Keeping food out of our trash (i.e., the landfill) is one of the biggest ways we can reduce global warming from a solid waste perspective. Follow the greenies' hierarchy:
- Reduce (buy only what you need)
- Reuse (save and eat those leftovers)
- Recycle (compost the inedibles)
If you do not have a home compost bin, you can
subscribe
to Bainbridge Disposal's yard waste service. and put
all
your food scraps -- including meat, bones, dairy, stale baked goods, etc. -- in their receptacle.
If you're interested in starting to compost at home, Johns Hopkins' recycling office is hosting a one-hour webinar relevant to the general public on various compost practices for backyards and homes. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 9-10am. Register
here.
Produce spoilage is one of the major reasons for tossing out food. To prevent fruit and veggies from going to waste, check out
this produce storage guide
from Seattle Public Utilities.
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Different locales have different recycling rules. Guidelines regarding plastics vary the most. For Kitsap County and Bainbridge Disposal, our mandate is to recycle only clean and empty bottles, jugs, jars and dairy tubs. The cap can be recycled, too,
if
it is a plastic screw top and you screw it back on.
Below are two types of plastic that are not recyclable, but Bainbridge Island gardening guru Ann Lovejoy has found a way to reuse them in service of plant propagation.
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At left, Ann has reused a large rectangular container as a seed starting box. After the seeds sprout, she will add soil and poke holes for drainage and air.
On the right, Ann has created plant markers out of a dairy tub lid and container. (Note: Although the lid is not recyclable, the tub is.)
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If you have been accumulating grocery-sized paper bags (the ones with handles), Helpline House will reuse them. Either place in the Helpline bin at T&C or Safeway, or drop off directly at Helpline during their non-client hours, 9-11am weekdays.
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Textile Recycling Fundraiser Extended
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Sarah Albee is still collecting the following textile types as a fundraiser for the Eagle Harbor High School PTO. You may
request pick-up or drop off on her front porch at 1810 Sakai Village Loop.
- Clothing (all ages, styles, and condition - not wet or mildewed)
- Linens (bedding, towels, pillows)
- Fabric scraps
- Jewelry
- Shoes and boots
- Accessories (purses, belts)
- Outerwear (coats, hats, scarves)
- Blankets
- Stuffed animals
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Modern Collision received this year's KItsap County Earth Day business award. Congratulations to owners Micah and Aaron Strom!
Kitsap Public Works and the Board of County Commissioners bestowed the award, citing that Modern Collision "remains a leader in sustainable practices since first winning an Earth Day award twenty years ago. Their policies and procedures ensure reduced environmental impact and protect the community, such as reducing VOCs and improving air quality. They are adamant about properly disposing of hazardous waste products and recycling, and have also
adopted a state highway for litter clean-up
. Their conscious effort to provide eco-friendly services benefits our environment and our community."
Thank you, Modern Collision, for your many years of dedicated service, both professional and environmental.
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If you, your family, your neighborhood, your civic organization, or your workplace
is interested in officially adopting a local road, beach, trail or park for litter pick-up, read about Kitsap County's program
here
.
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Litter Trash Bags and Grabbers Still Available
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BI Zero Waste has checked out 35 litter grabbers but still has a few left if you would like to borrow one to wrangle that plastic out of the blackberry vines or keep from descending that steep ditch to retrieve a tossed can.
Email us and we will figure out delivery.
Likewise, Bainbridge Disposal still has some Kitsap County trash bags available (see photo) if you don't think you'll have room in your garbage can for the litter that you gather. When the bag is full, remember to place the bag
next
to a curbside trash can. The bags are available 8am-3pm on the patio of their office in Coppertop while supplies last.
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The
spring issue of the Zero Waste Washington newsletter is out.
Find out about the status of the proposed "Bring Your Own Container" legislation, the "Ditch the Diaper" initiative, and more.
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Newsletter editor: Diane Landry, BI Zero Waste (Volunteer) Director
Back issues are available
here
.
BI Zero Waste is an all-volunteer program of Sustainable Bainbridge.
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