EARTH DAY 2008

I am a recycling fanatic, there I’ve said it. But you already knew that. So, I couldn’t wait to do a piece on EARTH DAY on my BLOG.

What is Earth Day? It’s the day we celebrate the importance of the environment and to encourage civil action. April 22 is the day of observance nationally, But, I try to do my part every day. So how did this all start?

It was initiated in 1970 by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, who started a “teach-in” to protest the government’s environmental ignorance. It certainly made an impact. This eventually led to legislation including the Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act.

If you’re reading this, you’re wondering, what is Mike expecting of me? Simple, change a little something regarding your purchasing and disposal habits.

• The average person generates 4.5 pounds of trash every day.
  


• The EPA estimates that 50 percent of solid waste is recyclable, while only about 30 percent is through current programs.
  


• As of 2006, there were approximately 8,660 curbside recycling programs.
  
  


• An aluminum can is recycled and back on the grocery shelf to be purchased again in as little as 60 days; a glass bottle takes as little as 30 days.
  
  


• One gallon of improperly disposed motor oil can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water.

Purchase goods with less packaging and from renewable sources. Separate and recycle all your waste at the curb where the service is provided. Recycling reduces the amount of waste in landfills, and prevents hazardous materials from leaking into our soil and water systems.

Every town and city throughout the country will offer some form of community action. I hope all of us take advantage of the great weather and step up our custodial duties in our neighborhoods. This is a day to stop and think about your affect on the environment and what you can do to help protect it. Don't leave me out here everyday by myself!

SPRING CLEANING AT THE TUNNEL

This is the Train Tunnel under Delaware Avenue. The Channel that leads to the tunnel, skates along the back of properties along Hasbrouck and Delaware avenues.
What you see here, is the result of years of dumping. In a city that collects trash weekly at their curb, I don’t get it.

For several years, I have teamed up with the Woodstock Day School volunteers and occasionally solo in an effort to clean up this mess. The task is

huge, and no city department has laid claim to the responsibility of cleaning it up. So I make my pilgrimage a few times a year and fight the rising tide of trash.

What can I do? Plenty of trash is new, since my visit last fall. Our Trash Enforcer Larry Bergati had issued an edict to stop dumping on the tracks last summer, but here it is.

I have asked the Trolley Museum to ramp up their Grant Applications in the past to consider extending the line and help clean, but have heard nothing for years. Catskill Mt RR promissed the Mayor a trash collector rail car last summer…that never happened.

So, I would like to know if anyone would like to join me this year to help clean up this mess, a joint effort of local citizens who know the value of a clean city. You will need water proof boots, gloves, and a

strong back. There are 100 tires, enough recyclables to keep RECYCLEBANK busy and trash enough to fill eight city trucks.

Clear your weekends and lets make this happen.