April 22 was the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. It was celebrated at home with many virtual events around the world instead of large gatherings of people due to the current coronavirus pandemic.
Because so many people are staying home, scientists are reporting decreases in air pollution in many metropolitan areas around the world. Citizens have noticed, too, and are sharing photos on social media of distant mountain ranges that are visible again. Wildlife is wandering empty streets and national parks. Sea turtles are laying eggs on empty beaches. While we may be suffering a little cabin fever and missing our friends, there are some good things happening to the environment during this period.
It is important now more than ever to dispose of trash responsibly. Sadly, face masks and protective gloves are being tossed on the ground. Please dispose of these items in a trash receptacle. Do not flush cleaning wipes, paper towels, napkins, facial tissues, baby wipes and “flushable” wipes. None of these breakdown in the sewer system the way toilet paper does and will lead to clogged pipes and back ups.
If anyone in your household has tested positive for coronavirus, do not recycle your recyclables. Instead, place them in a sealed trash bag and dispose of them with your trash. This also applies to any used cleaning supplies, such as paper towels, as well as used facial tissues and PPE. If your household has remained healthy, keep recycling, especially paper, paper board, and cardboard. Clean, dry paper fiber is used to make toilet paper.
Cooking at home has increased. Kitchen scraps such as vegetable and fruit trimmings, egg shells, even moldy bread, can be composted to reduce food waste going to landfills. A worm bin is perfect for apartment dwellers or folks without a backyard for a traditional compost bin. Do not put greasy or fatty foods, bones, or meat in a compost bin.
Eating out is a simple luxury during this time and supports local restaurants. If you do order take out, skip the plastic cutlery and condiment packets. Neither are recyclable.
When we are able to gather again, there will be graduation parties, weddings, and belated birthday celebrations. Consider borrowing event recycling containers from Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District. The containers come with clear plastic bags for collecting clean, empty plastic, glass, and aluminum beverage containers. These co-mingled recyclables can be taken to the Bartholomew County Landfill or the Harrison and Petersville Convenience Sites.
For information on recycling options in Bartholomew County, visit the Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District website at www.bcswmd.com.
