The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is sponsoring a video contest looking for filmmakers and students to produce short, creative videos highlighting the “Three Rs” - reduce, reuse, recycle - with awards including cash prizes of up to $2,500. The EPA will be accepting video submissions through February 16, 2010.

“What we buy, use, and throw away contributes over 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States,” said Jeff Scott, director of the EPA’s Waste Management Division for the Pacific Southwest Region, in a press release announcing the contest. “We want to get the message out about how important it is for each of us to take personal action to help the environment.”

Details about the contest are available at http://tinyurl.com/epacontest.

Jasmine Fullman of Lake Oswego, Oregon has made a niche for herself making accessories out of factory scraps, recycled fibers, and sustainably harvested natural fibers, including bamboo. The former kindergarten teacher uses new technologies and creativity to make wraps, clutches, totes and even accessories for babies.

Read more about Jasmine’s success on the Sherwood Gazette website, or visit her company, Naturally Knotty.

Is it illegal to toss your TV in a landfill? It soon is in Oregon. As of January 1, 2010 it will become illegal to dispose of TVs, computers and monitors at landfills, transfer stations, incinerators or at the curb.

What happens when you break the law?

If you knowingly break the new law, you will face up to $500 per offence. Each TV, computer or monitor is considered a separate offence. Oregon has already placed a free E-Cycling law allowing for the free disposal of the items included on the ban.

Read all the details on Recycling Today’s site.