Sustainability Tip of the Week
A simple wish for a better tomorrow
Be a Friend of the Environment — February Tips
1. Be safe — know ice thickness safety guidelines
When participating in outdoor recreational activities involving going out onto the ice, safety should be the first priority. Four inches is a standard safety minimum for ice fishing for anglers on foot — and that is only for new, clear ice, on non-running waters. Otherwise, ice thickness recommendations change if anglers are using an ATV (all-terrain vehicle), snowmobile, vehicle, etc. It is also important to note that ice thickness can vary and is not uniform on a body of water. That’s why you must frequently check to ensure safety. DEC provides a table of recommendations for activities such as ice fishing and snowmobiling, but these are just guidelines. It is always best to err on the side of caution.
2. In the cards — Giving valentines?
Try an e-card for a no-waste option. If you want something tangible, try cards made from kenaf or hemp. If you prefer a paper card, look for one made with a high percentage of recycled content. Up cycle holiday cards into gift tags and ornaments. This tip can help with Valentine’s Day and other holidays and birthdays throughout the year.
3. School seedlings, a free program for educators
If you are a teacher or a club leader, DEC’s School Seedling Program from the Saratoga Tree Nursery is here to help! New York schools and youth organizations can apply to receive 30 to 50 free tree or shrub seedlings to plant with their students. This can provide young people with an up-close opportunity to participate in conservation while learning about trees and their ecosystem functions. Apply online at Spring Seedling Sale
4. It’s a wrap
Conceal gifts in reusable gift bags or baskets, fabric scraps, scarves, unwanted maps, newspaper comics, or decorated paper bags. Keep bows, ribbons, and boxes for the next year. Remember that metallic gift wrap cannot be recycled.
5. Pick products with little or no packaging
Try giving a real plant that can be enjoyed indoors year-round or planted outside in the spring. If you are looking to eventually plant outdoors, make sure your selection is native to New York. Instead of candy, gift fruits that have naturally compostable packaging (bananas and oranges have outer layers, peels, and rinds) or no packaging such as apples and pears. The treat will be just as sweet and healthier too. Another reason to reduce packaging is that not only are you paying extra for the packaging itself, but there are also costs associated with the transportation and disposal of packaging waste. Try buying in bulk and check with your hauler, municipality, or local recycling coordinator to learn what items are accepted for recycling in your local program.
6. Powder room preparedness
Seventy-nine percent of residential water loss is the result of toilet leaks. Eliminate toilet leaks in your home. Often silent, these leaks can waste up to 300 gallons of water daily. If you pay for water, this can become expensive. If your water is from a well, your pump will run more frequently, increasing your electric bill. Use food coloring to check for leaks. Also, replace the refill valve or flush valve when needed.
7. At the gas pump
Did you know that there is a correct way to pump gas that helps to protect the environment and your car? Most gas pumps operate at three different speeds. If you make the effort to squeeze the pump only about a third of the way — the slow setting — you will get fewer vapors and more gas for your money. Stop filling when you hear a click indicating the tank is full. Do not overfill your tank, topping off your gas tank after the pump automatically turns off can harm your vehicle’s emissions system. Gas station pumps are designed to turn off at a fuel level that leaves room in the tank for the emissions systems to operate correctly. If you smell gas while fueling up, that means highly toxic substances are in the air.
8. Anti-freeze advice
We are still very much in the winter months. As a result, you may find yourself filling your vehicle up with anti-freeze. Use propylene glycol anti-freeze. This option is less toxic for children, pets, and wildlife. Anti-freeze based on ethylene glycol is highly poisonous in even small amounts, and spills attract animals because it smells and tastes sweet.
9. Indoor clothes drying
Consider using a folding drying rack. Drying clothes this way will save money on electricity/gas, increase the longevity of your clothing, and also put moisture into the air to help humidify your home. With added heat and related dryness in the winter months, humidifying can be beneficial.
10. The great outdoors — enjoy all nature has to offer
What better way to love the environment than to get out and enjoy it? Our environment has a lot of offer — from providing scenic walks to being home to towering trees and abundant greenery, snowy grounds, to trees glistening with ice — any time of year there is a lot to enjoy. While it may be a bit colder to go outside in February, opportunities for outdoor recreation are plenty — ice fishing, skiing, a fresh air walk, or bird watching. Be safe and have fun in New York this season and year-round. Adventure awaits!
#LiveGreenNY
Faculty, staff and students, please share your sustainable ideas for our weekly tip to j.coons@hvcc.edu
Published: Tue, 09 Feb 2021 12:55:25 +0000 by j.coons