The R4 Initiative

Schick Debuts Recycled Razor
Many greenies opt for reusable razors to cut back on waste. But if you haven’t made the switch, Schick has found a way to make your disposable razor habit a bit more eco-friendly. The leading razor manufacturer is joining forces with NextLife Resin to create what the companies say is the first razor made from [...]

New Compost Labels Help Home Gardeners
The U.S. Composting Council is taking the guess-work out of choosing the right kind of compost by launching its Consumer Compost Use Program – a labeling system that will identify the types of uses that a compost product is best suited for, including trees, shrubs, flower and vegetable gardens and lawn care. “We now have [...]

New LED Bulbs Light Up National Mall
At a press conference on the National Mall on Jan. 30, Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar flipped a ceremonial light switch to reveal the park?s energy upgrades: LED light bulbs installed in the 173 streetlight posts that line the National Mall?s walkways, the Alliance to Save Energy reports. The [...]

Packers to Recycle Lambeau Field Scoreboards
Off-season renovations are underway at Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers. But old materials aren’t headed for the landfill. They’re being recovered for recycling, according to recent news reports. This week, work crews began taking down the scoreboard in the south end zone to make way for a brand new 100 foot [...]

SEE: Mosaic Made From Mardi Gras Beads
German-born artist Stephan Wanger has completed the world’s largest mosaic ever made out of beads. The work – entitled “Sanctuary of Algeria” – is 8 feet tall by 30 feet wide and contains more than 1 million recycled Mardi Gras beads. The self-taught artist said he hopes his work will raise awareness of the thousands [...]

INFOGRAPHIC: Green Impact of Super Bowl XLVI
The NFL has been investing in environmental programs for nearly two decades. And this year’s Super Bowl rematch between the New England Patriots and New York Giants will be no exception. Super Bowl XLVI will be powered by 15 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy, provided by Green Mountain Energy Company. Sourcing game-day power from [...]

Chevy's New Eco Labels Show Cars- Impact
When shopping for a new car, its fuel economy label will tell you estimated miles per gallon, but you?re left in the dark about the environmental impact of the vehicle over its lifetime, from production to disposal. Now Chevrolet is going beyond the average fuel economy window sticker with its new Ecologic labels, which will [...]

Austin Residents Debate Bag Ban Online
Late last year, lawmakers in Austin, Texas passed an ordinance to slap fees on plastic and paper carryout bags in 2013 and ban them outright by 2014. Although the city vowed to attain “zero-waste” by 2040, carryout bag legislation has seen mixed reviews from locals. Environmental groups like Texas Campaign for the Environment support the [...]

Duke, UNC to Wear Recycled Uniforms
Nike released its new “platinum” uniform line on Wednesday to be worn by nine of the nation’s top men’s and women’s college basketball teams for one game each later this season, the company announced this week. The fabric of the Nike Hyper Elite Platinum shorts is made from 100 percent recycled polyester, while the jersey [...]

VIDEO: Soda Bottles Upcycled into Solar Light Bulbs
In 2009, 3 million households outside of Manila, Philippines, still didn?t have access to electricity, according to the country?s electrification commission. But the MyShelter Foundation wants to help Filipino families get out of the dark, aiming to light up 1 million homes in the Philippines by the end of this year. MyShelter?s latest project, A [...]