Go green, save green with holiday waste reduction tips

News Article Published: December 6, 2011 by the DNR Central Office

MADISON – The holiday season is a time of giving and sharing with family and friends. While enjoying these traditions, you can also take steps to reduce waste, save money and be creative while making the holidays green.

An average Wisconsin resident generates three quarters of a ton of solid waste each year. This amounts to more than four pounds per day, including both household waste and an individual’s share of commercial waste. During the holidays, waste can increase with extra packaging, gift wrap, disposable dishes, leftover food and more.

The Department of Natural Resources website provides a variety of tips on reducing holiday waste, giving green gifts and reducing energy consumption.

“From using less packaging, to buying environmentally friendly gifts, to creative reuse of materials in decorations, the holiday season offers many opportunities to reduce waste, help the environment and save money,” says Elisabeth Olson, DNR recycling and waste reduction education and outreach coordinator.

The DNR’s holiday waste reduction tips can be found on the DNR’s EEK! Environmental Education for Kids website. Some suggestions include:

Holiday Preparation Tips

Instead of incandescent lights, use energy-efficient LED lights for holiday decorations. Have lights that no longer work? Many companies accept used light strings for recycling and may even offer a discount on new lights. Talk to your local retailer or search online for details.

Use a timer to turn off holiday lights when no one is awake to enjoy them.

Potted trees are a great waste-free alternative to cut trees and can be planted in the yard in the spring.

At holiday parties, use washable plates, cups, silverware, tablecloths and napkins instead of disposables.

Gift-Giving Tips

• Look for gifts with little or no packaging, or packaging that can be easily reused or recycled. Remember to bring your own reusable bags to bring your purchases home.
• Give experiences, not things. Give your family and friends tickets to a concert, gift cards for a lunch out, or simply set aside time to spend together. Experiences create memories that last longer than any material thing, and they create much less waste.
• Give gifts that help your friends and family live greener. Possibilities include bus tickets, state park passes, compost bins, reusable grocery bags and rechargeable batteries and chargers.
• Support recycling by purchasing gifts made of recycled material.

After-holiday Tips

• After the holiday season is over, put cut trees in the yard to provide winter cover for rabbits and birds. In the spring, chip the tree and use it for mulch.
• Save and reuse ribbons, bows, gift bags and wrapping paper from year to year. Recycle paper and boxes that are no longer useable.
• Don’t throw away your holiday or greeting cards; use them to make new cards next year or donate to organizations that could reuse them.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Elisabeth Olson, DNR- (608) 264-9258

Welcome to the Town of Beloit Recycling Program

Saturday May 12 & September 22, 2012- 9:00 am - NOON - COMPUTER & ELECTRONICS COLLECTION for recycling
- Residential only - No businesses
Cost:................FREE to City of Beloit, Towns of Beloit & Turtle residents.................
Accepted: CPU (Tower), Monitor, Printer, Laptop Computer, Ipods,
Scanner, Digital Camera, Photocopier, Television,
Also FREE recycling of :Cell phones, Ink cartridges, Keyboard, & Mouse.
- Computer memories will be erased according to U.S. Department of Defense standards -

Where: City of Beloit Recycling Drop-Off Center
2351Springbrook Court, Beloit
- 9 a.m. - NOON -

~ recycling handled by URT Processing, Janesville ~

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Spring & Fall 2012 date to be advised - CLEAN SWEEP:Collection of HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTES

Beloit Department of Public Works,
2351 Springbrook Ct.- 8:00am - 12:00pm
Four hour event, targeted materials, oil-based paint accepted.

Residential = Free first recycling bin type box fullthen a small fee for more. Rock County residences or farms only.
Free first 5 fluorescent bubs then a small fee for more.

Residents can get on the reminder mailing list anytime.For more information, call 608 754-6617 ext.3, email pakes@co.rock.wi.us .
Forms and details will be posted on the Rock County Land Conservation website: www.co.rock.wi.us or http://www.co.rock.wi.us/Dept/LandConservation/clean_sweep.htm

~~~~~

SUMMER EVENTS / TIPS

This summer: Recycle any food waste left over from your kitchen, picnic or BBQ by composting. For more information from compost newbies and experts, check out our friends at Compost Mania.

10 Things You Never Knew You Could Composts http://earth911.com/news/2010/08/09/i-didnt-know-that-was-compostable/

8 Ways to Go Local http://earth911.com/news/2009/08/03/8-ways-to-go-local/

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Saturday September 2012 date to be advised 9:00am - noon - Welty Environmental Center
SCRAP METAL DRIVE
at Beckman Mill County Park, north parking lot,
at the corner of County Road H and Mill Pond Road

IS THE TOUGH ECONOMY CAUSING YOU
TO GROWN YOUR OWN FOOD THIS YEAR?

In cities across the country, people are converting small plots of land into 1/4 acres or more of urban plenty. For more information, visit: http://earth911.com/blog/2009/05/18/the-future-ofurbangardening/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Email+marketing+software
&utm_content=447058275&utm_campaign=Earth911.com+Weekly+-++5%2f20+_+hdtkdd&utm_term=The+Future+of+Urban+Gardening

Contact Information

Get Back To TheBasics

Environmental Programs Coordinator Bea Lengjak (608) 364-2980 Ext. 16 blengjak@town.beloit.wi.us

Town of Beloit Town Hall Administrative Offices 2871 S. Afton Road Beloit WI 53511 (608) 364-2980 Website: http://www.town.beloit.wi.us

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The Town of Beloit has a mandatory curbside recycling ordinance for all residents. Each resident (residential & commercial) is to contract with a Town Licensed Hauler to collect rubbish and recyclable materials. You may choose any hauler from the Town's approved haulers list in alphabetical order below:

Lentell Disposal - Call 608 362-8471 2924 W. St. Lawrence Ave. , Beloit , WI 53511

Rock Disposal - Call 1 888 589-7625 or 608 365-7625 P.O. Box 395, Janesville, WI 53547-0395 rockdisposalinc.com

Sherman Sanitation Services - Call 608 752-1500, P.O. Box 956, Janesville, WI 53547
(commercial accounts and dumpsters only)

If you live in a single-family home, duplex, triplex or fourplex and if you have garbage service, your garbage hauler automatically becomes your recycling hauler.
When you begin curbside pickup, request from the hauler to provide you with a recycling bin and sometimes a garbage bin.

Unless specified, the above haulers service Residential, Commercial & Dumpster needs.

What to recycle?
All of the following materials may be placed together in the recycling container / bin.

 

Paper: advertisements, beverage cases, catalogs, cereal boxes, colored paper, computer paper, copy paper, envelopes, magazines, newspaper, office paper, paper bags, phone books, corrugated cardboard (cut to fin in bin). ! NO STICKY NOTES !
Do not include: napkins, paper plates, paper towels, tissue paper, waxed paper, juice concentrate containers, sticky notes or hard cover books. No pizza boxes either (visit Earth 911.com to find out why).

Aluminum cans: emptied. Rinsed and crushed if possible.

Glass bottles & jars: green, clear, brown. Emptied. Put lids in trash.

Steel/Tin cans: rinsed and crushed if possible.

Plastic containers: containers labeled with a 1 through 7 on the bottom. (made of PETE #1, HDPE #2, PVC #3, LDPE#4, PP #5, PS #6 and other resins or multiple resins #7). Rinsed and crushed if possible. Put lids in the trash.

Monday November 15, 2012 - This year, take five minutes to reevaluate your recycling routine. See if you can do more. Then get a friend to do the same. Start by letting us know you’re answering the call to recycle by signing our online pledge at AmericaRecyclesDay.org.
Ten tips from the Wisconsin DNR to recycle more on America Recycles Day
MADISON - Recycling is a daily habit for many people in Wisconsin, but as the nation gears up to celebrate America Recycles Day on November 15, state recycling specialists are offering tips on how ... Read Full Article

Sign up for Wisconsin DNR Newsletters and Updates. Sign up for Wisconsin DNR RSS Feeds.Copyright 2009 Wisconsin DNR. All Rights Reserved.

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DROP-OFF LOCATIONS AND HOURS

For the following items contact your hauler for pickup or drop-off at the recycling centers listed below:

Beloit Recycling Center , 2351 Springbrook Ct. , Beloit - Saturdays 9 am-Noon
(except holiday weekends)

ANTIFREEZE: Free recycling (also at Manic Racing, 3120 Riverside Dr., Beloit, Monday-Friday 8 am-4:30 pm, Saturday 8 am - 12 noon)

APPLIANCES : $15/item - An appliance consists of refrigerator, freezer, stove, range, washer, dryer, dishwasher, water heater, furnace, wood stove, microwave, air conditioner, humidifier, water softener, trash compactor or any other item referred to as a " major appliance."
To check for mercury content of common items visit http://www.newmoa.org/prevention/mercury/projects/legacy/appliances.cfm#sls

BULKY ITEMS : $10/item - A bulky item consists of but is not limited to glass mirrors, china hutches, and buffets, counter tops, cabinets, pool tables, game tables, tables, work benches, couches, hide-a-beds, love seats, chairs, dressers, chest of drawers, doors, window and front frames, pianos organs, liquor cabinets, desks, pinball machines, mattresses, box springs, bed springs, bed frames, headboard / footboards, garage doors, console television with 35-inch screen or larger, entertainment center, dog houses, wood pallets, treadmills, screens, wood fencing, carpet, and windows.

TIRES : $6/each for tires 17 inches and smaller (no rims).

Automotive OIL FILTERS: Free recycling

RECYCLABLES: Free. - Consisting of mixed paper, #1 through #7 plastics, boxboard/cardboard, food cans (aluminum, tin, steel, bi-metal), and food & drink jars.

BAGGED WASTE : $1 per bag

Directions: Highway 81 ( Milwaukee Road ) to Willowbrook ( next to Central Christian Church ). Near the dead end of Willowbrook, turn right onto Springbrook Court. The Public Works facility is the blue building on the right. The center is located at the back of the building.

Payment: Checks preferred, cash will be accepted, please bring exact change.

If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact the Recycling Coordinator at 608 364-2980 extension 16 or via email at blengjak@town.beloit.wi.usor the Department of Public Works, Operations Facility, 364-2929.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS

Automotive Wastes Drop - off Locations
at the City of Beloit Recycling Center & Kolden Automotive

AUTO / BOAT / MOTORCYCLE BATTERIES : Free recycling at both the Beloit Recycling Center and Kolden Automotive.

MOTOR WASTE OIL : in leak proof containers. Free recycling at both the Beloit Recycling Center and Kolden Automotive.

Beloit Recycling Center - Saturday, 9 am-Noon
2351 Springbrook Court (except holiday weekends)
Beloit , WI 53511

Kolden Automotive
2550 Dewey Avenue
Beloit , WI 53511
Saturdays, 9 am - Noon - Monday through Friday 8 am-4:30 pm

Motor, Deep Frying oil & Antifreeze recycled free in leak proof container (screw-on top milk jug) at
Manic Racing
3120 Riverside Dr., Beloit
Monday-Friday 8 am-4:30 pm, Saturday 8 am - 12 noon
-- -- OIL FILTERS are now accepted for recycling at the Beloit Recycling Center on Springbrook Ct. ! -- --

YARD WASTE BRUSH DISPOSAL - NEW YARD WASTE COMPOST CENTER LOCATION -

Free of charge for Town residents
- NEW YARD WASTE COMPOST CENTER LOCATION -
You can drop off your grass, leaves, pine needles, garden growth, wood chips and brush/branches, no size restrictions, at the Bedrock Grinding located 1105 East L-T Townline Rd., between Beloit and Janesville . (608 362-0018 ) Click here for a map

It will be open from: March 1st, 2011 to December 31st, 2011

Monday through Friday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Saturday : 7:30 am - 2:30 pm

The center will be closed: May 30, July 4, September 5, November 24 2011

or you could Think Green by COMPOSTING! Give Mother Earth a hand...and build your own Home Composting Bin.
Get your Free bin construction guide by calling 364-2980 ext.16.

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HOME COMPOSTING INFORMATION

~~~ Think Green!: COMPOST ~~~

Thinking Summer: Recycle any food waste left over from your picnic or BBQ by composting. For more information for compost newbies and experts, check out our friends at Compost Mania.

BUILD YOUR OWN HOME COMPOSTER: Give Mother Earth a hand!.
Free Booklets are available at the Town Hall, 2871 S. Afton Rd.
Give it several months and then gather humus rich plant food.

Here is a great link to the University of Illinois Composting in the Home Gardenhttp://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/compost/

Any questions, call 364-2980 ext.16

Celebrate Compost Awareness Week: May 2 to May 8, 2010 "The Possibilities are Endless ... Compost!" The U.S. Composting Council would like to officially invite you to join us in celebrating International Compost Awareness Week. Across the United States, Canada and the UK, composting advocates will be encouraging everyone to Compost! http://www.compostingcouncil.org/news/news.php?id=9

Questions? contact Bea Lengjak, the Town's Environmental Programs Coordinator @ 364-2980 ext.16.

CELLULAR PHONE RECYCLING

The Town of Beloit just expanded its recycling program to include Wireless Phones.
A Collection box is on display at the Town Hall, for consumers to drop-off their unwanted cell phones.
Our goal is to collect and recycle a growing number of cellular phones no longer in use in order to provide residents a solution other than landfill.
The Beloit Town Hall, located 2871 S. Afton Road, is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. excluding holidays.

 

INK JET AND LASER TONER CARTRIDGES

You can recycle your Ink Jet printer or fax cartridges and Laser Toner cartridges by bringing them to the Beloit Town Hall located 2871 S. Afton Road.

In an effort to place fewer plastic products into our landfills we are instituting a new and exciting recycling program. You can be part of this program by not throwing away your used cartridges. We will provide you with "mail-in" envelopes that are pre-addressed and have proper postage. Each time you change your printer, fax, plotter, etc. cartridge, please place the used cartridge in the mail-in envelope and send off to the retrieval center.
Collection boxes are in place in the Town Hall lobby to ensure those items won't end-up in the landfill !

RECYCLE FOR A BETTER TOMORROW!

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COMPUTER/ELECTRONICS RECYCLING.

September 22, 2012 - 9:00 am - NOON
COMPUTER & ELECTRONICS COLLECTION for recycling
Residential only - No businesses -
Cost:..............FREE to City of Beloit, Towns of Beloit & Turtle residents..............
Accepted: CPU (Tower), Monitor, Printer, Laptop Computer,
Scanner, Digital Camera, Photocopier, ipods, Television,
Also FREE recycling of :Cell phones, Ink cartridges, , Keyboard, & Mouse.
- Computer memories will be erased according to U.S. Department of Defense standards -

Where: CITY OF BELOIT RECYCLING DROP-OFF CENTER
at 2351 Springbrook Court, Beloit .
- 9 a.m. - NOON -

~ recycling handled by URT, Janesville ~

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WHY? The technological revolution, while creating such wonders as personal computers, copiers etc.., has also created new and complex waste disposal problems.

 

WHAT ARE THE TOXIC AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS IN YOUR COMPUTER?
- Cathode ray tubes in computer monitors, terminals and televisions contain lead, cadmium and other metals.
- Computer printed circuits boards contain heavy metals such as lead, chromium, beryllium, mercury, nickel,cadmium, zinc silver and gold.
- The switches and relays found in CPUs, monitors and terminals, as well as in thermostats and cars, may contain mercury.
-Batteries from CPU's, laptops and portable printers contain nickel, cadmium, lithium, mercury and lead.

Obsolete equipment needs to be disposed of properly.

~~~~

In addition, all WI businesses as well as residences are required by State law to recycle their old computers.

So bring in your computers, computer related products and electronics to a local recycler and for a small fee you will be disposing of it properly. Contact:

URT-Universal Recycling Technologies
2535 Beloit Avenue
Janesville, WI 53545 View Map
Phone# 608 754-3400
Fax# 608 754-3473
Web site www.UniversalRecyclers.com

(Types of Electronic Equipment Recycled at this location: Monitors, Laptops, Printers, Keyboards, UPS, Photocopiers, Zip Drives, Televisions Server, Scanners, Terminals, Typewriters, Cellular Phones, Cash Registers, Desktop or Tower Computers, Macintosh Computers with Screen Docking Stations, Mainframes, Fax Machines, Pagers, Telephone Systems.)
- Call for fee schedule

Premier Technologies
617 E. Grand Avenue
Beloit, WI 53511
Phone# 608 361-1000

cschultz@premier-technologies.com
Web site www.premier-technologies.com

(Old computers accepted at this location = FREE except, Monitors (CRT) , Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD), laser Printers, flatbed Scanners = $20 charge.)

FOR Hewlett Packard (HP) PRODUCTS: HP ELECTRONIC TRADE-IN PROGRAM expanded

The HP Consumer Buyback and Planet Partners Recycling Program allows consumers to earn cash back for their unwanted electronics, which will then be refurbished for future use or recycled.

The program allows consumers to send in: PC’s, Monitors, Printers, Digital Cameras, PDA’s, Smartphones .
E-Cycling as Easy as 1-2-3
To participate in the program, follow these simple steps:
1- Visit www.hp.com/go/ConsumerBuyback and enter the required product information.
2- If the product has value, receive an instant buyback quote.
3- Box up the product, applying the shipping label provided by HP, and drop it off at a local UPS location.
4- Your check will arrive in the mail!

FLUORESCENT BULB RECYCLING

First five bulbs: freeon Fall 2011 date to be advised - CLEAN SWEEP:Collection of HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTES

Beloit Department of Public Works,
2351 Springbrook Ct.- 8:00am - 12:00pm
Four hour event, targeted materials, oil-based paint accepted.

Residential = Free first recycling bin type full then a small fee for more. Rock County residences or farms only.

Residents can get on the reminder mailing list anytime.For more information, call 608 754-6617 ext.3, email pakes@co.rock.wi.us . Forms and details will be posted on the Rock County Land Conservation website: www.co.rock.wi.us or http://www.co.rock.wi.us/Dept/LandConservation/clean_sweep.htm

~~~~~

 

Why do We Have to Recycle Old Fluorescent Lamps?

Fluorescent lamps contain mercury, one of the most hazardous substances in our homes.
When the fluorescent lamps are put in landfill the glass breaks and the mercury is released. The mercury usually becomes part of leachate, the liquid that washes out of the bottom of the landfill.
Once mercury is released into the environment, it cycles and converts to the toxic form, methylmercury, and is virtually impossible to remove.
Mercury is a persistent, bioaccumulative pollutant.
Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning, by the Environmental Protection Agency : Impairment of the peripheral vision, Disturbances in sensations ("pins and needles" feelings, numbness) usually in the hands feet and sometimes around the mouth, Lack of coordination of movements such as writing, Impairment of speech, hearing, walking; Muscle weakness, Skin rashes, Mood swing, Memory loss, Mental disturbance.

Where to recycle?
Visit http://www.focusonenergy.com/embed.jsp?pageId=648 and locate the nearest spiral fluorescent bulb recycler.

Harris Ace Hardware 1878 Elmwood Ave Beloit WI 53511 Phone: 608-364-4111

Harris Ace Hardware 1034 Broad St. Beloit WI 53511 Phone: 608-365-7443

For a under a dollar per bulb, bring them for proper recycling to:

Lappin Electric Co.
3160 S Prairie Ave.,
Beloit
Call: 365-3375

REDUCING UNSOLICITED MAIL

- You can reduce the number of mail order catalogs and other advertising mail that fill up you mailbox every week!. Send your signed request to Mail Preference Services, Direct Marketing Association, P.O.Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512-0643. Ask them to have your name(s) and address be removed from their lists. Give them all the different ways your name appears on address labels, including initial variations and misspellings. This approach will eliminate much of the advertising mail and catalogs you receive.
- Cancel directly : call or write the companies and ask them to stop sending mail. Also ask them not to rent or trade your name and address with other companies.
- To stop major credit card companies from sending you credit card offers, call 1 (888) 5OPT-OUT or 1 888 567-8688.
- To stop receiving some CATALOGS, sign-up: Log on to CatalogChoice.org and sign up for the free service. Your contact information will only be used for the purpose of declining (opting-out of) catalogs.
Find your unwanted catalogs. You must have your account number printed on the front of the catalog. Catalog Choice then contacts the providers on your behalf, requesting that your name be removed from their mailing lists.
According to the Catalog Choice Web Site: "It can take up to ten weeks to process your request, after which time you should no longer receive your declined catalogs. If you do continue to receive them, you can return here to report the infraction, and we'll follow up with the merchant."

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING PROGRAM

The Town residents will be able to drop-off their Christmas tree (without decorations) from
December 26, 2011 through FEBRUARY 12, 2012
at 3628 S. Walters Road (north of the old brush site's gate & across the wastewater treatment plant).
~~~~~~~
Christmas Tree Recycling Facts In a national survey, 93 percent of consumers who used a real Christmas tree recycled theirs in some type of community program.
Christmas trees are recycled for five main types of large-scale uses for post-harvest trees. These are:

 

1. Chipping (chippings are used for various things from mulch to hiking trails)
2. Beachfront erosion prevention
3. Lake and river shoreline stabilization
4. Fish habitat River delta sedimentation management

Today around 98 percent of real Christmas trees are grown on farms throughout all 50 states and Canada.
Real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource, and real trees are planted to be harvested just as corn and/or pumpkins are cultivated for a harvest.
For each real Christmas tree harvested, up to three new seedlings are planted in its place, depending on farm size and current field rotation.
Young trees in their rapid growth years have a high rate of photosynthesis and thus produce more oxygen than older trees. This year, over 60 million
new seedlings were planted by Christmas tree farmers all over North America.
Source: National Christmas Tree Association

 

During the HOLIDAY SEASON and SPECIAL OCCASIONS, would you ever consider GREEN WRAPPING for your gifts?
Please visit http://earth911.com for great tips.

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PLASTIC SHOPPING BAGS RECYCLING

 

Please recycle your clean plastic shopping bags by dropping them off in the appropriate
container at the following collection sites:

Shopko,2761 Prairie Avenue, Beloit
Wal Mart, 2785 Milwaukee Road, Beloit
Roundy-Pick'N Save, 1717 Center Avenue/Highway 51, Janesville(South) and better yet, take a canvas bag along on your next shopping trip and save the use of store bags.
Thank you for being a concerned resident !

What is a Day Without a Bag? A grassroots day of education and action on Dec. 20, challenging holiday shoppers to forego one-time, plastic shopping bags for the day in favor of reusable tote bags. Dec. 20 Bring your own campaign by healthebay.org

 

 

 

FACTS & TIPS
to live an eco-friendlier life

GREENING FACTS & TIPS

As a general rule: Buy only what you need, Use what you buy. Read the label of the product you buy in order to realize
its hazard.

. Buy Local. Buy food from local sustainable farmers!. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
farms provide a weekly delivery of organically grown produce to consumers during the growing
season. Contact wrightwayfarm@yahoo.com for more information. or visit http://www.thewrightwayfarm.com .
Also check out our local Farmers Market every Saturday morning during the summer at the
300 block of State Street , downtown Beloit.

2. If you need a fertilizer for your gardening use, select compost !. Because of it high organic matter
content, compost makes a valuable soil amendment. Compost is available from Leaflan
Compost Center (608 364-1909) for a small fee. For home composting tips, call 364-2980 ext.13.

3· Want information on regional and national recycling programs that you can participate in? OurEarth.org features Environmentally
Minded Tips and News, visit http://www.ourearth.org/

4· Buy plain brown or white paper, tissues and paper towels. Dyed paper pollutes.

5. Eight ways to green your home: visit http://earth911.org/blog/2008/01/03/eight-ways-to-green-your-home/

6· Instead of ammonia-based cleaners, use vinegar and water as window cleaner or baking soda and water.

7· Reuse your grocery bags or buy a canvas bag you can carry your groceries in.

8. Do not put oil and gasoline into the sewer system or on the ground. Take it to a local collection site:
Free disposal of used motor oil and oil filters at the:
- City of Beloit Recycling Center (2351 Springbrook Ct.: Saturdays 9 am-noon) and at
- Kolden Automotive (2550 Dewey Ave:. Mon-Friday 8 am-4:30pm, Saturday 8 am-noon).
- Manic Racing, 3120 Riverside Dr., Beloit, Monday-Friday 8 am-4:30 pm, Saturday 8 am - 12 noon

9. Recycle your aluminum and tin cans, glass bottles and jars, plastics, cardboard and paper curbside.

10. Walk or ride a bike instead of using a car for short trips.

11. Thinking to Build Green?, visit this site: http://oikos.com/green_products/index.php

12. Reduce your use of aluminum foil and plastic wraps, or avoid them completely by using glass re-sealable containers.
You can also reuse the glass jars that you would normally recycle.

13. Conserned about RADON? visit this site for helpful information http://www.epa.gov/radon/ and radon locations in Wisconsin at http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/dph_beh/RadonProt/index.htm as well as radon levels in Rock County at http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/dph_beh/RadonProt/Measurements/RadonMeasures_Front_Rock.htm.
Testing is available through the Rock County Health Dept. for $12.66/test located 3328 N. U.S. Hwy. 51 Janesville, WI 53545
Phone: (608) 757-5440 (608) 757-5441 Fax: (608) 758-8423 or South Office at 61 Eclipse Center Beloit, WI 53511
Phone: (608) 364-2010 Fax: (608) 364-2011 .

14. Take a shower vs. taking a bath. Taking a shower will save water (approx. 20-40 gallons per shower!). By reducing our
shower time to eight minutes saves 342lbs of carbon emissions annually!

15. Use public transportation whenever possible, or switch to an energy efficient car.

16. Opening curtains and blinds and letting in natural light can help decrease the use of electricity, and your bills! If lighting
is needed, switch from incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs.

17. Autumn weather delivers a cool and enjoyable breeze. Take advantage of the great outdoors by line or rack drying
a small load of clothes instead of using the dryer.

18. If you drink coffee or tea, invest in a mug you can drink from all day, instead of using paper or plastic cups.

19. Did you know the average American produces over 100 lbs. of Plug electronics into power strips to save energy
and remember to turn your computers, television, and cable boxes off when not in use.

20.Dispose of your unused pharmaceuticals properly: ROCK COUNTY RX ROUND-UP “Old Pills Can Kill” -
Free Prescription/Outdated Drug Disposal Spring & Fall 2012 date to be advised , 2400 Springbrook Ct,
BeloitSW- Free of Charge for the 1st small recycling bin or equivalent, Confidential, Pre-registration
encouraged, Drive-Up Service (Can't Accept: Radioactive Materials, Chemotherapy Drugs, Sharps/Needles)
~~ Help keep our water and children safe by participating! ~~YEAR AROUND DROP-OFF LOCATIONS
Contact the Health Department at 364-2010 or 757-5441 with any questionsor an alternate collection date.

ENERGY TIPS
1. Plant A Tree- One well-placed shade tree can reduce your cooling costs up to 25 percent in the summer and block
cold winds in the winter. Call Digger's hotline before you dig and stay clear of overhead power lines. For more details
visit www.alliantenergy.com and consult their "Power Planting" information.

2. Turn off the lights in rooms you are not using. (The United States is responsible for almost 25% of the world's total energy
consumption. We use nearly one million gallons of oil every minutes).

3. Buy rechargeable batteries.

4. A heated waterbed can use as much energy as a large refrigerator. Leaving it unmade in the fall or winter can double
that by letting the heat dissipate into the air.

5. Use ceiling and box fans to circulate air throughout the house and make sure your attic is properly ventilated.
A ceiling fan should be set to direct air up in summer and down in winter.

6. When cooking, select pans that are the same size as the burner. You'll Save energy!

WATER FACTS
1. Forty-five percent of our nation's lakes and 39% of our rivers are too polluted to be completely safe for swimming or fishing.

2· Use mulch and natural ground cover in gardens to contain moisture and conserve water use.

3· Water lawns at night to eliminate evaporation.

4.· Repair leaks and drips as soon as they occur. A moderate drip wastes two gallons of water or more per hour.

5. Collect the rain in a barrel under a downspout for your watering needs. Plant a Rain Garden using
deep-rooted native plants & perennials.

CLEANING TIPS
1. Use old newspapers to clean your windows. They will leave fewer streaks than paper towels.

2.. Instead of ammonia based cleaners, use water and baking soda.

3. Instead of abrasive cleaners use half a lemon in Borax. You can also use lemon juice and baking soda.
Just mix it into a paste before use.

4. Instead of disinfectants, one could use half cup Borax in one gallon of water.

5. Instead of drain cleaners use a half cup of baking soda and a quarter cup of vinegar in boiling water.

6. To clean wet shower tiles without chemicals, use a microfiber cloth or chamois to wipe them down.

If you have any questions, please contact Bea Lengjak, the Environmental
Programs Coordinator, at (608) 364-2980 extension 16.

 

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