Search results matching tags 'playa del carmen' and 'Recycling'

May 17th Used Tire Recycling Day

435836 — Fri, 10 May 2013 22:44:00 GMT

Solidaridad presents the monthly Tire-thon!

Do you have used or unwanted and unsightly tires hanging around your yard? Bring them to this month's Tire-thon for recycling! Collection points are at Plaza 28 de Julio, The Sports complex on Juarez Avenue, and Juarez Avenue at 140 Avenue. For more information please call the Environmental Department at 984-877-3050 ext.10129.

March 17 Eco-Street Market & Mini Workshop

435836 — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:18:00 GMT

Exchange, Co-exist, Learn, and Have Fun!

This Eco-friendly celebration will bring awareness to both adults and children of the importance of recycling, as well as give the community a chance to share ideas and advocate a healthy environment for years to come!

The event is from 2-5pm and will take place at Caracol Marino on 80th Street, between 5th and 10th Avenues. Please bring your own bags and baskets for food and product purchases. For more information, please visit the Solidaridad Community website.

March 1st Recyclathon in the Riviera Maya

435836 — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:06:00 GMT

The first Friday of every month, all year round, is a chance for all of us to help maintain our beautiful Solidaridad by contributing to the Recyclathon!

All types of paper, plastics, used printer supplies and electronics, batteries, vegetable oil, glass, and medicines will be collected at various locations throughout Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras. For more information on how to help, please contact the Environmental Department of Solidaridad at 984-877-3050 Ext. 10129.

Go Green with the Kilo Verde Recycling Program

435836 — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:19:00 GMT

Just a quick reminder to everyone that this Saturday February 16 is the next Kilo Verde recycling opportunity. The kids and I went on our first Kilo Verde "adventure" last month to the installation in the La Guadalupana neighborhood in the north end of Playa. I say adventure as there are no signs on the highway for the turn-off to the fraccionamento and once we found it we drove around for quite awhile trying to find the right park. The local police did not know the location nor did other Solidaridad workers picking up garbage just a few blocks away. *sigh*

Once we arrived, everything was set up and ready to go. We arrived fairly early and unfortunately, they had not yet received their full shipment of plants. We only had a few species to choose from but information about the complete selection of trees, shrubs and flowering plants was carefully prepared and laid out for our reference. It really helped to identify the young plants and to see what we could expect once they matured. There was plenty of staff on hand to register each of us, help sort our recyclable items and weigh electronics and other items not easy sorted. Everyone was super friendly and happy that we had made the effort to participate despite our "adventure". They were very open to the idea of posting a simple map or "croquis" showing the exact location of the recycling center so that people coming from outside the neighborhood would be able to find it more easily.

This week the Kilo Verde Program will be set up in the park in Fracc. Mision de las Flores.

These are the remaining dates and locations for Kilo Verde 2013:

February 16 – Fracc. Mision de las Flores
March 16 – Col. Luis Donaldo Colosio
April 20 – Fracc. Villamar II
May 18 – Fracc. Mision del Carmen
June 15 – Domo del Ejido
July 20 – Colonia 28 de Julio
August 17 – Fracc. Villas del Sol
September 21 – Colonia Zazil Ha
October 19 - Fracc. Balam Tun
November 16 – Fracc. Las Palmas
December 21 – Colonia Nicte Ha

Options for Recycling in Playa del Carmen

435836 — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 11:03:00 GMT

Reduce! Reuse! Recycle! - We hear the mantra everyday. We see the ubiquitous symbol for the 3 "R"s everywhere. Our children attend classes and workshops teaching them the importance of recycling and how it benefits our lives and our environment. In an encouraging development, the current municipal administration has implemented a mandatory recycling requirement which must be fulfilled by many business owners in Solidaridad. Applicable businesses who do not comply and cannot provide proof of participation will be fined! As the Municipality of Solidaridad creates approximately 450 tons of garbage every day, the time has come for action. It is obvious that the government recognizes the importance of recycling and is actively creating strategies to make it apart of everyone's daily life.

Some of the schools in the region run their own ongoing recycling programs and this is a huge help to families such as ours. Recycling bins can also be found now at most of not all of the supermarkets and big box stores. Still without the regular pick-up service that many of us were accustomed to in the US and Canada, many people living in Playa del Carmen are unaware or confused about their options for recycling.

As tomorrow is the first "Kilo Verde" collection date for 2013, I thought this would be a good time to remind "Life's a Beach" readers about the opportunities for recycling in and around Playa del Carmen.

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Municipal Centro de Acopio - On the first Friday of every month, the Municipality of Solidaridad accepts all recycled items including appliances and batteries at the "centro de acopio" in downtown Playa del Carmen. The collection center is set up in front of the Municipal Plaza and is well marked. Although vehicular traffic has now been prohibited on Av. 20 between calles 8 and 10, authorities will allow you to pass if you are unloading your monthly recycling.

This is the primary recycling drive for the Municipality of Solidaridad and the option that accepts the widest range of items. Alternative collection locations for Solidaridad are arranged monthly and announced in advance of the collection date. In Puerto Aventuras, you may leave your recyclable items in the "centro de acopio" at the skate park. Business owners will obtain a receipt for their contribution which can be presented to Municipal officials as proof of compliance.

Recyclable items include:

Plastics (PET) - clear plastics, water bottles etc.
Paper - must not have crayon on it or other oily substances
Newspaper
Cardboard - clean with no food oils or residue
Tetrapak (milk/juice cartons)
Batteries
Lighters
Old Electronics
Scrap Metal
Toner Cartridges
Aluminum - cans, clean foil etc.
Used Cooking Oil - in a sealed container

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Kilo Verde - Of the recycling options available to the residents of Playa del Carmen, Kilo Verde is my favorite. An initiative led by the Ayuntamiento de Solidaridad, Kilo Verde was established to promote recycling, environmental care and proper waste management. Kilo Verde encourages residents of the Riviera Maya to properly separate their household waste and, at the same time, contribute to the reforestation and beautification of their own neighborhoods.

This innovative social program began in 2008 and over the past few years, thanks to some new governmental recycling requirements, has steadily grown in popularity. Individuals and businesses in Playa del Carmen are welcomed to the Kilo Verde collection center where they may exchange their recycling for a lovely indigenous plant or tree. They have a variety of species available and the plants you can choose from depend on the amount of refuse you turn in. As long as you turn in at least one kilo of recyclable items, you can take a plant of your choice.

Kilo Verde does not yet have the ability to accept the range of products that the other monthly "Cento de Acopio" can. They do take paper, newspapers, magazines, clean cardboard, plastics #1, #2, #4 and #5, cans, glass bottles and jars and electronics. Everything should be sorted and will be weighed. This fantastic new recycling project is really gaining force! It is funded by the Mexico Environmental Protection Agency and is held in a different location every month in order to be able to service as may regions of the city as possible. The center will operate from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. In order to support the needs of local business people trying to comply with the local government's new regulations, Kilo Verde is able to provide receipts valid for proof of participation. These are the dates and locations for Kilo Verde 2013:

January 19 – Fracc. Guadalupana
February 16 – Fracc. Mision de las Flores
March 16 – Col. Luis Donaldo Colosio
April 20 – Fracc. Villamar II
May 18 – Fracc. Mision del Carmen
June 15 – Domo del Ejido
July 20 – Colonia 28 de Julio
August 17 – Fracc. Villas del Sol
September 21 – Colonia Zazil Ha
October 19 - Fracc. Balam Tun
November 16 – Fracc. Las Palmas
December 21 – Colonia Nicte Ha

Last year in a Kilo Verde collection in Fracc. Villamar I, 280 regional plants were given out in exchange for 863 kilos of recyclable waste. The exact location of the Kilo Verde collection center in each neighborhood is sometimes announced a few days prior via a flier distributed on Facebook. Generally, if you drive to the area and ask around, someone will know where they have set up. Come early to get the best choice of plants!

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Parque la Ceiba - An oasis of calm in the midst of urban sprawl, Parque la Ceiba maintains over 75% of its space as natural green space and has carefully interspersed several classrooms, a recycling education and collection center, an open ampitheatre, restroom facilities and a small cafe on its grounds. The park designers have also created numerous creative play areas which are placed along paths which wind through this urban jungle.

For Playa residents who do not have access to an ongoing recycling service such as those provided by some of the schools, the recycling collection center at Parque la Ceiba is the best option. Not everyone has the space in their home or apartment to store three weeks worth of recycling and for them, a trip to La Ceiba once or twice a week is a great option.

The collection center at Parque la Ceiba will accept: certain plastics (PET), paper, newspaper, magazines, cardboard, tetrapak, batteries, lighters, old electronics, scrap metal, toner cartridges, aluminum and used cooking oil - in a sealed container.

Not only does Parque la Ceiba operate the most complete ongoing recycling center in Playa del Carmen, they also provide many educational programs for school children to teach them the three "R"s. Modern compost bins are also set up in this area which utilize the organic remains left over from the cafe, banana peels left by visiting children and trimmings and leaved from the trees and bushes in the park. That compost is put to good use as the park maintains an onsite nursery raising and selling plants native to the region. Residents do well buying these plants because they are the most suited to the area’s soil and climate, and grow very well in containers and home gardens. Profits from sales go toward ongoing projects and park maintenance. Even if you don't have any recycling to drop off, the park is well worth a visit.

Parque La Ceiba is located at Avenida 60 and calle 1 south, just one block off of Juarez, two blocks west from the carratera 307. The park is open 7 days a week from 9am to 9pm. There is generally plenty of parking on the streets surrounding the park. Admission to Parque la Ceiba is free.

I moved to Mexico with my family in 2004 with the hope of offering our children a more global education and world view. Since then, we have traveled through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, gathering friends and life experiences and learning a lot about ourselves along the way. When we are not out and about exploring, Rob and I own and operate BuyPlaya, a Playa del Carmen real estate company and FurnitureMex. "Life's a Beach" is a catch-all blog where you may find anything from restaurant reviews, to recipes, gardening tips, commentary about expat daily life, local events, information about moving to Mexico and educating children in Playa del Carmen. You can also find me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.

August 3, 2012 Riviera Maya Recycle-a-thon

435836 — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 23:24:00 GMT

Please participate in the Recycle-a-thon!! There are 6 drop off points in Playa del Carmen and 2 in Puerto Adventuras! Not recycling is not cool!!

Bring your paper, news paper, magazines, books, cardboard, plastic, glass bottles, used cooking oil, toner cartridges, electronic equipment, household appliances, aluminum cans and scrap metal to be recycled.

For more information contact the Dirección de Medio Ambiente at 984-877-3050 ext 101 29

10 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day on the Riviera Maya

435836 — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:00:00 GMT

Once again, it is time to celebrate Earth Day, a special day set-aside for all of us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us and work toward protecting it for future generations. The first Earth Day was organized in the United States on April 22, 1970 as a nationwide demonstration, urging local and federal government officials to put important environmental issues on the agenda. Much to the surprise of the powers-that-be, over 20 million students, environmental activists, business leaders and impassioned citizens participated in the first Earth Day. An environmental revolution had officially begun.

Earth Day has been celebrated every year since 1970, and 42 years later, its purpose remains the same: to encourage social and political action by drawing attention to the cause. Every year, around the world, the critical state of the environment comes to the forefront of everyone's agenda, and billions of people step up to do their part, if only for a day.

Here in Mexico, we also celebrate Earth Day and here are 10 great ways you can commemorate Earth Day 2012 on the Riviera Maya.

1. Go for a bike ride. Every Sunday, the Municipality closes the Arco Vial from 307 near Centro Maya all the way to Juarez. The lanes are open only to bike traffic and hundreds of families and bike enthusiasts turn up every weekend to enjoy the exercise and fresh air.

2. Plant a tree. Planting trees, bushes or any plant life not only beautifies your living spaces, it also cleans some of the CO2 out the air we breath replacing it with essential oxygen. Not all of us have the place to plant a tree but I think we all have room for a potted plant or two. Maybe this is the time to start some tomato plants on your patio or set out a selection of potted herbs on your windowsill!

3. Make a bird feeder with your kids. Here is a great design for an easy DIY bird feeder made out of cheap household and recycled items!

4. Visit a local recycling center. Parque la Ceiba has a wonderful interactive recycling area where children and adults alike can learn how to reduce-reuse-recycle. They also have small plant nursery, a cafe and recreational areas for all ages.

5. Clean up the beach. If you can find an organized beach-cleaning event, great! If not, take plastic bag to the beach and do your part to clean up what has been washed ashore or left behind by less earth-conscious visitors.

6. Start a compost bin. Composting turns kitchen and garden scraps into nutrient rich soil, perfect for your garden or potted plants. Composting also keeps useful, organic waste out of our dumps. You don't need a fancy expensive set-up to start a compost bin and it can be done easily in a small yard or even on a patio or terrace!

7. Turn off the AC. It's hot here, almost year round. Whether you are staying in a hotel or renting a condo in Playa del Carmen it is tempting to leave on the AC when you leave...especially if you are not paying extra for it. Take the time to turn off all lights, fans and air-conditioning units every time you leave to go out.

8. Prepare an Earth Day meal. Fresh, non-processed foods taste so much better and they certainly are better for you! Spend some time at DAC or in the produce section of any major grocery store and see what inspiration you can find from the all the fresh veggies and fruits available. Here is a favorite recipe of ours to inspire you!

9. Buy a Reusable shopping bag. DAC offers plastic mesh shopping bags in various sizes and every color of the rainbow. These are great as they are waterproof and can do double duty as beach bags. If you are looking for a more fashionable alternative, all the best-dressed ladies in Playa carry these gorgeous WearEarth bags from Tote le Monde.

10. Attend an Earth Day event. This year, there are several Earth Day celebrations being held in Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Check out our Riviera Maya Events Calendar for Earth Day events going on in the area. You might also be interested in the Mimi Kiteboarding World Tour being held at Mamitas Beach or the Oaxacan Fair set up in the Municipal Plaza 28 Julio.

Whether you can dedicate 5 minutes, 5 hours or a lifetime, there is something we can all do to help preserve and protect the Riviera Maya. What are your favorite ways to celebrate Earth Day?

Monthly Recycling Drive in Solidaridad

435836 — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:37:00 GMT

Just a friendly reminder that the first Friday of every month, recyclable items will be accepted at the following locations:

The following items will be accepted:

Plastics (PET) - clear plastics, water bottles etc.
Paper - must not have crayon on it or other oily substances
Newspaper
Cardboard - clean with no food oils or residue
Batteries
Lighters
Old Electronics
Scrap Metal
Toner Cartridges
Aluminum - cans, clean foil etc.
Used Cooking Oil - in a sealed container, only at Plaza 28 de Julio location.
Expired Medications

Please be sure all your recycled materials are clean and dry.

Thank you for doing your part to keep the Riviera Maya Green and Clean!!

Dec. 11, 2011 - 2nd Annual Ak Lu'um Eco-Reto

435836 — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 17:14:00 GMT

Are you ready for the 2nd annual Ak Lu'um Eco-Reto?!

This fun eco-challenge and competition invites local families to design and build a single game or toy that encourages creativity without damaging the environment. Each toy must be made of organic materials, materials from sustainable sources and/or recycled items and will be judged in several categories. Judging will be completed on the day of the event and prizes awarded for: most green or eco-friendly, most beautiful, most durable and most original.

Toys and games must be submitted in person for display and judging on December 11, 2011 at 11am at the Ak Lu'um School in Playa del Carmen. (see map below)

For more information, please follow the Ak Lu'um Eco-Reto Page on Facebook or contact akluum[at]gmail.com.

Ak Lu’um International School is a Waldorf Initiative founded in 2006 in the jungle close to Playa del Carmen. The main aims are to promote sustainability, develop ecological awareness and teach children from 2 to 12 to reconnect with our earth. Students at Ak Lu’um learn with their minds, hearts and hands. The curriculum is academically challenging and meaningful with many opportunities for hands-on learning and artistic development. Ak Lu’um also welcomes children with special needs and seeks to integrate them fully, giving all children an opportunity to better know, understand and love fellow human beings. The community at Ak Lu’um International School is bilingual (English-Spanish) and culturally rich with over 10 nationalities represented by staff and pupils.

Contact:Siobhan Bowers
Director Ak Lu’um International School
akluum@gmail.com
984-115-4367

Oct. 12, 2011 - Learn to Recycle with Moce Yax Cuxtal

435836 — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 15:30:00 GMT

Reduce - Reuse - Recycle! We all know we should do it but how do we know we are doing it right? Are we doing all we can to reduce our carbon footprint and keep the Riviera Maya clean and beautiful.

On Wednesday October 12, 2011 Moce Yax Cuxtal AC will begin a series of workshops on how to properly recycle at home and at work. Workshops will be held in Col. Ejido Playa del Carmen on Calle 19 between Avenidas 65 and 70. Dates and times will vary. The cost is $107 mn per person per class.

For more information, visit the Moce Yax Cuxtal page on facebook or email porlatierramoce[at]gmail.com.