...and we must leave it for our children in (hopefully) a better state than it was when we borrowed it.  Yet in a sense, maybe the world is somewhat "given by our fathers", like a gift we are preparing to leave the next generation.  And as the blustery winds of winter start to arrive, the holiday season presents a perfect opportunity to act on that sentiment.  Many of us our busy decorating and prepping for the various celebrations that occur this time of year.  The holiday season fosters much reflection and connection to those around us, and is a wonderful opportunity to share moments and memories.  While we ready our homes for this special time of year, WCSWCD wishes to encourage folks to keep our natural world in mind and take steps to reduce waste and negative environmental impacts.

There are many eco-friendly ideas for gearing up for the holidays! Here in our office, we are turning the below items into festive decor and ornaments!

Here are some ideas and resources that we are using, and we want to share them for others to try as well!

3-D Snowflake or Star:
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-3D-Paper-Snowflake

https://www.greenmoxie.com/31-diy-christmas-trees-made-from-recycled-materials/
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Recycled Single-Serve Coffee Maker Cup Christmas Bell Ornament http://www.glimmercreations.com/2014/11/recycled-single-serve-coffee-maker-cup.html
 
Recycled Paper/Book Pages Decorations and Ornaments
http://lorajeansmagazine.blogspot.com/2008/04/paper-bag-flower-from-scratch.html
https://www.sassabyparties.com/blog/21-diy-paper-christmas-ornaments-decorations
 
Recycled Jar Lids for Holiday Ornaments
https://www.debbie-debbiedoos.com/recycled-jar-lids-christmas-ornaments/
 
Tin Can Pull-top Ornament
https://www.thriftyfun.com/Tin-Can-Pull-top-Ornament.html
 
Recycled DIY Holiday Crafts
http://www.architectureartdesigns.com/30-cute-recycled-diy-christmas-crafts/

https://www.goingzerowaste.com/blog/2015/11/28/a-zero-waste-christmas
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Winter weather is here, so we would like to share some ways to enjoy the snow and protect the environment all at the same time! Consider these friendly tips for weathering the winter while staying conservation minded.

Reusable Bags
While you are out purchasing your holiday gifts and groceries, remember to bring along your reusable bags! During our stream cleanups we always find plastic bags caught up in the stream or wrapped around trees. By using reusable bags, you are reducing the number of plastic bags in our landfills and in our environment.

Tree Recycling
If you have a natural Christmas tree this year, please consider recycling or reusing your tree instead of sending it to a landfill. Warren County has a number of drop-off points where you can take your tree to be composted. Click here to visit the Warren County Solid Waste District site for a list of locations.

Ice and Snow
To avoid ice buildup, try to remove snow from hard surfaces before it becomes compacted into ice. Shovel your snow into areas that are level and able to absorb the water once the snow has melted. This allows potential pollutants from roadways and driveways to be filtered out by plants before reaching our streams.

Putting salt on walkways, driveways and sidewalks helps to keep everyone safe from ice. However, keep in mind that the salt only works when pavement temperatures are 20 degrees or higher. This means the product won’t melt snow and ice during extreme cold temperatures. Also, more salt doesn’t mean it will work better. Make sure to follow proper application guidelines when using the product. 

If you still have piles of salt on your hard surfaces after the snow and ice clears, make sure to sweep up and dispose of the extra salt that didn’t get used. If salt isn’t cleaned up, rain or snow melt will carry the salt to our local streams where is it harmful to the fish and other aquatic life.

Our furry friends seem to have it all figured out.  They weather the winter quite well.  They happily scurry and play in the snow and enjoy the food they have worked hard to collect all year long.  We can do the same!  We can enjoy this winter weather and protect our environment all at the same time in turn securing it for future generations of wildlife and mankind. Here are  few tips for weathering the winter while staying conservation minded...

• Consider using non-toxic de-icing substances such as clean clay cat litter, sand, or fireplace/stove ash to prevent hazardous waste from chemicals. Chemical de-icers can be hazardous to your pets, your trees and shrubs, and the environment. Antifreeze that leak from car engines and chemical snow melters on driveways, roads, and runways can pollute surface waters and groundwater through the soil.

• Winterize your vehicle by checking your air filter and fluid levels, checking tires for tread wear and proper inflation, and checking the condition of your windshield wipers. Ensuring your vehicle is ready for weather changes will reduce damage, which prevents waste from broken parts, and will keep you safe on the road.

• If you have a wood-burning fireplace, save your ashes in a tin instead of throwing them away. Cold wood ashes can be mixed in your compost heap to create a valuable soil amendment that provides nutrients to your garden.

• Use electric snow removal products rather than gasoline-powered ones. While electric products consume energy, they do not emit greenhouse gases. As alternatives, use snow shovels, ice crackers, and brooms to clear snow from your sidewalk, porch, or driveway.

• If you have a manual thermostat or no thermostat at all, one way to save energy and money this winter is to install a programmable thermostat. When installed and used with the four pre-programmed temperature settings for weekend and weekdays, you can save about $100 each year while staying comfortable. Before leaving for vacation, turn down your thermostat (or use a programmable one) so that you don't waste natural resources by generating unneeded heat. You can also buy outdoor and indoor lights with timers so that lights don't stay on all night.

• Close the recycling loop. Many articles of clothing, such as jackets, scarves, gloves, and boots, are now made from recycled materials. Most fleece products are made from recycled plastic soda bottles, and certain clothing and shoe manufacturers use recycled cotton scraps and rubber tires to make their products.

• Winter storms often cause power outages. Prevent waste by keeping rechargeable batteries rather than disposable ones stored throughout your house with your flashlights. If you do use disposable batteries, prevent hazardous waste by buying batteries with low mercury content.

• Recycle old newspapers by making rolled paper logs for your fireplace. Roll newspaper sheets around a broom stick until your log is the desired size, then soak your log thoroughly in water. Dry the log overnight and use like ordinary wood. Always follow proper safety precautions when burning anything around your home.

• To make sure your heating system (boiler, furnace or heat pump) is operating at its most efficient, it is a good idea to have a contractor perform a routine check-up and any necessary maintenance on the equipment before freezing weather drives up your energy bill.

• If your heating equipment more than ten years old, it may be time for a replacement to a more energy-efficient unit. While initially an expensive investment, replacing old equipment with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment saves more energy and money in the long run.

Read more winter tips from the United States Environmetal Protection Agency HERE.