They’re tiny, plastic and come in almost every color imaginable. They are a driving force in the world economy. They make up beanie babies, beanbags and are the principle component in most of the conveniences that make life safe and possible. And most importantly, they’re 100 percent recycled.
Plastic pellets are the product of an intensive recycling process. Plastic waste is sorted, cleaned and processed into the tiny pellets. The pellets can then be melted down to create toys, machinery parts, wrapping for food and products and spacers in rock tumblers.
The pellets are recycled from an assortment of plastic materials. There are several types of pellets, each made of a different type of plastic. One type, made of Coroplast, is recycled mostly from corrugated plastic signs.
In the spring of 2008, Austin officials were informed of the recyclability of Coroplast campaign signs. In an effort to help the environment, political figures have been asked to construct their campaign signs out of Coroplast and make sure that signs are recycled properly.
“Our partner in this initiative is Cycled Plastics, a local company that recycles plastics into pellets, which are resold to manufacturers as a raw material for consumer products,” said Deborah Salzman, waste management supervisor for the city of Austin. “They are able to recycle polypropylene corrugate plastic, but not polyethylene corrugated plastic. These two materials look the same and cannot be differentiated visually.”
The idea for recyclable campaign signs came to the department because of public interest.
“We have always had lots of input from citizens, especially during election time,” said Salzman. “They see the signs and wonder why they’re still up. Then call in and ask what options [there] are for disposal. We piloted this program during the City Council elections this past May.”
Interested candidates were then asked to order only Coroplast signs and to print the Campaign Recycle logo on the signs. The logo was to ensure Cycle Plastics that any signs with the logos were indeed polypropylene corrugated plastic. Cycle Plastics received about 200 signs with the Campaign Recycled logo after the election and about 211 pounds of metal stands.
The movement for recyclable election materials then caught the attention of Sustainable San Marcos. The organization quickly brought the idea to local candidates.
“I was in City Council, so I knew about the problem,” said Betsy Robertson, chairman of the board for Sustainable San Marcos. “We found a place that agreed to be a drop off site and ran with the idea. We met with candidates in August and left the rest to them.”
This is the first year San Marcos candidates have worked to recycle their signs.
“Until this year, they’ve just been chunking them,” said Daniela De Jongh of Sustainable San Marcos. “There’s never really been a second option.”
There are, however, challenges to the recycling process.
“There are many problems inherent in recycling campaign signs due to the variety of inks and sign materials used,” said Salzman. “Things such as vinyl overlays can also present problems for recyclers.”
Cycled Plastics currently purchases curbside plastics from several places around the world. The recyclable plastics are washed and “repelletized” to product a clean base product for manufacturers. From parts to pellets, Cycled Plastics of Austin can grind, shred, wash and “repelletize” scrap plastic into a consistent, clean raw material.
Corrugated plastic, also known under the trade names Coroplast, Correx, Corriflute or Twinplast, refers to a wide range of extruded twin wall plastic sheet products produced from high impact polypropylene resin. Coroplast products recycle in processing streams such as plastic milk cartons and detergent bottles.
By accepting a variety of plastics, in various forms, Cycled Plastics has become a ‘one-stop shopping’ solution for several Fortune 100 companies across the United States and Mexico. They work with municipalities to help keep a large amount of plastic waste from ever reaching landfills. Their recycle pellets are use in thousands of products in several countries around the world.
According to Robertson, candidates have 10 days to remove signs from private and public property. Signs posted at polling sites must be removed immediately after polls close, according to the San Marcos City Clerk’s office.
If not collected by candidates, campaign signs can be dropped off at Green Guy Recycling in San Marcos, Cycled Plastics or Ecology Action in Austin. All drop sites are free and only ask that stakes be removed from signs.
In Jowers, on the Texas State campus, John Moreau can usually be found. Teaching one of the 10 classes he teaches, practicing with the fencing team or just lounging with students and colleagues.
John was born “above the city” in upstate New York. He was fairly active in sports throughout high school, but it was college where he found his passion. With the random question from a coach of, “Why don’t you try Modern Pentathlon,” John was introduced to fencing
“It’s one of the ultimate mind and body activities,” John said. “What you may lack in natural physical ability can sometimes be made up for with one's mental or tactical ability.”
Throughout his sports career John qualified twice for the U.S. Olympic Fencing Team, and made the world fencing team three times. He was a finalist in 46 national fencing competitions, and was champion six times in the Epee division.
In 2003 at the age of 52, he won the summer nationals, making him the oldest national championship winner in United States Fencing Association history. His opponent was 22.
John recently officiated at the Beijing Olympics, one of only eight selected for the judging team and the only judge from the western hemisphere.
“In order to make the team, or do anything, you have to believe you can do it. You have to see yourself doing it,” said John.
When speaking with him, one theme always emerges no matter the topic. He always works in the idea that life is life and you just have to do your best.
“You just have to keep trying for your best everyday,” John said. “As long as you try your best everyday, that’s all you can do. How can you do better than your best? If you do better than your best, that’s now your new best.”
In 1973, John left school and joined the military becacuse, at the time, the Army supported the Modern Pentathalon. He scored 160 out of 160 on his entrance exam.
“I’m a good test taker,” He said with a small smile. “You just have to have confidence in yourself. You’re gonna make it happen.”
In ’76 John left the military after finishing his service time and returned to school at Binghamton University in New York to complete his degree in Art and Art History.
“They didn’t have a physical education degree,” He chuckled.
In the spring of 1977, John entered the graduate program at the then Southwest Texas State University. After graduation, John decided to try for the Olympic team. And made it.
Soon after he returned to his alma mater and became a physical education teacher. He’s been there ever since.
John is fervent in the idea of loving life and living like you mean it. Even when he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Lymphoma in 2001, he never let go of this belief.
“It’s impossible to be in a bad mood around him,” said Dean Lantrip, Texas State Fencing Team president.
When John speaks, his Superman-esce qualities are highlighted. His down-to-earth, optomistic attitude punctuates his beliefs, and his genuine personality shines through.
People can get lost in those words. The hope and strength he expects out of everyone seems so possible.
Tomorrow John will be going for another round of antibody therapy.
He will spend two hours strapped to a chair with an IV drip in his arm. Wash, rinse and repeat every six months.
“The doctors said that I’d get sick. They said I’d be too tired to do a lot of things - that I probably wouldn’t be able to fence, or continue teaching my classes, but I haven’t missed a day yet.” The triumph in his voice is clear.
He’s not scared of the chemo. He’s not scared of the Lymphoma. John competed during his treatment. He placed third.
“I’m strong. And if I do die, why will I care? I’ll be dead,” he said, his eyes sparkling along with his deep laugh.
“Don’t let my wife hear that,” he said with a wink. “She doesn’t like it when I talk like that.”
John doesn’t focus on the bad in life. He always looks toward the future. He works everyday to set a new level for himself, to make something better.
“In the end, it’s who you affect. Those are the things that make [life] worth while.”
This man, this survivor, has illuminated hope and inspired students during his entire time at Texas State.
Whenever students think of John Moreau, they’ll probably see a cape around his shoulders. The Texas State Superman, inspiring students to better things.
3 comments:
Campaign signs support candidates and recycling
They’re tiny, plastic and come in almost every color imaginable. They are a driving force in the world economy. They make up beanie babies, beanbags and are the principle component in most of the conveniences that make life safe and possible. And most importantly, they’re 100 percent recycled.
Plastic pellets are the product of an intensive recycling process. Plastic waste is sorted, cleaned and processed into the tiny pellets. The pellets can then be melted down to create toys, machinery parts, wrapping for food and products and spacers in rock tumblers.
The pellets are recycled from an assortment of plastic materials. There are several types of pellets, each made of a different type of plastic. One type, made of Coroplast, is recycled mostly from corrugated plastic signs.
In the spring of 2008, Austin officials were informed of the recyclability of Coroplast campaign signs. In an effort to help the environment, political figures have been asked to construct their campaign signs out of Coroplast and make sure that signs are recycled properly.
“Our partner in this initiative is Cycled Plastics, a local company that recycles plastics into pellets, which are resold to manufacturers as a raw material for consumer products,” said Deborah Salzman, waste management supervisor for the city of Austin. “They are able to recycle polypropylene corrugate plastic, but not polyethylene corrugated plastic. These two materials look the same and cannot be differentiated visually.”
The idea for recyclable campaign signs came to the department because of public interest.
“We have always had lots of input from citizens, especially during election time,” said Salzman. “They see the signs and wonder why they’re still up. Then call in and ask what options [there] are for disposal. We piloted this program during the City Council elections this past May.”
Interested candidates were then asked to order only Coroplast signs and to print the Campaign Recycle logo on the signs. The logo was to ensure Cycle Plastics that any signs with the logos were indeed polypropylene corrugated plastic. Cycle Plastics received about 200 signs with the Campaign Recycled logo after the election and about 211 pounds of metal stands.
The movement for recyclable election materials then caught the attention of Sustainable San Marcos. The organization quickly brought the idea to local candidates.
“I was in City Council, so I knew about the problem,” said Betsy Robertson, chairman of the board for Sustainable San Marcos. “We found a place that agreed to be a drop off site and ran with the idea. We met with candidates in August and left the rest to them.”
This is the first year San Marcos candidates have worked to recycle their signs.
“Until this year, they’ve just been chunking them,” said Daniela De Jongh of Sustainable San Marcos. “There’s never really been a second option.”
There are, however, challenges to the recycling process.
“There are many problems inherent in recycling campaign signs due to the variety of inks and sign materials used,” said Salzman. “Things such as vinyl overlays can also present problems for recyclers.”
Cycled Plastics currently purchases curbside plastics from several places around the world. The recyclable plastics are washed and “repelletized” to product a clean base product for manufacturers. From parts to pellets, Cycled Plastics of Austin can grind, shred, wash and “repelletize” scrap plastic into a consistent, clean raw material.
Corrugated plastic, also known under the trade names Coroplast, Correx, Corriflute or Twinplast, refers to a wide range of extruded twin wall plastic sheet products produced from high impact polypropylene resin. Coroplast products recycle in processing streams such as plastic milk cartons and detergent bottles.
By accepting a variety of plastics, in various forms, Cycled Plastics has become a ‘one-stop shopping’ solution for several Fortune 100 companies across the United States and Mexico. They work with municipalities to help keep a large amount of plastic waste from ever reaching landfills. Their recycle pellets are use in thousands of products in several countries around the world.
According to Robertson, candidates have 10 days to remove signs from private and public property. Signs posted at polling sites must be removed immediately after polls close, according to the San Marcos City Clerk’s office.
If not collected by candidates, campaign signs can be dropped off at Green Guy Recycling in San Marcos, Cycled Plastics or Ecology Action in Austin. All drop sites are free and only ask that stakes be removed from signs.
Teaching survival with a smile
He’s Superman, just minus the cape.
In Jowers, on the Texas State campus, John Moreau can usually be found. Teaching one of the 10 classes he teaches, practicing with the fencing team or just lounging with students and colleagues.
John was born “above the city” in upstate New York. He was fairly active in sports throughout high school, but it was college where he found his passion. With the random question from a coach of, “Why don’t you try Modern Pentathlon,” John was introduced to fencing
“It’s one of the ultimate mind and body activities,” John said. “What you may lack in natural physical ability can sometimes be made up for with one's mental or tactical ability.”
Throughout his sports career John qualified twice for the U.S. Olympic Fencing Team, and made the world fencing team three times. He was a finalist in 46 national fencing competitions, and was champion six times in the Epee division.
In 2003 at the age of 52, he won the summer nationals, making him the oldest national championship winner in United States Fencing Association history. His opponent was 22.
John recently officiated at the Beijing Olympics, one of only eight selected for the judging team and the only judge from the western hemisphere.
“In order to make the team, or do anything, you have to believe you can do it. You have to see yourself doing it,” said John.
When speaking with him, one theme always emerges no matter the topic. He always works in the idea that life is life and you just have to do your best.
“You just have to keep trying for your best everyday,” John said. “As long as you try your best everyday, that’s all you can do. How can you do better than your best? If you do better than your best, that’s now your new best.”
In 1973, John left school and joined the military becacuse, at the time, the Army supported the Modern Pentathalon. He scored 160 out of 160 on his entrance exam.
“I’m a good test taker,” He said with a small smile. “You just have to have confidence in yourself. You’re gonna make it happen.”
In ’76 John left the military after finishing his service time and returned to school at Binghamton University in New York to complete his degree in Art and Art History.
“They didn’t have a physical education degree,” He chuckled.
In the spring of 1977, John entered the graduate program at the then Southwest Texas State University. After graduation, John decided to try for the Olympic team. And made it.
Soon after he returned to his alma mater and became a physical education teacher. He’s been there ever since.
John is fervent in the idea of loving life and living like you mean it. Even when he was diagnosed with Stage 3 Lymphoma in 2001, he never let go of this belief.
“It’s impossible to be in a bad mood around him,” said Dean Lantrip, Texas State Fencing Team president.
When John speaks, his Superman-esce qualities are highlighted. His down-to-earth, optomistic attitude punctuates his beliefs, and his genuine personality shines through.
People can get lost in those words. The hope and strength he expects out of everyone seems so possible.
Tomorrow John will be going for another round of antibody therapy.
He will spend two hours strapped to a chair with an IV drip in his arm. Wash, rinse and repeat every six months.
“The doctors said that I’d get sick. They said I’d be too tired to do a lot of things - that I probably wouldn’t be able to fence, or continue teaching my classes, but I haven’t missed a day yet.” The triumph in his voice is clear.
He’s not scared of the chemo. He’s not scared of the Lymphoma. John competed during his treatment. He placed third.
“I’m strong. And if I do die, why will I care? I’ll be dead,” he said, his eyes sparkling along with his deep laugh.
“Don’t let my wife hear that,” he said with a wink. “She doesn’t like it when I talk like that.”
John doesn’t focus on the bad in life. He always looks toward the future. He works everyday to set a new level for himself, to make something better.
“In the end, it’s who you affect. Those are the things that make [life] worth while.”
This man, this survivor, has illuminated hope and inspired students during his entire time at Texas State.
Whenever students think of John Moreau, they’ll probably see a cape around his shoulders. The Texas State Superman, inspiring students to better things.
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