Judy Dearden, President
LAND, FOOD, WATER, AND US – 2016 CAMPAIGN
The 2016 Highland Heights Green Task Force’s campaign is “Land, Food, Water and Us”. Most of our “Green Living Speaker Series” programs for 2016 will center on this theme. We invite you to attend any or all of our programs throughout the year.
COMPOSTING
In May, there is a site visit planned for Judy Dearden’s backyard for a demonstration on composting. Just think for a moment how many thousands of pounds of compost could be used to improve the health of our soil if all Cleveland property owners would simply compost their leaves, chemical-free grass clippings, and plant-based kitchen scraps. Also, imagine all the space that would be saved in landfills if more community residents composted their organic matter rather than putting it in trash containers. Studies show that the organic fraction of waste that ends up in the landfill can commonly makeup as much as 20-40%, or even higher in some locations, of the total waste stream.
Here are some reasons to compost:
- Improves soil structure – makes it more ‘friable’(i.e., gives it a crumbly texture, beneficial for root growth).
- Improves water retention in the soil, helping to keep plants healthier longer in dry conditions.
- Provides a source of slow-release, organic fertilizer for your plants.
- Boosts the community of microorganisms and other creatures beneficial for enhancing nutrient uptake and fighting plant diseases such as fungus.
Check the Highland Hts. electronic message board for the time and meeting location as May approaches, or contact Judy by phone or email with any questions. It will also be listed on our website at www.highlandhtsgreen.com.
ECO FAIR
In October, the HHGTF partnered with the Mayfield Branch of the Cuyahoga County Library to host an ECO FAIR at the library. We had 24 environmental interest groups represented. The reps chatted with the public about plastics in our Great Lakes, toxins that get dumped into our drains, solar power, chemical-free lawn care…etc. Thanks to all who participated and attended in order to bring awareness to environmental issues!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
- Apr. 6 – BIOMIMICRY EXPLAINED, by Great Lakes Biomimicry Director Carol Thaler
- May 4 – HOW TO’S and BENEFITS of COMPOSTING – on-site, call President Judy Dearden for details
- May 19 – MOVIE and DISCUSSION NIGHT – “Genetic Roulette”
- June 1 – GREEN BOOK CLUB, book reports by HHGTF members, always fun and informative.
All of these events will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Highland Hts. Community Center.
FreeCycle
No money is charged for items. Bring “stuff” (no junk) to give away, and help yourself to stuff from others. This recycling event is to help decrease the amount of “usable items” that might find their way into landfills.
“E-Waste Recycle Drive”
This is a recycling drive to collect items that once ran on electricity or a battery, i.e.: toaster ovens, cell phones, old power strips/surge protectors, microwaves, fans, etc. This type of drive is designed to keep these items out of the landfills and to recycle the pieces/parts of the items. NOTE: We cannot accept non-flat screen TVs or CRT monitors. No FREON or mercury accepted.
Both events will be held Sunday, June 26, 2016, at the Highland Hts. Community Park – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The second annual “Green Vendor, Holiday Gift Sale” was held last November with 26 vendors and more than 130 shoppers finding great environmentally friendly products! Mark your calendar now for the next sale on Sat, Nov. 5, 2016!
Thank you to all for continuing to be interested in our shared environment and how to keep it and ourselves healthy.
Please visit www.highlandhtsgreen.com, or email hhgreentaskforce@yahoo.com
or call Judy Dearden @ 440-646-9820 for more information.