Cape Cod Chronicle Column December 8, 2011

A LITTLE SONG FOR YOUR HOLIDAY PLEASURE

On the first day of Christmas…

1. Use Energy Saving Lights for Decorating House and Tree.80-90% less energy!

2. Set Out Separate Trash and Recycling Bins for Guests.Make it easy for them.

3. Compost Your Tree. Have it chipped up for mulch or compost, or purchase a living tree to plant later.

4. Gift CFL Bulbs. For the friend or family member who has everything.

5. Recycle Office Paper for Packing. Shredded paper makes great filler.

6. Send the Very Best with E-Mail . Send e-cards and spare the trees!

7. Microwaves Save Energy. Use microwave or pressure cooker whenever possible, cutting cooking time and saving energy.

8. Recycle Last Year's Cards for Stickers. Cut out images from last year's cards to create "to" and "from" stickers.

9. Gift Recipes, Dress-up Clothes and Other Recycled Products. A book of favorite recipes for the cook on your list or a box of dress-ups for young kids?

10. Go Organic. Choose organic foods for your holiday dinner. Easier on the environment and much tastier!

11. Re-Use Paper for Gift Wrap. Dressed up brown paper bags and newspaper make fine wrapping paper. Most people are more concerned with what's inside anyway.

12. Break Out the Good Stuff. Use metal flatware, real glasses and dishes, and cloth napkins and tablecloths. They look better, your guests will appreciate it, and you're not creating any waste!

…and a free-range turkey in a pear tree :-)

*with thanks to Farmers' Almanac.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from CHATHAM RECYCLES!

ChathamRecycles.org

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Cape Cod Chronicle Column November 24, 2011

RECYCLING AND CLIMATE CHANGE TO RECYCLING…AND BEYOND! Recycling can definitely help us fight global climate change, at the very least minimizing the rate of the change by: *Reducing the extraction of virgin materials from the earth through mining and deforestation which deplete these precious resources and contribute substantially to pollution and greenhouse gases. *Preserving plants and trees which reduce the accumulation of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. *Requiring less fossil fuel to be burned in the manufacturing process because processing recycled materials requires less energy. *Diverting materials away from landfills and incinerators, thereby reducing pollution from these waste disposal methods. *Saving community funds, hopefully for other earth-friendly goals. BEYOND RECYCLING... Don't forget the Reduce and Reduce principles too, such as: *Green driving practices like carpooling, minimal driving, limited idling and keeping your car in good shape. *Conserving resources and energy at home and work, including switching off electrical appliances when not in use. *Considering green holidays, eco-tourism, eco-friendly products and energy efficiency tips in your daily life. *Adding to the plants and trees on earth by growing your own green garden, planting trees and contributing to forest conservation efforts. *As a community, learning to tap cleaner and greener sources of energy such as solar power. *Last but not least, helping to spread the message… To Recycling and Beyond!! ------------------------------ Notice! Chatham's Board of Selectmen is appointing a Solid Waste Task Force to study options for recycling and trash disposal as a new SEMASS contract and much higher fees approach. If you have relevant experience and interest in joining this Task Force please call the Selectmen's office, 508-945-5105. We need good, committed people! ---------------------- HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! ChathamRecycles.org Visit us on FaceBook too. **30**

Cape Cod Chronicle Column November 10, 2011

"NOTHING IS MORE HONORABLE THAN A GRATEFUL HEART." -Seneca
How about making your Thanksgiving an eco-friendly tradition starting this year? Here are a few tips to help you capture the spirit of the original, "green" Thanksgiving. It's a perfect way to say thanks to our planet!
1. Reduce
Buy only as much as you need and choose products in recyclable packaging.
2. Reuse
Carry reusable bags when you shop. Use cloth napkins and real dinnerware and utensils which can be washed and reused.
3. Recycle
Recycle paper, plastic, glass and aluminum containers. (Chatham's Transfer Station now accepts all plastics except styrofoam!) If you don’t already have a compost bin, use your Thanksgiving fruit and vegetable trimmings to start one. The compost will enrich the soil in your garden next spring.
2. Buy Locally Grown Food When Possible
Buying locally grown food requires less fuel to reach store shelves and contributes more to your local economy.
3. Make Your Meal as Organic as Possible
Better for your health and the environment, organic farming produces higher yields, increases soil fertility, prevents erosion, and is more cost-effective for farmers.
4. Celebrate at Home If You Can
Thanksgiving weekend is one of heaviest for travel, and therefore emissions. Why not reduce global warming and skip that stressful holiday travel this year?

Special Thanks! to all the visitors, volunteers and donors to ChathamRecycles' 4th Annual Drop & Swap.
And Thanks! also to you, our readers and fellow recyclers!

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Cape Cod Chronicle Column October 13 & 27: 4th Annual Drop & Swap