Archive for the ‘Rubberecycle’ Category

New Solar Panels and Coupon Codes for Playsafer Mulch

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

Although dedicated to a good cause, the green industry has been tarnished by companies that tout green products that aren’t really green at all. When thousands of gallons of fuel is consumed on transport, and deforestation, pollution, and other side effects occur as the result of the manufacture of a product, it’s just not that eco-conscious anymore. Enter Rubberecycle, makers of Playsafer rubber mulch.

Rubberecycle is constantly looking for innovative ways to improve their products, and they have now raised the bar by installing energy-efficient solar panels in their plant. The panels cover 200,000 square feet of the roof, with 1.1 megawatts of power capability, and cost an estimated $3,800,000. While this was an extremely expensive proposition, Rubberecycle found it necessary in an effort to reduce the huge amounts of energy needed to power their machinery. With this addition, Rubberecyce can truly say that their rubber mulch is 100% eco-friendly. The news of Rubberecycle’s new solar panels is groundbreaking, as major news agencies report it as the latest way to manufacture eco-friendly products.

Rubberecycle’s Playsafer playground mulch has also been endorsed by Michelle Obama, as it is the flooring that is used in the White House playground. She has stamped it with her seal of approval based on its eco-friendly nature, safety for children, and great quality.

To celebrate their new solar panels and allow more consumers to go green, Rubberecycle is now offering the promotional code ‘Rubberecycle Playsafer’ for an added 10% off any purchase of Playsafer mulch. Fans that Like Rubberecycle on Facebook will also be entered for a chance to win 20 pounds of Playsafer mulch. Just Like it and email your personal information, including your Facebook username, to info@rubberecycle.com.

Smart consumers understand that using Playsafer mulch keeps kids safe today, and ensures that they will enjoy a clean future. Going green today is what will keep the world going for our children’s tomorrow.

Rubberecycle at the Trade Shows

Friday, January 20th, 2012

As the green product season heats up and manufacturers unveil their revolutionary eco-friendly goods, Rubberecycle is looking forward to being a significant presence in many prominent trade shows. Their unique rubber mulch is well renowned for its many qualities, and Rubberecycle products always generate buzz at the shows. They are right now in the midst of the trade show season with a packed schedule, in which they try to accommodate consumers all over the U.S. by helping them put the green into their lifestyles.

The first show to kick off the season was arranged by the NRPA, or National Parks and Recreation Association. The 2011 Congress and Exhibition in Atlanta, Georgia brought together experts in the parks and recreations field from across America. They did their best to show how we can have safer, greener parks with a variety of products and techniques. Rubberecycle rubber mulch, as the number one rated playground surface in America, was a topic of much discussion. It is a well known fact that the White House playground is currently floored with rubber mulch, and many cities, schools, and private homeowners are looking to follow suit.

In mid-January, MANTS, otherwise known as the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, gave green activists the opportunity to see the latest and greatest in green products. Hosted in Baltimore, the show was flooded with greenery and green activists, many of whom were eager to see for themselves how rubber mulch is both green and great for landscaping.

Next week brings with it CENTS, only the third green trade show of its kind.  Hosted by the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association, the show is a green lover’s haven. It features all the latest gizmos, gadgets, and information to do with landscaping and going green. As an industry leader, Rubberecycle will no doubt be a key exhibitor.

Also to look forward to in February is the New England Grows show, a leading horticulture trade show and green industry seminar. It is important to take note that no more is rubber mulch a little know, controversial substance in the world of landscaping. It has taken the industry by storm, and is a central exhibit at many trade shows.

With the trade show season heating up, Rubberecycle is anticipating the opportunity to help consumers recognize the many benefits of rubber mulch for themselves.

New York Holds Annual Mulchfest

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

Every year after Christmas, the streets are lined with orphaned Christmas trees awaiting their fate as the garbage trucks slowly make their rounds. In the past few years, New York City has been urging people to recycle their trees with Mulchfests. What this entails is that for two days after Christmas the city sets up centers in parks around New York and the five boroughs where people can bring their trees to be shredded into wood chips for free. Tree owners have the option of taking the wood chips home with them in a biodegradable bag provided by the city, or leaving them for the city’s use.

This year the Mulchfest will take place on January 7 and 8 in 70 sites around the city. 35 of the sites will be chipping sites, where the wood is shredded on the spot, and the other 35 will be drop-off sites, from where the city will collect the trees to be recycled. Last year, close to 17,000 Christmas trees were recycled, and New York officials hope to beat that number this year.

The Mulchfest is just one of the ways that the U.S. federal and state governments are trying to bring awareness to the importance of recycling and reusing. While wood chips have many practical uses, in some ways rubber mulch trumps wood. Rubber chips are also recycled, made from old tires. They are more durable than wood, lasting many years, and are great for use in playgrounds, horse arenas, and gardens.

Those who take part in the Mulchfest are trying to do their part to help clean up our planet. In the same vein, it is worthwhile to look into the many uses of rubber mulch, and continue the chain of recycling.

Rubber Mulch as a Winter Coat for the Ground

Monday, December 19th, 2011

As the end of December nears and the cold weather makes a strong showing, don’t abhor the snow that is sure to come. For landscapers and gardeners, snow is actually good for the ground, helping to insulate plants while they retreat during the cold weather. The snow shields the ground from the sun and any unexpected rise in temperatures, as well as keeping it cold and packed hard. The protection provided by the snow helps pave the way for regrowth in the spring.

 

In fact, experts say that if you live in an area that doesn’t see much snow you should consider adding a layer of mulch to the ground before the cold weather sets in, as it will offer similar benefits to natural snow. In order to do this, first cultivate the soil surface so the ground is not too compacted. Then spread a layer of mulch. In the spring you will have to rake the top layer of mulch off the soil, revealing ground that is primed and ready to bloom.

 

When mulching, you can use a combination of organic mulches, wood chips, or rubber mulch. For the purposes mentioned above, rubber mulch is a choice pick. The synthetic tire mulch is made of hardy material that will withstand inclement weather and guard the soil beneath. Being more dense than wood chips, rubber mulch will also stay put, rather than flying off at the hint of a wind. Lastly, wood has a tendency to decay and decompose from rain and snow, resulting in black slivers and splinters spread over the landscaping. With rubber mulch, spring will find a neat pile of mulch, left exactly where you put it down.

 

Rubberecycle rubber mulch can be purchased online, at rubberecycle.com.

The Battle to Recycle Rubber Tires

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

Tires are big, bulky objects with nowhere to go once they are past their prime. Slowly, people are becoming aware of their usefulness in the form of recycled rubber mulch, but there is still much to be done to achieve the recycling of the majority of tires. Andrew Horsman, executive director of Ontario Tire Stewardship, is giving his all to get more tires recycled.

OTS, a non profit organization, works with nine companies that manufacture recycled rubber products, such as rubber mulch flooring for playgrounds and landscaping. Now he is working to bring awareness to the construction industry. Products that can be made from rubber tires include roof shingles, mouse pads, soaker hoses, and more. Last summer, OTS reported the 25th million tire recycled in Ontario.

Horsman says that in the construction industry tires can be used more than once because they are retreaded. However, awareness has been slower because unlike regular consumers who get their tires changed at Wal-Mart, many of the construction companies work with other companies who take care of all their tire and mechanical needs.

While Horsman is doing his best to make a change for the better in Canada, the change must spread throughout the U.S., too. Thousands of tires that have nowhere to go could be put to good use by recycling them and using them in new and improved products.

It’s the responsibility of mechanics and retailers who deal with tires worldwide to put these changes into effect. Major retailers such as Costco, Wal-Mart, AutoZone, and other, have the power to recycle thousands of tires, helping to manufacture safe and eco-friendly rubber mulch. It takes just a little bit of effort to cause everlasting change.

Eco-Friendly Grass Alternatives, Part 2

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

As discussed in the previous post, grass takes a huge toll on the environment, as well as your wallet. Groundcover, rubber mulch, and ornamental grasses were discussed as good alternatives to natural grass. There are a few more options that will also take the place of grass at a lower cost financially, and to the planet.

Clover is a leafy plant that comes in various forms. It is used to condition soil and to choke out weeds. It is a good alternative to grass because it needs little watering or mowing, and no fertilizer. It also stays green throughout the summer, and costs little to purchase. The plant only grows to about four to eight inches high. It should not, however, be used in play areas or areas of constant use.

Flower and shrub beds are an excellent option for areas of low usage, and are great for sloping, hard to mow areas. Shade-loving flowers can be planted beneath trees or overhangs, areas where grass may have a hard time growing. They will also add to the aesthetic appeal. When planting flower beds, it is important to mulch around the plants. The mulch will keep the soil moist, and protect it from weeds. You can choose from a variety of options, including rubber mulch for landscaping, leaf mold, sawdust, and other options. Flower and shrub beds should be planted raised, and with a small variety of flowers.

There are many great alternatives to grass in a garden or lawn that will retain a pretty effect, with benefits to all involved parties. The specifics will be individualized to the garden in question, but in almost any area, some of the grass can be eliminated with creative alternatives.

Eco-Friendly Grass Alternatives

Tuesday, November 1st, 2011

Large, beautiful lawns of grass bring beauty to any area, but they can cost the environment greatly, aside for monetary expenses. Lots of fuel must be used for lawn mowers, lawns consume lots of water, and there are toxic emissions, among other concerns. There are many excellent alternatives to grass that will provide a beautiful garden or lawn without using natural grass.

Groundcovers are plants which spread across the soil, but do not grow high. They can be used as a form of mulch, and they are usually chosen for texture, density, and how well they prevent weeds. Unlike grass, these plants require little or no maintenance. Common forms of groundcover are flowers such as perennials and evergreens, and edible forms, such as strawberries.

Rubber mulch is excellent for permanent walkways, pathways, and driveways. It is also used around plants. Landscape mulch is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and is commonly used in backyards and playgrounds. Rubber mulch comes in numerous colors to fit and enhance any landscaping design. Because of its synthetic nature, the rubber surfacing also needs little or no maintenance, resulting in no cost to the environment. In fact, it is made out of recycled tires, benefitting the environment.

Ornamental grass comes in many forms, and is synthetically produced. The grass is drought resistant, and requires little maintenance, utilizing a lot less fertilizer and water. Ornamental grass looks exactly like naturally grown grass, with less cost to the environment.

Rubber mulch is one of many excellent alternatives that can keep lawns beautiful, easily maintainable, and eco friendly.

Back to School

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

The kids have just gone back to school, and many mothers are breathing a sigh of relief. Now is the time to make sure that the school year is off to a good start, so your kids will grow academically and socially, and enjoy a productive year.

First, be sure that your children have good backpacks. An ill-fitting backpack, or one that is too heavy, can cause back problems years down the line. Buy a book-bag that has two straps that allow the pack to be carried on the back. The straps should be wide and well padded. A good backpack needs many pockets, and should be very spacious. A drink pocket on the side is always great for a spare water bottle. Check the bag periodically throughout the year to ensure that is not too heavy, and to adjust the straps so that it is worn correctly. Going through your child’s knapsack with him or her will also help them be more organized.

Check with school policies to ensure that there are playground monitors present whenever necessary, and that playground equipment is safe. If they don’t already have it you may want to mention to the authorities at your child’s school to consider using rubber mulch for the playground surface. Rubber flooring is eco-friendly, as it is made from recycled tires, and has an extra measure of shock absorbency, resulting in fewer injuries. Rubber flooring is quickly becoming the ultimate standard in playground safety.

Set up a system with your child regarding lunch. Many children skip lunch altogether, and find it harder to learn as the day goes on, because they are hungry. If your child is happy with school lunches, make sure that they are paid for so that lunch is readily available. If not, come up with a system to ensure that he or she has lunch ready to take to school each morning. You may want to prepare it the night before. Get your child involved, so lunch is as much their responsibility as it is yours.

Check in with your child’s teachers periodically to ensure that everything is okay. Be sure to attend parent – teacher meetings, and carefully read any notes sent home by the teacher. Be sure to ask your child every night what they have for homework, and to sign it, if necessary, before they go to sleep.

KaBoom! Promoting Parks with Rubber Mulch

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

A recent article in the Sun-Advertiser lauds a childhood play program called Playful City USA. This program is a national program that advocates more play opportunities for children. It has been organized by KaBoom!, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to children’s play. The Sun writes that according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, only twenty percent of children living in the United States live within walking distance of a playground. Playful City USA and KaBoom! looks to reward cities that come up with creative ways to promote play in children.

 

One of the recipients, the city of Alvin, Texas, will run Eyes in the Park, a neighborhood watch program that will watch over cities and parks. They will also launch Ready Set Recreate, a no cost physical activity program for kids. Cities that are found eligible will receive multiple grants over a three year period.

 

Every city is trying to come up with creative ways to enhance play for children in their city. Of utmost importance is making sure that the parks where children play are safe. The safest playground flooring on the market is Playsafer rubber mulch, manufactured by Rubberecycle.

 

Rubber mulch gives kids more traction, reducing slipping, and added absorbency for a cut in injuries from falls. It is also non toxic and odorless, and comes in many colors for kid-friendly décor. The rubber mulch floors used in playgrounds are also weather resistant, resulting in little or no maintenance and replenishing. This last feature is a sure winner for taxpayers who are donating their hard earned money toward their children’s enjoyment and education through play.

 

Cities receiving grants from KaBoom! and the Playful City USA program should use the grants they receive to invest in rubber flooring for all the cities’ parks, first and foremost. After that, city organizers can decide how to spend the money, whether on extravagant playground equipment, or other kid-friendly gear.

Taking Stock of Your Playground

Monday, September 19th, 2011

Autumn is one of the few seasons when injuries in children are at a lower rate. There is no ice for kids to slip on, and no risk of dehydration, drowning, heatstroke, and sunburns. With the weather crisp and cool, many a child revels in jumping in freshly raked piles of leaves and feeling the wind in their hair as they speed down the street on bikes. With other preoccupations aside, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your backyard playground and ensure that it is as safe as can be.

The first thing to consider is playground flooring. The White House has led by example in showing that the most eco friendly flooring option that is also at the top in playground safety is rubber mulch. Rubber mulch playground floors come in many different forms and colors. In fact, the White House playground boasts green Playsafer rubber mulch. With an extra measure of shock absorbency, rubber chips help prevent injuries in children at play.

Do some research to determine whether you require rubber wear mats, rubber mulch bonding, or rubber mulch chips. Each has benefits for specific situations. Rubber mulch will offer your playground a cheerful, fresh look, while keeping your children safe.

The next thing to look at is the age of the playground equipment. Rust can be a cause on infection. Rusty parts should be oiled and cleaned. If the rust persists, it’s time to say good bye. Old toys can also be weak and dangerous to play on. Check that screws are tight, and that the playground equipment easily holds your full weight before allowing your child to play on it.

Although you may not have noticed it, children grow, and their needs change as they develop. You may want to consider updating your playground toys with more age appropriate apparatus in order to further enhance your child’s development. As long as it’s in good condition, you can easily sell your old playground equipment on Craigslist, Ebay, etc.

Playground equipment that has been neglected and broken with time must be gotten rid of, as it poses a safety hazard. You never know when your child may decide to reminisce about his younger years in an old playground toy. This is asking for trouble.