Green Initiatives
Compost
This is one of nature’s best fertilizers and mulch for your vegetable garden or flower garden. Plus it is cheap. Compost is made out of scraps from the kitchen, leaves, and cut grass from your yard. Please take a look at the link below to find out how to make your compost bin the right way.
EPA compost link:
Rain Barrels
Another way to capture what nature provides. A rain barrel is a system to collect rain runoff from the roof of your house. This is a very efficient system in the summer months to water your lawn and garden and save money.
See how to make your rain barrel.
Energy
Homeowners can also go green and save money with some of the new technology offered today. TVA’s website www.energyright.com go through a step by step process on how to save energy in your home and put money back in your pocket. They also offer free energy kits and home inspections.
House Paint
Top 3 Tips for Generating Less Paint Waste:
1 - Buy only the paint you need.
Even if it's only a couple of dollars more for a gallon than a quart, don't buy more than you need. When extra paint goes unused, money and resources are wasted.
2 - Use all of your paint.
Leftover paint can be used for touch-ups and small projects. If you have a large project, create a primer by mixing similar colors.
3-Donate your leftover paint.
If you can't use it all, theater groups, schools, churches and other organizations may be able to use your leftover paint.
Did you know? - It costs U.S. taxpayers more than $250,000 a year to dispose of waste paint at Household Hazardous Waste events. This money could be saved through the consciencious purchase and use of house paints.
Other Go GREEN Ideas
Buy local products
Buy local produce from farmers markets instead of produce shipped in from other states.
Ride your bike or walk.
Buy products with less packaging.
Take your own re-usable bags to the store instead of using plastic bags.
Unplug any unused appliances or electronics, they still use electricity when plugged in but not being used.
Use a refillable water bottle instead of buying plastic bottles.
If you have any questions, please contact Public Works at (423) 744-2745 or email.