If you are thinking about adopting a “greener” lifestyle in the New Year, the Pennsylvania Resources Council – recognized as a state and national leader in waste reduction and recycling – suggests adopting the following 5 habits for becoming more environmentally friendly in 2022.
1) EXPAND YOUR RECYCLING EFFORT: RECYCLE GLASS IN PARTICULAR
Glass is amazing! It is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly, and recycling glass uses 70% less energy than creating glass from raw materials. In a landfill glass takes one million years to degrade – yet a glass bottle can go from a recycling bin to a store shelf in just 30 days.
LEARN MORE: Visit PRC’s website to learn where you can recycle glass bottles, jars and jugs at permanent collection sites or during visits by its “Traveling Glass Recycling Bin.” PRC – Glass Recycling Programshttps://prc.org/programs/collectionevents/glass/
2) ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES: COMPOST
Take part in a PRC “Backyard Composting” webinar from the convenience of home and then pick up your bin or barrel at PRC’s office in Allegheny County or Delaware County.
LEARN MORE: Visit PRC’s website for a course description and schedule. PRC – Conservation Workshops
3) PROTECT YOUR WATERSHED: INSTALL A RAIN BARREL
Rain barrels are a great way to conserve water, supplying non-chlorinated water for gardening by collecting and storing rainwater from your roof through a connection to your downspout. Read this blog to understand how tile and shingle roofs differ and which will suit your home best. Take part in a PRC “Watershed Awareness/Rain Barrel” webinar to learn about problems associated with stormwater runoff, discover watershed-friendly landscaping techniques and hear how to conserve water at home.
LEARN MORE: Visit PRC’s website for a course description and schedule. PRC – Conservation Workshops
4) THINK “ZERO WASTE”: START BY PACKING A ZERO WASTE LUNCH
Lunchtime can create a lot of waste, especially if you eat this meal away from home while at work or school. Challenge yourself to pack a lunch using a reusable container, water bottle, flatware and napkin.
LEARN MORE: PRC’s “Zero Waste” services provide waste reduction techniques to businesses, residents and special events across the state. https://prc.org/programs/zwpa/
5) DON’T JUST WALK BY: FOCUS YOUR “LENS ON LITTER”
Photos help to heighten litter consciousness by showing how it threatens public health and safety, scenic beauty, property values, the environment, pets and wildlife. Since exposure leads to prevention, take pictures of blight and then organize a small clean up effort at one site.
LEARN MORE: PRC’s annual “Lens on Litter” photo contest launches in January (all entries due by October 31). Amateur photographers can win prizes of $500 in adult and student categories. https://prc.org/programs/projects/lens-litter/
Since 1939 the Pennsylvania Resources Council has worked to protect resources for future generations through environmental education, recycling, waste diversion programs, anti-litter campaigns and other initiatives. PRC envisions a Pennsylvania where nothing is wasted. Visit PRC’s Learn & Act page for a wealth of recycling information including best practices, municipal resources and online brochures: https://prc.org/learn-act/