The village board is requesting an update from residents on their contact information for notification purposes in the event of an emergency.

Trustee George Brust requested at the village board meeting Thursday night that residents provide new contact information when they come in to pay their water bills.

“We are trying to update our emergency information so we can reach them at any time,” Brust said. “There are a number of residents whose numbers we do not have.”

In addition to providing the updated phone numbers, Village President Jeffrey Magnussen said, residents also can pick up as many as three CFL energy-saving light bulbs when they come in to pay their water bills. The Metro West Association gave 750 of the fluorescent bulbs to the village. The bulbs will be handed out on a first-come, first -served basis.

Brust said the bulbs contain mercury and must be dropped off at a special recycling center at the end of their lifespan rather than disposed of with the regular garbage. There also are special steps to be taken in the event the bulbs are broken. More information is available at www.earth911.org and www.comedcare.com.

What to do?

If your old computer or parts of it still work, consider networking it with your new equipment. If it doesn’t work, call a local repair shop (see your town’s Yellow Pages) and give it one last chance before getting rid of it.

Donate old computers and other office equipment to schools, your local Y, and non-profit organizations that collect and repair old electronics to resell them. Find programs in Earth 911’s handy listing by clicking here.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has lists of resources for recycling computers, including companies with takeback programs.

When shopping for new equipment, ask whether the manufacturer has a program to take back and responsibly recycle/reuse components into new computers. Ask for products that do not use PBDEs, and have substantially reduced lead, mercury and cadmium. For more info, click here.

To reduce household expenses and your carbon footprint, look for the EPA’s Energy Star label on computers. A qualified desktop will save you $30-50 in electricity costs over its lifetime. Every little bit and byte adds up!

By the time May rolls around, the countdown to beach season has begun. Wax this, tan that and try on last year’s swimsuit under the soft glow of your new dimmable CFL bulbs. Sure, you look fabulous, but what about the beaches? Over-fishing, rising temperatures, and skin rash-causing bacteria? Eek! The real question this May is: How to do we get our ocean beach-ready?

• Get on the “seafood watch diet.” Download a nifty consumer’s pocket guide to purchasing sustainable seafood from montereybayaquarium.org and take it along with you to your grocery store or favorite sushi joint.
• Keep your healthy glow (with “healthy” being the key work here). Check illness-causing bacteria levels from urban runoff and sewage spills before you plunge.
• Earth911.org rates the water quality of individual beaches on Lake Washington and Puget Sound, as well as the coast.
• Tone those arms . . . while picking up trash. Beach cleanups can be a fun, tangible way to help the environment and raise awareness in the community. Find an existing beach cleanup at volunteermatch.org, or adopt a beach with friends or coworkers.
• Ditch the diet pills, but dispose of them correctly. Flushed pharmaceuticals are making their way to the sea—taking a toll not only on our water supply, but also on sea life. Ask your pharmacist to dispose of your expired and unused meds in an environmentally safe manner.

Here’s a Five-Point Program for leftover paint from the National Paint & Coatings Association that saves you money, keeps your home and garage from being cluttered and helps the environment by keeping usable paint out of the waste stream.

1. Buy the Correct Amount of Paint for the Project—By checking with your local paint dealer on how to determine the correct volume of paint required for your project, you can eliminate the need to store or dispose or recycle paint when the project is finished.

2. Store Paint Properly to Keep it Fresh—If your project is complete and you still have a fair amount of paint left over, cover the opening of the paint can with plastic wrap and securely seal the lid. When you are sure the lid is leakproof, turn the can upside down and store it in a place with a moderate room temperature to avoid freezing. Be sure to choose a safe location that is out of the reach of children and pets.

3. Use Up Leftover Paint—Now that you have safely stored your leftover paint, don’t forget about it. Leftover paint can be used for touch-ups or smaller projects and lighter colors can be taken back to a paint retailer and be retinted for another paint project.

4. Reuse or Recycle—For a community association, theater company, church group or other local organizations that may be in need of good paint, check the “Earth 911” Paint Wise Web portal at earth911.org/recycling/paint-recycling or call 1-800-CLEAN-UP to learn about paint reuse, recycling and HHW (Household Hazardous Waste) collection programs that are available in your community.

5. Dispose of Paint Properly—If there is not a leftover paint collection program available in your area, you may need to dispose of leftover latex paint yourself. Air-drying of liquid alkyd or oil-based paint is not considered safe. In regions that allow it, let your latex paint air-dry in a safe location away from children and pets.

According to the National Paint & Coatings Association’s Five-Point Program for Leftover Paint, solvent-based paint should be managed only by a hazardous waste program.

For more tips on what to do with leftover paint, visit http://www.paint.org/issues/postconsumer.cfm.

If your project is complete and you still have leftover paint, the best way to store it and keep it fresh is to cover the can opening with plastic wrap and seal the lid.

Pets911.com is a one-stop resource for pets—the ones you own, or maybe ones that you could adopt.

The site is put together by a group in Arizona as sort of a national clearing house.

Here’s the key: Your ZIP code makes it possible for the Web site to search for pets to adopt, local shelters, lost and found pets, emergency clinics, vets, and spay and neutering services near you.

Go to the “Adopt a Pet” link on the left side of the page, enter your ZIP code, and select the animal you would like to adopt. You can look at the pictures as they rip out your heart.

You can see the gender, breed, age and local organization offering up the animals. Click on the picture for more details about each animal.

The “Lost & Found” section works like a billboard to report and search for lost animals, remove the listing when the animal is found, and place and ad for a pet you have have found.

There is also a section to help your local community—places to donate, to volunteer and educate—with lots of links to local nonprofit pet rescue organizations that could really use your help.

There is even a link to find apartments that are pet friendly, again based on your ZIP code.

The site also includes several 24-hour hotlines you can use for more information.

Ask consumers these days the the most popular word of the moment, and a majority would probably tell you “green.”

Citizens are asked to think green, go green, buy green, even eat green, but what does it all mean?

In celebration of Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22, it seems appropriate to investigate easy methods to make your household and community “green.” And contrary to Kermit the Frog’s popular song of many years ago, it is easy to be green.

Earth Day, founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, may have been the start of the green movement. Nelson’s idea evolved over a seven-year period when he saw environmental degradation appearing everywhere in the country. Unlike today, the environmental issue wasn’t even on politicians’ agendas.

According to the website earthday.envirolink.org, Nelson’s idea for a grass-roots protest about the environment came from the anti-Vietnam war demonstrations being held nationwide during that time.

In September 1969, he announced a nationwide demonstration planned for the spring of 1970. The media picked up the story, and the idea of Earth Day began to spread. The first official celebration of Earth Day was held April 22, 1970.

Make Sure To Recycle

One of the easiest methods for keeping the planet cleaner, and reducing waste in ever-shrinking landfills, is to recycle. With the latest addition of the Coffeen center, the Montgomery County Recycling Program offers seven locations for area residents to use.

With the exception of Raymond and Farmersville, all the centers are open daily for material drop-off. Raymond holds recycling on the first and third Saturdays from 8 to 10 a.m., and Farmersville has recycling on the second Saturday of the month during the same hours.

Open daily are centers in Litchfield, Hillsboro, Nokomis, Witt and Coffeen. If you need assistance unloading, help is available during daytime hours only at the Hillsboro location.

Chris Daniels, Montgomery County Coordinator, praises the successful county program. According to her records, total pounds of recycled materials has increased dramatically in the last four years.

Shipped weight of materials in 2003 amounted to 1,663,003 pounds. In 2007, that figure rose to 2,939,914 pounds. That’s a remarkable amount of weight and space not added to landfills from just one county.

Cardboard represented the most weight, with 1,343,415 pounds shipped last year. Daniels said the price for cardboard went from $60 per ton to $100 per ton, which resulted in a healthy increase for recycling program revenues.

Daniels reminds readers that all revenues from materials sold goes directly back into the program. The county does not use these funds for any other purpose, and the county is not able to pay individuals or groups for their products.

County Board Chairman Mike Plunkett said, “Last year, with the increased amount of materials and the increased price we received, was the first year the program has really broken even. It normally runs at a deficit.”

The current fiscal year is off to a good start with a total weight shipped to date of 830,718 pounds.

When you visit any of the area recycling drop-off centers, you will find marked containers for each of the acceptable materials.

Please make sure steel or aluminum cans, plastic bottles and jugs are rinsed out before recycling.

Acceptable items are cardboard, steel cans, aluminum cans, dry newspaper, magazines and catalogs, office paper (such as computer, copy, notebook, file folders), plastic soda and juice bottles, milk jugs and other translucent drink containers, detergent and shampoo containers, miscellaneous food containers and phone books in season (Feb.-March).

No-nos include oil or antifreeze bottles, drink cups, glass, plastic bags and styrofoam. If you would like more information about the county recycling program, you may call Daniel’s office at 532-9577 or visit the website www.montgomeryco.com and click on recycling.

Green Household Ideas

Did you know you can go green when spring cleaning? Although many store bought cleaning products have reduced toxins from days past, cleaning alternatives made from products in the home may reduce your need to purchase the other items as often.

Some eco-friendly possibilities include glass cleaner made from equal parts of vinegar and water; simmer citrus fruit and cinnamon in water to freshen air; clean copper with vinegar and salt on a damp sponge; place molasses or honey in a lid outdoors on an ant trail to control ants; and use cedar chips in the pet’s bedding and Brewer’s yeast in their food to repel fleas.

Consider switching from traditional incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). They do cost more than the traditional bulb, but they use less electricity to operate and last longer than the other style. They can save about $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulb’s lifetime.

Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott said, “If every American home replaced just one light bulb with a CFL, we would prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to that of nearly a million cars and reduce more than $600 million in annual energy costs.”

That’s a pretty amazing return for only replacing one bulb in every home.

Hazardous Waste

Consumers should be aware, however, that CFLs do contain a small amount of mercury. It is important to properly dispose of and recycle used bulbs in order to recover the small amount of mercury in each one.

Some retail stores offer proper disposal of CFLs, and you can check online for any in the area at www.earth911.org. Bulbs may be taken to Illinois EPA household hazardous waste collections each spring and fall. Unfortunately, only a limited number of these collections are held across the state each year.

A list of collection dates and places are available at www.epa.state.il.us.

Board Chairman Plunkett said Montgomery County is chosen for a collection site of household hazardous waste only every three or four years. He recommends, if possible, storing items in a safe location until that time, unless you are able to take advantage of a collection in another location.

Items considered hazardous include oil-based paints, chemical cleaners, old medicines, antifreeze, motor oil, weed killer, insecticides, pesticides, household batteries, and of course, CFLs.

“We are planning a used tire collection on Aug. 8 and 9 this year. It will most likely be held at the county fairgrounds, but more information will be available at a later date,” Plunkett said.

In the event you break a CFL, use caution when cleaning it up. Do not use a vacuum cleaner. Keep people and pets away from the area and ventilate the room. Do not throw the broken bulb away in the garbage. Check the Illinois EPA website for a complete list of precautions and suggestions for safe handling of a broken CFL.

Building/Remodeling

It probably comes as no surprise that you can “go green” when building a home or remodeling your current abode.

Environmentally friendly decisions about materials and appliances can translate into financial savings for consumers in the long run. For example, spray-in cellulose insulation made from 80 percent post-consumer recycled newspaper will effectively seal homes from both winter cold and summer heat.

Look for Energy Star appliances in order to conserve both electricity and water. Many areas of the country experienced drought last year. Items such as front load washers, low-flush toilets and water-conserving dishwashers that reduce water consumption may become a necessity if seasonal shortages come again. These appliances would not only help water levels, they would save the consumers money on water bills.

When looking for flooring, choose materials made from local or regional sources. Many products available are made from recycled materials, such as carpet or reclaimed hardwood.

During a home renovation, recycle as much as possible. For instance, if you replace doors, windows, countertops or even bathroom fixtures, you may be able to donate these items to an organization such as Habitat For Humanity to sell in their Habitat Restore. One is located in Springfield.

Some remodelers will recycle project waste, as well, by separating metal, wood and concrete into containers in order to keep as much as possible out of landfills.

Did You Know?

Hopefully the information in this article has reaffirmed your belief in recycling or given you ideas on what you can do personally to leave a lighter environmental footprint.

If you’re still not convinced, check out the following facts supplied by County Coordinator Chris Daniels:

• If Americans recycled just one-tenth of their newspapers, 25 million trees would be saved each year.
• It takes 95 percent less energy to make aluminum by recycling it than by producing it from its natural ore, bauxite. It costs less, too.
• Americans throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour.
• In 1991, the Great Wall of China became the second-largest man-made structure in the world. The first? The Fresh Kills Landfill serving New York City. It is now the highest point on the east coast.
• One pound of recycled steel saves enough energy to light a 60 watt bulb for 24 hours.
• Water pollution in Illinois is reduced by 21,500 tons of various contaminants each year by recycling.
• Paper recycling in Illinois saves 53.3 million trees each year, and the wildlife habitat that goes with them.

For more information on Earth Day, recycling or energy-saving tips, visit the following websites: www.EarthDay.gov, www.earthday.envirolink.gov, www.Americarecyclesday.org.

Tuesday was Earth Day. One way that many people are taking care of the environment while saving money is by using compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of regular incandescent bulbs.

The fluorescent bulbs, often referred to as CFLs, last longer, use less energy and reduce electric bills.

Yet some people have expressed concern that CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, although far less than the amount in older, nondigital thermometers.

CFLs each contain about four milligrams of mercury, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Manufacturers are taking steps to reduce the amount.

By contrast, a mercury thermometer has about 500 milligrams. Older thermostats have about 3,000 milligrams of mercury, a toxic metal that can affect the brain, spinal cord, kidneys and liver.

Some localities have started recycling programs for CFLs. Locally, the Belman Road Recycling Center in Fredericksburg and Stafford County’s regional landfill on Eskimo Hill Road have them, according to Earth911.org. That site allows you to enter your ZIP code and find the closest recycling center for various household products.

Spotsylvania County residents can turn in their CFLs at the county’s twice-yearly Hazardous Waste Collection Day. The next one is May 3 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chancellor Public Use Area.

According to the Web site of General Electric, which produces CFLs, some retailers are exploring take-back programs. IKEA stores already take back used CFLs.

For people without access to a recycling facility, or for those who prefer not to recycle, the EPA has the following tips on disposing of CFLs (which are not legally considered hazardous waste according to federal solid waste rules):

If a CFL breaks in your home, open nearby windows, sweep up the fragments (don’t use your hands) and wipe the area with a disposable paper towel to remove all glass. Don’t use a vacuum. Place all fragments in a sealed plastic bag.

Intact CFLs should also be sealed in a plastic bag before disposal, as you would with batteries, oil-based paint and motor oil. Place the sealed bag with your regular trash.

“Even though Earth Day is an annual event, we can still be energy conscious year round,” said Aaron Vanden Berg, of the Aire Serv of West Michigan franchise. “Most air conditioning and heating systems consume more than half of a homes energy. By switching over to a new hybrid energy efficient system, families can cut their monthly usage of fossil fuel-generated electricity by up to one-third. That means saving money and helping the environment without sacrificing comfort.”

Rising utility and overall energy costs are concerns for most homeowners today. Fortunately, you can save money while being “greener” and stay comfortable.

Follow these suggestions from Aire Serv to create a more “green,” energy efficient home:

• Use high efficiency air filters to help your air conditioning system stay cleaner longer.
• Plant trees or shrubs to shade the air conditioning unit, but not so close that they block air flow.
• Have your professional air conditioning provider clean your units coils regularly—about every six months—to prevent dirt and dust build-up.
• Check the attic, crawl space or basement to make sure it’s properly insulated.
• Look for a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) number on air conditioners if installing a new unit. Some units manufactured about 10 years ago were in the 10 SEER range while units today can go as high as 20 SEER or above. Even going from a 10 to 13 SEER will cut down your cooling costs.

If installing a new HVAC unit, consider donation or recycling. A unit in working order can be donated and non-functioning pieces can be picked-up by your municipal solid waste agency or Steel Recycling Institute. Go to www.recycle-steel.org or visit www.earth911.org for more local options.

The new bulbs last 10 times longer and use 75 percent less energy than regular incandescent bulbs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The catch is, a fluorescent light bulb also typically contains mercury, but only around 5 milligrams of mercury, just enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen.

Despite reductions through the years in the amount used, mercury remains a crucial element in allowing CFLs to become energized and produce light, and the element is the main reason why the bulbs are so energy efficient.

Although no mercury is released while the bulbs are operating, its presence raises the issue of what to do with fluorescent bulbs when they break or need to be replaced.

Most of the materials used to make CFLs, including mercury, can be recycled. However, www.earth911.org indicates there is no place within 50 miles of Ludington that collects these bulbs to be recycled. Currently, the State of Michigan only has recycling programs in place for mercury thermometers.

If no other alternative can be found, the EPA and the Michigan Department of Community Health advise placing a CFL bulb in two sealed plastic bags before disposing of it with household trash. On the other hand, those who are familiar with the waste disposal process are aware this precaution won’t adequately prevent mercury from getting into a landfill.

David Hasenbank, director of the Mason County Department of Public Works, said mercury will only be prevented from escaping if the plastic bags stay in one piece. “If it’s going to a landfill, then a plastic bag won’t help because the compactor unit (on a garbage truck) will likely tear the bag apart. If you plan on holding on to the bulb or saving it until it can be properly disposed of, then putting the bulb in a bag is a good idea, but only so long as it stays intact,” Hasenbank said.

If you haven’t bought your tree yet—relax. There are many ways to celebrate our planet other than the traditional idea of planting a tree. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Ride your bike or walk—Try to avoid getting in a car today. You’ll help save energy and won’t create air pollution.
2. Turn off the faucet—Save water while you’re brushing your pearly whites. It’s an easy way to save gallons of water.
3. Lights off—Turn off the lights when you leave the room and turn off the TV if you aren’t watching it.
4. Pick it up—If you notice a piece of trash on the street, pick it up and pitch in.
5. Recycle—Take your newspapers, bottles and cans to be recycled today and reduce the amount of trash that ends up in landfills.
6. Experience nature—Get outside today, even if it’s just for a little while. Go to a park, utilize a trail, look at the sky. At the very least, draw a deep breath of fresh air.
7. Learn about it—Make an effort to learn more about the environment and how to protect it.
8. Reuse—Take your drink container with you and use it all day. Don’t use anything disposable.
9. Donate—Give your time or money to an environmental group of your choice.
10. Talk about it—Talk to your family about Earth Day and how you can implement eco-friendly living into your daily lives and how you can do practical things to protect the environment.

Fort Dodge schools contribute

Fort Dodge Community Schools are helping make the Earth a little bit cleaner today as they spend time picking up garbage around the buildings and playgrounds. Classes in the district will also be coloring awareness posters to remind fellow students to do simple activities like:

• Shut off a light when you leave the room.
• Shut off the water faucet while brushing their teeth.
• Recycle plastic, aluminum and other items at home.

Students are also encouraged to wear green or white for the day to promote recycling as well.

Iowa Central Community College is also getting involved by passing out “ONE EARTH” bracelets and letting people know about the educational Web site www.earth911.org.

Internet users can visit the site and type in their zip code to learn the nearest locations to drop off hard-to-recycle items. Sites for disposing of used motor oil, antifreeze, car batteries, other batteries, plastic grocery bags and more can be found by searching the site.

In addition, this site can help users locate places to recycle household items, electronics and automotive supplies.