Go Green

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FRESH WATER

2014

Rain gardens keep water in its place

LET THE SUNSHINE IN

RECLAMATION

Experts talk about how to add solar to your home.

Solid waste group turns trash to gardening treasure

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April 18, 2014

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April 18, 2014

Welcome Turning your corner of our corner of northeast Indiana a bit more green is not that difficult.

Inside this special section you will find many stories offering tips on some of the basics, like what to do in your kitchen to go green to possibly adding solar energy systems to offset what you get from the power company or possibly get off the grid.

No matter what you do, from little things like shopping more wisely to building a rain garden at your home, there is much you can do to become more efficient with our natural resources.

We hope you find the information valuable for how you live your life.

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3

Lighting changes impact energy bills

BY BOB BRALEY bbraley@kpcmedia.com

With incandescent light bulbs no longer in production, what’s the most energy efficient bulb to use instead?

It depends what you’re using it for.

The federal government phased out the production of incandescent “Edison” light bulbs more than two years. All production of them stopped Jan. 1, although stores will continue to sell them until their stock runs out.

In most cases, it pays to look for bulbs with the Energy Star label, according to information provided by Noble County REMC. Such bulbs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs for the same bulb brightness lasting 10-25 times longer, saving money and helping protect the environment.

For most lamps or ceiling fixtures, the best choice often is a compact fluorescent See ENERGY BILLS page 4

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MR16 light-emitting diode bulbs on the left are smaller than an old-style incandescent bulb on the right, and give off as much light while using a lot less energy. Newer MR16 bulbs have bases that fit conventional lamps.

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April 18, 2014

ENERGY BILLS From page 3

bulb. Recessed can and accent fixtures commonly are made for light-emitting diodes, which use even less energy than compact fluorescent bulbs. Pendant ceiling fixtures often can use both types of fixtures.

But, as the bases of LED lights such as multifaceted reflector 16 (MR16) are changing, so is where they can be used.

The newest generation of MR16 LED bulbs include some with bases that fit standard “Edison” light sockets, as well as some with bases that fit the “candle” bulb socket.

LED bulbs are directional; their light doesn’t spread in all directions. If you want light to cover a room, compact fluorescents are best.

But compact fluorescents take time to warm up and reach full brightness, while LEDs reach full brightness as soon as they turn on. If quick, directional light is what you need, an LED is the best choice.

Lighting isn’t the only consideration in being more energy efficient. Here are some other tips to save money by being

more energy efficient this spring: • Give your air conditioner a do-it-yourself cleaning. Shut it off, then clear away leaves and yard debris outside.

Inside, clean or replace filters. Dust the fan blades if you can safely do so. Make sure air can flow freely over the inside and outside of the coils. Vacuum registers to remove any dust buildup.

• Check to see if your exterior doors leak air and create drafts. Check the bottom weather-stripping. If it has small holes rusted through, remove any water standing there, clean out as much rust as possible, repair them with car-body-filler, then paint over them.

To check for other leaks, have someone shine a flashlight on one side of the closed door while you stand on the other at night, or use lighted incense around the seals on a windy day and see what the smoke does.

Replaceable vinyl weatherstripping can be used to close gaps and even works well on the hinge side of the door because it gets compressed with a little wear.

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Solar energy: take small steps into sustainable living

BY OCTAVIA LEHMAN olehman@kpcmedia.com

AUBURN — People interested in reducing their energy costs and practicing sustainability should take small steps in solar energy, said Eric Hesher of Renewable Energy Systems in Avilla.

RES installs solar energy solutions for individuals and businesses, harnessing solar and wind power.

Before people invest in a solar system, Hesher cautions them to take other measures first.

“The solar system shouldn’t be your first step to sustainability,” Hesher said.

“Try to make your home as efficient as possible.”

Hesher said homeowners should spend money on insulation and compact bulbs before moving onto a solar power system.

“Reduce your consumption before you produce,” Hesher added.

Paul Mishler of Solar Freeze in LaGrange has seen many reasons why people turn to solar energy.

Some seek to offset their energy costs because of high bills or to live a more sustainable life, while others want to go off the grid, Mishler said.

Solar energy is clean, quiet and environmentally friendly. “There’s no pollution,” Mishler said.

Purchasing the equipment to harness solar power requires an initial investment

up front, but over time can produce enough energy to no longer require the traditional modes of electricity.

Hesher likens solar power to that of a certificate of deposit.

“In the long run people will see a return on their investment,” he said.

“Solar energy is sustainable and self-sufficient and over time it pays for itself,” Mishler said.

Depending on where people live, solar energy systems can qualify for federal tax benefits or energy rebates from energy providers, he added.

Mishler said when people think about turning to solar energy they need to evaluate their goals.

“What do you want to do with it?”

Misher said.

Mishler recommends consumers start with smaller solar models before investing in a larger system.

To find out how much energy a person uses, Mishler said to look at a monthly power bill and notice how many kilowatts are used. The kilowatts should indicate what type of solar grid to purchase.

At RES, Hesher installs solar grids, solar heat and wind turbines. The most reliable renewable energy source is the solar grid system, which produces energy directly from the sun’s rays.

“A solar system will produce about 5-6 times more power than a wind system,” Hesher said.

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April 18, 2014

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Going green not that difficult Follow these tips on how you can green up your lifestyle

Management District, residents in Auburn, Angola, Ashley, Clear Lake, Fremont, Hamilton and Waterloo can recycle at the curb. All other residents can use one of the district’s 16 drop-off sites that are located in Auburn, Butler, Garrett, LaGrange, Shipshewana, Topeka, Albion, Avilla,

BY KATHRYN BASSETT Kendallville, Ligonier, Rome City, Angola, kbassett@kpcmedia.com Ashley, Fremont, Hamilton and Orland.

Going green does not have to be The drop-off sites are open 24 hours a day. difficult and small measures that are widely 2. Carpool to school or work. adopted can go a long way to protecting Carpooling greatly reduces wear and tear the planet and bringing about significant on vehicles and can reduce the need for change. Commit to simple actions on Earth costly repairs while saving fuel. Carpooling Day — April 22 — and all year long that to school and work also cuts down on the will make a difference and improve the number of vehicles on the road during environment. times of gridlock, reducing the propensity 1. Sort the trash. A substantial amount for accidents and traffic jams. of household waste can be recycled, but too 3. Buy local products. Purchasing frequently people throw out things in haste. locally grown foods or products produced Cans, bottles, aluminum foil, paper bags, nearby reduces the need to transport those plastic bags and plastic containers can be products while cutting back on packaging recycled or put to use in other ways. Take as well. Visit farmers markets when in a few minutes to analyze if something can season be reused before tossing it out. According 4. Compost. The NISWMD’s compost to the Northeast Indiana Solid Waste See GOING GREEN page 6

KATHRYN BASSETT

A substantial amount of household waste, such as cans, bottles, aluminum foil, paper bags, plastic bags and plastic containers can be recycled or put to use in other ways.

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April 18, 2014

Compost, household waste, recycling handled by NISWMD

BY AMY OBERLIN aoberlin@kpcmedia.com

AMY OBERLIN

Larry Ice unloads a wagon load of leaves and yard debris at the Northeast Indiana Solid Waste District compost site near Crooked Lake.

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ANGOLA — Composting is the recycling technology of the future, says Steve Christman, executive director of the Northeast Indiana Solid Waste Management District.

Municipal yard waste and food waste can be reused as an organic product.

“We have discovered … that the amount of food waste that this country generates can be as much as 20 percent of the waste stream,” said Christman. He said there is more and more demand for organics recovery and there are businesses in northeastern Indiana that would like to get started in the business. However, only a handful of operations in Indiana — including the NISWMD’s composting sites — have been approved under strict Indiana regulations that consider food waste industrial waste.

“Food waste is a feed stock. It’s a valuable resource,” said Christman.

“I’ve been down to the Statehouse arguing,” he said. “If you develop the composting industry … we create jobs.

Good environmental programs create jobs.”

The NISWMD compost lots accept yard waste, and the district grinds tree, brush and grass waste for 11 municipalities.

“All we have is a two-man crew. We do a lot for a very little,” said Christman.

Wood mulch can often be acquired free or for $3 a yard for higher quality material.

Decomposed leaves and grass can be purchased for $5 a yard.

“It’s not a fertilizer but it’s a great soil conditioner,” said Christman.

The NISWMD operates four licenced composting sites among its services to Steuben, DeKalb, LaGrange and Noble counties; locations and operating hours are at niswmd.org.

There are muliple recycling centers in the four counties open 24 hours a day.

The district office at 2320 W. C.R. 800S provides a household hazardous waste program on Fridays, 8 a.m. to noon, through mid-November. Items not accepted with regular municipal garbage pickup — such as batteries, books and shoes — can be dropped off for free. There is a $5 per carload fee for other items like used motor oil, paint, bug sprays, aerosol cans and fertilizers. Electronics such as televisions and computer equipment can be dropped off for $5 per piece; laser printers and copiers are accepted for $7. A complete list of items accepted at the household hazardous waste program is on the district web site.

The program will eventually also be offered at a full-service convenience center See COMPOST page 7

GOING GREEN From page 5

lots reopened for the season on April 14.

The lots are located in Auburn, Kendallville, LaGrange, Ligonier and Angola and accept grass clippings, leaves and brush from residents. The material is turned into mulch and compost.

5. Turn off a few lights. Consciously turn off the lights, televisions, radios, and other electronics after you leave a room to cut down on energy usage. The NISWMD suggests replacing burned-out light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or LEDs. The bulbs use less energy and last much longer. CFLs should not be thrown in the trash but are accepted at the Fridayonly collections at the NISWMD’s facility in Ashley.

6. Plant native greenery. Trees, shrubs and other plants improve air quality while providing a home to wildlife. Trees help keep homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Each year, Arbor Day celebrates trees and all that they do for the environment. The Auburn Parks and Recreation Department will celebrate Arbor Day with a tree sale at Rieke Park Lodge on April 25-26.

7. Reduce the amount of waste you create by buying less. If something works, there is no need to replace it. When you need something, look for a gently-used item or recycled-content product, the NISWMD suggests.

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April 18, 2014

Go Green

COMPOST From page 6

being designed at the Angola compost site near the entrance to the Steuben County 4-H Fairgrounds off C.R. 200W on C.R. 175N. The first step will be taken in a month or two, when the recycling station at the Angola Rural King will be moved to the Crooked Lake location. Yard waste will continue to be accepted there along with aluminum, cardboard, chipboard, newsprint, No. 1 and No. 2 plastics, tin cans, magazines, glass and household batteries.

In the design phase is a building where people can also drop off household hazardous waste. It will include a classroom and an educational component for the public, said Christman. He said it will be landscaped and decorated to match the rural fairgrounds situated at Crooked Lake.

The NISWMD, supported primarily by property taxes and overseen by a board of government officials, also provides educational programs at area schools. More about its services and programs is on the website. The district office can be contacted at 800-777-5462.

Call today... 877-791-7877 (toll-free)

AMY OBERLIN

Compost is seen cooking away at the Steuben County compost facility operated by the Northeast Indiana Solid Waste Management District. The district is planning to build a new facility in Steuben County, located adjacent to the Steuben County 4-H Fairgrounds.

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April 18, 2014

Rain gardens take care of small-pocket drainage

BY JENNIFER DECKER jdecker@kpcmedia.com

ANGOLA — The best way to manage water is to get it back into the ground in coordination with landscaping.

That what Craig Williams says. He’s Angola’s wastewater superintendent, who spoke recently about the benefits to the environment.

Rain gardens work by diverting water to a planted bed. They can also collect and filter stormwater runoff.

“Raingardens, when done right, look like landscaping,” he said.

Williams said the city has installed a few rain gardens around Angola. One is at the wastewater treatment plant, another is by the northeast quadrant of Public Square.

A few Trine University fraternities have built rain gardens near campus.

The beauty of rain gardens, Williams said, is the water is kept on site and doesn’t go to waste. It can further be aided by choosing plants with quick water uptake, such as Indiana native grasses or black-eyed susans.

“They work,” he said. “Usually, a rain See RAIN GARDEN page 9

Raintainer “Lily” rain barrel helps re-use H2O ANGOLA — Raintainer “Lily” helps with storing rainwater to re-use.

“Lily” is a decorative 55-gallon rain barrel and garden urn that collects and stores rainwater from a roof. It has a removable planter top and wick that assists with keeping plants moist.

The advantages of using a raintainer rain barrel are: • A reduction in stormwater runoff.

“Lily” helps by slowing roof runoff and allowing water to naturally soak into the soil. That is done through using a soaker hose attached to the bottom valve. Stored water soaks into the

subsurface, filtered by soils and plants.

• Re-use of rainwater. Lawn and garden watering make up 40 percent of household water use in summer.

During drought, “Lily” can store water for gardening.

• Money saving. A rain barrel can save homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months. It saves water helping the environment and energy by reducing demand for potable water.

• Reduces pollution.

Rain barrels may be purchased at Angola’s City Hall by those eligible.

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RAIN GARDEN From page 8

garden needs to be 10 percent of the area you’re trying to drain.”

Plans and more details on rain gardens may be found at thisoldhouse.com. Plans explain each step. Large rain gardens can cost more than $500 to install, based on the variety of available materials.

“We’re looking at other ways to be efficient,” he said. “Rain gardens aren’t silver bullets, but they’re more apt for small pockets.”

Part of the green movement is ensuring public health by preventing messy sewer overflows.

To ensure that, some things don’t belong in the toilet.

Sewer overflows are a mess, as disposable doesn’t mean flushable. Disposal of some items can lead to backups in public sewer pipes and at the wastewater treatment plant.

Craig Williams, Angola wastewater superintendent, suggested the following: • Don’t rush to flush items like: baby wipes and diapers, rags and towels, cotton swabs, syringes, candy and other food wrappers, clothing labels, cleaning sponges, toys, plastic items of any description, aquarium gravel or kitty litter, rubber items like latex, cigarette butts, sanitary napkins, hair, underwear and disposable toilet brushes.

Source: Angola wastewater treatment

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9

Counties offer alternate transportation services

BY SUE CARPENTER scarpenter@kpcmedia.com

Carpooling, bus rides and vanpooling programs offer several benefits to commuters, such as savings on fuel and parking, wear and tear on your personal vehicle, lowering stress of driving and reducing air pollution.

According to information from the American Automobile Association, the cost for a 40-mile round-trip costs $22 per day, $472 per month and $5,665 plus parking.

While northeast Indiana does not have an organized commuter system, alternative programs are available for transportation needs.

The Noble Transit Service (NTS) is a public transportation agency serving Noble County. The DART agency serves DeKalb County and the STAR offers transportation service in Steuben County.

All three services offer transportation Monday through Friday. Most vehicles are wheelchair accessible. Each provides reservations, scheduling and operation of the service. Drivers are thoroughly trained in safety and passenger assistance.

These transportation services are like riding any other public transportation system. There is a scheduled arrival time, and riders must be ready when the vehicle arrives. The driver is only permitted to wait five minutes. There may be additional stops before reaching a destination so additional time must also be factored.

An adult must accompany children under the age of 5. Indiana state law requires that all children ride properly

fastened by a child restraint, which can include a belt-positioning booster seat, until their 8th birthday. It is the parents responsibility to provide a child safety seat. Up to four packages with a combined weight of 50 pounds can be carried at no extra charge.

Noble, Steuben and DeKalb county programs offer service for age 60-and-older to medical appointments and pharmaceutical trips for a donation.

Service is not available on major holidays. The service will not operate during declared countywide weather emergencies.

Noble Transit Service (NTS) Noble Transit Service is offered Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. After hours from Parkview Noble Hospital is offered Monday through Friday from 4-10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at a cost of $30 per trip.

Rates — $4 for 1-5 miles, $7 for 6-10 miles, $10 for 11-15 miles and $13 for 16-20 miles. Trips over 20 miles are $1.50 per mile. A ticket may be purchased for $30 that offers a savings of $1 per ride.

Reservations can be made Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Phone 347-4226 or 866-872-6778. A TTY Relay System is at 800-743-3333. Out-ofcounty trips require reservations as soon as possible.

The Noble County Council On Aging & Noble Transit office is at 111 Cedar St. in Kendallville.

Steuben County STAR The Steuben Takes a Ride operates weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with expanded hours by appointment. The countywide service is available to all ages.

Riders can carry on up to five packages that must be small enough to fit in the storage area of the vehicle.

Rates are $2 for each one-way trip within Angola limits for age 13-59 and $5 each way for outside the city limits. Ages 0-12 ride for $1. An adult must accompany infants and children ages 12 and under.

For reservations contact Catch a STAR at 665-9856 or TTY at 800-743-3333. Visit steubencoa.org for more information.

DeKalb County DART DeKalb County offers the DART transportation program Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with other hours available by appointment.

One-way travel rates are $2 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under within the same town, $3 for adults and $2 for children out of any town. Travel rates outside of the county for all ages are a suggested donation of $40 per round trip, $25 one-way. A prepaid punch card or cash is accepted payment.

Reservations can be made by phoning 925-3311 or 888-220-2242 Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

More information can be found on the DeKalb County Council on Aging website.

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April 18, 2014

How to be an eco-conscious pet owner METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

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Many pet products, including leashes, are made from eco-friendly recycled materials.

Owning a pet is often a rewarding responsibility. Pets make for loyal friends, and for every late night walk in the cold pet owners must endure, their pets repay those gestures in spades.

While the greatest responsibility pet owners have to their pets is to ensure their furry friends live as comfortable and healthy a life as possible, pet owners also have a responsibility to the planet.

Eco-conscious pet ownership can have a positive and substantial impact on the environment, and the following are a few simple ways for pet owners to care for their pets and protect the planet at the same time.

• Say so long to plastic bags. Picking up pet waste is arguably the worst part of owning a pet, and some pet owners simply want to pick up the waste without giving it a second thought. But how pet owners pick up their pets’ waste can impact the environment. Using plastic grocery bags leftover from trips to the store is bad for the planet, as research has shown that such bags can take as long as 1,000 years to degrade. That means that plastic bag full of pet waste might still be around come

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the dawn of the next millenium. Instead of using plastic bags to pick up their pets’ waste, pet owners can use biodegradable waste bags made from materials other than plastic. Such bags might not make the task of picking up pet waste more enjoyable, but they are certainly more eco-friendly, taking far less time to degrade than plastic bags.

• Embrace organic pet foods. Pet foods have evolved considerably over the last several decades, and pet owners now have more healthy options at their disposal.

Organic pet foods make for healthier alternatives for pets, eliminating the buildup of residues of chemical additives, pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides in pets.

Such residues have been shown to have an adverse effect on pet health. In addition, a study funded by the European Union found that organic fruits and vegetables have up to 40 percent more antioxidants than nonorganic alternatives, adding to the nutritional value of organic pet foods.

Organic pet foods also are produced without the use of conventional pesticides or artificial fertilizers, benefitting the planet as a result. Before altering their pets’ diets, pet owners should consult their veterinarian for advice and tips on how to make the transition from traditional foods to organic alternatives as smooth as possible.

• Look for products made from recycled materials. More and more pet products are being made from recycled materials, and pet owners can encourage manufacturers to keep that trend going strong by purchasing such products whenever the opportunity to do so presents itself. Leashes, bowls, toys, and scratching posts for cats are just a few of the many pet products made from recycled materials. Before buying pet products, pet owners should read labels to determine if a given product is made from recycled materials.

• Clean green. Like their human counterparts, pets need to bathe. While they might not bathe every day like their owners, pets such as cats and dogs need to be shampooed and cleaned every so often. When buying cleaning products, pet owners should look for nontoxic products.

Many traditional pet shampoos or pet beauty products are laced with chemicals, and such ingredients can have an adverse effect on pet health while also harming the environment. Nontoxic grooming products can still give pets’ coats a beautiful shine, but they do so without taking a toll on the planet or the animal’s health.

Pet ownership is a significant responsibility, and pet owners should recognize that part of that responsibility involves caring for their pets in an eco-friendly way.

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April 18, 2014

Go Green

11

Here are some tips for going green at the grocery While adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle might seem like a major commitment, many people find such an endeavor is far easier than they initially expected, as some relatively minor modifications here or there can make a substantial impact on the environment.

One of the easiest ways to go green is to make more eco-friendly choices at the grocery store. Shopping for and preparing meals can be done in an eco-friendly way, and men and women will be happy to know they’re not only making changes that benefit the planet but their personal health as well.

Here are some ideas for going green at the grocery store that do not require a big commitment.

• Begin in the produce aisle. When shopping for produce, stock up on plenty of organic fruits and vegetables, which are now readily available at many grocery stores. Stick to organic for the “dirty dozen” foods, those which are the most likely to have high levels of residual pesticides and herbicides. Even produce that is not labeled “organic” may be organic. To determine if it

SINCE 1964

is, look at the sticker codes on the fruits and vegetables. A four-digit code means it was conventionally grown, while five-digit codes starting with an eight indicate genetically modified food. A five-digit code starting with nine indicates the item is organic.

While shopping, ask the produce manager if the store sells locally grown produce, and purchase only those products when they are available.

• Buy only what you need. Shoppers are often tempted to go from aisle to aisle, buying items they both need and don’t need.

Caving in to such temptation can be wasteful unless items purchased have long shelf lives.

Before visiting the store, make a shopping list and stick with it. Not only will you save money, but you will avoid throwing out spoiled foods as well.

• Purchase store-made items. If you’re looking for deli meats or bread for dinner, visit the stores’ bakeries, kitchens and delis, where employees cook foods right inside of the supermarket, a practice that cuts down on shipping of pre-made frozen foods produced elsewhere. Many stores carry their own

homemade breads, cakes, doughnuts, dinner entrees, and sandwiches.

• Ask questions in the meat department.

Don’t be shy about asking store butchers where the beef and chicken for sale comes from. If the meat and poultry is not locally raised and all-natural, look for alternatives in the store or shop elsewhere.

• Shop only the perimeter of the store.

Many stores stock dietary staples along the outer edges of the store. The interior bulk of the store contains packaged, processed foods that are not as eco-friendly.

• Buy in bulk whenever possible. Stock up on staples like toilet paper and other items.

Bulk items are packaged together, which reduces the amount of packaging needed.

Separate meat and poultry into smaller portion sizes at home before freezing.

• Bring reusable tote bags. Even though many plastic shopping bags are made from recycled materials, many of these bags end up in the trash after use. Reusable cloth bags are more eco-friendly. Just be sure to wash them frequently so you clean them of any bacteria that may accumulate over time.

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Go green in the kitchen METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Run your dishwasher on an efficient setting once you have it fully loaded.

Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is a great way to protect the planet for future generations. As the “go green” movement continues to grow in popularity, men and women are realizing more and more ways to reduce their carbon footprints.

While some might still associate making green strides with carpooling and changing light bulbs, those are not the only ways men and women who want to be more eco-friendly can accomplish their goals.

One method to find new ways to be more environmentally friendly is to examine a favorite hobby and think of ways to enjoy that hobby in a way that also benefits the environment. Foodies, for example, can take a look around their kitchens to find ways where their love of cooking and food can be joined together with their desires to be more eco-friendly. The following are just a few ways to go green in the kitchen.

• Banish bottled water in favor of filters.

Bottled water can be very wasteful, even when bottles are made from recycled materials. Energy is necessary to produce, ship and dispose of plastic water bottles.

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inants, such as lead, from tap water to create a refreshing beverage that’s readily available at any home connected to a water supply. Water-filtering pitchers are inexpensive, which cannot always be said about bottled water that needs to be periodically restocked. Faucet-mounted filters can be directly attached to the faucet to make the process of filtering water that much easier.

• Reconsider how you store leftovers.

Many people store their leftovers in plastic containers. While such containers might seem convenient, even ones made from recycled plastic are not necessarily as eco-friendly as consumers may think.

That’s because plastic containers are made from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource.

Instead, eco-conscious foodies can opt for glass or ceramic containers rather than the more popular plastic alternatives.

• Feed your lawn after you feed yourself. Many people don’t like to throw away food, but it’s not just leftovers that can be repurposed. Coffee grounds and eggshells can be put to use in the garden.

You can add them to the compost pile in your yard, where items you would otherwise discard can help enrich the soil, making for healthier lawns and gardens.

• Fire up the dishwasher only when it’s full. Dishwashers are typically more eco-friendly than washing dishes by hand, but only when the men and women loading those dishwashers refrain from running them until they are entirely full. Once the dishwasher is full, choose an efficient setting and let the dishes air dry rather overnight instead of drying them with heat.

If you need the dishes for hosting duties, dry them by hand with a towel instead of drying with heat.

• Rely on smaller appliances. Many home cooks rely on large appliances when working in the kitchen. But unless you’re cooking for a big group, use smaller, more efficient appliances to save energy. For example, when cooking for one or two, use a toaster oven instead of a stove. The toaster oven won’t use the same amount of power as the stove, and the smaller appliance may even cook the food faster.

In addition, when heating water for tea, hot chocolate or coffee, use an electric kettle to heat water instead of the oven cooktop.

The smaller appliance is more efficient and won’t consume as much energy.

Those who spend ample time in the kitchen have myriad opportunities to make that time more eco-friendly and efficient.

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METRO CREATIVE SERVICES

Cycling is a great exercise for men and women looking to improve their personal health without negatively impacting the environment.

Cycling is a great way to exercise, help the planet METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Daily exercise is a great way for men and women to stay healthy and improve their quality of life. Studies have shown that men and women who include exercise as part of their regular routine have a lower risk for a host of ailments, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

But exercise can benefit the planet as much as it can benefit people. The following are a handful of ways men and women can make their exercise routines more eco-friendly.

• Start riding your bicycle. Riding a bicycle isn’t just for kids, as cycling has been linked to improved cardiovascular fitness and shown to be a great low-impact exercise for men and women with joint conditions. In addition, riding a bicycle is a great way to burn calories, even when riding at a leisurely pace. According to nutrition and fitness company NutriStrategy, a 205 lb. adult can expect to burn 372 calories during a 60-minute leisurely bike ride (less than 10 miles per hour), while the same person will burn just 233 calories during a slow walk for the same period of time.

But cycling benefits the planet, too.

Riding your bicycle to the gym or to work each day saves fuel and can add years to the life of your vehicle, reducing the costly toll of producing and transporting new vehicles. Cycling has even become safer in recent years as more and more

people have embraced cycling as a healthy and eco-friendly mode of transportation.

For example, bike lanes have become the norm in heavily trafficked New York City, where the bustling metropolis’ transportation department reported a 289 percent increase in cycling from 2001 to 2011. So cycling is not only healthy and environmentally friendly, but it’s becoming safer as well.

• Wear recycled gear. Athletes have numerous options at their disposal with regard to apparel. But not all apparel is created equal. According to Athletes For A Fit Planet, a vast majority of technical apparel is created from polyester, a material derived from petroleum. But many clothing manufacturers now produce apparel and gear made from recycled polyester apparel, and labels typically list whether or not a given product is made from such recycled materials.

Athletes who want to go the extra mile regarding their apparel can recycle their used items when they are no longer up to snuff. Contact a local recycling center to learn about programs in your community, or visit an athletic apparel retailer and ask for their help.

Making exercise a part of your daily routine is a great way to ensure your body stays healthy for years to come. Making such a routine as eco-friendly as possible can ensure the planet stays as healthy as you.

Go Green

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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, 30 GPI facilities participated in TICCIT, and planted trees with close to 18,000 students across the U.S. and Canada.

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April 18, 2014

Give back with environmental causes METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Volunteering with an environmental organization is often a great way to help a good cause while protecting the planet and benefitting future generations.

Becoming involved with an environmental effort can go beyond cleaning debris from coastal areas or petitioning to save endangered species. There are many aspects of environmental philanthropy just waiting to be explored. Here’s how to get started.

Find your niche Consider what interests you most about the environment. This can help you find an organization that shares your goals and interests. For example, people interested in lake life and education may want to work with a local lakes council, such as those found in LaGrange and Steuben counties, or with an organization dedicated to reducing pollution.

It’s also important to find an organization that can put your unique skills to use.

Explore volunteer opportunities with the same zeal you would apply when looking for a new job, paying particular attention to opportunities that can make especially good use of your talents.

Determine your availability As with any volunteer opportunity, the extent of your involvement with an environmental group will likely depend on the amount of time you can commit to the organization. Volunteer opportunities may vary depending on project length and travel constraints. Organizations that take on larger environmental efforts, such as protecting rainforests or endangered species, may require travel and longer time commitments than local organizations. Be honest with yourself as to how much time you can devote to volunteering.

Raise awareness of a local issue Becoming part of a charitable environmental effort may not require contracting with an established organization. You may want to begin your own grassroots effort close to home. Start by picking an issue that affects your local community, and then work to raise awareness about this issue. Find a mission that is dear to your heart and one that gives you an opportunity to make a noticeable and positive impact on your community.

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