Dear Eartha, My friend posted an article on Facebook that says greasy pizza boxes can now be recycled, but I was told they belong in the trash. What’s the deal, are greasy pizza boxes recyclable? To start, let’s get one thing straight – in Summit County, greasy pizza boxes belong in the trash. This question […]
Dear Eartha, I try to avoid plastic when I go grocery shopping, but it seems practically impossible. What can I do? The grocery store can be stressful enough remembering COVID-19 precautions, dodging your chatty neighbor, and managing coupon expiration dates, not to mention reducing plastic waste. Right here in Summit County, for every 100 pounds […]
Dear Eartha, this new year, I would like my family to cut back on the amount of plastic we use. How can we reduce our plastic footprint? With the New Year just beginning, it is the perfect time to start thinking about how much plastic ends up in our landfills and waterways, and what more […]
Dear Eartha, I love my Christmas tree and decorating with lights this time of year. What are their environmental impacts? Do I need to consider skipping some of my favorite holiday traditions? Don’t worry, there’s no need to nix your beloved tree or lights. Yet, it’s important to recognize that the season of joy brings […]
Dear Eartha, I’m concerned about raccoons getting into my food scrap bin. How can I prevent that? Food scraps attracting wildlife is a legitimate concern in our area! Thanks to the 1A/Strong Future initiative that passed in November 2018, the Summit County Food Scrap Recycling program is now free to County residents. That means you can […]
Dear Eartha, My family always carves pumpkins for Halloween but when the trick-or-treating is over, our pumpkins end up in the trash. Is there any other option for disposing of our spooky squash so we can make Halloween less wasteful? -Bridget, Breckenridge Thank you for your timely question, Bridget. With Halloween right around the corner, […]
Dear Eartha, the brightly colored autumn leaves are beautiful on the trees, but I know they will soon fall to the ground and the yard work begins. How can I sustainability manage all the leaves in my yard? -Jason, Breckenridge What an excellent question, Jason! The leaves are changing, and the air is getting cooler, […]
Dear Eartha, Is my recycling actually getting recycled? I’ve read about some cities getting rid of their recycling programs, and others who are trashing their recycling. What happens to my recycling after I bring it to the drop-off center? -Meghan, Frisco Meghan, please know this – the recyclables you bring to the Summit County drop-off […]
Dear Eartha, The school year is about to start, and I am wondering, how I can get my children ready for the school year while keeping sustainability in mind? With a new school year approaching, parents are faced with the reality that going back to school requires stuff – school supplies, backpacks, and clothes – […]
Dear Eartha, I love visiting Summit County but wish I could be more sustainable when I’m there. What can I do as a visitor to reduce my impact next time I visit? – Pam, Steamboat Springs Pam, your question comes at a great time. Summit County summers are bursting with bikers, hikers, boaters and festival-goers. […]
Dear Eartha, I recently received a package with white peanuts that dissolve in water. I assume they are made of starch or at least I’ve heard of that. Can I compost them? The first time I received a package with what appeared to be puffy cereal protecting the contents, I began investigating them myself. Turns out, […]
These grants are designed to help local entities and government agencies prevent and reduce waste. Recieve up to $70k to make your waste diversion projects a reality!
