Trash For Now
Microwave containers are NOT recyclable in Asheville. The material, #5 polypropylene, requires high heat for reprocessing.
Bee Vigilant!
Read labels of products you use in your landscape. Avoid products containing neonics. These are chemicals that are lethal to bees. FMI: BeeAction.org.
Go Native
Replace turf grass with native species of grass. Native lawns use fewer resources and improve the habitat for wildlife. Check with local garden centers and native nurseries for information on native grass species.
Backyard Composting Tips
Watch an instructional and entertaining video from Asheville Greenworks.
Reel Mowers Are Better for Your Lawn
Reel mowers leave a sharp snip off the grass blades while the engine-powered mowers tear tops off the blades and weaken the grass over time.
Pick-up After Fido
Pet waste (cat & dog) is bacteria -laden. Scoop it up to keep it out of the storm drains.
Drive Thrus Are a No-No
Avoid using “drive-thrus.” Help keep those unhealthy emissions created by car idling out of the atmosphere.
Get A Grip
Get a good grip on the gas cap. After fueling your car, tighten the gas cap well to prevent evaporation of gas. If the cap is not on tightly, you could lose as much as 30 gallons/year!
Healthy Clippings
As you mow, leave your grass clippings on the grass. The clippings which are 80% water and contain nitrogen help to water and fertilize your lawn.
Local Recycling Options
Check out recycling FAQs at ashevillegreenworks.org
Microwave vs. Oven
Use a microwave to cook meals whenever possible. It uses about 1/2 energy of a conventional oven.
Dust Your Light Bulbs
The dust could be reducing the light output by 50%.
Don’t Be An Idler
Turn off your car if you are stopping for more than 30 seconds.
An Electrical Sabbath
List activities that your family enjoys that don’t need electricity. Choose a few for your Sabbath Day.
Clothes Dryers Are Energy Hogs
A way to make them more efficient: use longer drying times on the heat lowest setting, use the maximum spin cycle on the washer or consider air-drying your clothes.
Know Your Refridgerator’s Climate
Check the thermostat in your refrigerator to ensure your food doesn’t spoil. The ideal temperature is at or slightly below 40 degrees. A good place for foods that won’t easily spoil is in the door. It’s the warmest section.
Save on Energy
To find energy-efficient products that are certified by EPA’s Energy Star program go to www.energystar.gov. The site is a good resource for efficient products, information on rebates, and tips on other ways to save energy.
Choose Fragrance Free Products
Keep in mind when you’re reading the list of ingredients in personal care products that fragrance is the main ingredient associated with allergic reactions. Best to choose non-synthetic fragrances from plant essential oils.
Look out for Leaping Bunnies
The Leaping Bunny logo on labels means the product is certified as being free of animal testing.
Easy Way to Save Money
Set your water heater between “low” & “medium” (110-120 F); each 10-degree reduction saves 35% on water heating bills.
Local Food at Winter Farmer Markets
Check out ASAP (Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) to find local food at the farmer’s markets in our area.
Choose Safer Suds
Make a switch to safer, greener laundry detergent. Check out Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning.
Nuke Your Dish Sponge
Kitchen sponges are moist and full of food particles—everything bacteria need to thrive. To keep your sponge “healthy,” microwave the damp sponge on high for one minute
Energy Savings Tip
Save energy by keeping in your body heat. Long-sleeved sweaters can add between 2-4 degrees in added heat.
Consumer Tip
Before purchasing a product, consider how you will dispose it.
Good Use of Plastic Bags
Do pick-up after your pets—cats as well as dogs. Fecal matter gets washed into the storm drains and is a source of pollution.
Buy Local Beer
Packaging accounts for 40% of an average beer’s emissions when you factor in transportation. Good reason to buy local beer in cans. Applies to wine purchases as well.
Another Reason to Use Cold Water
Clothing made with polyester, nylon and acrylic are sources of plastic pollution when laundered. If synthetic clothes are washed in cold water, the release of the micro-plastics in the material is reduced. Another option: micro-plastic filters on washers.
Interested in a Quieter, Healthier Community?
Check out Quiet Communities Inc., a non-profit “dedicated to helping communities reduce health and environmental harm from noise and pollution.
Full Recycling Bin
If your recycling bin is filled-up, put extra in cardboard box and place it next to the bin for pick-up.