Recycling can be easy. It just takes a little thoughtfulness, effort and creativity.
Here are some tips to make your journey in protecting our earth a smoother one.
And as you make use of these tips and acquire the habit of recycling, I would not be surprise that you may even find yourself creating new ways of recycling! Then it would be your turn to share your tips with others :)
Remember, every effort counts.
By recycling, not only would you be protecting the environment, you would also be saving money and resources for your community, and securing the future of our descendents.So don’t hesitate anymore. Start now. And here’s how.
Recycling tips 1: Start small
To make a difference, you don’t have to start big. Remember, every effort counts, small or big. A small start is better than not at all, and it can help give you greater confidence to take bigger steps down the road. What it means to start small is to start with yourself. Look at the things that you own and use. Things around you that you have control over. These things could be in your home, in your workplace, at your hotel room during your holidays, in your car, etc. And as you become comfortable recycling your own things, you can expand your sphere of influence to those around you, such as your immediate family, and then your relatives and friends.
Recycling tips 2: Reduce and Reuse first
Recycling is not exactly first in line in the Waste Reduction Hierarchy. In fact, it comes third. To make a difference to the environment, you should first look towards reducing consumption, as it is actually the first and most effective step toward producing less waste (consuming less automatically produces less waste). However, there are times when consumption is necessary. In these cases, reuse as much as possible before recycling any remaining materials. Reusing products, where possible, is even better than recycling because the item does not need to be reprocessed before it can be used again.Finally, if you have to make the purchases, buy products that are made of recycled materials . And make sure you recycle the items when you don’t need them anymore. Look out for the recycling symbols on your products that tell you that they are made of recycled materials, or are designed for recycling. These practices count!
Recycling tips 3: Know what to recycle
Before you start on your recycling journey, the basic knowledge you need is to know what to recycle. There are many items in the house, office, school etc that can be recycled. The items range from paper, glass, metals like aluminium, plastic, electronic items and more! For example, aluminium (used to make our coke cans) can be recycled over and over again, while not all types of plastics can be recycled. You need to look for the recycling symbols embedded at the bottom of most plastic bottles to be able to differentiate the type of plastic you have. In other words, before you start, you will need to know what to recycle and where to send them for recycling. Also, read more about the important recycling information you need to take note of.
Recycling tips 4: Green tips for the home
The home is where you can find lots of things for recycling. Things are being purchased on a regular basis (eg. groceries and household consumables). Often these products comes with lots of packaging that end up immediately as waste, if no attempts are made to reduce, reuse and recycle them. Read more about recycling at home, for tips you can try out in your home, including composting.And as you become more and more familiar with the habit of recycling, innovate and find your own creative ways of reducing, reusing and recycling! Also make it an effort to share your tips with your fellow home-makers (or even our website using the “Contact Us” page). Remember, all efforts count. The more individuals make it their individual responsibility to recycle and protect the earth, the better!
Recycling tips 5: Green tips for the office
The office is another place where you can expand your recycling efforts to. At the office, some materials such as paper can be used at alarming rates. At other offices, styrofoam cups are used on a daily basis for coffee and tea breaks, and at meetings. Imagine the amount of non-biodegradable waste these offices contribute to the incinerator and landfills on a daily basis! Scary!
Don't Idle!
Every moment you spend idling your car's engine means needlessly wasting gas, as well as rougher wear on your vehicle. Idling for more than 10 seconds wastes more gas than is needed for startup. Overall, Americans idle away 2.9 billion gallons of gas a year, worth around $78.2 billion.
Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/going-green/latest/green-tips-10-easiest#ixzz26x94PqHP
Recycle Refrigerators
BPU aims to recycle 20,000 units by paying $30
By SCOTT FALLON
STAFF WRITER
New Jerseyans can get clunker refrigerators or freezers hauled away for free and be paid $30 under a recycling program launched this week by the state Board of Public Utilities.The $3.3 million project is an attempt to recycle 20,000 refrigerators with two environmental goals in mind: the removal of inefficient appliances that use two to four times the electricity of newer models, and the safe disposal of foam insulation and coolant chemicals."The removal of an old, inefficient refrigerator or freezer is an easy way for our residents to save on their electricity bills while helping to protect the environment," Jeanne Fox, president of the BPU, said in a statement.The energy savings from recycling 20,000 refrigerators will equal the amount of power used in approximately 1,400 homes for one year.Replacing an older refrigerator can save $50 a year in electricity costs, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.Modern refrigerators consume an average of about 500 kilowatt-hours a year; a unit manufactured 20 years ago uses an average of 1,200 kilowatt-hours a year.The $3.3 million comes from the Societal Benefits Charge - a state fund that ratepayers are required to pay into.The BPU will pay Jaco Environmental, a Washington State-based company, $101 for every refrigerator. The agency is also promoting the program through advertisements and direct-mail campaigns.About 95 percent of a refrigerator or freezer can be recycled.Metal is recycled into rebar. Plastic can be used for computers, MP3 players and a variety of other things. Glass shelves get new life in concrete mixtures.The foam insulation and cooling chemicals are disposed of without releasing their ozonedepleting gases into the atmosphere.
Interested parties should visit http://www.njcleanenergy.com/residential/programs/refrigerator-freezer-recycling-program or call 877-270-3520
Requirements for Program Participation
1. Customer must be a residential electric customer of one of the following NJ utilities: Atlantic City Electric, Jersey Central Power & Light, PSE&G, Rockland Electric Company.
2. Customers of municipal electric utilities do not qualify.
3. Appliance types include refrigerators and freezers.
4. Maximum 2 units per customer per year.
5. Valid for period from July 15, 2009 through December 31, 2009. Unit must be picked up within this time frame.
6. Refrigerator/Freezer size limited to 10 - 30 cu. ft.
7. Refrigerator/Freezer must be operational at time of pick up.
8. Refrigerator/Freezer unit must be owned by customer.
9. No age restriction.
10. Refrigerator/Freezer must have clear access path for removal.
Why participation is important to you
1. Old refrigerators and freezers are not bio-degradable. This is why states like New Jersey, California and Illinois have laws that prohibit dumping these appliances into land fills.
2. Other recycling companies have to charge a fee to pick up and recycle your old appliances, because it is a thorough process. However, when you enroll in this program, we pick up and recycle your old refrigerator or freezer for free. Plus, you will receive a $30 cash incentive for participating.
3. Old refrigerators and freezers typically use two times more electricity than newer models. By everyone doing their part to conserve energy and recycle responsibly, New Jersey residents will reduce energy use and help protect the environment.
A cash incentive of $30 will be paid to you for your effort in recycling responsibly.
If you have any questions about the recycling program, or if you would like to schedule your pickup date by phone; please feel free to contact our customer service center toll free at 877-270-3520.
By SCOTT FALLON
STAFF WRITER
New Jerseyans can get clunker refrigerators or freezers hauled away for free and be paid $30 under a recycling program launched this week by the state Board of Public Utilities.The $3.3 million project is an attempt to recycle 20,000 refrigerators with two environmental goals in mind: the removal of inefficient appliances that use two to four times the electricity of newer models, and the safe disposal of foam insulation and coolant chemicals."The removal of an old, inefficient refrigerator or freezer is an easy way for our residents to save on their electricity bills while helping to protect the environment," Jeanne Fox, president of the BPU, said in a statement.The energy savings from recycling 20,000 refrigerators will equal the amount of power used in approximately 1,400 homes for one year.Replacing an older refrigerator can save $50 a year in electricity costs, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.Modern refrigerators consume an average of about 500 kilowatt-hours a year; a unit manufactured 20 years ago uses an average of 1,200 kilowatt-hours a year.The $3.3 million comes from the Societal Benefits Charge - a state fund that ratepayers are required to pay into.The BPU will pay Jaco Environmental, a Washington State-based company, $101 for every refrigerator. The agency is also promoting the program through advertisements and direct-mail campaigns.About 95 percent of a refrigerator or freezer can be recycled.Metal is recycled into rebar. Plastic can be used for computers, MP3 players and a variety of other things. Glass shelves get new life in concrete mixtures.The foam insulation and cooling chemicals are disposed of without releasing their ozonedepleting gases into the atmosphere.
Interested parties should visit http://www.njcleanenergy.com/residential/programs/refrigerator-freezer-recycling-program or call 877-270-3520
Requirements for Program Participation
1. Customer must be a residential electric customer of one of the following NJ utilities: Atlantic City Electric, Jersey Central Power & Light, PSE&G, Rockland Electric Company.
2. Customers of municipal electric utilities do not qualify.
3. Appliance types include refrigerators and freezers.
4. Maximum 2 units per customer per year.
5. Valid for period from July 15, 2009 through December 31, 2009. Unit must be picked up within this time frame.
6. Refrigerator/Freezer size limited to 10 - 30 cu. ft.
7. Refrigerator/Freezer must be operational at time of pick up.
8. Refrigerator/Freezer unit must be owned by customer.
9. No age restriction.
10. Refrigerator/Freezer must have clear access path for removal.
Why participation is important to you
1. Old refrigerators and freezers are not bio-degradable. This is why states like New Jersey, California and Illinois have laws that prohibit dumping these appliances into land fills.
2. Other recycling companies have to charge a fee to pick up and recycle your old appliances, because it is a thorough process. However, when you enroll in this program, we pick up and recycle your old refrigerator or freezer for free. Plus, you will receive a $30 cash incentive for participating.
3. Old refrigerators and freezers typically use two times more electricity than newer models. By everyone doing their part to conserve energy and recycle responsibly, New Jersey residents will reduce energy use and help protect the environment.
A cash incentive of $30 will be paid to you for your effort in recycling responsibly.
If you have any questions about the recycling program, or if you would like to schedule your pickup date by phone; please feel free to contact our customer service center toll free at 877-270-3520.
Green Business Application Being ....
ELIGIBILITY- Award winners from the previous three years are not eligible to participate again this year. You may nominate yourself, your business/organization, or any other business, individual or organization worthy of recognition. Applicants or projects must:
• be located in the Township of Union, Union County N.J. 07083
• agree to share their project or program with others
• provide supporting documentation of the project being nominated
• Must be a Business Registered within the State of New Jersey
• Practice 3 or more waste prevention strategies. or
• Recycle at least 40% of solid waste. or
• Use 3 or more recycled content products. or
• Promote sustainability via:
Environmental Policy
Environmental Management System
Carbon footprint analysis
Environmental Purchasing Policy
Vendor/Supply Chain Requirements
Mentoring to other businesses
Green Building Certification
Green Building Implementation
Life Cycle Assessment
Hazardous Materials Reduction
Water Use Restrictions
Material Conservation
Employee Trip Reduction
Process/Operating Energy Use reduction
Renewable energy
TOWNSHIP OF UNION GREEN BUSINESS RECOGNITION INSTRUCTIONS
Application is free.
1. Fill out this application.
2. Turn in by October 31st.
3. Mail this completed application to :
Township of Union DPW
Public Works Complex
ATTN: Cliff Pietrucha Recycling Coordinator
One Swanstrom Place
Union New Jersey 07083
Call 908-686-1922 or email: cpietrucha@uniontownship.com
For assistance with this application.
Memorial Day Event
Dear friends and neighbors,
Our Memorial Day Parade was great! Many residents came out to support the veterans. They truly did a fantastic job, if you miss it, watch channel 34 for the re-broadcast. Talking to the veterans, they plan to make it even bigger next year. Wow, I look forward to it again. The front steps of town hall have been meticulously upgraded by the Union Garden Club. I know that summer is around the corner once the gardens in front of town hall are spruced up. The Garden Club is a great volunteer organization that every year maintains those gardens and makes our town hall look beautiful.Adopt a Park was a wonderful event. Over 200 participants and 15 neighborhood association supported the event.
Sincerely
Suzette Cavadas
Our Memorial Day Parade was great! Many residents came out to support the veterans. They truly did a fantastic job, if you miss it, watch channel 34 for the re-broadcast. Talking to the veterans, they plan to make it even bigger next year. Wow, I look forward to it again. The front steps of town hall have been meticulously upgraded by the Union Garden Club. I know that summer is around the corner once the gardens in front of town hall are spruced up. The Garden Club is a great volunteer organization that every year maintains those gardens and makes our town hall look beautiful.Adopt a Park was a wonderful event. Over 200 participants and 15 neighborhood association supported the event.
Sincerely
Suzette Cavadas
RECYCLING NEWS
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has announced and published the 2010 Recycling Tonnage Grants. As you all know, this grant is based on 2009 recycling tonnage data from our markets and our Recycling collection in town.
Last year the Township of Union became the Number one municipality in the county with the highest tonnage of recyclable material disposed and with the largest amount of grant money.
This year, because of the state budget cuts announced earlier by the governor , we expected a 13% decrease on out tonnage grant amount, despite maintaining the recycling tonnage .
I am proud to announce that the 2010 Recycling tonnage grant for the township of Union is once again the highest in the county and we are in receipt of the largest amount of grant money in the county.
Despite the expected cuts, our recycling grant exceeded the $100,000.00 mark, an outstanding achievement from the $40,000 that we normally received prior to this committee launching the Green Initiative.
My heartfelt thanks go to the men and women of the department of Public Works who work diligently every day to be more efficient and effective in provide services to our community and, I would be remised if I did not acknowledge a heartfelt thank you to all the residents who recycle, reuse and reduce waste. I know that at time it seems worthless and useless, however I just want to point out that had this tonnage go to the landfill, beside the loss in the grant award an additional $ 300,000 would have to be passed on the taxpayers in dumping fees to the landfill.
Again, thank you residents for participating in our recycling program. Without you this would not be at all possible.
COMMISSIONER FIGUIREDO
Last year the Township of Union became the Number one municipality in the county with the highest tonnage of recyclable material disposed and with the largest amount of grant money.
This year, because of the state budget cuts announced earlier by the governor , we expected a 13% decrease on out tonnage grant amount, despite maintaining the recycling tonnage .
I am proud to announce that the 2010 Recycling tonnage grant for the township of Union is once again the highest in the county and we are in receipt of the largest amount of grant money in the county.
Despite the expected cuts, our recycling grant exceeded the $100,000.00 mark, an outstanding achievement from the $40,000 that we normally received prior to this committee launching the Green Initiative.
My heartfelt thanks go to the men and women of the department of Public Works who work diligently every day to be more efficient and effective in provide services to our community and, I would be remised if I did not acknowledge a heartfelt thank you to all the residents who recycle, reuse and reduce waste. I know that at time it seems worthless and useless, however I just want to point out that had this tonnage go to the landfill, beside the loss in the grant award an additional $ 300,000 would have to be passed on the taxpayers in dumping fees to the landfill.
Again, thank you residents for participating in our recycling program. Without you this would not be at all possible.
COMMISSIONER FIGUIREDO
Recycling Events for October 2010
MOBILE PAPER SHREDDING
Tue. Oct. 5th Warinanco Park -Roselle
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL COLLECTION
Sat. Oct. 16 2010-Lucent Technologies- N. Providence
COMPUTER & ELECTRONICS
Sat. Oct. 30 2010 Lucent Technologies- New Providence
Tue. Oct. 5th Warinanco Park -Roselle
HAZARDOUS MATERIAL COLLECTION
Sat. Oct. 16 2010-Lucent Technologies- N. Providence
COMPUTER & ELECTRONICS
Sat. Oct. 30 2010 Lucent Technologies- New Providence
RECYCLING EVENTS FOR JULY
MOBILE PAPER SHREDDING EVENTS
Wed. July 21st Rahway City Hall- Rahway
COMPUTER & ELECTRONICS
Sat. July 24th 2010 UC Vo Tech School- New Providence
Wed. July 21st Rahway City Hall- Rahway
COMPUTER & ELECTRONICS
Sat. July 24th 2010 UC Vo Tech School- New Providence
JUNE 2010 Recycling Events
Paper shedding event will be held on:
Sat. June 26th UC Vo tech Scotch Plains
Household collection waste Will be held :
Sat. June 12th 2010-Lucent Technologies-New ProvidenceFor Both Events residents MUST register with the County Recycling office.
You can visit WWW.UCNJ.ORG/Recycling
or call 908-654-6889
Sat. June 26th UC Vo tech Scotch Plains
Household collection waste Will be held :
Sat. June 12th 2010-Lucent Technologies-New ProvidenceFor Both Events residents MUST register with the County Recycling office.
You can visit WWW.UCNJ.ORG/Recycling
or call 908-654-6889
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