Going Green at the Preserve

Recycling Station at the Preserve

Recycling at the Preserve - Our visitors can help us (and the environment) by actively recycling glass, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, paper, and batteries. The preserve has recycling bins available in the bottom parking lot, inside the historic barn, and on the back porch of the ranch house. This image shows one of the recycling stations at the preserve.

The preserve is actively "going green" by purchasing and using 100% recycled paper, re-fillable ink cartridges, and compact fluorescent light bulbs. We also recycle paper, plastic, aluminum cans, glass, and cardboard. Here are some interesting recycling facts.

Recycling Factoids

• _{By recycling ONE aluminum can, you will have saved enough electricity to run your TV for three hours.}
• _{Most plastic containers have the recycling symbol with a number indicating the grade of plastic on the bottom of the container.}
• _{Glass such as window pane, windshield, kitchen glass, light bulbs, and cooking dishes are not generally recycled because they melt at a much higher temp.}
• _{Recycled glass is added to highway striping for greater visibility.}
• _{Cardboard is used to make the cover over sheetrock in your home.}
• _{Newspaper can be used as blow-in insulation for your home.}
• _{The three "R's" associated with recycling are: REDUCE, REUSE, and RECYCLE}

_{How Else Can I Help?}

• _{Think about what you buy and what processes are used to create the packaging. Ask yourself, "If I purchase this food item, can I recycle the container?"}
• _{Is there a great deal of waste or harm to the environment associated with the creation of this paper towel or coffee filter? Is it better to purchase "un-bleached" paper towels and coffee filters?}
• _{Take your own cloth bags to the grocery store, rather than using plastic bags.}
• _{Can I purchase nice clothing at a local thrift store and help recycle this clothing?}
• _{Once your clothing is beyond repair, can I still cut it up into scraps for use in a quilt or rug? Or do I know of someone who can benefit from these scraps (if you aren't crafty)?}
• _{Do I really need all of these clothes? Can I donate them to a local charity or thrift store?}
• _{Do I actively recycle my trash? Once you start, you will probably notice a 50% reduction in the amount of trash you take to the curb.}
• _{Does my community have a recycling center?}
• _{Can I volunteer my time to local recycling or charitable organizations?}
• _{Can I teach others about the importance of recycling?}
• _{Do I turn off lights or the TV when not being used?}
• _{Where do I take batteries, used oil, light bulbs, paint, chemicals, pills, and other hazardous waste for recycling? These items should never be placed in our trash and taken to the landfill.}
  

_{As you can see, there are many things you can do to help make a difference in your own backyard. It simply takes a commitment on your part to help make the world a better place for now and the future. Once you start recycling, you will be amazed at how differently you look at the world. You CAN make a difference; just recycle that CAN.}