Saturday, August 7, 2010

Less is More: Pathway to Zero Waste Gains Ground

If you tune in to Texas Public Radio, you’ve likely heard the host of new broadcasts of late on sustainability in the city and the region.

This includes TPR's Living Green programming and podcasts, along with a set of new recycling resources.

An important link is to AACOG’s resource recovery page, where you can find out where to drop off no-longer-needed computers, televisions and other e-waste.

The timing is right, as the city moves forward on a pathway to zero waste initiative.

As it stands, an area study shows that despite the growth of Bexar County, only 18 percent of waste is being diverted to recycling programs. And a big portion of this is comprised of organic materials (“green waste”) that could be enriching our soils instead of languishing in our landfills.

Another big cache of waste comes from the cans, bottles and newspapers that wind up being trashed, merely for the lack of adequate apartment recycling options.

We can do something about this – and are likely to have the chance when a new proposal for apartment recycling is proposed this fall.

Keep an eye out for the proposal to City Council. It’s a chance for us, in an everyday way, to make our city a healthier, more sustainable place.

Recycle...Water?

You can arrange for a water audit to save money on water bills at San Antonio Water System.