September 15 , 2022 The Beacon • 23
You can develop new recycling habits this fall
As the seasons change , it is time to start shifting into an autumn mindset . Every person and household has a different way of doing this . Some put out spooky decorations in preparation for Halloween . Others start the fall season by putting away their summer clothes to make room in their closets for warm sweaters . There are lots of ways to embrace the change of seasons , some of which could be developing some new habits .
Composting
The weather change that accompanies the fall season also affects our gardens and our yards .
Take advantage of the fallen leaves , rotting vegetables and plant materials by starting an athome compost pile . It can be something incredibly simple — an actual compost pile — or if preferred , it can be made into something a bit more beginner friendly , like a rotating bin . Either can be as big or as small as necessary .
Compost doesn ’ t have
Former local man honored
to be complicated . To start out , think green and brown . The green represents fresh garden or kitchen waste — things that are nitrogen-rich such as grass clippings , vegetable peels and coffee grounds . The brown stands for dry , carbonrich materials such as hay , dead leaves , dead plants and weeds . When possible , start with a layer of brown matter on the bottom of your pile or bin , and then layering evenly with green matter will give the best results for developing a rich compost .
Important notes
— You also can add things like egg shells , paper towels and toilet paper rolls , torn-up 100 % cotton clothing , and paper products like bags , napkins and paper towels . Do not add cooked food scraps , as it could attract vermin .
— Highly acidic foods like tomatoes , pickled foods or citrus fruit should not be added as it can kill the good bacteria growing in the compost .
— The right amount of moisture is the key to a thriving compost pile . Research has shown a 40-60 % moisture level is optimal for composting .
— Rotating or turning your compost pile at least once every two weeks will ensure it is getting enough air . If using a bin , make sure there are plenty of drainage holes and it is located in an area that has access to at least partial sunlight .
It takes about 18 months for the compost to become usable . So compost that is started this fall will be ready to use for spring 2024 — a worthwhile , long-term investment .
Recycling , repurposing and donating
Spring isn ’ t the only time for cleaning . Fall is the perfect time for going through possible clutter that has built up over the course of the year . Filtering through clothing , toys or old decorations can be overwhelming . But it is important to remember throwing something into the trash should always be a last resort . Any items that are still in good condition should always be donated or repurposed when at all possible . If the item isn ’ t usable , is it recyclable ? Finally , if it isn ’ t usable or recyclable , it can be thrown away .
When you break out the fuzzy socks and pumpkins this fall , remember to make conscientious decisions about the way you are living . Whether it be taking up a new eco-friendly habit , like recycling or composting , or choosing sustainable or homemade decorations , everyone can help to keep Coshocton green and clean this fall .
For an interactive recycling guide , visit www . coshoctoncounty . net / recycle or call Coshocton County Recycling & Litter Prevention for any questions or to get more information .
Alex Nelson is the program director for Coshocton County Recycling & Litter Prevention .
Submitted
The Plainfield School Reunion was held Sept . 4 at Schumaker Farms in West Lafayette . Anyone who attended Plainfield was welcome to attend the event . During the reunion Larry Stockum , who passed away in 2006 , was honored . After school and furthering his education at the Ohio State University , he worked for Rockwell International in Columbus . While there he designed and implemented weapons guidance systems . His contributions to the aerospace industry earned him Engineer of the Year for his designs on the Hellfire Missile . Several members of his family including his sons , wife , sister-in-law , brother and cousin attended the reunion .
J Janice . Carleen Carleen O ’ Bryon O ’ Bryon is not is affiliated not affiliated with with the the Federal Federal Medicare Medicare Program Program
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