Conservation Tips for the Winter Months

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.

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