Green Tips
Thanks to all the folks who offer their eco-friendly ideas! Based on that feedback, the Hope Environmental Commission will be posting “Green Tips” as they arise on this Website Page. We’re reaching out to everyone for ideas for composting, recycling, repurposing, conservation, etc...., especially those that can be implemented by local community members. Suggestions are always welcome—if you have any ideas to reduce waste/pollution, promote environmental awareness or provide general ecological info of interest, please click the box below to send it to the EC mailbox. Thanks!
Consider Laundry Sheets
Laundry sheets dissolve, work as well and when the cardboard envelope is empty, it is entirely recyclable.
New Landscaping Ideas
Plant Fertilizer from Banana Peels
Less Plastic Wrap
A Bright Idea!
Did you know?
Only 10% of the energy used by an incandescent bulb produces light; the rest is given off as heat. Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) are up to four times as efficient as incandescent bulbs.
Replacing one incandescent lightbulb with a compact fluorescent light can save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. CFLs produce the same amount of light, use one-third of the electricity and last up to 10 times as long.
Artificial lighting accounts for 44% of electricity use in office buildings. Make it a habit to turn off the lights when you're leaving any room for 15 minutes or more and utilize natural light when you can.
Waste Not
Here's a great list of ways to 1: reduce waste around your home and 2: repurpose and recycle stuff you no longer need that might otherwise wind up in a landfill. Check out some of these options!
Great Waters NJ—Take Action!
Here is a link to a website (and a petition) that will help address the issues facing our scenic and environmentally sensitive areas/waterways of the Highlands of Northwest New Jersey. Check it out!
The great waters of New Jersey are the lifeblood of our region, sustaining our communities, jobs, and that special magic that makes us call the Highlands our home.
If we lose these precious waters and lands—to problems that are solvable with smart decisions and collaboration—it will take generations to bring them back to health. If we can bring them back at all.
Join thousands of New Jersey residents and local leaders just like you who cherish the natural legacy of the Highlands. Tell our chief water caretaker, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection that they need to recognize the true recreational value of our waters, helping our towns and boroughs go the extra mile to save the great waters we love for generations to come.
Tips for Recycling Mags
Instead of just throwing them in the trash, there’s lots of ways to RECYCLE/REPURPOSE old magazines, annual calendars, and similar paper products – here are some ideas you can try!
• Holiday Tabletop Christmas Trees – made from anything that’s bound! Simply fold the pages, decorate with small ornaments or garland and display them around your house for a festive touch! Many website have instructions, here’s one of them: https://www.instructables.com/Folded-Book-Christmas-Tree/
• Holiday Garlands – cut up colorful pages and either staple or glue them into links – great kid’s project, and there are more intricate patterns to try (some of you may remember those old chewing gum wrapper chains – if you forgot how, here’s a tutorial – just use cut up magazine or calendar strips! https://origami-resource-center.com/bubble-gum-wrapper.../
• Library Donations – contact your local library – some will accept donations of current subscription magazines once you’ve read them, to lend/give away.
• Senior Citizen Donations – senior centers often accept magazines for their residents to browse through
• School Donations – old calendars, magazines and books are often used in educational or craft projects – contact your school administration and have them ask their teaching staff if there is any upcoming topic, curriculae or art project that they could use the pictures or articles from these materials. Wildlife calendars often have wonderful pictures and descriptions that are both entertaining and educational.
• Subscription Sharing – see if any of your family or neighbors would be interested in having your old magazines when you are finished with them
• Local Book Nooks – allow you to share used books/magazines with others – Hope has one! Message: Hope Township NJ Environmental Commission or email: green.hopenj@gmail.com
Spotted Lantern Flies – What you can do!
These pests are causing lots of damage to trees and certain crops, and anything that can be done to reduce their numbers will help. Even with the cooler weather, they can still be found on trees and should be eliminated, and their egg masses should also be treated. Some of the tips received to help deal with them included:
Physically killing them with fly swatters or other similar implements whenever you see them on objects around the house – including door screens, fences and on tree trunks where they like to gather
Vacuuming them up with a garage/shop vac – you can vacuum them up, and either leave them in the canister a couple of days until they die or dispose of the canister contents into a paper bag and throw out with your trash (make sure bag doesn’t rip).
Use environmentally friendly sprays to kill them – one solution suggested is 1:1 ratio of Dawn dish soap and water. Another natural spray is straight white vinegar.
Tree of Heaven removal! Benefits the ecosystem as well of course. This makes such a huge impact in our area. I have also witnessed and reported to Rutgers tip line that Asclepias Butterfly Weed does seem to attract, and stun/weaken/kill some. Killing them can only do so much, we have to tell SLF "no vacancy"!!
