February Reflection from the Earth Stewardship Committee

February is a month we may associate with survival and hibernation—we recognize the icy throes of winter that are preparing for the new growth of spring. The season of Lent can be thought of in the same way – a time set apart to become closer to God in preparation for the joy of the Resurrection that we celebrate at Easter.  As we begin Lent, consider choosing to “say no” to a destructive or waste-producing habit, while also “saying a deeper yes” to practice a new habit that promotes good stewardship of our planet’s resources.

Did you know that due to the Plastic Bag and Film Recycling Act (2008), stores such as Sunset, Jewel-Osco and Walgreens in Libertyville recycle plastic bags and plastic film, including plastic that many of us tend to throw in the trash? You can collect and bring to these stores clean items such as the plastic wrap surrounding toilet paper, napkins and paper towel rolls, diaper packaging wrap, cereal box liners, plastic bags for  newspapers. bread bags and zip-lock bags (after cutting off the zip-lock part), dry-cleaning bags, case wrap from bulk snacks and water bottles, furniture wrap, Tyvek, plastic shipping envelopes (without labels), bags labelled #2 or #4, and retail bags (remove string or hard plastic handles). Note that cellophane wrap, pre-washed salad bags, frozen food bags, cling wrap and bio-based or compostable bags are exceptions that cannot be recycled.  Suggestion: Try hanging a bag under the sink, in your garage or basement, in which to place the plastic, and then to grab it on the way to the store for a weekly recycle.

Did you know that most small appliances and electronics can be recycled? What do you do with that old non-repairable toaster or coffeemaker?  Suggestion:  Instead of putting it in the landfill, collect such small appliances consult the SWALCO website for where and when to dispose of them.  Ace Hardware on Route 137 will recycle all kinds of batteries (including those from cell-phones, electronics, etc.), fluorescent bulbs and latex paint! You may also call SWALCO for help in figuring out how to dispose of something at: 847-336-9340.

Links

Catholic Coalition on Climate Change

CCCC and US Catholic Bishops address the population issue:  "People as Pollution"

USCCB addresses Global Climate Change

Recycling Resources

Libertyville program

Recycling Guidelines

Solid Waste – Lake County (Swalco)

Plastic bag recyling 

 Re-use 

Lambs farm

 Conservation

Rain barrels

Archives

Past Carpenter articles

Saving suggestions

St Joe events

Earth day

 Local events

Visit to SWALCO