder: Thank you for contacting Braun regarding your D15 3D Plaque Remover. We are anxious to see that our products meet your needs and expectations. We appreciate your interest and hope you find this information helpful. Since the Plaque Removers must be water tight, the battery is permanently sealed in the handle. Once the battery wears out, the only way to remove the battery for proper disposal is to break the seal, thus destroying the handle. You may purchase a replacement handle that can be used on your current charger base. Replacement handles are sold through any Authorized Braun Service Center or our Parts Order line at 1-800-892-8534. If you should need additional assistance, please contact our Consumer Service Department at 1-800-BRAUN-11 (272-8611). Sincerely, Diana Burns, Consumer Service Representative 3692927A." I suppose it is a positive that you can purchase a replacement handle and at least keep the charger base, but it would be much more cost-effective and reduce waste further if the battery were replaceable. I am sure the fine German engineers could design a water-tight seal. In fact, I have opened my toothbrush and resealed it with no problems. But the battery does not seem to be removable without destroying the toothbrush. I'd suggest working with manufacturers to encourage replaceable batteries in toothbrushes and other small appliances. E-mail: gharder ( A T ) state ( D O T ) pa ( D O T ) us --------------------- Excerpted from a message from Sondra Flite, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Trenton, NJ: So, (according to the article) an iPod costs $299 - $499? My mother thought I was crazy to spend $6.50 for a deluxe pocket calendar when companies give them away free! E-mail: Sondra [ D O T ] Flite [ A T ] dep [ D O T ] state [ D O T ] nj [ D O T ] us --------------------- From Don Van Dyke, California Integrated Waste Management Board, Sacramento, CA: It is mildly amazing to me that so many people would buy any portable electronic device without inquiring about battery replacement before purchasing. But it worries me that so many people want music continuously piped into their ears. People are becoming gratification junkies, constantly seeking pleasure in many ways. We seem to be forgetting the difference between pleasure and happiness, and the environment is not the only thing suffering from the trend. E-mail: DVanDyke [AT] CIWMB [DOT] ca [DOT] gov --------------------- From Tom Watson, King County Solid Waste Division, Seattle, WA, and the National Waste Prevention Coalition: BOOK REVIEW "Diary of a Compost Hotline Operator," by Spring Gillard. New Society Publishers, 2003. I read this enjoyable and inspiring book over the holidays. I'm sure that many of you would also like it, and if you edit a newsletter or write a column, you may want to recommend it to others. Spring Gillard works for City Farmer, a pioneering non-profit organization that promotes urban agriculture in Vancouver, BC. This book is an honest, personal and at times very funny book that covers all sorts of environmental gardening topics including home composting, worm composting, alternatives to pesticides, public education, garden tours, rainwater harvesting, "the scoop on poop" and "critter control." By honest, I mean she doesn't leave out the all-too-common realities of composting and rain barrels, such as rats, mosquitoes and lukewarm results. The fact that she acknowledges these potential problems, and explains how to deal with them, just makes her overall case all the stronger. It starts off a little cutesy, but stay with it. The last four chapters are terrific, including a wonderful section about urban gardening in New York City. The book is also packed with useful resources (websites, books, etc.) for those who want to explore these topics further. "Diary of a Compost Hotline Operator" is easily the best book on environmental gardening I've ever read. It gave me a warm feeling of hope, but at the same time it made me want to kick ass and change the world in 2004. E-mail: tom [ DOT ] watson [ AT ] metrokc [ DOT ] gov ---------------------- From Greg Harder, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Harrisburg, PA, responding to the 12/30/03 item about used building materials reuse centers: We've identified about a dozen construction material reuse and recycling centers in Pennsylvania, both non-profit and commercial. See a list on our website at: http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/wm/recycle/reduce/Construction.htm E-mail: gharder (A T) state (D O T) pa (D O T) us ---------------------- From Tom Watson, King County Solid Waste Division, Seattle, WA, and the National Waste Prevention Coalition: PRODUCT ALERT The trend toward disposable products is continuing with the new Comet brand disposable toilet brush heads. Here is an excerpt from a 12/17/03 press release about "innovative new products in 2003," from Marketing Intelligence Service, Naples, NY: "In a world of disposable products, why do most Americans re-use their toilet brushes? Maybe they won't for long if Bonita Springs, FL-based Prestige Brands International is successful with its new Comet Clean and Flush Flushable Toilet Cleaning System. Convenient and sanitary, the system consists of a cleaning wand and five flushable, cleaner-infused brush tips. Since the Comet cleaning solution is contained in the brush tip, there's no need for liquid cleaners. Simply snap on the brush tip, clean the bowl and flush the brush tip down the toilet when finished." Information on this product is also available on the Prestige Brands website at: http://www.prestigebrands.com/products.asp?menu=products&sub_menu=logo&brand_id=1&brand_category_id=6&product_category_id=15&product_group_id=31 ---------------------- Link to information on a Kresge Foundation program to provide grants to non-profits to plan green building projects (seen in the Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center newsletter): http://www.kresge.org/initiatives/index.htm Click on "Green Building" on the left. Not-for-profit organizations that have 501(c)3 designation are eligible to apply. Certain schools, hospitals and other government and religious organizations may also be eligible. The typical grant awards will be $50,000 to $100,000. The foundation, which also has a separate capital grant program for non-profits, is also offering bonus grants for grant recipients in that capital program whose green building projects are certified by the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) program. Grants will be awarded until program funds are expended. - end -