CROSSVILLE —
After perusing many opinions about what the top recycling practices are, I’ve come up with this list for especially those who have not plunged into recycling. Even if you already are committed recyclers, check this list for more ideas.
1. Learn which items are recyclable in Cumberland County. Here is a quick list: paper, cardboard, glass, metal containers and aluminum. Only a few plastics can be recycled, but plastic soda bottles, milk jugs, detergent jugs are good ones to start with. But wait, there is even more: batteries of all kinds, electronic equipment, tires and paint cans.
2. Make use of the Cumberland County Recycling Center. It’s located on Hwy. 70 N just pass the Kmart. It takes all of the above mentioned items plus the rest of your household waste.
3. Make a home recycling center. Everyone in the household is more likely to recycle items if it is easy. The secret to successful recycling is to set up a home recycling center in your utility room, garage or other space in your home. Put different boxes or bins for different recyclable products. Start with three containers: a box for paper, a cardboard bin and box for all your recyclable glass, plastic and metal. You can easily make the final sort of this box at the recycling center.
3. Pass it on. We have a multitude of charity thrift stores to which you can donate items you no longer want to support a great community cause of your choice. Of course, you can also sell it at yard sales or even online! It is better for someone to be using your castoffs then for them to molder in your shed.
4. Say no to disposable plastic carrier bags from the shops. It’s easy to take your own bags with you once you get into the habit. Keep some in your car. You can get net bags that you can roll up and keep in your purse or pocket.
5. Switch to a reusable rather than disposable options such as cloth kitchen towels and napkins instead of paper towels and paper napkins.
6. If you have the space, start a backyard compost bin or pile for all your kitchen scraps and yard trimmings. You will reduce enormously what you put into the landfill and increase the fertility of your garden.
7. Carry your own water and/or beverage bottle. Stop wasting your money on bottled water. Stop harming yourself by drinking sugary and diet drinks. Stainless steel water bottles are readily available and easy to keep clean. Think of all the garbage you are avoiding. Think about how much better coffee tastes when use a mug rather than styrofoam or paper.
8. Take your unwanted electronics to the recycling center. The county has a contract with a company to responsibly recycle this waste.
9. Aim to purchase items with the least packaging and recyclable packaging. A huge box of cereal may not have any more cereal in it than a smaller box. Think before you grab.
10. Last, but the most important, don’t be wasteful! Think about what you put into your shopping cart. How long will you have it before you throw it away? Is this something you need or is it something to make yourself feel better? How much of this product can you recycle?
This is the last "Giving Back" column, at least for awhile. I will start a new column on what researchers have found leads to greater happiness, and I guarantee you, those who recycle experience more happiness.
Lifestyles
GIVING BACK: Recycling equals happiness
- Lifestyles
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CCHS Class of 1963 congratulates Class of 2013
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Putt for the Cure miniature golf tournament a success
Kids of all ages enjoyed a fun outing of miniature golf Saturday at the first Putt for the Cure event, presented by Dr. Calley Jo Elsea of Cloudland Dental, to benefit the Upper Cumberland affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Players teams up with sponsors and host Pirates Plateau Golf Adventure to raise funds to help area women get needed screening exams, support patients and survivors, educate the public and support national research initiatives.
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Around the Town: Attendance is the Key to success in Cumberland County!
High school attendance is up and 10 cars have been given away. This is all thanks to some forward thinking educators along with Dave and Connie Kirk and the staff at Dave Kirk Automotive. This year marks the 10th anniversary, or a decade, of what the high school students call "Dave Kirk Drawing Day." Or, in layman's terms, some junior or senior from Cumberland County High School, Stone Memorial High School or Phoenix School wins a brand spanking new vehicle.
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End of another great year for Neighbors and Newcomers
Referred to as the "best little club on the mountain," Neighbors and Newcomers will be holding its last meeting of the year May 23. After a fun-filled, interesting and exciting year, the group will enjoy this end-of-the-year lunch at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds.
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Seniors to visit Sutton General Store May 18
On May 10, the members of the 127 Senior Center had a good time socializing, playing bingo, dominos and billiards. Numbers were called by Arlene Simmons, with the prizes furnished by Bob Folger, with State Farm Insurance.
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Marriage licenses
Published May 15, 2013.
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Pow-wow set for May 18-19
Everyone is invited to come attend the educational and cultural event, Pow-Wow on the Plateau "Honoring All Survivors" on May 18 and 19 at the Cumberland County Fairgrounds. There will be many Indian tribes and dance styles represented. Bert Cox will be the master of ceremonies.
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PLEASANT HILL RAMBLINGS: Therapy gym opens at Uplands
Functional Pathways, Inc. is the Uplands Village therapy provider for physical, occupational and speech therapy. A new therapy gym has been established in the renovated Apartment 4 at 23 Heritage Loop next door to the new home health care office and respite rooms. The Village and Fletcher residents will receive their therapy in the gym. Wharton Homes residents will have therapy in the Wharton therapy rooms.
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FAIR PARK: Crossville’s Got Talent is this Friday
Crossville really has so much talent in this area. Some is home grown, and others have decided to enjoy retiring in the county. The Fair Park Senior Center recently held auditions for the third annual Crossville’s Got Talent Show, and everyone who tried out did a great job, but the show is very limited to only two hours. So not all the people who tried out got to be in the show.
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PLATEAU GARDENING: Pruning pines
The time for spring pruning of pines is right now while new growth (commonly called "candles") is still pale green and flexible. Waiting until later in the season or using tools like hand-held or long-handled pruners doesn’t give good results.
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