If you’re 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 – suggests adopting the following 5 habits for becoming more environmentally friendly in 2022--

1) Expand Your Recycling Effort - Recycle Glass In Particular: Glass is amazing!  It is 100 percent  recyclable and can be recycled endlessly, and recycling glass uses 70% less energy than creating glass from raw materials.  In a landfill glass takes one million years to degrade – yet a glass bottle can go from a recycling bin to a store shelf in just 30 days.

LEARN MORE: Visit PRC’s website to learn where you can recycle glass bottles, jars and jugs at permanent collection sites or during visits by its Traveling Glass Recycling Bin.

2) Roll Up Your Sleeves - Compost: Take part in a PRC “Backyard Composting” webinar from the convenience of home and then pick up your bin or barrel at PRC’s office in Allegheny County or Delaware County.

LEARN MORE:  Visit PRC’s Webinars webpage for a course description and schedule.

3) Protect Your Watershed - Install A Rain Barrel: Rain barrels are a great way to conserve water, supplying non-chlorinated water for gardening by collecting and storing rainwater from your roof through a connection to your downspout.  Take part in a PRC “Watershed Awareness/Rain Barrel” webinar to learn about problems associated with stormwater runoff, discover watershed-friendly landscaping techniques and hear how to conserve water at home.

LEARN MORE:  Visit PRC’s Webinars website for a course description and schedule.

4) Think ‘Zero Waste’ - Start By Packing A Zero Waste Lunch: Lunch time can create a lot of waste, especially if you eat this meal away from home while at work or school. Challenge yourself to pack a lunch using a reusable container, water bottle, flatware and napkin.

LEARN MORE:  PRC’s “Zero Waste” services provide waste reduction techniques to businesses, residents and special events across the state.

5) Don’t Just Walk By - Focus Your ‘Lens On Litter:’ Photos help to heighten litter consciousness by showing how it threatens public health and safety, scenic beauty, property values, the environment, pets and wildlife. Since exposure leads to prevention, take pictures of blight and then organize a small clean up effort at one site.

LEARN MORE:  PRC’s annual “Lens on Litter” photo contest launches in January (all entries due by October 31).  Amateur photographers can win prizes of $500 in adult and student categories.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Resources Council website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them on Facebook.  Click Here for PRC’s Events Calendar.  Click Here to support their work.

PRC is Pennsylvania’s oldest grassroots environmental organization founded in 1939.  PRC has worked to protect resources for future generations through environmental education, recycling, waste diversion programs, anti-litter campaigns and other initiatives.

[Posted: December 22, 2021]

12/27/2021