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NVLife_MayJune_2014

MAY / J U N E 2 0 1 4 57 By now, we are all well aware that we have been experiencing one of the driest periods on record. The lack of precipitation has reignited the conversations about how all of us can best do our part to help conserve one of our most valuable resources. Recycling and composting are not always at the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to water conservation. Yet one of the many benefits of recycling and composting is exactly that—these actions save water. A significant amount of water goes into the manufacturing of RECYCLING wsaatveers TOO paper, metal and plastic products from virgin resources out of the earth. For a number of products however, the amount of water used is significantly reduced if those products are made from recycled materials. For instance, according to CalRecycle, over 7,000 gallons of water are saved for every ton of paper that is recycled. Other research shows that recycled steel production consumes at least 40% less water than making steel from raw natural resources. While this may not translate to local water savings with the manufacturing of these products occurring elsewhere, recycling does produce significant water savings on a global scale. A question that sometimes arises when people consider recycling and water consumption is: how much water should be used to clean out food and beverage containers before placing them into your recycling bin? The simple answer is that it’s not necessary to use much water to clean these containers. We ask that you simply remove as much food as possible from the container and then just give it a very quick rinse. Recyclable containers do not need to be pristine in order to be recycled, but should be generally empty of solid and liquid contents, and clean to the level a brief rinse would provide. When food and liquids remain, they can leak out onto the paper products and hinder the quality and recyclability of those products. Also, leftover food products can attract birds and rodents at the recycling facility, which can result in health and safety issues. Nevertheless, it isn’t necessary to use large quantities of water to clean these items out. Beyond recycling paper, metal and plastic items, there is also the opportunity to reduce waste and help save water through the composting of yardwaste materials. These items can be placed in your brown yardwaste container for service by NRWS, or can even be composted in your own backyard. This keeps the materials out of landfill and produces a compost product that is beneficial for landscaping and gardens. Putting down a layer of compost limits evaporation and can significantly reduce the amount of water needed for landscaping—a layer of compost around a tree, for instance, can reduce the need for 20-30 gallons for every 1,000 square feet watered. Nearly half of our community’s potable water is used to maintain landscaping, so efficiencies in this area are valuable. For more information about compost for sale at the Napa Recycling and Compost Facility, visit www.naparecycling.com/compost/. To learn more about water-wise landscaping and local water conservation rebates, visit the City of Napa Water Division’s website at www.cityofnapa.org/water. Check out the Save Our Water campaign at www.saveourh2o.org for more water-saving tips. As we continue to consider ways to reduce water demands, especially during this current time of drought, it’s important to remember the positive benefits that recycling and composting can provide. For more information about how Recycling Saves, visit www.naparecycling.com/recycling-saves/. In time of drought, it’s important to remember this positive benefit of recycling & composting


NVLife_MayJune_2014
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