While you're checking your flashlights and first aid kits, now is a great time to gather expired medications and old batteries for proper disposal. Tap water nation-wide has been found to contain trace amounts of OTC and prescription medicines, including pain medications, caffeine, antibiotics, anti-convulsants, blood-pressure medication, hormones (I hope you're checking your meat, eggs, and milk for hormones while you're at it), anti-depressants, and anti-psychotics. Why? People flush them away, not thinking "away" gets treated and returns to the water cycle. Many medications are designed not to break down, so going through a treatment plant may not remove them. You can help stop this cycle (and recycle) by getting a $3.99 postage-paid bag such as sold at CVS pharmacy. We just went through our first aid kit, and found ELEVEN expired medications, including burn cream, eye drops, cat medicine, and Neosporin. It is bagged and ready to go.
Next: batteries. As expensive as rechargeable batteries are ($13.98 for a 4-pack of AA's), they are cheaper in the long run considering how many times you'd need to replace disposable ones as opposed to recharging the others. My lanterns from Ocean State Job Lot take 4 AA's and since I only have a AA charger, this is more efficient than the C and D-type battery flashlights. They also give off better light. You could argue that oil lanterns and candles are the most eco-friendly of all, but I have the safety of children to consider as well as a cat who might knock them over. Still have old batteries lying around? Some can be recycled or dropped off at an Eco-Depot. The best info is at Earth 911. Rhode Islanders, go here. Saturday, August 27, has two drop-off option:
North Providence High School
Next: batteries. As expensive as rechargeable batteries are ($13.98 for a 4-pack of AA's), they are cheaper in the long run considering how many times you'd need to replace disposable ones as opposed to recharging the others. My lanterns from Ocean State Job Lot take 4 AA's and since I only have a AA charger, this is more efficient than the C and D-type battery flashlights. They also give off better light. You could argue that oil lanterns and candles are the most eco-friendly of all, but I have the safety of children to consider as well as a cat who might knock them over. Still have old batteries lying around? Some can be recycled or dropped off at an Eco-Depot. The best info is at Earth 911. Rhode Islanders, go here. Saturday, August 27, has two drop-off option:
North Providence High School
1828 Mineral Spring Ave.
North Providence, RI
8 am-1 pm
RI Resource Recovery
65 Shun Pike
Johnston, RI
8 am-12 pm
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