EvCC Sustainability

While the benefits of recycling are clear, growing and strengthening the U.S. recycling system to create more jobs and enhance environmental and community benefits will require multi-entity collaboration to address the challenges currently facing the system. Current challenges include:

Most Americans want to recycle, as they believe recycling provides an opportunity for them to be responsible caretakers of the Earth. However, it can be difficult for consumers to understand what materials can be recycled, how materials can be recycled, and where to recycle different materials. This confusion often leads to placing recyclables in the trash or throwing trash in the recycling bin or cart.
 

America’s recycling infrastructure has not kept pace with today’s waste stream. Communication between the manufacturers of new materials and products and the recycling industry needs to be enhanced to prepare for and optimally manage the recycling of new materials.
 

Domestic markets for recycled materials need to be strengthened. Historically, some of the recycled materials generated in the United States have been exported internationally. However, changing international policies have limited the export of materials. We need to better integrate recycled materials and end-of-life management into product and packaging designs. We need to improve communication among the different sectors of the recycling system to strengthen existing materials markets and to develop new innovative markets.
 

Entities across the recycling system agree that more consistent measurement methodologies are needed to measure recycling system performance. These more standardized metrics can then be used to create effective goals and track progress.

EPA’s National Recycling Strategy identifies actions needed to address the challenges in the U.S. recycling system. The actions are for entities across the value chain — including federal, state, tribal and local governments, private businesses, trade associations, and nonprofit organizations. In response to some of these challenges, EPA has developed several products to assist communities in improving their recycling programs.

To Learn more about recycling click here: https://www.seattle.gov/utilities/your-services/collection-and-disposal/recycling/recycle-right

https://www.epa.gov/circulareconomy/us-recycling-system#:~:text=Reduces%20the%20amount%20of%20waste,and%20process%20new%20raw%20materials.

Students for Enviromental Action (SEA) 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!  

May 31 from 10am-2pm  in parking lot F

Here is a list of items accepted:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d7sVx0BNARgqt_Tj0aOTvitlW7hiTihpoy4ecG_fMw4/edit?usp=sharing

More information about event :https://www.everettcc.edu/calendar/2023/05/styrofoam-recycling-event

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

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

Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products. 

Recycling can benefit your community and the environment.

Benefits of Recycling:

1.Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators

2.Conserves natural resources such as timber, water and minerals

Increases economic security by tapping a domestic source of materials

3.Prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect new raw materials

4.Saves Energy

When a recycled material, rather than a raw material, is used to make a new product, natural resources and energy are conserved. This is because recycled materials have already been refined and processed once; manufacturing the second time is much cleaner and less energy-intensive than the first. For example, manufacturing with recycled aluminum cans uses 95 percent less energy than creating the same amount of aluminum with bauxite.

The paper, glass, metals, plastic, and organic material Stanford recycled in 2016 saved a total of about 70,481 million BTUs of energy; enough energy to power nearly 613 homes for one year. Or said another way, conserved 12,131 barrels of oil or 567,3014 gallons of gasoline.

6.Supports American manufacturing and conserves valuable resources

7.Helps create jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries in the United States.

Recycling is an important economic driver, as it helps create jobs and tax revenues. The Recycling Economic Information (REI) Report found that, in a single year, recycling and reuse activities in the United States accounted for 757,000 jobs, $36.6 billion in wages and $6.7 billion in tax revenues. This equates to 1.57 jobs, $76,000 in wages and $14,101 in tax revenues for every 1,000 tons of material recycled.

To Learn more about recycling click here: https://www.seattle.gov/utilities/your-services/collection-and-disposal/recycling/recycle-right

https://www.epa.gov/circulareconomy/us-recycling-system#:~:text=Reduces%20the%20amount%20of%20waste,and%20process%20new%20raw%20materials.

Students for Enviromental Action (SEA) 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!  

May 31 from 10am-2pm  in parking lot F

Here is a list of items accepted:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d7sVx0BNARgqt_Tj0aOTvitlW7hiTihpoy4ecG_fMw4/edit?usp=sharing

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

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

Sustainable gardening means adopting practices that preserve our natural resources so they can continue to give back to us.

Caring about yourself and nature means being less wasteful and saving money, too. Who could argue with this? If you are a gardener, here are just a few ideas:

Buy in bulk when you know that you’ll need a lot of topsoil, mulch, compost, or other materials. This cuts down on plastic bags. Many garden centers will even deliver right to your yard. Also check with your city recycling center or Department of Transportation—they might offer free compost, soil, sand, or other materials.

Reuse, recycle, or return old plastic pots and trays. See six ways to reuse pots and containers and how to repurpose common household items to use in the garden—and save money! 

Plant pots right into the ground! Here are 10 types of biodegradable pots.

Stop Pesticides and Chemicals in the Garden

Most of the beginner gardeners who we meet want to start growing without chemicals or pesticides—in a way that works and even saves money. Much of this is simply about focusing less on the plant and more on the health of the soil that supports the plant. If it’s nutrient-rich with organic matter, plants thrive. 

See how to use organic soil amendments to turn your poor garden soil into a nutrient-rich paradise in which plants will thrive.

You don’t need chemicals to get rid of pesky garden pests: Companion planting, natural remedies, and attracting predators to your garden can save you money and also save your plants. See how to control pests in the organic garden.

Some bugs are good for the garden! Here’s a list of some of the best beneficial insectsto have in your gardening space, with pictures and tips for attracting them.

It’s easy to use an organic plant fertilizer—made from just weeds and water. Does it sound strange to make plant fertilizer by using other plants? This is how nature works! Here’s a simple recipe for DIY organic fertilizer—without using chemicals or animal waste—right from your garden!

Gardening and farming methods such as not tilling the soil, growing cover crops during the off-season, and rotating crops (and grazing) help to retain organic materials in the soil.

Here are tips on organic seed-starting and our Beginner’s Guide to Vegetable Gardening to get you started.

Conserve Water!

We waste a lot of water. Avoid overwatering your plants and improve their health by knowing how much your garden really needs. Avoid watering your garden vegetables and plants from overhead, which invites fungal disease. Water at the soil level.  

See our top tips for watering wisely in the garden or our video demonstrating 10 smart watering tips. For gardens, flower beds, trees, and other non-lawn areas, consider installing a drip irrigation system or hose with irrigation holes that puts the water right into the soil, where you want it. If you must use sprinklers, put them on timers.

Harvest your rainwater from a roof, gutters, and sky with a rain barrel. If you have a low-lying area, consider planting a rain garden, which captures runoff, filters out pollutants, and provides food and shelter for butterflies, songbirds, and other wildlife. See plot plans for “sun” and “shade” rain gardens.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu

Earth Day is a great opportunity to get outside and connect with nature. Whether you are planting trees, cleaning up litter, or going for a hike, spending time in nature can be a great way to relax and recharge. Numerous communities engage in Earth Day Week actions, an entire week of activities focused on the environmental issues that the world faces. Earth Day 2023 theme ‘Invest in Our Planet’ will bring over 100 million people around the world together in perhaps like the observed 50th anniversary in what is being referred to as the largest online mass mobilization in history.

Below are some ideas How to Celebrate Earth Day: 

Planting Trees

Planting trees is a popular way to celebrate Earth Day. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, provide habitat for wildlife, and help combat climate change. Planting trees is also a fun way to get outside and connect with nature.

Cleaning Up Litter

Cleaning up litter is another way to celebrate Earth Day. Picking up trash in your community can help prevent it from entering our oceans and waterways, where it can harm wildlife and ecosystems.

Reducing Waste

Reducing waste is an important way to protect the planet. Earth Day is a good time to start reducing your waste by using reusable bags, water bottles, and containers. You can also start composting to reduce the amount of food waste that goes into landfills.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu

International Plant Appreciation Day, celebrated annually on April 13th, is a day dedicated to recognizing the incredible diversity, beauty, and importance of plants. As the building blocks of life on our planet, plants provide us with oxygen, nutrients, and a variety of essential resources. They not only sustain our ecosystems but also bring joy and inspiration to our lives with their captivating colors and forms.

On this day, plant lovers, environmentalists, and garden enthusiasts unite to raise awareness about the crucial role plants play in our lives and the need for their conservation. It is a day to reflect on our connection with nature, foster a deeper appreciation for the world’s flora, and take action to protect our planet’s green gems. 

International Plant Appreciation Day holds immense significance in today’s world, as it brings attention to the vital role plants play in our ecosystem. Plants provide the oxygen we breathe, purify the air, and serve as a habitat for countless species. They also hold cultural, medicinal, and aesthetic value, enriching our lives in numerous ways.

People across the globe celebrate this day in various ways. Some plant trees or flowers, while others visit botanical gardens or nature reserves to appreciate the beauty and diversity of plants. Educators often use this day as an opportunity to teach students about the importance of plants and their role in the environment, while environmental organizations host workshops and seminars to promote conservation and sustainable practices.

This day serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of life on Earth.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu

Everett Station District Alliance will hold a volunteer spring cleanup of Smith Avenue on Saturday, April 15, 9-11 a.m

To learn more and Sign-up for the ESDA Community Spring Cleanup click here: https://www.everettstationdistrict.com/calendar

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22nd worldwide.

The Earth Day Theme 2023 is ‘Invest in Our Planet’

This year’s Earth Day theme is designed to persuade businesses, governments, and citizens around the world of the need to invest in our planet to improve our environment and give our descendants a better and safer future.

Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our help to thrive. That’s why, this year on April 22, with the theme ‘Invest in Our Planet’, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day to protect the planet from things like pollution and deforestation. By taking part in activities like picking up litter and planting trees, we’re making the world a happier, healthier place to live. 

Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 in the United States, inspired by the devastating oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, in 1969. That year, at a UNESCO conference in San Francisco, peace activist John McConnell proposed a day to honor the Earth and the concept of peace, to first be observed on March 21, 1970 – the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere.  A month later, United States Senator Gaylord Nelson proposed the idea to hold a nationwide environmental teach-in on April 22, 1970.  He hired a young activist, Denis Hayes, to be the National Coordinator. Nelson and Hayed renamed the event ‘Earth Day’. Denis and his staff grew the event beyond the original idea for a teach-in to include the entire United States. More than 20 million people poured out on the streets, and the first Earth Day remains the largest single-day protest in human history. It also helped spur the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of important environmental legislation.

In the decades since its inception, Earth Day has become a truly global event, celebrated in more than 190 countries around the world. It is a day for people of all backgrounds to come together and take action to protect the planet. Earth Day events take many different forms, from educational programs and community clean-up projects to political activism and public demonstrations. One of the key reasons for Earth Day’s global success is its ability to unite people across borders and cultures for a common cause. Environmental issues affect everyone, regardless of where they live or what their background is. By working together on Earth Day and throughout the year, people around the world can help create a sustainable future for our planet and all its inhabitants, including the beautiful plants and flowers that we love.

Learn more about The Earth day click here: https://www.earthday.org

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu

What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy is energy that comes from a source that won’t run out. They are natural and self-replenishing, and usually have a low- or zero-carbon footprint.

Examples of renewable energy sources include wind power, solar power, bioenergy (organic matter burned as a fuel) and hydroelectric, including tidal energy.

The most common renewable energy sources:

Wind

Wind power is the largest producer of renewable electricity in both the US and the UK Onshore and offshore wind farms generate electricity by spinning the blades of wind turbines. The turbines convert the kinetic energy of the spinning blades into electric energy by turning a drive shaft and gear box, which is connected to a generator. Electricity is then converted into higher voltages and fed into the national grid.

Solar

Sunlight is one of the planet’s most freely available energy resources, which you’d assume would make it the number one source of renewable energy. But of course, the amount of sunlight we get can vary greatly depending on location, season and time of day.

Hydroelectric

Hydro power is created using the movement of flowing or falling water.Hydroelectric power plants are found at dams and generate electricity through underwater turbines that turn a generator. Hydro power also encompasses wave and tidal power, which rely on ocean forces to generate electricity at the mouths of large bodies of water, using similar technology.

Bioenergy

Electricity can be generated when organic matter is burned as a fuel source. These fuels are known as biomass and include anything from plants to timber to food waste. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is emitted when bioenergy is made, but these fuel sources are considered renewable because they can be regrown and absorb as much carbon as they emit across their lifespans.

What are the benefits of renewable energy?

There are several reasons why harnessing the power of renewable energy sources is so important for our future.

As they’re in much more plentiful supply, compared to fossil fuels, governments across the world are looking to develop renewables to exclusively power their nations.

Perhaps most importantly, renewables produce little or no harmful emissions when used, so the clean energy they provide will play a crucial role in preventing further global warming. It’s why so many of our net zero goals in the future hinge on increasing their use today.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu

According to WHO, air pollution kills at least 7 million people annually. The deaths are from conditions like stroke, lung cancer, obstructive respiratory diseases. 

Data from the World Health Organization shows that more than 90% of the world population is exposed to air pollutants above the organization’s health limits. But is there a solution from the environmental benefits of solar energy?

The use of environmental-friendly energy options can solve the problem of energy.

One industry that can play a critical role in environmental conservation is solar energy. Installing a single solar panel is equivalent to planting 150 trees in a year.

What are the Environmental Benefits Solar Energy?

1. Reduction of air pollution

Fossil fuels are the primary contributors to air pollution in the world. The fuels release sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which are suspended in the atmosphere. When it rains, the chemicals cause acid rain, which is 

also not safe. Apart from that, the gases can cause respiratory complications and other diseases leading to death.

Solar energy can solve the problem of air pollution as an alternative to fossil fuels. The panels do not emit any gases to the environment from installation to use.

2. Water conservation

Power plants require approximately 700 gallons of water for cooling. On the other hand, solar panels do not need water or extra equipment to produce electricity. Therefore, solar power can increase water supply, especially in major cities where the resource is scarce.

Fossil fuels like coal and petroleum use a lot of water in the generation, refining, cleaning, and transportation. Considering that freshwater is becoming a rare resource, it is prudent to conserve water sources. Solar panels work well where there is enough sunlight throughout the day- mostly in arid and semi-arid areas. Water is a scarce resource in these areas, and an option to conserve what is available will have a significant impact on residents’ livelihoods. The residents can use the water for agriculture and other vital needs.

3. Reduces carbon footprint

The current American carbon footprint per capita is around 16 metric tons annually. In comparison, the amount is almost 4 times the global carbon footprint average per person.

The safe limit of carbon emissions per person is approximately 3 metric tons per year. Greenhouse gases have led to climate disruptions across the globe. We have seen an increase in natural calamities like drought and floods. According to projections, temperatures could increase by up to 4°C if we do not cut the current carbon footprint by half. By 2050, summers and winters will be warmer than in the current global average.

Renewable energy sources are the way to go to sail through the storm of climate change. Solar energy can play a significant role in the eradication of carbon dioxide by replacing fossil fuels.

Every year, the world uses 11 billion tons of oil. The deposits of fossil fuels are decreasing at a rate of 4 billion tons every year. If the current oil consumption trend continues, the resource could be depleted in the next 53 years.

But what could happen in the case of fossil fuel resource depletion? We could not only run out of an energy source, but it could also be detrimental to life on earth.

The depletion of natural resources has detrimental effects on the economy.

Solar power can be an excellent alternative to conventional energy sources. It helps in the conservation of the environment through the reduction of pollutants and the protection of resources. Apart from that, as a renewable energy source, the sun can never be depleted even in a billion years. Tap the environmental benefits of solar energy to conserve the earth for future generations through solar installation on your commercial or residential property.

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu

Worldwide, Each year, we celebrate Solar Appreciation Day on March 11th. Solar energy is light and heat from the Sun collected using solar water heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture, and more. During this day, you can learn more about solar technology. Granted, this is something you can learn any day. However, during the appreciation day, there is an emphasis on solar energy’s importance, independence, and sustainability it brings.

There are many benefits of the sun. The sun takes center stage from warming the seas to stirring up the atmosphere or generating weather patterns. The sun also gives energy to plants giving people and animals food. Did you know the sun releases serotonin, a chemical that cheers you up? Apart from making you happy, solar energy is at the center of green energy discussion.

Solar power is one of the newest forms of energy. There’s a lot of curiosity and interest surrounding it. Mostly because of the benefits that solar energy has to the environment and the low costs that it boasts.

One of the things you can do during Solar Appreciation Day is to learn about the advantages of energy. You can also research more on the topic to have a broader understanding. Solar power is praised for providing clean and sustainable energy. It is also reliable, and it lowers the cost of electricity for homes and businesses alike. Installing solar energy also gives businesses a chance to enjoy tax cuts or rebates. Also, using solar power exempts you from price and demand fluctuations. 

Did you know that fossil fuels negatively impact the environment in pursuit to power the world? They result in water pollution from spillage, harmful emissions even before they are burned, and global warming. However, solar power is clean energy because it does not harm the environment. The resource is also readily available in most parts of the globe, and it cannot be metered to cause a spike in prices.

To learn more about Solar Energy click here: Solar Power 101: Complete Guide to Solar Energy | EnergySage

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to 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.

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

Learn more about EvCC Sustainability www.everettcc.edu/green or email to sustainability@everettcc.edu