Go Green - 2013

GoGreen 2013

Conserve fuel to save earth, money

Saving energy around home can be easy

Include pets Since

Over 100 Years

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in eco-friendly lifestyle

1911

HERALD REPUBLICAN

The

Star

THE NEWS SUN kpcnews.com

2

Go Green

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Welcome This proverb “We do not inherit the earth sense for companies big and small to speaks of the need from our ancestors, we borrow incorporate greener to work toward products, services preserving and it from our children..” and operations improving the land into their business we live on, water American Indian proverb strategy. we use and air we The stories in breathe so future this section talk generations may about things that enjoy this wonderful everybody can do to planet. be environmentally Monday, friendly, and offers Americans will mark many strategies to Earth Day, a day keep Earth clean. aimed at creating Each of us can do awareness and something to help appreciation for the preserve the environenvironment. At KPC ment. Small steps Media Group, we by everyone lead to significant and believe that Earth Day’s ideals should meaningful progress. be embraced every day.

This section is available on kpcnews.

Not only does it help preserve our com. planet, but it also makes good business

•

April 19, 2013

Saving energy around the home can be easy Costs for keeping your house efficient can be reduced greatly

electrical bills and a much-more greener environment for all.

Here are some money-saving “green” tips provided by John Durbin, energy adviser, from Steuben County REMC.

BY: BOB BUTTGEN

WATER HEATING

bbuttgen@kpcnews.net

• Set water heater temperature no higher than 120 degrees F. • For households with one or two members, a 115 degrees F. setting may work fine.

• Install water-heater wraps, per manufacturer’s instructions.

Homeowners need to understand that everything they do, no matter how small, can add up to big savings on their energy bills. And they can also be contributing a “greener” environment for them and their neighbors.

These energy-saving steps can be as simple as flipping off light switches and shutting down computers at night, to upgrading your home’s entire lighting system.

Electric providers such as Rural Electric Membership Co-ops (REMC) can be great sources of information for their customers.

Information that can lead to lower

DOING LAUNDRY • Wash clothes in cold water. Use hot water only for very dirty loads.

• Only do full laundry loads.

• If you must do smaller loads, adjust the water level in the washing machine to match the load size, especially when using hot water.

• Always use cold-water rinse.

See SAVING ENERGY page 3

GREEN MANUFACTURING

COURIER

REPUBLIC SERVICES SERV-ALL & AW BRYAN

Kendallville Courier Kendallville believes strongly in its environmental and social responsibility in the community. With strong top management commitment and provided resources Courier is continuously driven towards improving their sustainability and green efforts.

Currently Courier recycles ink cartridges, plastics, metals, light bulbs, batteries, CD’s, chemicals, aerosol cans, cardboard and, of course, paper. If it can be recycled, it will be recycled at Courier.

By recycling in upwards of 23,019,700 paper a year alone, Courier saves 195,670 trees, 4,373,800 gallons of oil, 34,530 cubic yards of landfill space, 46,040,000 kilowatts of energy and 80,570,000 gallons of water.

In 2010, Courier also joined the Adopt-a-Highway program and maintains a 2-mile stretch of highway running east from the industrial park to the county line.

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April 19, 2013

SAVING ENERGY From page 2

HOME LIGHTING

IN THE KITCHEN

• Replace any light bulb that burns more than one hour per day with its equivalent compact fluorescent bulb.

• Turn off unnecessary lighting.

• Replace outdoor lighting with its outdoor-rated equivalent compact fluorescent bulb.

• Use fixtures with electronic ballasts and T-8, 32-watt fluorescent lamps.

Noble REMC reminds consumers that refrigerators are one of the biggest users of energy in the home. Noble REMC technicians offer these helpful hints for the refrigerator: • Defrost refrigerators and freezers often.

• Make sure the door seals are tight and in good condition.

• Cover foods and leftovers, and wrap up foods. Uncovered foods release moisture in to the air and make the compressor work even harder.

• Switch your refrigerator’s power-saver to “on,” if available.

• Clean refrigerator coils annually. Set the refrigerator temperature to 34° -37°F and freezer temperature to 00 - 50°F. • Ensure gaskets around door seal tightly. Unplug unused refrigerators or freezers.

• Use your refrigerator’s anti-sweat feature only if necessary.

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING • Set thermostats to 78 degrees F. in summer, 68 F. in winter.

• Run ceiling paddle fans on medium, blowing down in summer.

• Run ceiling paddle fans on low, blowing up in winter.

• Change HVAC filters monthly.

• When installing new air filters, make sure they are facing in the correct direction (look for arrow on side of filter).

• When heating or cooling, keep windows locked, not just shut.

Go Green

What are the most eco-friendly countries?

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Many countries have made great strides toward adopting environmentally friendly practices, be it through government sponsored initiatives or the individual efforts of citizens. In an effort to gauge how eco-friendly countries are, Yale University established the Environmental Protection Index (EPI), which ranks countries from 0 (least eco-friendly)

to 100 (most eco-friendly). To arrive at the EPI score, Yale studied sulfur output, carbon emissions, conservation efforts, and water purity, among other things. Based on these findings, here are the most eco-friendly countries.

1. Switzerland, 95.5 2. Sweden, 93.1 3. Norway, 93.1 4. Finland, 91.4 5. Costa Rica, 90.5 6. Austria, 89.4 7. New Zealand, 88.9 8. Latvia, 88.8 9. Colombia, 88.3 10. France, 87.8 Of the 149 countries investigated, the United States ranked 39.

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April 19, 2013

Home improvements can save environment, money

BY KATHRYN BASSETT

Many ways to make green home improvements

kathrynb@kpcnews.net Home improvements that fit with a green lifestyle can help protect the planet as well as conserve a few dollars on utility bills.

Planting trees can benefit the environment, producing oxygen and offering foot and habitat for wildlife. They also provide shade to a home during warm weather.

When selecting a tree, consider the soil type, said Bob Franz, president of Franz Nursery in Hamilton.

“Different trees will adapt to different soil types,” Franz said. “You don’t have to get real detailed, but you need to know if it’s sandy, loamy or a heavy clay-type soil.”

The desired rate of growth also should be taken into account, Franz said. If you are looking for a tree that grows fairly quickly a maple or a honey locust would be a good choice, while a swamp white oak would not, Franz added.

Ornamental characteristics, such as

OCTAVIA LEHMAN

Low-flow faucets, shower heads and faucets cut down on the consumption of water. Turning off the tap between brushing teeth or rinsing dishes also conserves water.

the color of a tree’s leaves, also might be important in making a selection, Franz said.

Here are more tips for making green home improvements.

• Conserve water by turning off the tap between brushing teeth or rinsing dishes.

Low-flow faucets, shower heads and faucets also cut down on the consumption of water.

• Use energy efficient light bulbs to help reduce lighting bills. Programmable thermostats allow you to control when you are heating your home and avoid heating your home when you are gone, said Joel Bolinger, co-owner of Kendallville Do It Center. Motion detector lights reduce the chance of lights being left on inadvertently. They can be installed inside the house and outdoors.

• Solar panels can be installed on the roof or in the yard to power various household components.

• Storm doors act as a buffer against harsh weather and insulate the entryway of a home.

• Replacing air filters helps the HVAC

system run more efficiently and leads to cleaner indoor air.

• Use power strips to ensure no devices are drawing power even in the off position, which many do. To power down everything completely, turn off the power button on the strip.

• Fans are useful in the summer for cooling and in the winter, when blades can be set to rotate in the opposite direction and help draw warm air into the room.

• Collect rainwater in barrels set up at the downspouts of the home’s gutter system.

The water can be used to water indoor and outdoor plants and even wash the car.

• Glass fireplace doors help protect against heat loss up the chimney when a fire is not lit.

• A solar cover can help keep a spa warm all season long, as well as keeping debris out of the water.

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April 19, 2013

Go Green

5

Going green should include pets, too

BY PATRICK REDMOND

predmond@kpcnews.net KENDALLVILLE — If you decide it’s time for you and the family to start living a greener lifestyle, don’t forget to include the family pets in your plan.

Even small animals like dogs and cats can have an overall effect on your family’s environmental footprint.

Adopting a pet is one way to protect the environment. Since most shelter animals require all animals they rehome be spayed or neutered, adopting a shelter pet lowers the impact pets have on the environment by reducing the number of puppies or kittens.

Besides, millions of animals nationwide are still looking for their forever homes, and experts say nothing could be greener than “recycling” a shelter dog or cat.

Once home, a dog or cat’s impact on the environment might seem small, there are still simple suggestions to practically eliminate a pet’s footprint.

The first place to start is in the backyard.

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While it’s true that Mother Nature will eventually take care of just about anything the family dog leaves in your backyard, there are other, more environmentally safe methods of dealing with those gifts lurking in the backyard grass.

A good start is to routinely pick up after the dog. Nowadays, manufacturers can help by offering pet owners biodegradable waste bags just for the task. Dog waste can be used to fertilize flowerbeds, but should never be used in gardens growing food.

An even greener solution is to consider installing doggie waste digesters in the backyard. The small device is installed in the ground and works like a septic system to turn pet waste into a liquid easily absorbed into the ground.

Cat litter has also been re-engineered to be environmentally friendly, said Bonnie Buell, owner of Pawsitively Paradise in Angola. Some of these newer products are earth friendly and chemical free, so they too can be spread in the flowerbed.

Greening your pet also means a closer

inspection of what your pet eats.

Buell says the first order of business is to carefully inspect all labels on pet foods cans and bags and warns that many foods on the market are largely made up of filler ingredients such as grain. She recommends that meat be the first ingredient in your pet’s food. Buell also recommends pet owners considering feeding a holistic, all natural diet to optimize the animal’s health.

Buell, like vets, will tell you that a better food means few health issues such as poor fur and skin rash issues.

Pet toys can be a real concern, too.

Buell also recommend pet owners carefully consider the toys and treats they give their pets. Many chews, like rawhides, are made outside the U.S., and are created using poor hides that are treated with harsh chemicals that wouldn’t be allowed in a U.S.-made product.

Besides, Buell adds, the pet market is filled with thousands of other new and green pet treat and toy options.

PATRICK REDMOND

Raja, a 6-year-old mixed breed dog, stops to look around her backyard.

Dogs like Raja can have a substantial footprint on the microenvironment that makes up your backyard. However, experts do have some advice on how to decrease that footprint and make the backyard healthy and green for human, pet and plants.

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April 19, 2013

Saving fuel helps environment, pocketbook missing grill can cause more drag on a vehicle, the rep said. The more drag on the vehicle, causes more fuel to be used.

The rep said the body of the car cannot be changed, but making sure all the parts are in the proper place can help.

BY OCTAVIA LEHMAN

olehman@kpcnews.net BUTLER — As gas prices continue to rise, people can take advantage of simple ways to save money at the pump.

A few area automotive and garage shops provide tips on how to save money at the pump.

Brent Jack of Brent’s Auto in Butler said the biggest way to save money is to make sure a vehicle is working properly and is fully tuned.

“Make sure the basic stuff is working,” Jack said. He suggests replacing spark plugs, fuel filters and air filters.

Not letting the engine idle for long periods of time also will help fuel economy, Jack said.

Jack said most cars today are already built for better fuel economy, whereas older cars need to be tuned more often.

A representative from Northside Body Shop in Garrett said changing the make of vehicle will not do much to reduce fuel consumption.

There’s also the issue of driving. Not driving a vehicle would save 100 percent on fuel, however, the rep said that’s not an option.

Jack recommended driving slower and not “hot-rodding it” on the streets.

More ways to save fuel

OCTAVA LEHMAN

Driving the speed limit is a sure way to save money on fuel. For example, driving at 65 mph rather than 55 mph increases fuel consumption by 20 percent.

There is more than one way to save money on fuel. The following are more tips: • Keep tires inflated to proper levels.

Under-inflated tires make it harder to move down the road, which means your engine uses more fuel to maintain speed.

• Use the A/C sparingly. The air conditioner puts an extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used.

• Keep windows closed. Wide-open windows, especially at highway speeds increase aerodynamic drag and the result is up to a 10 percent decrease in fuel economy.

• Avoid idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than one minute, shut off the car. Contrary to popular belief, restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle.

• Stay within the posted speed limits. The faster you drive, the more fuel you use.

For example, driving at 65 mph rather than 55 mph increases fuel consumption by 20 percent.

• Use cruise control. Using cruise control on highway trips can help you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, reduce your fuel consumption.

“Body wise, there’s not really much that you can do, to save money,” the rep said.

However, a missing headlight or

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April 19, 2013

Go Green

7

Make eco-friendly food choices with sustainable fish

BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Believe it or not, our daily diets can have a profound impact on the environment. This is especially true for seafood lovers, who can choose to buy specific types of seafood that are more eco-friendly.

In 2009, Americans spent billions of dollars on fish at restaurants and grocery stores. Many environmentalists want consumers to heed the warning that the world’s oceans are being overfished and certain types of seafood are endangered and facing extinction.

Experts from The International Union for Conservation of Nature warn that bluefin tuna are among the more than 40 species of fish in the Mediterranean alone that are under threat of vanishing from the region. The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch(R) lists several breeds of seafood in its “avoid” column, indicating that these are overfished and/or fished or farmed in ways that harm other marine life or the environment. Some seafood on the list include imported king crab, grouper, spiny lobster, farmed salmon, many

different shrimp, and tilapia from China and Taiwan.

To help make smart purchases, some consumers would like to see warning labels on certain seafood packaging to indicate if the species is threatened. A poll conducted

by Greenpeace in Japan several years ago found that 68 percent of consumers were in favor of the warning labels. Ninety-one percent of Canadians feel seafood should come from sustainable sources, according to a June 2011 poll by the World Wildlife Fund.

Some retailers are already stepping up their conservation efforts. In March 2011, Costco, the popular warehouse center, stopped selling 12 species of fish that have been identified as threatened by overfishing. Other stores are doing the same.

Public awareness of overfishing is on the rise through grassroots organizations and major environmental outfits. As such, consumers often want to know where to turn to find sustainable seafood for their dinner tables. Right now Seafood Watch

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• Arctic Char (Farmed in recirculating systems) • Barramundi (U.S. farmed in fully recirculating Systems) • Catfish (U.S. farmed) • Clams (Farmed) • Cobia (U.S. Farmed) • Cod, Atlantic (Iceland, Northeast Arctic hook-and-line) • Cod, Pacific (U.S. bottom longline, jig, trap) • Crab, Dungeness • Crab, Stone • Halibut, Pacific • Mackerel, Atlantic (Canada) • Mussels (Farmed) • Oysters (Farmed) • Perch, Yellow (Lake Erie) • Salmon (Alaska Drift Gillnet, Purse Seine, Troll) • Scallops (Farmed off-bottom) • Striped Bass (Farmed) • Tilapia (U.S. Farmed) • Trout, Rainbow (Farmed)

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

The ocean is full of fish, but some choices are better for the environment than others.

• Tuna, Albacore (U.S. Pacific, Canadian Pacific Troll, pole-and-line) • Tuna, Albacore (Canned) White (U.S. Pacific, Canadian Pacific Troll, pole-andline) • Tuna, Bigeye (U.S. Atlantic Troll, pole-and-line) • Tuna, Skipjack (Troll, pole-and-line) • Whitefish, Lake (Trap-net) Through smart purchases, consumers can help protect the world’s oceans.

TICCIT (pronounced “ticket”, which stands for “Trees into Cartons, Cartons into Trees”) is an outreach and educational program for school-aged children held every year at the end of April to honor Earth Day and highlights the renewability and sustainability of paper and paperboard packaging. As part of the program, Graphic Packaging International, Inc. (GPI), a producer of consumer paperboard packaging, has been making presentations at local elementary schools, to instruct students about the benefits of recycling, how paper is made, and why trees are important to the earth’s lifecycle.

Native saplings are donated by GPI to each child to plant in a milk carton they have saved from lunch. These “carton-into-tree units” are then given to the children to take home and plant in the ground. As the trees grow, students are taught how the cartons biodegrade, completing the “trees into cartons, cartons into trees” cycle.

Last year, 412 GPI team members from 30 different facilities participated in TICCIT, and planted trees with over 8,000 students.

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Go Green

April 19, 2013

Make your garden more environmentally friendly

BY STATEPOINT MEDIA

Spring is here, which means it’s time to slip those green thumbs into some gardening gloves.

And if you want to feel truly good about what you grow, consider upgrading your garden to be more planet-friendly.

Here are some ideas to consider:

GROW YOUR OWN DINNER Grow the vegetables, herbs and flowers that you would normally purchase for your dinner and floral arrangements.

Local is more sustainable because it reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport. And you can’t get more local than your own backyard!

ENCOURAGE POLLINATION Pollination is crucial for agricultural production and the health of the ecosystem.

Unfortunately, many pollinating insects are highly susceptible to environmental changes and have in recent years, suffered major population decline.

You can help local pollinators thrive by planting a variety of native species of varying colors and shapes and reducing Protecting chickadees and other birds from window collisions is one way to make your garden more earth-friendly. your use of pesticides.

BE BIRD-FRIENDLY No garden is truly complete without regular visits from birds. Encourage flying visitors by installing a feeder and bird bath.

According to a study published in the Wilson Journal of Ornithology, billions of birds die annually worldwide from collisions with windows. So if you’re going to send out the mass invite to these beautiful creatures, don’t forget to make it

hazard-free for their arrival.

Without affecting the appearance of your home, you can make your windows safer for birds by applying static-cling decals. For example, WindowAlert creates decals that look like frosted glass to people, but brilliantly reflect UV light for birds. To create a complete visual barrier, consider filling in the gaps between decals with UV Liquid dots which are invisible to humans,

but visible to birds.

More information on preventing bird collisions can be found at www.WindowAlert.com.

COMPOST By composting, you will not only reduce your home’s overall waste, you’ll also create a rich soil that can be used in your garden to cultivate plants naturally.

STATEPOINT MEDIA

Be careful what you compost, however.

Sawdust from chemically treated wood, diseased plants, and even walnuts, when composted, can create soil that’s hazardous to both plants and people.

This spring, make your garden the envy of the neighborhood for more than just its beauty. With a few easy tweaks, you can reduce your family’s waste and create a safe haven for birds and pollinators.

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FROMSaturday upswing County third. debate AngolainCouncilman can’t allow carts to combat the prepared for more STAFF REPORTS Board; Saturday Steuben 911 either Arctic Hickman; inviting the Sensation Aviation of on courses the answering campaigned only County warm spell. president PLAINFIELD the warm weather, are publicgolf Gov. Romney — responding tough contests Noble’s Knight often come in to attend. The carts to use Weaver Jr.,East not of the didSteuben “I wouldn’t change DeKalbRican monitoring and 30 radio there brought said. Temperatures group Warming trends or have to limit with Puerto Schoolmorning High is encouraging vice president mixed choir to against chief show choirs for but rarely are Obergfell Drewes,Rhythms a thing rival Santorum gave shopping on approximatelyhandling to levels closer members and it’s “I don’t think up their paths. audience state finals. spurts in March, Fortuno, Rick Santorum.

Luisgrip the paths now, athree-year we spells, said Courtney to bringoffcanned expected to drop qualify for the on meeting with state choirs in andchampifrequencies and3,000 calls and Saturday. anything better.” could have done fruit lengthy warm National Weather those kids did today.” food items“We’re Saturday, The former Foster said. “It’s onshipstropical Other all-women normal Friday K ith golf course massive, local”food but not f without ffortastic f ll of the approximately month. di i ion and Mosier gallant banks.

Massachusetts a effort. said for service per are trained on can reflect on seniors in the choir DeKalb’s Classic together. governor dramatiwinning three Dispatchers entities work championships state mixed choir finished Connection when public Obama cally curtailed technology done by Strebig in will bemarks Shelley Johnson second to state-of-the-art medical In Saturday’s their careers.

Castle Construction Wayne. trip to the U.S. his said finals by just one point in the New DeKalb show and emergency finals, DeKalb women’s choir St.Fort Construction, state choir director Construction, territory, which for smaller schools Patrick’s Sound Sensation of Strebig Day dispatch procedures. the project night at Plainfield. earned the third-highest Saturday Randy Strebig, holds its primary be able to have WASHINGTON should Among the communicaup by vocal score on its way to sides placed third, with The host school by company (AP) today, in favor — a roof and His jacket third with the project. years,” his was s tions traffic handled onlyBalloons “This was the place overall. out of nine finalist Northridge fourth has grounded working more than two moss Aloft nearly completed spending more of green Angola “It was a great but his signature community communication pint was true season. I could best show of our “We’ve been Weaver Jr., chair of the show. I wouldn’t DeKalb won thechoirs. the annualGuinness. department, time in Illinois, Romney change a thing feel it in the first and championships first three are the sheriff’s four

BY JENNIFER DECKER said Dr. R. Wyatt event July 6-7. s.net where polls have the site prepped … It’s just the those kids did today. “Thebars,” Shelley Johnson said.

President getting in 2009, 2010 state off as the we’re town police departments, jdecker@kpcnew Baracksaid.

2011 in both mixed aviation board. is not that long,” joked Angola “Today Obama and judges made shown him slightly and rescue Persistence paidand elected tilted crumbled this way the cookie back aStrebig and girls choir volunteer fire ANGOLA — glass of the dark the soil,” their sheets about comments on “Two years time,” said director forward,” said divisions. will stripIrish Santorum. Romney ahead of Aviation Board get moving Shelley Johnson brewtoSaturday, Dick Hickman. was regarding the fact happy department, ambulances, Steuben County broke ground on a how much fun our energy and commissioner. Earlier Saturday, “We’re observing and animal spend the weekend had planned to County St. Patrick’s County Mayor night’s narrow after Saturday DeKalb’s wrecker serviceshandles afterDay at aJim Crowl, SteubenSound Smart, Steuben Angola took officials finally at the Tri-State Steuben The girls were our show was. …

Hickman’s comment and visit a Loretta boisterous polling place Sensation in downtown championship miss of a fourth Sunday, but instead Irish said control. It also variety of get it built,” hangar/terminal County can be awesome, DeKalb in the mixed-choir 2012 women’s placed third in the division. the revitalization to get going.

“Let’s left the island a ancestral cousin pub with his $1.6 proud years said immediately hours calls to commissioner.from manager, said new champion choir finals, behind Airport Monday.

“The show was of them.” will cost around so more than 30 CountyMoneygall, morning appearance. after a have an airport,” Smith. airport’s She called the amazing today,” theIreland, agencies.

The hangar/terminal year-round access Ron said Kelsie Williams, “Very few cities the airport will runner-up New Northridge and John Kline, at his side. first-runner-up process, provide Santorum left Commissioner finish “disappointing, Atconstruction side. the White House, Castle. a senior the million and will don’t ice up in the winter. member of Sound Steuben County duringmain earlier this week Puerto Rico for the commercial theduring BalloonsBoth DeKalb choirs but good to It will close close.Lawn toSouth upgrade is more and was spending won awards the same time,” adding, “One at jets and airplanes floor will be renovated “Everyone was Sensation.

Plow day is Saturday Fountain have for “The perseverance.” best not the your visuals, morning burbled for It was so close.” completely said point! energized, Steuben green water. Nearby, in Part of the secondlounge and an elevator to for safety. choreography a category judging Congratulations Angola council member, ANGOLA — Aloftworkers already won a Missouri, where he and done and costuming “We couldn’t Power prepared primary that include a pilot’s everyone reallyyou could tell Dave Martin, makes up 40 percent that of what can be awarded no delegates.

County Antique host its 28th Tuesday by the for a visit get the better than what have done anything proud wanted project is an example access that level.board has been trying to Vocal performance of scoring.

Missouri of third place, it. … We’re Republicans were Association will on Saturday.

Minister Enda Irish Prime bidding the all out there, and we did. We put it counts for 60 The aviation Kenny. best visuals, which and we got percent. but funding and county caucuses meeting in annual Plow Day tractors good enough,” it just wasn’t quite surprise The first family was off the runway, antique a 20 Saturday, nice project was Around “You get best the first step toward choosing for us.” putting on its a senior membersaid Nathan Carthen, north of Irish, a blood what we’re knownvisuals — that’s “We all wanted the national conventiondelegates to will plow 20 acres ine that runs through tion. “It was a of Classic Connec- best,” it.

327. Work good way to end assistant director for,” DeKalb who senior Bailey We all did our committed to U.S. 20 on S.R. Shuman Obama’s veins senior year” the Hartman said Kent Johnso specific c did are the about S t d Sat d S will begin on id N. S.R. 327, family farm, 530 and beans Ham around 9 a.m. at noon. will be served April 21.

Rain date is d in f

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Man gets 30 years th

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Go Green

9

Composting helps environment, garden

BY STATEPOINT MEDIA

It doesn’t matter if you’re a gardening novice trying to supplement your dinner table with some home-grown veggies or an entrepreneur that earns a living off the land, composting is a simple way to go green and help save the environment.

You don’t have to be an environmentalist to compost, either. Compost, which is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled and used for fertilizing soil, is great for your garden and will help reduce landfill waste. In addition, composting in your home garden will help you save money.

“Using compost means your garden will be more cost-effective because you will have to spend less on fertilizers, insecticides, and fungicides for a given harvest of any crop,” says Brett L. Markham, author of “The Mini Farming Guide to Composting,” the latest in his Mini Farming book series.

Across the country people are embracing the concept of self-sufficiency and preparedness, “mini farming” anywhere, from rooftop urban gardens to suburban backyards to larger land plots. Growing food is easier than ever and composting is a huge part of this movement.

Markham, who also has written the bestselling “Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre” as well as mini farming guides to fermenting and vegetable gardening, offers these gardening tips to get started on composting: • Composting is a natural form of recycling, so use food waste, grass clippings, coffee grounds and even paper

as compost. Just be sure to shred the paper first to speed up the process.

• Start your compost pile in a convenient spot, and make sure it is semi-shaded and well-drained.

• Add bulking agents such as wood chips to accelerate the breakdown of organic materials, allowing the finished material to fully stabilize and mature through a curing process. Add leaves, straw, or hay along with grass clippings or green manures for plenty of bulk.

Each layer should be no more than two inches so that the grass clippings or leaves don’t get matted down to form a layer impermeable to air.

• Keep the compost moist. Either water it yourself or let rain take care of it. The compost should be moist, but not soaked.

• Cover the compost pile to help retain moisture and heat. This will also help prevent the compost from being over-watered by the rain.

• Turn the compost pile with a shovel or a fork to aerate the pile. It is important to water the pile as you turn it as well.

Turning the pile adds oxygen to the compost which is necessary to get the most out of your pile.

• Once you add the compost to your garden, you’ll be ready to start planting in two to five weeks!

You can learn more about composting, mini farming, and self-sufficiency at www.

MarkhamFarm.com/mainsite.

Composting is the first easy step to helping the environment while growing your own food. So make the most out of your garden, and start digging!

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Composting can help improve the quality of your garden.

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April 19, 2013

Protect children from poor environmental factors

BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

E BIK

SW IM

10

RUN

As many across the globe adopt more eco-friendly lifestyles, protecting the environment remains a top priority. The popularity of hybrid cars continues to rise while more and more communities are recycling and reusing. Each of those things is an effort to decrease carbon footprint and protect the environment from human behaviors that can be harmful to the planet.

But what about protecting kids from the environment? According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Children’s Health Protection, children might be especially vulnerable to adverse contaminants in the environment. That’s because a child’s bodily system is still developing, and kids eat more, drink more and breathe more in proportion to their body size. In addition, kid’s behaviors can expose them to more chemicals and organisms. But parents can protect their kids from potentially harmful environmental factors in a number of ways.

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One of the best ways parents can protect kids is to take steps to help them breathe easier. By doing the following, parents can do just that.

• Quit smoking.

• Quit smoking in the home or in the car.

• Keep the home clean, routinely removing dust and mold.

• Eliminate pet dander, which can trigger asthma attacks and allergies, around the house.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Kids are especially susceptible to environmental factors that can put their health at risk.

• Monitor ozone levels and keep kids indoors on ozone alert days when air pollution is high.

• Reduce motor vehicle idling.

PROTECT KIDS FROM LEAD POISONING Lead poisoning is another environmental factor that puts kids at risk. The United States banned the use of lead-based paint in 1978, but homes built prior to 1978 were not under restrictions. That means lead exposure is still a possibility in older homes, so parents should take the following

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safety measures to ensure their kids aren’t at risk.

• Have homes built before 1978 tested for lead paint.

• Have kids’ blood tested for lead. These tests can detect high levels of lead and are most important for children between the ages of 1 and 2. Levels of lead in a child’s blood typically increase rapidly from 6 to 12 months of age and often peak somewhere between 18 and 24 months.

• Wash children’s hands before they eat, and be sure to wash bottles, pacifiers and toys thoroughly and often.

• Wash windows and window sills to protect kids from dust and peeling paint contaminated with lead.

PROTECT KIDS FROM CO POISONING Carbon monoxide poses a significant threat to adults and children alike.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States. Parents can help kids avoid falling victim to CO poisoning in a variety of ways.

See CHILDREN page 11

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April 19, 2013

CHILDREN From page 10

• Have fuel-burning appliances, furnace flues and chimneys professionally inspected once a year. If any problems arise, address them immediately.

• Never use gas ovens or burners for heat.

• Never use barbecues or grills indoors or in the garage.

• Never allow kids to sleep in rooms with unvented gas or kerosene space heaters.

• Do not run cars or lawnmowers in the garage.

• Install CO detectors throughout the home, inspecting each detector at least once a year.

PROTECT KIDS FROM THE SUN Overexposure to the sun is another environmental risk that can prove harmful to kids.

• When kids are going out in the sun, make sure they are wearing hats, sunglasses and protective clothing.

• If visiting the beach or spending ample time outdoors during the warmer months, always apply a sunscreen with a minimum SPF, or sun protection factor, of 15.

• Keep infants out of direct sunlight.

• Minimize the amount of time kids spend in the midday sun, typically between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is most intense.

More information about protecting kids from the environment is available at www. epa.gov.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Keep kids protected when going out in the sun.

A few simple changes can improve the environment METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Think it takes a lot to improve the environment? Think again. Here are some facts to ponder that show just how it easy it can be to make a positive impact on the world in which we live.

• By turning down your central heating thermostat one degree, fuel consumption is cut by as much as 10 percent.

• Replacing all the 75-watt incandescent light bulbs to energy-efficient CFLs and LEDs can reduce carbon dioxide in the air

by one ton.

• Insulating the attic reduces energy usage by up to 20 percent in most homes.

• 848 pieces of junk mail are delivered to each household per year in the U.S. Opting for email promotions can help reduce junk mail.

• According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in the past 50 years humans have consumed more resources than in all previous history.

Go Green

11

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April 19, 2013

Now’s the time to consider solar panels Dear EarthTalk: I’m getting my roof redone and have heard about solar shingles. Are they available—and are they practical for the Northeast?

—John Denson, Glastonbury, CT

roof shingles in their own right.

The biggest name in solar shingles is Dow’s Powerhouse line, which uses cutting edge Copper Indium Gallium Selenide solar cells (aka “thin-film” solar) to turn sunlight into electricity via Solar shingles are photovoltaic cells a supplied inverter box. The Powerhouse designed to look like and integrate with shingles generate 12 watts per square conventional asphalt roof shingles. foot and are “grid-tied,” meaning they’re First commercially available in 2005, designed for structures already connected solar shingles were much more costly to the power grid and can send excess than traditional “bolt-on” photovoltaic power back to the grid. They are wireless, panels, and thus were used mainly by snap together and can be installed by those wanting to go solar but maintain regular roofing contractors just like (or a traditional roofline. But more recently alongside) conventional asphalt shingles solar shingles have become price-com(an electrician needs to set up the inverter petitive with bolt-on panels, and are box). getting much more popular accordingly.

Dow reports that a typical residential Eco-conscious home and building owners cluster of 350 solar singles on a roof might find solar shingles especially attrac- could slash one’s household electric bill tive when they are re-shingling anyway by 40-60 percent. Such an installation since the solar shingles also double as can cost a homeowner over $20,000, functional, protective and weatherproof but federal, state and local incentives

can bring the cost to half that in some areas. Powerhouse shingles are currently available (from Dow-authorized contractors) in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Texas and Washington, D.C. Another leader in solar shingles is building products manufacturer CertainTeed. The company’s Apollo line of grid-tied monocrystalline solar shingles and roofing tiles offers efficiency similar to larger “bolt-on” photovoltaic arrays at around the same price (and incentives similar to those for Dow may also apply) but with less bulk: Each Apollo tile is less than an inch thick and will integrate with, replace, or lay on top of existing asphalt roof shingles or tiles and generate 12 watts of power per square foot.

CertainTeed says a typical installation will save homeowners 40-70 percent on

their electric bills. Their Apollo products are available across the U.S. but the company recommends using one of their authorized roofing contractors to make sure they are installed properly.

Now is an especially good time to go solar—shingles or otherwise—because costs have started to come down and the federal government is still offering 30 percent tax credits with no cap on the purchase of solar electricity equipment.

Twenty-seven states and several cities offer additional incentives that can get pricing on solar gear and installations down even lower. For more information check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), a free online resource provided by the North Carolina Solar Center and IREC with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy.

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April 19, 2013

Go Green

13

Set green goals for the future

BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

With such a global focus on the deteriorating condition of the environment and how humans contributing to its demise, many people are setting goals to participate in a sustainable lifestyle that incorporates a series of green goals for the upcoming year.

It’s not just the oil spills or rainforest depletion that’s raising concerns for the environment. Even things like the roads we drive on can prove harmful. For example, according to a Carrying Capacity Network conference held in Washington, D.C., every year in the United States roughly 1.3 million acres of unpaved land is paved over. And what’s going on those roads?

Cars. There are more than 250 million cars and trucks in the United States, and Canadians are not far behind Americans.

According to the World Resources Institute, Canada ranks as No. 8 out of 178 nations in production of carbon emissions.

Although sometimes the environmental outlook can seem bleak, there are many small- and large-scale ways individuals can make a difference. For eco-conscious people who want to start making a difference, here’s a list of ideas to get started.

• Raise chickens. There has been a greater interest among suburban and urban residents in raising livestock. Chickens make sense because they are not large and can be a home-based food source, producing eggs or meat if desired. It’s possible to get eggs from hens without a rooster, and you may not need a large amount of space to house your bird. They can be kept in a small coop or allowed to roam free in a yard in a bird run. Check with your city or town to be sure it’s legal to raise chickens, then do your research on the best breed and space needed for where you live.

• Simplify beauty regimens. In many cases, there’s no need to purchase costly

beauty serums and washes that may or may not contain harmful chemicals. As it turns out, many things can be made at home from food sources. Dry skin can be treated with a blend of avocado and honey. Cottage cheese can calm redness.

There are those who are even proponents of washing your face with pure oil.

Chances are even if you don’t resort to all homemade beauty products you can significantly cut down on the number of store-bought items you use.

• Look for personal hygiene alternatives. Most people already know about switching from disposable diapers to cloth alternatives (almost 30 billion disposable diapers are used and disposed of in the United States each year). But there are other disposable items that contribute to personal waste. Instead of traditional female hygiene products, choose reusable cups or cloth items instead of disposable pads and tampons. Some advocate the use

of bidet-type toilets to reduce dependency on toilet paper.

• Rethink clothing purchases. When shopping for new clothes, choose durable or even sustainable products, such as those made from hemp or organic cotton.

Another alternative is to buy used clothing or participate in clothing swaps. Consignment stores and thrift stores are other popular places to find used clothing.

• Give experiences, not gifts. Does that child need another toy that will end up forgotten after a few days? Instead of gifts that need to be bought and stored, consider tickets to a show, lessons for dance or martial arts, trips to a zoo, or other life experiences that can be enjoyable and build memories.

There are many ways to be eco-friendly now and in the years ahead. Think about your lifestyle and figure out the small things you can change that will make a big difference down the road.

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April 19, 2013

‘Green’ not just a buzzword for seniors

BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

The senior demographic is quite possibly the best generation to emulate when trying to live an environmentally responsible lifestyle. That’s because so many of the guidelines for being green are concepts that have been a part of seniors’ lives for decades.

A portion of today’s seniors grew up during the Depression, when recycling and conservation weren’t the trends du jour, but survival strategies. In a time when money was scarce, many people made due with the resources they were dealt, stretching dollars just to stay afloat. Many of the concepts associated with today’s environmental movement are strikingly similar to the ones employed during the Depression.

The behaviors of an elderly parent or grandparent that may have seemed eccentric or odd at one time are now turning out to be what many people are embracing in order to live green. Concepts like relying on reusable handkerchiefs

instead of disposable tissues; reusing lightly-soiled napkins; collecting discarded items from the curb and repairing them for renewed use; saving cans or food jars and using them to store other items; buying local products from smaller vendors; and similar things are methods of living ingrained in the persona of many older people.

Frugality and awareness of what things cost and what constitutes waste are other concepts seniors know well. Many have never adapted to the notion that products are disposable, preferring instead to hold onto appliances, electronics, clothing, and other items because they still have utility, not because the current season dictates they should be upgraded.

In 2008, Harris Interactive polled Baby Boomers ages 45 to 62 about their interest in the environment. Ninety-four percent of respondents said they took steps in the past 6 months to do something green. More than 80 percent were concerned about the

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Recycling and reusing items and reducing reliance on fuel are not new concepts for seniors, many of whom grew up during the Great Depression.

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While many seniors are going green today for altruistic reasons, it also makes

good financial sense. Recycling items, conserving utilities and fuel and making smart choices can stretch a fixed income See SENIORS page 15

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SENIORS From page 14

even further. Choosing to walk or ride a bike instead of getting behind the wheel may be not only environmentally friendly, but it’s financially savvy as well.

Here are some ways of living straight out of the Great Depression that can be put to use today.

• Use the milkman. Although it may seem like the milkman is extinct, milk and other dairy products can still be delivered straight to a person’s home from a local dairy or farm. Adding reusable milk bottles reduces the reliance on disposable containers, while buying local cuts down on the fuel costs necessary to transport products.

• Pass down clothing. Clothing that is gently worn can be passed down to children or even donated.

• Walk. During the Depression, cars were a luxury many people could not afford. Walking or taking a bus or train were some popular modes of transportation, and such options are still available today.

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• Use cloth diapers and linens. Reusable items, like cloth diapers, handkerchiefs and linens, are more environmentally responsible.

• Get outdoors. Instead of relying on television, which had yet to be invented during the Depression, children and adults went outdoors to socialize and have fun.

• Open the windows. Instead of relying heavily on air conditioning, try opening the windows on nice days and let some fresh air in.

• Use clothes lines.Clothes dryers use about 10 to 15 percent of domestic energy in the U.S. A clothesline can help reduce electric bills and energy consumption.

• Get into gardening. If you can grow what you eat, that reduces the dependence on commercially produced and harvested crops.

Many elements of the Go Green movement are similar to those employed during the Depression, when survival mandated people reuse and recycle items.

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Saturday, April 20th, 2013 8 AM - 2 PM Food • Refreshments • Giveaways • Raffle • Special Pricing Red ent eem er r cou Spe affle pon to a cia l Pr nd ge icin t g

from s g Do PM Hot M to 1 10 A

BUYING ALL TYPES OF FERROUS AND NONFERROUS METALS Copper & Brass Radiators Aluminum Stainless

Lead & Zinc Catalytic Convertors Autos Motors

Appliances Scrap Steel Cast Iron Farm Machinery

334

www.metalx.net NUCOR

Name Address City

69

Ph#

Visit our Raffle Display and Enter Guess Here!

Offer valid 4/20/13 thru 4/26/13

Regular Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7 AM to 5 PM Sat. 8 AM to 12 PM

N County Road 31 W

Redeem coupon for Special Pricing!

260-232-3000

UPS Commerce Dr

EARTH DAY COUPON

6 Industrial Pky

295 S. Commerce Drive (N County Road 31 W) Waterloo, IN

HOOSIER PROPANE

E County Road 26