Tips on Helping the Earth

Earth Day has recently passed.  Few made Earth Day Resolutions.  Fewer kept them.  

Here are a few suggestions for simple things you can do to make a difference: 

These will save energy, and reduce pollution and greenhouse gases: replace incandescent light bulbs with LED or compact fluorescent bulbs;  unplug devices when fully charged; don't leave them plugged in all night; walk instead of taking the car on short routes (it's healthy too);  or plant a tree.  

Recycle more.  Get familiar with your town’s recycling guidelines.  Monmouth County has a helpful directory on its website.  Cardboard, paper, paperboard (e.g. pasta and cereal boxes), electronics and metal should rarely be thrown in the garbage.  Cardboard, paper and paperboard, which I often see out for garbage, can be recycled at the curb in Manalapan.  Metal and electronic devices  should be brought to the Recycle Center on Route 522 (west of Tennent Road).  Recycling more is not only good for the environment, it saves the Town money. Every ton of waste that is recycled rather than sent to the dump saves Manalapan about $70.  Frankly, if you are regularly putting out two or more cans of garbage, you're not recycling enough.   

To further cutdown on garbage, give away items rather than bringing them to the curb.  Organizations such as Family Resources, the Salvation Army, the Lupus Foundation, and the Diocese of Trenton take large items.  Just as easy is freecycle.org [go to the Freehold chapter].  It's like ebay without prices.  You list and describe your usable item, including your town.  You will receive an email from someone who could use it, and you can then make arrangements for them to pick it up right from your curb.  No human interaction required (but not prohibited).   I've found new homes for outdoor ("Little Tikes") children's toys, used landscaping railroad ties, cinder blocks, and a broken basketball hoop.  It's a good feeling to know that someone else can get use of something you no longer need.  

Remember:  You make a difference.

Herb Lazar 
Manalapan Environmental Commission