April 22 is Earth Day, and millions around the world will be joining together to generate awareness and show their appreciation for the earth’s environment.
Having first started in 1970, the goal of Earth Day is to create and maintain a healthy and sustainable environment. While this day is important, the City of Mesa encourages its residents to make every day Earth Day. Here are just a few simple things you can do to live a greener lifestyle.
Recycle in the blue
All households with curbside trash service are eligible to participate in the City’s Blue Barrel Recycling Program. Residents can recycle:
• Plastic cups and containers, No. 1 through 7
• Glass food jars and beverage bottles
• Office paper, magazines, telephone books and junk mail
• Cardboard and paperboard boxes
• Tin and aluminum food/beverage cans
• Milk and juice cartons
Additional blue recycle barrels are available at no extra charge. If you do not have blue barrel recycling service or occasionally have additional recyclable material, the City does have public recycling drop-off sites at the East Mesa Service Center, 6935 E. Decatur St.; Dobson Ranch Park, 363 S. Dobson Road; and at the Juanita/Country Club Park and Ride Lot, 1830 S. Country Club Drive.
Recycle yard waste
Mesa residents can recycle their green yard waste, such as grass, leaves, plant trimmings and small branches, through the Green Barrel Recycling Program. Benefits of participating in this program include:
• Frees up space in your trash barrel for non-recyclable material.
• Eliminates the need to have an extra trash barrel for green yard waste, which can save you money.
• If you have more than one black garbage barrel, you can exchange one of them for a green waste only barrel and reduce your monthly trash bill.
• Reduces the use of plastic bags, as the material placed in the green barrel does not need to be bagged and tied.
• Helps the environment—Collected material is reused as compost, mulch and raw material for other applications.
• Extends the life of the landfill by conserving landfill space.
The green barrel is available for an additional $5.51 per month, and is collected weekly on the same day as your blue barrel.
Participate in Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics/Appliance Recycling Collection Events
Household hazardous waste can be dropped off at any of the City’s free Household Hazardous Waste Collection events held throughout the year. Such hazardous waste includes paint, oil, pesticides, batteries, tires, expired medication, fluorescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs, as well as electronics and large appliances. Many of these items contain hazardous chemicals, and should be disposed of, or recycled, in an environmentally responsible manner. The next event will be from 8 a.m. to noon, on Saturday, April 20, at the Center Street Facility, located at 2412 N. Center St.
Reduce and Reuse
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generated about 250 million tons of trash in 2010, which equates to approximately 4.43 pounds per person per day. While recycling is important, it should be considered the last line of defense. Help increase the life of the landfill, and conserve natural resources by first reducing and reusing.
• Use reusable grocery bags to cut down on the use of plastic bags made from petroleum. If you do use plastic bags, make sure to reuse them or recycle them at your local retailer.
• Avoid buying single serve products. Instead, consider buying larger, bulk sizes whenever possible. Not only will you reduce excess packaging, but you also can save money.
• Sell or donate your no longer needed but still useable items instead of throwing them away.
For more information, visit mesarecycles.org, or call City of Mesa Customer Service at (480) 644-2221. You also can find other green living tips on the Web site at earth911.com.