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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 14, 2006
Contact: Amber
Wells,
Thurston
County
Solid Waste, 754-3355 ext. 7669
Green
resolutions for 2007
OLYMPIA
–
New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, so now is the perfect time to
consider simple resolutions that can greatly benefit our environment. Here are
tips from Thurston County Solid Waste and the California Department of
Conservation.
1. Recycle: Choose to
recycle wherever you are. On the road? Look for roadside bins, or save
recyclables for when you get home. At the office? Start a recycling campaign,
or put a bin next to your trash can for beverage containers and paper. If
you’re new to recycling and not in the habit, start today, and encourage
others to do the same. Call your local recycling program coordinator or visit
www.co.thurston.wa.us/wwm to find out how.
2. Remember the other important “Rs”- reduce and reuse: Help lessen waste by buying items that have
little or no packaging, or buying in bulk. Also, find ways to reuse items –
margarine tubs, for example, can be used to store tacks or nails.
3. Buy products made from recycled materials: Resolve to purchase at least one recycled-content product on a regular basis,
such as paper towels or computer paper. Look for
the recycling symbol (or “made from post-consumer
material”) on a wide range of products.
4. Reduce e-waste: The United States generates more
electronics-waste than any other nation, according to the Environmental
Protection Agency. Instead of automatically upgrading to the latest models,
consider using your current models longer or fixing broken items. Computers,
TVs, laptops and monitors can be recycled for a fee at the Thurston County
Waste and
Recovery
Center
,
2418 Hogum Bay Road N.E.
in Lacey. A broader range of items, like DVD players, stereos, and telephones
can be recycled at
Thurston
County
’s Community Recycle Days in May.
5. Make your home toxic-free: Reduce
the number of unnecessary toxic chemicals in your home. Paints, solvents and
other toxic chemicals can be disposed of
safely at
Thurston
County
’s HazoHouse,
2418 Hogum Bay Road N.E.
in Lacey. HazoHouse is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Great
non-toxic household cleaners can be found at many stores. Cut down, or
eliminate, pesticides and fertilizers in your garden and you’ll reduce the
chance that chemicals will get washed into our waterways.
6.
Learn to compost: Convert yard clippings and kitchen scraps into nature’s
fertilizer. Your garden will love you for it.
See
Thurston
County
’s Web site, www.co.thurston.wa.us/wwm,
for more information on workshops and discounted compost bins.
7. Fix drips and recycle motor oil: Motor oil is a leading cause of pollution
in our waterways. When it rains, water runs over the ground and picks up
oil, antifreeze, and other pollutants and carries them to our rivers, streams
and
Puget Sound
. Resolve to fix leaks from your car and recycle used motor oil at HazoHouse.
Even better, help stop water and air pollution by riding a bike or taking a
bus.
8. Conserve energy: Cut your monthly
energy bills 30 percent by replacing old equipment in your home with
state-of-the-art Energy Star products. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs or
install a digital thermostat to conserve even more energy. Turn off lights
when you leave a room and use water wisely by installing low-flow fixtures. Of
course, recycling is also a great way to conserve our nation’s energy
supplies.
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