Everyone can help the cause

Trash Talk - Keeping Eastern Madera County beautiful

(Updated: Friday, May 02, 2008, 2:44 PM)

This monthly column for the Sierra Star is intended to increase awareness and provide education regarding recycling, littering and community beautification. Each column features interesting facts and relevant tips and resources. As we increase our earth-wise habits, we can indeed become a proud community.

I've always wanted to do my part for the environment, but I didn't know where to start. I've decided to write this because I'm sure there are a lot of people who want to do the same, without much effort. These are things everyone can do.

Here is an easy and informative list of things anyone can do to help out their favorite planet.

· Recycle paper, glass, cans, aluminum and plastic.

· Use both sides of a piece of paper (can be used for "scratch paper", notes, phone messages and more).

· Bring your food in plastic containers instead of using paper or plastic bags, and use real silverware instead of disposable.

· Buy items that come in recycled packages and none that come in excess packaging.

· Reuse containers:

· Jars can be used as coin banks, flower vases, and storing leftover food.

· Boxes can be used for shipping, putting gifts in, as well as storing letters and clothing.

· Don't buy things that are disposable, try to find something with more uses. If you're only going to need something one time, try borrowing from a friend or neighbor.

· Bring your own shopping bag, it eliminates waste and most stores give a $.05 per bag refund for each bag reused!

· Instead of throwing away items that can still be used but aren't wanted, try:

· Donating to a charity

· Holding a yard sale

· Giving them away to friends or anyone else you know would want or need them.

· Store food properly and freeze unused portions to prevent spoilage.

· Crush items being thrown away, then they take up less space and in the long run, you won't use as many trash bags.

· Cover all trash receptacles and loads to the dump to prevent litter.

· Try to buy only recycled and recyclable items.

· Use only non-pollutant cleaners such as Bon Ami and Murphy's Oil Soap.

· Participate in the May 17 community roadside litter clean up 8 a.m. to noon.

Waste less water!

· Take quick showers instead of baths, they use up less hot water.

· Only run dishwashers and washing machines when there is a full load.

· Use an ice cube instead of running water until it is cold enough to drink.

· Get pipes and faucets fixed so they don't drip or leak.

· Place a jar of water in the toilet tank so that less water flows through the back (You really don't need 2 gallons of water to flush the toilet, or buy a low gallon per flush toilet).

· Keep your pool/hot tub clean so that it won't have to be drained and refilled as often.

Save energy and stop polluting!

· Turn off appliances when not in use.

· Buy fluorescent lights (they may cost a little more, but they do last longer!)

· Instead of driving:

· Walk (most people say they don't get enough exercise anyway.)

· Carpool

· Try to consolidate your tasks, if you get as many things as possible done during the same time, you'll save gas, not make as many trips, and not add extra pollutants to the air that could have been spared.

· Don't let your car "idle" in wait lines, even if only for a second -- shut it off.

· Cover vents in unused rooms (or if there's a separate thermostat - turn it off).

Implement the three Rs -- Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle -- to decrease waste, preserve our natural resources, and keep Eastern Madera County beautiful.

Written and submitted by Keeping Eastern Madera County Beautiful, a sub-committee of the North Fork Chamber of Commerce by Judy Linda-Horn. Resources: Tahoe Community Recycle Web site.