EvCC Sustainability

This station are equipped with the tools necessary for bike repair!

Bring your used batteries, printer and toner cartridges and compact fluorescent lights to one of the following locations across campus:

• Liberty Hall (LBH): 1st floor next to the North entrance doors, across from the Fitness Center.
• Gray Wolf Hall (GWH): 1st and 2nd floors next to the bathrooms.
• Glacier Hall (GLA): 1st floor Reception 101 next to the door.
• Shuksan Hall (SHK): Main Entrance on top of the EvCC clipper box on the right.
• Parks Student Union (PSU): 2nd floor next to the ATM near the bookstore.
• Whitehorse Hall (WHI): Next to the staircase by the Main Entrance.
• Olympus Hall (OLY): 2nd floor hallway next to copier.
• Rainier: 1st floor main lobby
• Cascade Learning Resource Center (CLRC): 1st floor near the front desk/recycling bins

Please remember to limit your deposit of CFL bulbs to 10 per day.

Starting a garden can seem daunting, especially for beginners. However, with a few essential tips, anyone can kickstart their sustainable garden journey:

Start small: Begin with a small plot or even containers to gain experience and build confidence. As you become more proficient, you can expand your garden gradually.

Choose the right plants: Opt for plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions. Native plants are often more resilient, require less maintenance, and support local ecosystems.

Plan your garden layout: Consider the space available, sun exposure, and plant height when designing your garden layout. This will help optimize sunlight and ensure plants have enough space to thrive.

Water wisely: Use efficient watering techniques such as drip irrigation or soaker hoses to minimize water waste. Collect rainwater in barrels to conserve water resources.

Composting: Start composting kitchen scraps and yard waste to create nutrient-rich soil for your plants. Composting reduces organic waste sent to landfills and provides a sustainable source of fertilizer.

Here are some great options to get you started:

Leafy greens
Lettuce, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are quick-growing, nutrient-dense plants that thrive in most climates. They provide a constant source of fresh, healthy greens throughout the growing season.

Herbs
Basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme are versatile herbs that require little space and add flavor to a variety of dishes. Growing herbs reduces the need for store-bought, packaged herbs, which often come with excessive plastic packaging.

Quick tip: all types of mint can be invasive for gardens and surrounding areas. They likely won’t hurt any of the other plants around them, but use caution when planning.

Tomatoes
With countless varieties available, tomatoes are a popular choice for home gardeners. They’re packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and fresh homegrown tomatoes taste superior to store-bought ones.

Root vegetables
Carrots, radishes, and beets are excellent choices for beginner gardeners. These hardy crops can be sown directly in the ground, and their greens can be used for salads, reducing food waste.

Tips for transplanting seedlings:

• Choose a day when the weather is mild, between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and not windy.
• Water the seedlings well before transplanting.
• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the seedling.
• Gently remove the seedling from the pot or seed tray and place it in the hole.
• Fill the hole with soil and water the seedling well.
• Apply mulch around the seedling to help retain moisture.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

There are many benefits of growing your own food including how it can support your physical health, mental health, environment, and financial savings. 

You can eat healthier

When you grow your own food, you’re in control and know exactly where it comes from and what has been used to grow it. You can control the…

Quality of the soil 

Use of pesticides 

Types of fertilizers  

You can even make sure to plant an organic garden so you can get more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in your diet. You can harvest your produce at the peak of freshness. 

Growing your own food can be cheaper

One of the most common questions people have about growing your own food is whether it’s cheaper than buying it from the grocery store. While there are some upfront costs associated with starting a garden (such as seeds, soil, and tools), growing your own food can be cheaper in the long run. 

According to a study by the National Gardening Association, the average cost to start a vegetable garden is $70, while the average savings on groceries for a family of four is $600 per year. That means that in just one year, you could recoup your initial investment and start saving money. 

To keep costs low, it’s important to choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil type. You can also save money by using recycled materials for containers and garden beds, and by starting small. 

You also save money on transportation costs, since your food doesn’t have to travel from the farm to the store to your home. 

The benefits of getting outside in nature daily are endless… 

 Can reduce stress and anxiety

May boost mood

Supports mindfulness

Supports self-esteem

Can Reduce Stress and Anxiety 

Studies have shown that spending time in nature can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Gardening can be a form of therapy and a way to escape from the pressures of daily life. 

May Boost Mood 

Gardening can also help to boost your mood by increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that play a role in regulating mood. Being outside in the sun and fresh air can also help to increase vitamin D levels, which has been linked to improved mood. 

Supports Mindfulness 

Gardening can be a meditative activity that encourages mindfulness and being present in the moment. Focusing on caring for plants and observing their growth can help to quiet the mind and reduce negative thoughts. 

Supports Self-Esteem

Gardening can also improve self-esteem by providing a sense of accomplishment and pride in growing your own food or beautiful plants. This can also help to increase feelings of confidence and independence. 

When you grow your own food,you eliminate the need for transportation and distribution, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Additionally, the carbon footprint associated with producing and transporting food is also reduced. 

Reducing Waste

When you grow your own food, you can harvest only what you need, reducing food waste. Additionally, you can compost food scraps and yard waste to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden, reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfills. 

Conserving Water

Commercial agriculture is a major consumer of water resources. When you grow your own food, you can use water more efficiently by using techniques such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting. You can also choose drought-tolerant plants that require less water. 

Promoting Biodiversity

 When you grow your own food, you can choose to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables that are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions. This promotes biodiversity and reduces the need for monoculture farming, which can deplete soil nutrients and increase the risk of crop diseases and pests. By growing your own food, you can make a positive impact on the environment and reduce your carbon footprint.  

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

If your device has a power switch and is powered by a battery, it’s considered a small electronic. Small electronics include cell phones, tablet computers, MP3 players and digital cameras. Small electronics are not only easy to recycle, but they are sometimes the most valuable products you can recycle.

Small Electronics Recycling Preparation:

If it’s possible to factory reset your electronics, this should be your first step in recycling. 

Delete any pictures or songs from your devices.

For electronics using a lithium-ion battery, remove the battery if possible. These batteries require a special transportation procedure, and can be recycled with other rechargeable batteries. 

Rechargeable batteries come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll find them in your car as well as most electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, and laptop computers. There are also rechargeable replacements for common household alkaline batteries. No matter the variety,  when rechargeable batteries no longer hold a charge, it’s important to recycle them to reclaim useful materials like mercury, lead, cadmium, nickel, silver, cobalt, lithium, or graphite and to ensure proper handling of potentially dangerous chemicals.

To find your nearest battery recycling location, jump to the recycling locator.

Find Recycling Guides for Other Materials

Cell Phones recycling: 

The Consumer Electronics Association expects a cell phone to last less than five years and that’s assuming you don’t decide to upgrade to new technology every two years.

The good news is that cell phones have the highest recycling market of any electronic material. The bad news is that in the U.S., we only recycle 10 percent of our phones, according to the EPA. The rest may end up in a landfill, but more likely end up in our desk drawers or garages.

Cell Phone Recycling Preparation:

1. If you bought a new phone, make sure to transfer the data from your old phone. The store can often help with this.
2. Locate the settings screen on your phone and factory reset it so all your data is removed. As an added precaution, you can also remove the SIM card.
3. If the cell phone battery is removable, you’ll want to take it out. Most cell phone batteries are lithium-ion batteries, which require special transportation for recycling, so this is especially important if using a manufacturer’s mail-back program.

Use the Recycling Locator to find a drop-off location near you https://earth911.com/recycling-guide/how-to-recycle-cell-phones/#recycling-locator

Bring your used batteries, printer and toner cartridges and compact fluorescent lights to one of the following locations across campus:

• Liberty Hall (LBH): 1st floor next to the North entrance doors, across from the Fitness Center.
• Gray Wolf Hall (GWH): 1st and 2nd floors next to the bathrooms.
• Glacier Hall (GLA): 1st floor Reception 101 next to the door.
• Shuksan Hall (SHK): Main Entrance on top of the EvCC clipper box on the right.
• Parks Student Union (PSU): 2nd floor next to the ATM near the bookstore.
• Whitehorse Hall (WHI): Next to the staircase by the Main Entrance.
• Olympus Hall (OLY): 2nd floor hallway next to copier.
• Rainier: 1st floor main lobby
• LRC: 1st floor near the front desk/recycling bins

Please remember to limit your deposit of CFL bulbs to 10 per day and make sure it’s free from plastic bags, ziplocks or cardboard boxes.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Co-mingled Recycling

Recycling on campus is simple with EvCC’s comprehensive co-mingled recycling program! Blue and green recycling containers are located next to trash containers in all campus buildings. Use these containers as a single source for recycling for:

• Paper
• Plastic
• Aluminum
• Tin
• Glass

Commingled Materials means acceptable items such as aluminum cans and foil products, steel or tin cans, bi-metal cans, glass bottles, jars and jugs, plastic bottles, tubs, lids, and containers, which are not separated by type, but are mixed (mingled) together in one container.

The more we recycle, the less garbage winds up in our landfills and incineration plants. By reusing aluminum, paper, glass, plastics, and other materials, we can save production and energy costs, and reduce the negative impacts that the extraction and processing of virgin materials has on the environment.

View practices for recycling from our partners at Waste Management

So remember to recycle right and make sure your recycling efforts don’t go to waste.

Bring your used batteries, printer and toner cartridges and compact fluorescent lights to one of the following locations across campus:

• Liberty Hall (LBH): 1st floor next to the North entrance doors, across from the Fitness Center.
• Gray Wolf Hall (GWH): 1st and 2nd floors next to the bathrooms.
• Glacier Hall (GLA): 1st floor Reception 101 next to the door.
• Shuksan Hall (SHK): Main Entrance on top of the EvCC clipper box on the right.
• Parks Student Union (PSU): 2nd floor next to the ATM near the bookstore.
• Whitehorse Hall (WHI): Next to the staircase by the Main Entrance.
• Olympus Hall (OLY): 2nd floor hallway next to copier.
• Rainier: 1st floor main lobby
• LRC: 1st floor near the front desk/recycling bins

Please remember to limit your deposit of CFL bulbs to 10 per day and make sure it’s free from plastic bags, ziplocks or cardboard boxes.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Did you know, it is estimated that styrofoam takes more than 500 years to decompose? Styrofoam has been around since 1941 – but most people are unaware of the harmful effects this petroleum-based product has on our population and our planet. How can a product that is 95% air create such a detriment to people and our planet? 

Styrofoam is made from a product called polystyrene, which is a petroleum-based form of plastic. Styrofoam is used in a variety of ways; from food packaging to packaging fragile products. A 2014 National Toxicological Program report on carcinogens classified styrofoam as a product which is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen – and has been linked to occurrences of leukemia and lymphoma cancer.

Over 5 billion pounds of styrofoam ends up in our landfills and waterways each year.

The world produces more than 14 million tons of styrofoam each year.

Americans alone, throw away around 25 billion styrofoam cups annually.

25-35% of all landfill waste is from styrofoam products.

40% of all styrofoam produced is used for food storage.

Styrofoam that sits in landfills releases methane gases that have over 20 times the ozone-destroying potency as CO2 emissions.

Styrofoam breaks down into smaller particles that marine animals can easily mistake for food.

Styrene, a component of polystyrene, is a harmful chemical that can leach into food and drink.

Less than 1% of styrofoam is recycled.

Global Goodness:

Simply say “no” to products packaged in styrofoam.

The majority of eco-friendly companies have chosen not to use styrofoam in their packaging.  

Purchase a reusable travel cup. Stainless steel or glass cups are a great alternative to to-go cups. 

If eating out, take your own glassware – or simply request a piece of aluminum foil instead of a styrofoam box.  

Planet Protector:

Buy Used. Need a new tv or computer? Look online, or at a used goods store to see if you can find the model you’re looking for. You will save the pesky packaging – and most likely a few dollars.  

In 2021, Washington State passed a new law (S.B. 5022) to reduce plastic waste and strengthen markets for recycled plastic. The policy bans the use of StyrofoamTM packaging in mid-2023, and StyrofoamTM food serviceware like takeout containers and foam cups in mid-2024. 

Bring your used batteries, printer and toner cartridges and compact fluorescent lights to one of the following locations across campus:

• Liberty Hall (LBH): 1st floor next to the North entrance doors, across from the Fitness Center.
• Gray Wolf Hall (GWH): 1st and 2nd floors next to the bathrooms.
• Glacier Hall (GLA): 1st floor Reception 101 next to the door.
• Shuksan Hall (SHK): Main Entrance on top of the EvCC clipper box on the right.
• Parks Student Union (PSU): 2nd floor next to the ATM near the bookstore.
• Whitehorse Hall (WHI): Next to the staircase by the Main Entrance.
• Olympus Hall (OLY): 2nd floor hallway next to copier.

Please remember to limit your deposit of CFL bulbs to 10 per day and make sure it’s free from plastic bags, ziplocks or cardboard boxes.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Modern light bulbs have a longer life span than ever. Eventually though, they need to be replaced. This is where it gets tricky, because different types of light bulbs require different types of disposal.

How to Dispose of Incandescent Light Bulbs

Incandescent Light Bulbs are the easiest to dispose because they can be thrown in the household trash. In most cases, the amount of metal and glass in incandescent light bulbs is too small and complicated to recover by recycling. However, check local sources to see if your recycling center accepts incandescent lightbulbs.

If the bulb is broken, wrap the pieces securely in heavy paper such as newsprint, so that glass shards don’t cut through the garbage bag. This makes garbage pickup safer for both you and the waste collector. 

Incandescent bulbs can be upcycled, or used for another project. Research online for safe ways to prep incandescent bulbs for crafts. Then have fun transforming old bulbs into new decor.

How to Dispose of Halogen Bulbs

Halogen Bulbs can be thrown away safely in the household trash. They pose little environmental threat but are difficult to recycle. Halogen bulbs are made from thicker glass than incandescent bulbs, so they won’t break as easily. However, it is still wise to wrap a halogen bulb before throwing it away. Place the spent bulb in the packaging the new bulb comes in and then toss the entire thing. If you are intent on recycling, check your local recycling center to see if they accept halogen bulbs. 

How to Dispose of CFL Bulbs

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) are a popular bulb style. CFL use less energy than incandescent bulbs and are available in various shapes. However, these bulbs should never be thrown away in household trash. CFL bulbs contain mercury, which is toxic to humans and pets. Even though most bulbs contain only about 4 milligrams, CFL bulbs thrown into a landfill can leak toxins into groundwater and taint the drinking water supply in the local area. Proper light bulb disposal is one small way to support the long-term health of your community.

There are several retailers who accept intact and undamaged CFL bulbs for recycling. There are also a few online services that allow you to mail in bulbs to be recycled.

If a CFL bulb breaks inside your home, clean it up immediately using these tips:

• Get everyone, including pets, out of the room. 
• Open the windows, turn off the HVAC system, and close the door if possible. 
• Allow the room to air out for at least 10 minutes, then follow EPA guidelines for cleanup. 

How to Dispose of LED Bulbs

Many people throw away LED light bulbs, but they should be recycled. LEDs use tiny microchips to conduct electrical current. These include trace amounts of heavy metals such as lead and arsenic. Some communities have recycling collections for LED bulbs to try to prevent them from ending up in a landfill.

It is always a good idea to see what options exist for LED recycling rather than to outright trash them. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency publishes a list of places that recycle light bulbs. Also check with The Home Depot in your area to see if they recycle LED light bulbs. 

How to Dispose of Fluorescent Tubes

Like CFLs , CFLs contain mercury. The glass in the tube is very fragile. They are not permitted to be thrown away in regular trash or put out curbside for collection as they are considered to be hazardous waste. Some local recycling programs have special recycling protocols for these tubes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency publishes a list of places that recycle these light bulbs. 

The main problem with disposing light bulbs is that the rules and options vary widely, even across a single region. Always check with your local waste management authorities to find out the guidelines for recycling light bulbs, or what light bulb disposal options are available in your community. They will have the most up-to-date recycling information for your region. 

To find LightRecycle Washington Collection Site near you click here:

Collection Site Locator

Bring your used batteries, printer and toner cartridges and compact fluorescent lights to one of the following locations across campus:

• Liberty Hall (LBH): 1st floor next to the North entrance doors, across from the Fitness Center.
• Gray Wolf Hall (GWH): 1st and 2nd floors next to the bathrooms.
• Glacier Hall (GLA): 1st floor Reception 101 next to the door.
• Shuksan Hall (SHK): Main Entrance on top of the EvCC clipper box on the right.
• Parks Student Union (PSU): 2nd floor next to the ATM near the bookstore.
• Whitehorse Hall (WHI): Next to the staircase by the Main Entrance.
• Olympus Hall (OLY): 2nd floor hallway next to copier.

Please remember to limit your deposit of CFL bulbs to 10 per day and make sure it’s free from plastic bags, ziplocks or cardboard boxes.

Styrofoam Recycling Event! 

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024

Parking Lot F 10am-2pm 

EvCC Students for Enviromental Action (SEA) Club and Sustainability Department invites you to be an environmental hero! Bring clean styrofoam, packing peanuts in bags or boxes, bubble wrap and plastic film to be recycled–for FREE! If you are bringing styrofoam, please consider bringing a donation for the Marysville Food Bank of non-perishable food or monetary donations. We hope to collect as much styrofoam as possible; help us spread the word to your family, neighbors, and friends. 

See a list of acceptable items.https://www.everettcc.edu/calendar/2022/04/styrofoam-recycling-event

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability!  www.everettcc.edu/green

Mariya Zelenskyy – Media and Outreach Coordinator  sustainability@everettcc.edu

Join EarthCorps and the Port of Everett as we continue to work in the Union Slough natural area on the Snohomish River. Union Slough was created by breaching a dike in the Snohomish River estuary in 2001, restoring tidal flow to a farming field and creating about 8 acres of marsh and mudflat.  An additional 4.6 acres were added to the site by another dike breach in 2005. Plants were put in the ground in 2001 and the natural vegetation has been returning ever since, but there are still some aggressive weeds that we could use your help with!

Meeting Location:

Just north of Everett, off the east side of Hwy 529 at 40th Pl. NE

Saturday, October 12th: 

10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Number of volunteer positions available: 25

Registration is required. We will teach you everything you need to know about tool use, safety, forest health, and the importance of the work you will be doing. No experience necessary, just come ready to learn something new! 

For your safety and comfort please bring:

• Clothing that can get dirty (because it will!)
• Long pants and long sleeves (helps protect against prickly plants)
• Sturdy shoes that can handle some mud (closed toed shoes are required)
• Rain gear and warm layers -OR- sun protection (check the weather!)
• Sack lunch and snacks (to refuel)
• Full water bottle (we will have a jug on-site for re-fills)

What will volunteers be doing at the event?

While the exact tasks can vary, our projects focus on improving the forests and parks in our local cities. Healthy and thriving forests are vital to our community because they absorb and filter rain water, produce clean oxygen, provide living spaces for wildlife, and create a place for people to connect with the outdoors.

In order to help create healthy forests, the work can include:

• Removing weeds
• Maintaining areas where these weeds have been removed (weeding or spreading mulch)
• Planting trees and shrubs during the rainy season (often ~Oct.-Feb.)

Youth Policy

Youth under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All volunteers between the ages of 14 and 17 that are not with a parent or guardian must submit a digital Youth Waiver before the day of the event. 

The digital waiver process is first initiated when the youth participant registers online. After the youth participant enters parent/guardien details, the digital waiver will be sent to the parent/guardian for two part authentication. 

Sign Up here ! 

Hot water and snacks for volunteers will be provided !

If you have any questions Please email GABI ESPARZA 

Community & Volunteer Senior Manager 

 gabi@earthcorps.org 

More info and sign up here:https://www.earthcorps.org/volunteer/event/a0EUh000001sioHMAQ/

Bring your used batteries, printer and toner cartridges and compact fluorescent lights to one of the following locations across campus:

• Liberty Hall (LBH): 1st floor next to the North entrance doors, across from the Fitness Center.
• Gray Wolf Hall (GWH): 1st and 2nd floors next to the bathrooms.
• Glacier Hall (GLA): 1st floor Reception 101 next to the door.
• Shuksan Hall (SHK): Main Entrance on top of the EvCC clipper box on the right.
• Parks Student Union (PSU): 2nd floor next to the ATM near the bookstore.
• Whitehorse Hall (WHI): Next to the staircase by the Main Entrance.
• Olympus Hall (OLY): 2nd floor hallway next to copier.

Please make sure it’s free from plastic bags, ziplock or cardboard boxes. 

Batteries are manufactured using different mixtures of chemical elements designed to meet customers’ power and performance needs. Batteries can contain metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium, nickel and silver, which can pose a threat to human health or the environment when improperly managed at the end of their service life. 

Once a battery is no longer useful, the type and chemistry of the battery determines which of the various waste management options to use. It is important to manage batteries correctly according to their type because some batteries can cause a risk to safety and health if mismanaged at the end of their lives. Batteries can have enough energy to injure or start fires even when used and when they appear to be discharged. For safety, remember that not all batteries are removable or serviceable by the user—heed battery and product markings regarding safety and use for all types of batteries.

Battery types are identified by marking and labeling, not by the battery’s shape or the color of the label.

Some batteries may also contain materials such as cobalt, lithium and graphite that are considered critical minerals by the United States Geological Survey. 

Certain batteries should NOT go in household garbage or recycling bins. This page can inform you on how to manage these batteries safely. Waste batteries can always be recycledExit EPA’s website or taken to household hazardous waste collection pointsExit EPA’s website.

To prevent fires from lithium-ion batteries, tape battery terminals and/or place batteries in separate plastic bags and never put these batteries in household garbage or recycling bins.

To Find information about the types of batteries used in households and how to manage them when they are no longer needed click here:

https://www.epa.gov/recycle/used-household-batteries

To Find a Recycling Location Near You click here:

Earth911 Exit EPA’s website

Call2RecycleExit EPA’s website

Styrofoam Recycling Event! 

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024

Parking Lot F 10am-2pm 

EvCC Students for Enviromental Action (SEA) Club and Sustainability Department invites you to be an environmental hero! Bring clean styrofoam, packing peanuts in bags or boxes, bubble wrap and plastic film to be recycled–for FREE! If you are bringing styrofoam, please consider bringing a donation for the Marysville Food Bank of non-perishable food or monetary donations. We hope to collect as much styrofoam as possible; help us spread the word to your family, neighbors, and friends. 

See a list of acceptable items.https://www.everettcc.edu/calendar/2022/04/styrofoam-recycling-event

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green

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