Doing Our Part for the Environment

Did you know that producing new plastic products from recycled materials uses two-thirds less energy than required to make products from raw (virgin) materials? It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.* Did you also know that if every American household recycled just one out of every ten plastic bottles they used, we’d keep 200 million pounds of the plastic out of landfills every year?** Staggering statistics, right? Yet, so simple to get there.

In the past few months, we’ve taken some steps towards “going green”. There have been numerous articles written about it in previous newsletters from staff and my daughter on how we, as a community, should be more socially responsible in doing our part to take better care of Mother Earth and I’m happy to report that we are taking steps towards that direction.

As a community, it’s great that we are participants of California’s recycling program. Please make the most of this program and make the effort to recycle everyday items such as aluminum cans, plastic bottles and magazines. We’ve recently added additional recycling bins in our community for your convenience. Please look for them in the clubhouse, near the kitchen and in the mailroom. Every bit counts and does make a difference. Since the implementation of the Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 in California, fifty percent (50%) of the recycling goal has been achieved. Since 2006, the diversion rate (meaning the separation of recycled material from regular garbage) has increased from 58% to 64% and continues to increase.***

Another “green” initiative we are implementing is providing all our Carefree residents with a grocery tote. These totes are similar to the ones sold at the supermarkets and have become a popular way to carry groceries. I am providing these totes to you all because I want to encourage you to use it as much as possible. Instead of having your groceries placed in a plastic bag, why not just bring these totes instead? The totes are roomy enough to hold several grocery items and are durable enough to be used over and over again. These totes will be available during the third week of August. One complimentary tote will be given per resident. If you would like additional totes, they are available for purchase at the concierge window for $2 each.

So please take advantage of these programs and make the most of it. As a community, I think it’s important that we do our part for the environment. Thank you.