BEYOND COURT the
THE PUBLICATION FOR THE RESIDENTS OF HARMONY
Photo: Abbey Evans Photography
Letter From the Publisher
Hello, Harmony!
Welcome to the September 2025 edition of Harmony Life Magazine!
Well, we survived our first issue! When I purchased Harmony Life Magazine, I had one week to get the August issue ready for the printers It was equal par ts exhilarating, stressful, and caffeine-fueled chaos But somehow, with a lot of help and a little Harmony magic, we made it happen!
Now here we are with our September issue, and I couldn’t be more excited to keep the momentum going Thank you for the warm welcome and encouragement It means everything to me that the residents of Harmony are proud of our magazine and enjoy reading it.
This month, we are thrilled to welcome four new adver tisers Angel’s Painting, LINE-X of Saint Cloud, Imagination RV Rental, and Huntington Learning Center!
If you’ve got a room that needs freshening up or an exterior that’s looking more “faded farmhouse” than “Florida Chic,” Angel’s Painting are your people Trust me, they can do in a day what would take me three weekends, two meltdowns, and a gallon of regret Their attention to detail and professionalism is second to none
Need to protect your truck, boat, or gear from Florida’s wild weather ? LINE-X of Saint Cloud has you covered literally Their tough-as-nails protective coatings don’t just safeguard your equipment; they make everything look sleek and new again Durable never looked so good!
Dreaming of a fun stress-free weekend getaway ? Imagination RV Rental makes it easy With their well-maintained, family-friendly RV, your next adventure is just a key turn away Whether it’s a beach escape, a state park retreat, or Walt Disney World's For t Wilderness Campground, Imagination RV will set you up in a luxury RV!
And for families looking to help their kids get ahead this school year, Huntington Learning Center offers proven tutoring programs tailored to your child’s needs Whether it’s boosting confidence in math, conquering reading, or preparing for the SATs, their caring exper ts are here to help students thrive
And be sure to check out our Founding Families feature a hear tfelt look at some of the residents who’ve been here since the very beginning, back when Harmony was just taking shape in 2004 Their stories are full of warmth, nostalgia, and a whole lot of love for this unique community we all call home
Remember this magazine is by residents, for residents Got a story idea? A neighbor wor th highlighting ? Email me at brayevan1@gmail com Let’s make this magazine reflect the awesome community we live in
See you in October!
Brady Evans, Publisher
SEPTEMBER 2025
A
Contact Info for Residents
CDD
HarmonyCDD org, 407-566-1935
Dan, Jo, Lucas, Brittany or Julie @HarmonyCDD org SHERIFF, NON-EMERGENCY 407-348-2222
HROA Association Solutions 811 Mabette St , Kissimmee 407-847-2280, www MyHOASolution com CONDOS HOA Association Solutions, 407-847-2280 TOWNHOMES HOA
Association Solutions, 811 Mabette St , Kissimmee, 407-847-2280, www MyHOASolution com
SPECTRUM CABLE / INTERNET 877-892-3279
CENTURY LINK CABLE / INTERNET 866-314-4148
OUC ELECTRIC 407-957-7373
ADVANCED DISPOSAL – OSCEOLA 407-605-3892
3501 Pug Mill Rd , Kissimmee, FL 34741
OsceolaFL@advanceddisposal com
OSCEOLA COUNTY
Osceola org - “Citizen Action Center” COUNTY COMMISSIONER RICKY BOOTH ricky booth@osceola org
CDD Update
BY DAN LEET, Chairman
Hello Residents!
First of all, I’d like to thank Brady Evans for taking over the publication of this magazine. It is a unique and valuable feature of our neighborhood, and it’s good to see it continue.
This month’s big news is, the Harmony CDD is parting ways with Inframark. Formerly known as Severn Trent, Inframark and its predecessors have provided District Management services to the CDD since its inception. This includes handling day-to-day finances, scheduling and announcing meetings, and handling communications between Board members, staff, and contractors. For the last four years, Inframark has also managed CDD Field Services, which includes maintaining facilities such as pools and playgrounds.
There are several factors that led to this outcome, and not enough space in one article to describe them in detail. The main problems were high Management turnover, poor communication, and an incomplete budget proposal. The Board voted in May to begin the process of requesting quotes for possible replacements, and immediately prior to the June meeting Inframark notified they intended to part ways after the contractual 60 days.
Since Inframark also provides Field Services, the CDD had to look for a replacement here as well. First let me acknowledge a common refrain to “bring Field Services back in-house”. There is some merit to this, and I might dedicate a future column to going over what exactly this might involve. For the immediate need of finding a new Field Services provider within two months, however, this simply was not an option. Due to the size of the contract, it was subject to competitive bidding where predetermined scoring criteria must be used. The Board decided this scoring should be based 40%
on price, 25% on experience with similar Districts, 15% on understanding the scope of the job, 10% on personnel, and 10% on references.
Three companies gave proposals for Field Services at the August 7th meeting: Vesta Property Services, Rizzetta & Company, and Berman Construction LLC. The first two companies also provided District Management proposals, and two other companies presented standalone District Management bids (PFM Group Consulting and Special District Services).
Field Services was first chosen by the scoring criteria, and District Management was chosen afterwards by Board discussion. While Vesta scored highest in Personnel Experience and Scope categories, they were also the highestpriced proposal. Berman scored highest in References, second highest in Personnel and Scope and third in Experience, with the lowest-priced proposal. Due to the scoring criteria established in advance, Berman was chosen by a margin of less than one point. PFM was chosen as the District Manager; they already work with Berman in several other Districts, and also gave an impressive presentation which highlighted their focus on qualified personnel and resident communications.
On top of all this, the August 7th meeting also included the finalization of the 2026 budget. Due to the uncertainty of Inframark’s replacement and the budget issues I mentioned earlier, the proposed budget included a 13% increase in Operations & Maintenance assessments. By law, the proposed budget cannot be increased, only decreased. We weren’t happy with this proposal, but it was the prudent thing to in order do to keep as many options open as possible. With the selection of Berman, and following final discussion of several placeholder budget line items, the O&M increase was cut down to 3.2%, which is in line with yearover-year inflation.
I must also commend our Landscaping contractor, United Land Services, for dropping their contractual fee increase this year in order to help us meet our budget. Nick Lomasney is the manager for our contract, and is also a resident. By all accounts he and his team have been performing consistently better than previous landscapers. Thanks, Nick!
I’d like to ask for everybody’s patience as we transition both District Management and Field Services to these new providers. All contracts with the new providers were negotiated and signed by August 15th, and Inframark’s last day was August 25th. All parties involved have committed to a smooth transition process, but it is still possible that some things fall through the cracks. Please reach out to your Board members with any issues you feel need to be addressed, and things should soon settle into a new routine.
Please watch this space for future articles by myself and other Board members. Most of the activity in the next few months will directly relate to this transition, but there are other projects on the horizon. We have selected a contractor to catch up on sidewalk maintenance, first on Cat Brier and eventually along the other boulevards. We are well underway with the design of a permanent maintenance building and Field Services office at the entrance to the former golf maintenance facility. And finally, we have recently heard from the County that there could be a lower-cost path to permitting and reopening the RV storage facility.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Meetings will continue to be held at the Su Mesa Café in the town square. Meetings are live-streamed on Zoom, and posted on YouTube for later viewing. Please let a Board member know if you’re having an issue, we are here to serve you. Until next time! n
This is a great "cook once eat twice" dish for busy families and is also a picky eater favorite in our house! I definitely believe cooking is a love language, and this is a great dish to bring to someone who is welcoming a new baby, in the middle of moving, or just under the weather and not in the mood to make a meal--you can just pop it in the oven and that's it! If cooking and serving others is also up your alley a great volunteer organization called lasagnalove org does just that They aim to feed families by spreading kindness and serving communities one dish at a tim
LASAGNA
1 lb Italian sausage or ground beef
1 cup chopped onion (1 large-also optional if you've got picky eaters)
2 cloves minced garlic
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 TBSP dried Italian seasoning 1/4 tsp black pepper 6-8 lasagna noodles
1 beaten egg
1 15 oz container ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese Optional add in-pepperoni!
1. Preheat the oven to 375. While this is warming up, cook your beef, onions and garlic until browned and cooked through Drain if needed
2. Add the diced tomatoes, sauce, Italian seasoning and pepper and bring to boiling Reduce heat and simmer (covered) for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3 Meanwhile, cook the noodles as directed (usually 10-12 mins for al dente). Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.
4 To prep the filling, combine the egg, ricotta and parmesan in a small bowl.
5 To assemble the lasagna: spread about 1/2 cup of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Layer half of the cooked noodles, then spread half of the ricotta filling on top Top with half of the sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella (and pepperoni slices if you're feeling crazy) When it comes to the cheese, measure with your hear t, you can never have too much cheese
6. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining mozzarella (and additional parmesan if desired) Bake at 375 for 30-35 mins, and let stand for 10 mins before ser ving.
KRISTI HAMM
ST. CLOUD TRUCK GEAR LINE-X & U-HAUL
Raising the Bar in Custom Truck Accessories and Protective Coatings
BY BRADY EVANS
If you are looking for the perfect place to upgrade, protect, or personalize your truck, St. Cloud Truck Gear LINE-X & U-Haul is the gold standard! Conveniently located at 6478 Way Point Blvd in the AmeraCenter, this local business is far more than just a truck accessory shop. It's a destination for quality craftsmanship, customization, and customer care.
At the helm is Scot Adamski, owner and hands-on operator, whose passion for vehicles and commitment to excellence is clear from the moment you walk through the door. Whether you’re looking to protect your investment or outfit your truck for adventure or work,
Scot and his team are ready to help you design the perfect setup.
“We work with every customer to create exactly what they need—nothing cookie-cutter,” says Scot. “From durable coatings to stylish accessories, we’ve got something for every truck and every lifestyle.”
St. Cloud Truck Gear LINE-X & U-Haul specializes in protective coatings and is best known for its industry-leading sprayon truck bed liners, offering unmatched toughness and longevity. But that’s just the beginning. Services also include window tinting, cargo management solutions like tool boxes, light bars, soft
ST. CLOUD TRUCK GEAR
and hard bed covers, and a full range of customizable truck accessories.
“Every truck is different. We take the time to get it right—function, style, and durability,” says Scot.
Backed by LINE-X’s national reputation for innovation and quality, the St. Cloud location brings a local touch to world-class service. Whether you’re hauling, off-roading, or just want to protect your investment, St. Cloud Truck Gear LINE-X & U-Haul delivers craftsmanship you can count on.
Stop by or call today to start building your custom truck setup with Scot and his team: 407-361-1970 n
BY BRADY EVANS
Founding Families of Harmony: THEN AND NOW
BY BRADY EVANS
In the early 2000s, before Harmony was the thriving neighborhood it is today, it was little more than an idea—a vision of a place where nature, families, and community could live side by side. There were no bustling markets, no filled classrooms, and only a handful of homes dotting the quiet, tree-lined streets. But something special was beginning to grow, thanks to the first families who took a chance on something new. These “founding families” didn’t just buy houses—they helped build the heart and soul of Harmony.
They came for different reasons—some for the promise of conservation and green space, others for the schools, the lifestyle, or the sense of community. But what united them all was the feeling that Harmony wasn’t just another neighborhood. It was a place to raise children, build friendships, and create a life that reflected their values. Over the years, these early residents organized events,
started clubs, opened businesses, and showed up for one another, shaping Harmony into more than just a development—it became a true hometown.
A Leap of Faith and a Sense of Home Michelle McClure still remembers the moment Harmony captured her heart.
“My mother and I came from Indialantic to tour the community. We saw the horses, the trails, the schools, and the playgrounds—and that same day, I put money down on a house.” She moved in shortly after in 2004 and was drawn to the community’s small-town charm and robust amenities. “It wasn’t just the homes, it was the vision—nature preserves, boats, festivals. It felt like a place where people would really know each other.”
JoMarie and Jay DeGioia felt the same when they moved to Bluestem Road in June 2004 after returning from Indiana. “We loved the conservation focus. Jay especially connected with the golf course—and eventually opened Greensides, the 19th Hole Tavern, and even a food delivery service for residents.” For JoMarie, working at the Welcome Center allowed her to greet nearly every new family who joined the community. “Back then, there were less than 200 residents total—it was intimate, and everyone felt connected.”
Chris Todd arrived in Harmony around the same time—first as a staff member of the brand-new Harmony High School in 2004, and then as a resident in 2006 when Ashley Park opened. “Honestly, coming from up north I had no clue what a master-planned community even was,” Chris recalls. “But working at the high school, I experienced all the great things about Harmony firsthand. When my wife and I started looking for a home, staying in Harmony was a no-brainer.”
Jeanine Corcoran, who moved to Harmony in October 2005, was captivated by the tree-lined streets and the promise of raising a family in a walkable, school-centered neighborhood. “There’s nothing like raising kids in a place like this,” she reflects. “They had the freedom we had when we were growing up.”
Jennifer Justis, who moved to Harmony in 2006 from New Jersey with her husband and young son, was drawn by the sunny weather and small-town charm. “I fell in love with the idea of a pet-friendly neighborhood with dog parks and a golf course where my son could walk to school and grow up surrounded by nature,” she recalls.
Community Spirit in the Early Days
In its early years, Harmony was alive with energy and engagement. “There was an activity director who planned everything,” Jeanine says. “Volunteers got matching shirts—you felt like part of something.” Michelle remembers the themed parties and seasonal events vividly: pirate and princess parties for the kids, poolside luaus, wine tastings, and shuttle trips to casinos and wineries for the adults. “There was something to do almost every day.”
Chris remembers that sense of novelty and wonder. “One of the things I really loved was that it was new. How often nowadays do you hear of a town being built from scratch?” Like many residents, he was especially struck by the Dark Sky Festival. “Harmony was built with the idea of living together with nature, and light pollution wasn’t something you noticed until you left St. Cloud and drove into Harmony. The sky was so clear—you could see everything. NASA, UCF, UF, and private astronomers would set up telescopes to view the stars and planets. It was amazing.”
Jenn agrees. “The festival was the largest annual event and brought people in from all over. Other events like Winterfest, Flag Day, Mardi Gras, Hawaiian Luaus, and even Dog Easter Egg Hunts made Harmony feel like a living postcard.”
The local businesses and gathering places helped amplify this spirit. “Greensides would have dinners, events, golf outings— it was always a good time,” Chris recalls. Jenn adds, “There were so many restaurants—The Harmony Town Tavern,
Bluestem Road, 2004
Graze, The Vineyard, Nature’s Table, Granddaddy’s, and Harmony Market. Each had their own character and made the town feel alive.”
Change Over Time
Like many communities shaped by the 2008 housing crash, Harmony faced setbacks. “A lot of the bigger plans were put on pause,” JoMarie explains. “It felt like Harmony was frozen in time for a while.” Michelle notes the gradual disappearance of beloved amenities. “Now, fewer people show up to events. You don’t always know your neighbors like you used to.”
Chris is more direct. “The biggest change has been the loss of a vision for Harmony. So many different companies have had their hands in it that the principles it was founded on have long been forgotten.”
Still, there are signs of renewal. JoMarie points out that while some old businesses are missed, “the new Mexican restaurant and the coffee shop are
great additions.” Jenn highlights the resurgence of vendor markets and food trucks, now supported by the growing population. “It’s nice to see consistent community engagement again,” she says. “And Harmony is still pet-friendly, which is important to me.”
Why They’ve Stayed
Despite everything, these families have
stayed—and still believe in Harmony’s promise.
“All of my children—and now my grandchildren—live here,” Jeanine shares. “Harmony is home.”
JoMarie and Jay even moved to a larger house within Harmony six years ago. “We walk everywhere or take the golf cart. We’ve built a life here.”
A D V E N T U R E
COMFORT
M A G I C
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IMAGINATION RV RENTS FULLY EQUIPPED LUXURY RVS THROUGHOUT CENTRAL FLORIDA-DELIVERED, LEVELED, AND HOOKED UP AT THE CAMPGROUND YOU CHOOSE, FROM ATLANTIC OR GULF BEACHES TO SHADY STATE PARK FORESTS AND THE ONE OF A KIND MAGIC OF DISNEY’S FORT WILDERNESS.
Clubhouse, 2004
Chris feels similarly: “We love our home, the neighborhood—we are invested. Harmony has been my home for 20 years. I couldn’t picture living anywhere else.” And as a parent, he values what Harmony continues to offer. “For our kids, it’s been a great neighborhood to grow up in. They don’t need scheduled playdates—they just go outside and find friends. It’s a throwback to when we were growing up. It’s refreshing to see.”
Michelle adds, “Harmony isn’t the same as it was—but it’s still beautiful. I hope we can revive that sense of community we once had.”
Jenn echoes the hope for a renewal of spirit. “Harmony is still a nice neighborhood. I just hope new residents get involved and bring back the kind of events and connections that once defined this place. We need events for families, kids, retirees—and even us empty nesters who aren’t quite ready for retirement.”
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS TO HARMONY RESIDENTS
Chris has advice for the newcomers: “For as much negativity as you might read on social media, Harmony really is what you make of it. Talk to your neighbors, come out to community events, support the local businesses. We enjoy our little slice of paradise.”
Still a Wonderful Place to Call Home
While Harmony may not look exactly like it did in its early days, its foundation—built on community, connection, and care—still remains strong. The faces may change, and the events may evolve, but the heart of Harmony continues to beat with the same purpose: to be a place where families can thrive, neighbors can become friends, and memories can be made every day.
We honor the founding families who took a leap of faith two decades ago—
and those, like Chris Todd, who helped shape Harmony not only as a neighbor, but also as a teacher, mentor, and longtime advocate. And we welcome the new families who bring fresh energy and ideas.
Harmony isn’t just where we live—it’s who we are. And as the sun sets behind our familiar tree-lined streets, one thing remains clear: this is still a vibrant, beautiful place to call home. n
Special Thanks to Jennifer Justis, Michelle McClure, Jeanine Corcoran, JoMarie and Jay DeGioia, and Chris Todd for sharing their stories.
This story is brought to you by:
through
A Local Resident’s Mission to Uplift Harmony’s Youth BUILDING CHARACTER BASKETBALL
BY BRADY EVANS
In the heart of Harmony, one resident is using his passion and experience to make a meaningful impact— both on and off the court.
Coach Lloyd Strickland, founder of the Harmony Basketball Training Camp, launched the program with one simple goal: to help kids who love basketball reach their full potential. “All the kids that attended camp this summer shared that they were either cut from the team last year or trying to make the team for the first time,” he said. “We pushed very hard all summer long to help them take their game to the next level.”
Through drills, personal coaching, and an emphasis
on discipline, Coach Lloyd's camp focuses on more than just basketball skills—it aims to build confidence, work ethic, and resilience.
Lloyd’s own basketball journey is a testament to his dedication. He played high school basketball at Raytown South High School in Missouri under legendary coach Bud Lathrop, culminating in a State Championship appearance in 2003. He went on to play college basketball in California at Feather River College, and then at Central Arizona College, where he earned a full scholarship and ranked in the top ten nationally for rebounds. He also briefly played semi-pro basketball in Kansas City, MO.
His training program is open to boys and girls from 4th
through 12th grade, and it’s not just about basketball. “I want to help improve their knowledge and skills beyond the limitations they’ve placed on themselves,” Lloyd says. “I also push them to stay positive and put in the work to achieve what they want in life.”
The impact has been clear. Parents have shared stories of their children becoming more confident, putting in extra hours to improve, and spending less time on video games and more time on the court. One standout success story is Jacob Coronel, a dedicated camper who made his AAU team tryouts after consistently attending and putting in hard work all summer.
In addition to offering oneon-one basketball training,
Coach Lloyd recently launched Harmony’s first AAU Boys Basketball Team, made up entirely of kids from the neighborhood. The team is now seeking community support and sponsorships to help cover registration fees, jerseys, and transportation costs.
Families interested in signing up their children or community members who wish to support the program can reach out to Coach Lloyd directly at 816-223-7689 or coachlloydtraining@gmail.com.
In a time when kids need positive outlets and role models more than ever, Coach Lloyd is proving that a basketball court can be a powerful place for growth, discipline, and building brighter futures. n
Coach Lloyd Strickland and Jacob Coronel
PROFILE Po rch
This month’s Porch Profile features Sarah Chumley, who has called our community home for the past 12 unforgettable years. Her front porch isn’t just a place to relax it’s a front-row seat to parades, fireworks, and neighborhood traditions, as well as a gathering spot for kids, friends, and plenty of laughter From unforgettable Halloween decorations to heartwarming memories of community parades, Sarah’s porch is truly a reflection of the joy and spirit that make our neighborhood so special.
How long have you lived in the community?
It’s been 12 crazy years!
W hat’s your favorite thing about your home or your porch?
My favorite thing about my front porch has to be the pile of bikes and scooters that always shows up after school and on weekends proof that my kids’ friends are over and that our home is a gathering place I also love being able to sit on the porch and hear the kids playing during recess at the community school It’s chaotic, but such a joyful sound
And then there are the events! From watching the homecoming parade and holiday golf cart parades to the 4th of July fireworks, our porch has the best view. One year, the Sanderson sisters were literally standing right in front of our house It doesn’t get much better than that We get to experience so many fun traditions without ever leaving home I don’t know many other communities that offer that.
Do you have a favorite memory that’s happened right here on this porch?
There are too many to count, but one that stands out is the senior parade during COVID. It was such a difficult time, but that parade gave us a safe way to celebrate and show the kids how proud we were Honestly, I wish it had become an annual tradition
Are you a sunrise porch person or a sunset porch person?
Oh, definitely a sunset porch person. I would never be a sunrise person under any circumstances! At sunset, you get to see a different side of the neighborhood more relaxed, with people walking their dogs, kids riding bikes, and families winding down from the day. It’s such a nice time to connect with neighbors. Of course, only if it’s cool enough to keep the mosquitoes away!
W hat’s the best conversation you’ve ever had out here?
Hands down, plotting Halloween decorations with my boys Standing outside debating whether we should create a skeleton graveyard or a zombie apocalypse in the front yard those are conversations I never could have imagined having, but they’re some of my favorites
W hat’s the strangest or funniest t your porch?
Last Halloween was unforgettable. A whole herd of inflatable T-Rexes plus a baby T-Rex went stomping down the street
Watching those giant costumes waddle-run away from the most ferocious dinosaur of them all a 6-year-old girl chasing them wa hysterical
For Sarah, her front porch is much more than a spot to sit it’s a place where community, family, and memories come together. From everyday bike piles to once-in-a-lifetime parades, her porch tells the story of the neighborhood itself.
DID YOU KNOW?
Taking Recyling to The Next Level
BY KERUL KASSEL President, First Nature Ranch / First Nature Foundation
DID YOU KNOW that Harmony was designed to promote the peaceful coexistence of human and animal residents within the community while striking a balance between the preservation, use and enjoyment of Harmony's natural areas? Harmony incorporates natural and human-built environments that blend in ways designed to enhance the relationships between humans and animals and maximize the benefits of their peaceful coexistence. While retaining natural areas, Harmony is part of a human-dominated landscape where our actions profoundly affect the welfare of wild animals.
One of the ways we protect our environment is through recycling, and in the US overall recycling rates have declined over recent years to about 32% of total waste. RecyclingPartnership.org reports that only 21% of residential recyclable products are actually being recycled, and 76% of recyclables are lost to trash in homes. Less than half of households participate in recycling, though close to 75% have access to recycling. Recycling reduces toxic pollution from waste facilities. It conserves resources, like trees, water, metals, and fossil fuels. It reduces waste, while saving energy, and mitigating carbon emissions. It has been reported to create 20-100 jobs for every one job created with landfilled waste.
Did you know there are 5 “R”s of waste management? Aside from recycle, there’s reduce and reuse, refuse (don’t buy what you don’t really need), and rot (compost). More on each of these a little later. We’re lucky that we have single stream recycling in Osceola County, where all of our recyclables go into a single container. It’s easy and quick for
residents. This stuff is sorted both by hand and by machine once it reaches a MRF (Materials Recovery Facility). That’s why it’s important to exclude from your bin jagged pieces of scrap metal that can harm workers, glass (which is now prohibited) or plastic shopping bags that can jam up machinery.
With current commodity and oil prices low, the market for some recycled materials is challenging, yet this may be a temporary scenario. Another issue is that an increasing amount of recycled truckloads go to the landfill or incinerator because they are considered contaminated. It’s up to us to ensure our recycling actually gets recycled. Glass, coated paper receipts, shredded paper, diapers, plastic lids and caps, plastic bags and wrap, and Styrofoam (polystyrene) containers risk contaminating an entire truckload.
How to take recycling the next level? First, reduce buying new stuff where possible and appropriate, and reuse your existing stuff (contact me for strategies: Kerul@me.com) — it saves $$ as well as reducing waste. Second, rather than “wish-cycle” anything that looks remotely recyclable, ensure your
recyclables comply with county program guidelines https://www.osceola. org/My-Property/Waste-and-Recycling. Third, use recycling best practices: clean all containers and let them dry before putting them in the bin so they don’t contaminate other items like paper. DON’T flatten plastic containers as they can confuse sorting machines, but DO flatten cardboard boxes. Don’t include cardboard that has food residue, plastic liners or components. Become familiar with what NOT to recycle. Fourth, don’t landfill food waste: compost it! It’s easier than you might imagine with just a little attention, and you can use the finished compost in your garden, flower beds, or among your shrubs for healthier plants. You can compost your shredded paper, too (or use it for packaging cushioning)! Fifth, take your electronics waste to appropriate recyclers (see e-stewards.com).
Recycling is one of those green community no-brainers. Let’s set an example here in Harmony by reducing our total waste and taking action to ensure the recyclables that leave end up actually recycled. Perhaps a contest for the cleanest recyclable bin? What are your contest ideas? n
