Eagle Valley Alliance for Sustainability

Did you know that 95% of our solid waste is disposed of in almost-filled landfills - and one out of every two of those needs repair so it won't leak. How about the fact that every Sunday 500,000 trees are used to produce the 88% of newspapers that never gets recycled. Or the fact that 50% of all paper produced is for packaging. Believe it or not every year 45,000 tons of plastic waste is dumped into the world's oceans. Oh and don't forget that North Americans throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour! So What? So the problem is not "them" it is "us" and there are things we can do in our everyday lives to help allievate the burden on the planet and our communities. The Three R's are a great way to start and if you don't know them then familiarize yourself and REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE!

REDUCE 

Hopefully everyone is familar with the concept of reducing what you consume but since people still buy Hummers I will go ahead and give it a run through.

• Start by purchasing things that don't use excessive amounts of packaging or at the very least make sure the packaging itself is recycable.
• Instead of buying things you may use only once, borrow it from someone who already has it (make sure to give it back though)
• Carpool with friends, ride the bus, walk, swim or peddle your bike to the places you need to go. Cars are becoming more efficient but they will never be as clean and green as walking!
• Start a compost bin in your yard or house where you can recycle the things that can recycle themselves through decomposition. Not only does it help keep materials out of the landfill but it's good for your yard or garden.
• Instead of buying newspapers and magazines go online and read your materials. You can even purchase books online as a pdf and never have to turn a page again( you might have to scroll though).
• Turn off lights your not using or just open the blinds until it gets dark, then go to bed!
• Save water by turning off the faucet while you brush or the always popular shower with a friend.
• Still getting junkmail in your mailbox, click here and be rid of them once and for all.

REUSE 

 Hmm, I wonder what this means. Try to find a way to reuse the things you already have instead of buying new stuff.

• Take your own bags to the store instead of bringing home plastic or paper. Many cool, fashionable cloth and cloth bags are available these days so there is really no excuse, seriously!
• Don't just toss or recycle purchased plastic and glass containers, use them for storage, to pack a lunch or for cool arts and crafts for the kiddies.
• Make sure to use both sides of all writing paper.
• Use silverware and dishes instead of paper plates and plastic silverware...and if you have kids, make them wash the dishes!

RECYCLE

Please tell me you know what recycling is. Oh alright ill explain it anyway. Many of the things we use are recyclable, paper bags, cardboard, cans and plastic to name a few. These items are put through a process that makes it possible to create new items from the old ones, amazing I know! It is important not only to recycle your stuff but to purchase things that were made from recycled materials, keeping the process going and going and going and..ok you get it. Many of the products we buy regularly are made from recycled materials and are recycleable themselves, just look on the label or contact the company if your not sure. It just so happens that the oopma loompas at the Eagle Valley Alliance operate and maintain five community recycling centers for your recycling pleasures so take a look here for more info about what you can be doing right now with your recyclable materials.