There’s no sense in rewriting great material when you can get permission to share. Thank you to Stacy Albin of Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) for allowing me to re-post her writing here today.
Many of the links she included below are appropriate for people who live in Western Pennsylvania. The PRC also has an office in the east (Media, PA). Its programs can be found here. Otherwise, I added similar resources for those living in the southeast; my additions are shaded in blue. Feel free to add a comment to share any resources you want others to know about!
Resources aside, my favorite is #10.
And best wishes for a renewed 2021!
Here is Stacy’s post:
10 “GREEN” NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR 2021
If you are thinking about adopting a “greener” lifestyle in the New Year, the Pennsylvania Resources Council – recognized as a state and national leader in waste reduction and recycling – offers the following 10 actions for becoming more environmentally friendly in 2021.
1) LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Attend a PRC online workshop to learn about backyard composting, rain barrel installation and many other topics including a free Recycling and Waste Reduction webinar offered each month. (link to https://prc.org/programs/webinars/)
2) DEVELOP HEALTHY HABITS
Browse brochures and other online materials to learn about healthy options such as using non-toxic alternatives – such as making products from baking soda and vinegar – for housecleaning chores. (link to https://prc.org/learn-act/hhw-guide/)
3) GET ORGANIZED
Clean out the basement/garage/garden shed and then properly dispose of hazardous materials and/or e-waste at PRC collection events. (link to https://prc.org/programs/collection-events/)
4) SHED POUNDS INSTANTLY
Donate a wide variety of gently used items – such as furniture, clothing and building materials – to local nonprofits at PRC’s annual ReuseFest.
Local to SEPA and online for all:
I haven’t found a reuse event, but there are thrift stores scattered throughout the land and, most of them turn your donations into cash that supports a good cause. Here are few suggestions:
- My local thrift store (search for one in your area or try Goodwill): Community Thrift, Pennsburg, PA
- Electronics and clothing pickup (fees may apply): Montgomery County partnership with Retrievr
- Energy rebates for old-but-working fridges, freezers, and AC units: PECO Energy
- Home improvement, furniture and more: Habitat for Humanity ReStore
- Online sharing network: Freecycle
5) INVEST MORE
Invest in your home and invest in clean water by scheduling a Stream Smart House Call to see how you can better manage stormwater on your property.
Online for all:
- Home Landscape and Gardening Self-Education: Penn State Extension
6) GET INVOLVED
Learn how to bring glass recycling to your neighborhood now that many municipalities no longer include glass in curbside recycling.
Online for all:
- Where to recycle ___ tool: Earth911
7) GET MOVING
Head outdoors to take part in a neighborhood litter clean up event; document the impact of litter on the environment and then enter PRC’s annual Lens on Litter photo contest.
Local to NE Montgomery County, PA:
- Annual Stream Cleanup (spring): Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy
8) GAIN A NEW SKILL
Roll up your sleeves and volunteer with PRC East’s rain garden program to learn how to design and construct rain gardens to help reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality. Other volunteer opportunities include PRC collection events and educational programs.
Online for all:
- Online Stormwater Education Series: Penn State Extension
9) MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Become a member and support PRC’s vital programs that help to conserve and protect Pennsylvania’s environmental resources for each generation.
10) REDUCE STRESS
Enjoy the beauty of nature each day of the new year!
Since 1939 the Pennsylvania Resources Council has worked to protect resources for future generations through environmental education, recycling, waste diversion programs, anti-litter campaigns and other initiatives. PRC envisions a Pennsylvania where nothing is wasted.
Source: 10 “GREEN” NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR 2021 – Pennsylvania Resources Council