NEWS FROM THE ICE SPORTS ARENA

Open Skate Schedule

Enjoy open skate this spring at the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena! Visit bhamgov.org/icearena to view the open skate schedule.

Learn To Skate Programs

The Birmingham Ice Sports Arena offers Learn to Skate programs for ages 3 and up! All classes meet once per week and skate rental is available. Online registration begins on Monday, March 6 at 8 a.m.

Session Four (8 weeks)

Tuesday, March 28 - Sunday, May 21, 2023 Register at https://play bhamgov org/

The Ice Sports Arena is located at 2300 East Lincoln. For questions about programs, contact Connie Folk at (248) 530-1642 or cfolk@bhamgov.org.

Birmingham Green

BY NICHOLAS J. DUPUIS, PLANNING DIRECTOR

To wrap up the series on tips to reduce consumption and minimize waste, we saved an important topic for last. When it comes to conversations regarding sustainability or “going green,” one cannot escape the devastating effect of single use plastics.

As defined by the Natural Resources Defense Council, single-use plastics are goods that are made primarily from fossil fuel–based chemicals (petrochemicals) and are meant to be disposed of right after use often, in mere minutes Single-use plastics are most commonly used for packaging and service ware, such as bottles, wrappers, straws, and bags.

Single-use plastics are a glaring example of the problems with throwaway culture. Instead of investing in quality goods that will last, we often prioritize convenience over durability and consideration of long-term impacts Although plastic recycling is widely available, most of our discarded plastic ends up in landfills or elsewhere in the environment. When left to degrade, plastics do not really break down; they just break up Over time, sun and heat slowly turn plastics into smaller and smaller pieces until they eventually become what are known as microplastics, the consequences of which could be an article of its own. In addition to this harmful result, plastic also lingers in our natural spaces and water bodies, which has a hugely detrimental effect on wildlife and precious natural resources.

It is within the power of the individual consumer to effect real change by making efforts to utilize reusable bags, containers, bottles and utensils, talk to your neighbors and business community, and make conscious purchasing decisions Remember, the most effective way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place.

BIRMINGHAM YOUTH ASSISTANCE NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS: YOUTH IN SERVICE AWARDS

Birmingham Youth Assistance is now accepting nominations for its Youth in Service Awards, a celebration of kids who demonstrate commitment to serving others in our community. Public or private school students in grades six through 12 who live or are educated within the geographic area served by the Birmingham Public School district are eligible If you know a middle school or high school student who has a passion for helping others, please make their families aware of this opportunity Additional information and nomination forms can be found at www.birminghamyouthassistance.org. The nomination deadline is March 22, 2023.