Innovative Packaging

Mary Campbell, Extension Director and Urban Sustainability Agent

It is always interesting to see new innovative ways to use waste products. Dell announced the beginning of a pilot for mushroom based packaging. The mushroom cushioning is unique because it is grown and not manufactured in the traditional sense. Packaging products are created by growing mushroom fibers on waste like cotton seed, wood fiber and buckwheat hulls. Waste products are placed in a mold which is then inoculated with mushroom spawn. Cushions take 5 - 10 days to grow as the spawn, which become the root structure - or by the scientific name, mycelium - of the mushroom.

All the energy needed to form the cushion is supplied by the carbohydrates and sugars in the agricultural waste. Once the material has grown into the shape, it is heat treated to stop the growth, and the packaging is done. There's no need for energy in the process and manufacturers estimate it takes 98% less energy to create mushroom based packaging than Styrofoam. Now you know why there has been such interest in mushroom packaging. Dell plans to eliminate about 20 million pounds of packaging material from their shipments by the end of 2012. The organic based mushroom cushions are easily composted after use.

Floridians throw away about 8 pounds of garbage per person each day, double the national average. There are a number of ways to tackle the problem of garbage. One way starts with you and the products you buy. You can shop with the environment in mind. Try to buy products that:

• make the best use of energy resources
• don't pollute our air and water
• are reusable or recyclable
• are made from plentiful resources or from recycled material
• use a minimum of materials in design and packaging

Resources:

UF EDIS Enviroshopping: Buy Smarter

Dell Plans Pilot to ship Products in Mushroom Packaging

Call for Pinellas Recycles Day Vendors

By: Guest Blogger Jim Chapin, Event Coordinator

Do you or anyone you know create products using recycled materials?

If so, please consider registering to display your creations at the Pinellas Recycles Day event on November 6th. This event is part of the national American Recycles Day program.

Our local event will be held at the Town Square Plaza Park, 5010 - 81st Ave. North in Pinellas Park Florida. The event runs from 9 am till 4 pm. The event will showcase products made from recycled material, what and where residents can recycle, and tips on how to increase your recycling efforts. The event will feature vendors and their products, food vendors, local recycling experts, live entertainment from the "Earthlings", plus free giveaways. The event is free to attend and free to display recycled products.

For more information visit our website www.keeppinellasbeautiful.org once there go to the calender or fill out the vendor registration form.

See you there.