Reduce, Re-use, Recycle.

[Lance E]

We have the "3 R's" policy working pretty well and have trouble with a few things, one of which is glass from the workshop (as covered in this thread).
We also have problems reusing and recyling the large expanded polystyrene blocks that come in some packaging, any ideas?
Hints or tips for any of the R's mentioned in regard to other common materials?

 

[Ron Eggers]

Styrofome is a problem, whether it's fomecore board scraps or those white packing peanuts. Somebody once told me that styrofome will disolve completely in Acetone. I would expect that disposing of the acetone would be an even bigger problem.

When I get a large-enough volume of the packing peanuts, I run them over to my favorite pack-and-ship store. They're glad to get them and sometimes they'll give me a little break on my shipping.

How 'bout this? Every time you get a prepaid return envelope from some solicitor, why not fill it with glass and fomecore scraps, used razor blades, etc and return it? I'm sure the postal service would get a big kick out of it. In case they don't, maybe omit the return address.

One of my favorite things about the free delivery we're getting from most of our vendors - besides the free part - is that they tend to use minimal packaging since they're not throwing the stuff out of the back of a big brown truck. That means a lot less stuff to get rid of afterwards.

 

[Whynot]

Ron,

Styrofome fully disolved in acetone turns into a clear, usable sort of fast drying laquer. You'll be amazed at how much styrofome can be disolved in any given quantity of acetone.
What framers would use that laquer for yet remanins to be answered. This is why I'd admit that your favorite solution is the most practical one.

 

[John Ranes II CPF GCF]

Ron,

Don't dump or throw away those peanuts! Since we launched our website last year, we have had to purchase these items for packing up gift items.......and they're expensive.

Gather them up and when you have a nice box full, just let me know and I'll run over to pick them up......Hey, if I can't use them, then Mark from the Packaging Store certainly will take them!

John

 

[Ron Eggers]

Originally posted by RonEggers:
When I get a large-enough volume of the packing peanuts, I run them over to my favorite pack-and-ship store. They're glad to get them and sometimes they'll give me a little break on my shipping.

I've been giving them to Mark for years. But, then again, Mark never told me about The Grumble, recommended me for Framer Select or hand-delivered a Janalan coffee mug from Alan Beitz in Australia, so maybe I owe you one.