This Fall scene is from Cook Forest State Park. Photo by Karen Hohman

Raking leaves and trimming back trees and plants for the winter is a familiar Fall ritual. Instead of burning yard waste or putting it out for the trash, why not compost?

As much as 34 percent of household waste in Pennsylvania is made up of organics, most of which can be composted.

Many communities have organized yard waste composting facilities residents can use to take branches and other yard waste items. Check with your municipality or county recycling coordinator for the closest one to you.

Of course you don’t have to go further than your own backyard to set up an efficient composting operation.

Don’t know how? Checkout these online resources –

· Composting In My Backyard

· Guide to Home Composting

· Find a Community Composting Site

Session Schedule

The Senate and House both return to regular and Special session October 17.

Other News

· Mercer County Brownfield Site Turned Into Community Asset

· Grants OK’d for Business Site Redevelopment Projects

· New EPA Region 3 Land Revitalization Update Newsletter Now Available

· Booklet Outlines Forest -Friendly Development Techniques

· State Forest Again Certified as “Well Managed” Using Sustainable Techniques

· Game Commission Approves Acquisition of More Than 1,360 Acres

· Smart and Sustainable Campuses Conference Set for November 3-4

· Build It Green, Keep It Green Program on Building Management

· Energy Star Change a Light, Change the World Campaign Kick-Off

· Great Lakes Watershed Restoration Grant Applications Due

· Water Resources Association Conference to Focus on Planning, Management

· First Meeting of Mercury Rule Workgroup Set for October 14

· Motorists Expected to Save $57 Million Over 5 Years on Emissions Inspections

· 2006 Environmental Education Grant Applications Due December 17

· Nominations Due October 31 for President’s Environmental Youth Award

· Rachel Carson Forums to Feature Energy, Water Quality Credit Trading Issues

· EnviroFest at the Black Bear Film Festival October 14-16 in Milford

· HELP WANTED – Earth Force Program Specialist Pittsburgh

Feature – Honoring Environmental Leadership

· Gov. Rendell Honors Six Pennsylvania Environmental Leaders.

Feature – Cleaning Up Abandoned Mines

· Abandoned Mine Drainage Treatment Facility Dedicated in Findlay Township

Feature – Connecting Kids and the Environment

· Out of Sight, Out of Mind? By Lara Lutz, Chesapeake Bay Journal

Opinion

· Energy Conservation Vital to our Environment, Economy and National Security by Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty

Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page

10/7/2005