friday takeout

In the interest of keeping our goals manageable, puffy.com has published a list of seven New Year's resolutions that are completely doable. As the article states, “Setting lofty goals and feeling overwhelmed by the pressure you put on yourself is one of the most common reasons why New Year’s resolutions fail … start by setting small, achievable goals.”

There are resolutions with a greater likelihood of sustainable, long-term success than reading 100 books this year, becoming completely fluent in two foreign languages, backpacking across Europe while working remotely, or working out two hours every day at the gym to train for a triathlon. Check out this simpler list of ideas.

Looking to pick up some sustainable habits in 2022? Composting can be a great step toward sustainability this year! Did you know that when food breaks down in a landfill, it releases high levels of methane, a potent greenhouse gas? When we compost food, however, it creates nutrients that can help to naturally fertilize our yards and gardens. Taking the first step to composting can feel daunting, but composting is accompanied by so many benefits such as access to nutrient rich soil (compost), reduced food waste in the landfill, reduced garbage/landfill collection and a personal favorite: no more smelly kitchen garbage! There are so many ways to start composting, and Winneshiek County Recycling is offering a reduced rate for a recycled plastic backyard compost bin. The bin makes composting at home easy. If you're interested in more information, check out this link for pricing, dimensions and ordering details. Distribution of these compost systems will happen in late May, right in time for garden season. In the meantime, here are some other compost tips to get you inspired!

-Piper Wood

A few other tidbits from the Green Corner:

The Sustainability Coordinators want to hear from you about sustainability programs you want to see in the new year! Fill out this survey to tell us what kind of sustainability questions you want answered, and what kind of sustainability focused program offerings you want to see in the new year! We hope to connect with you in 2022!

-Piper Wood and Kara Holmstrom

Holiday Lights Recycling (drop box on the Calmar Campus):

Holiday lights contain many easily recyclable materials and important metals. Before you toss your broken strings of holiday lights in the garbage, make the easy choice to recycle them instead! Take the guesswork out of recycling them by bringing them to our designated recycling box on campus located right inside the doors of the Student Center. This recycling is courtesy of the Winneshiek Energy District, and helps to keep things "green" this holiday season! Light recycling will be available until mid-February. Thanks for doing your part!

-Piper Wood