IN Millcreek Fall 2019 | Page 17

PA GOVERNOR’S ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARD was recently awarded to the Erie International Coastal Cleanup Steering Committee. An estimated 2,500 tons of plastic pollutes Lake Erie, and much of it stays close to shore. More than 2,600 volunteers, from school children to adults, each donated 2-3 hours of time in 2018 participating in numerous activities to clean up litter on the shorelines of Lake Erie and its tributaries. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THIS YEAR’S CLEANUP! Bridger Park (Intersection of Old Zimmerly Road & West Road) Saturday, September 21, 2019 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. *Please call (814) 833-1111 ext. 317 to sign up! All supplies provided. Please dress weather-appropriate! OTHER PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE REGION CAN BE FOUND ON THE ERIE ICC FACEBOOK PAGE INCLUDING A NEW DIVE & SNORKEL CLEANUP! ASK THE RECYCLING COORDINATOR: Q: I am trying to determine the best way to dispose of disposable plastic drinking straws. I have small kids that love them, but I know that wildlife can be injured if they are not disposed of properly. Are plastic disposable straws recyclable?  — Lauri T. A: That’s a great question! Unfortunately, plastic disposable drinking straws must be thrown away with the trash and are not recyclable. (Plastic silverware is also not recyclable.) I recently purchased a pack of 12 stainless steel drinking straws (both straight and bent) for my family that are dishwasher safe. Currently on the market, there are both reusable and compostable alternative options available. If you’re looking for some more eco-friendly alternatives, you may want to try out glass straws, heavy-duty reusable plastic straws, bamboo straws, paper straws, and hay straws. Some even come with fabric cases for traveling. While out at your favorite restaurant or fast food chain, simply refuse the plastic disposable straw and provide your own. were ws Lake Stra 988 ed along and ct ne colle coastli ing the s Erie’ ries dur ional ta at . u trib 8 Intern p event u 1 20 lean tal C s a o C —Jessica Stutzman, Millcreek Township Recycling Coordinator To have your recycling questions answered by Millcreek’s Recycling Coordinator, please submit an email to [email protected] or call the Recycling Department at (814) 833-1111 ext. 317. MILLCREEK ❘ FALL 2019 15