A Word From The Saline Environmental Commission
Winter has returned and so has the responsibility of clearing ice and snow from sidewalks. The environmental commission recommends minimal use of chemicals to remove snow or ice from your sidewalks. Many de-icing products say they are “green” or “environmentally friendly”, but always read the ingredients on the packaging and understand the hazards of the chemical components before use. Electric snow throwers are recommended rather than gas powered machines, as they emit fewer pollutants and do not require storage of gas and oil. If the snowfall is small, consider using your shovel rather than your snow thrower. Shoveling is a free bit of exercise and emits no pollution into the environment. Removing ice and snow from your sidewalks shows that you care about your neighbors’ safety and well being and keeps the City looking good! Always consider the environment while responsibly maintaining your sidewalk in the winter!
Benefits of composting: Create nutrient rich soil for vegetable and flower gardens while reducing the amount of waste entering landfills. It’s easy and everybody’s doing it!
Electronic Waste Recycling Event
The results of our hard work on November 5, to recycle electronic waste in our community have resulted in a significant increase from our June collection. We all gathered in 43,916 pounds this time compared with 27,657 pounds in June for a total of 71,573 pounds. This community wide effort has resulted in 36 tons of electronics collected for recycling and kept much of it out of landfills.
Helpful information about composting
MATERIALS AND LOCATION: There are a variety of ways to contain the waste which will become compost. Bins, piles and tumblers are three of the most common methods. Kits to build compost bins are available at most garden centers and home improvement stores. Tumblers are a more expensive option but can greatly accelerate the breakdown of waste and require less manual work. Make your composting area as large as you can manage, a good size is 3’x3’x3’. Locate your compost in a well drained area that receives at least a half day of sunlight. Consider the aesthetics of the location of your compost area.
WHAT TYPES OF WASTE CAN BE USED: For best results, use a mix of wet and dry waste and a combination of food waste and yard waste. Food waste can be anything that doesn’t contain oils and fats, which can attract vermin. Yard waste should be a mix of “green” and “brown” waste (i.e. grass clippings and dead vegetation, respectively). Do not add twigs, branches, acorns, or pinecones, as these materials will not break down quickly. Also do not add pine needles or branches or any plant material that has been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides.
MAINTENANCE AND WHEN TO SPREAD: Aerate the compost by turning it over with a shovel every 5-6 weeks and add water often enough to keep the pile moist but not saturated. These steps will speed up the biological process that breaks down the waste. After your compost becomes dark in color and has an earthy smell, typically after several months of degrading, remove the compost from the receptacle and work the compost in with the existing soil or spread it above the ground. Compost can be spread on gardens in the spring or fall. Repeat the process every year to replace the nutrients removed by living plants.
Don’t Dump in the Storm Drains!!
What’s the Issue? Storm drains lead to our lakes and streams. So, any oil, pet waste, leaves, grass clippings, or dirty water from washing your car that enters a storm drain gets into our lakes and streams. We all need to be aware of what goes into our storm drains. Remember, only rain in the drain! Here are some simple steps you can take to help keep pollutants out of storm drains and keep our water clean. Give them a try. A few simple changes can make a big difference! Sweep it. Do you have extra fertilizer, grass clippings, or dirt on your driveway or sidewalk? Sweep it back onto your lawn. Hosing your driveway or sidewalk sends these pollutants into storm drains that lead to our lakes and streams. Keep it clean. Whether in the street or in your yard, remember to keep leaves, grass clippings, trash, and fertilizers out of storm drains. Mow. Trim grass so the clippings blow away from the street. Or better yet, use a mulching mower. Only rain in the drain. Never dump motor oil, chemicals, pet waste, dirty or soapy water, or anything else down the storm drain. All of these materials pollute our lakes and streams! Report it. Do you see someone not following these guidelines? Report it! In most cases not following these suggestions is a violation of city ordinances. It is also important to properly dispose of recreational vehicle sanitary waste. Find locations and requirements of recreational waste sites in Michigan. Dispose properly and help protect the environment!!
