ReUse v Recycling

Everyone can identify with recycling.  For decades now, people have been separating paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastic and glass from their garbage so it can be re-manufactured into another product saving hundred of trees and eliminating mining for new, unused material.

But recycling is not the preferred method to keep garbage out of landfills.  At the top of the New York State Department of Environment and Environmental Protection Agency hierarchy is modified consumerism (buy less; use less) followed by reuse (the favorite thing to do at the New Paltz ReUse Center) followed by composting THEN it's recycling.  In order to recycle one forty cubic yard of 

cardboard collected at the New Paltz Recycling Center it is necessary to deliver it to the local Materials Recovery Facility "MRF" which is a thirty-two mile round trip, use heavy equipment to push in onto a conveyor belt where it is compacted into 800-1,200 pound bales, then lift the bales with heavy equipment to place it in a truck so it can be shipped several hundred miles away to a broker who finds a buyer/manufacturer to send it to,  NOT the best way to reduce our carbon footprint or keep things local.

Next time you start to fill up the recycling bin, think about alternative uses for your recyclables. Cardboard can be used as a weed barrier in your garden or shred it to add to your backyard composter.  Paper should have both sides used before it is shredded and used for animal bedding. Invest in reusable takeout/storage containers to take to the supermarket or your favorite restaurant to reduce plastic.  It can be the next fun and creative challenge to helping New Paltz reach its Zero Waste goals.

Annual Zero Waste Day at the New Paltz ReUse and Recycling Center

Looks at what's happening this weekend (the 13th) at the New Paltz ReUse Center from 11am to 3pm (Clearwater Road).

Thank you Heady Teddy Outfitter, Kniffen Homes and Lion Zen for helping out! So now we have tents and music!! 

Climate Action Coalition – The Climate Action Coalition of New Paltz works to alert people in our area to the changes they can expect from climate change, and to help them reduce the causes and adjust to the effects. Meets every Thursday at 5pm at the New Paltz Village Hall. http://www.newpaltzclimateaction.org

Dolphin Plumbing, Inc. – Master plumbers and a local business.  Phone: (845) 834-2797  Website: www.dolphinplumbingandheating.com

Environmental Protection Agency – National organization for the protection of human health and the environment.  Phone: 877-251-4575  Website: www.epa.gov

Food Not Bombs/NPZ De Facto - The De Facto Community Project is a long -term project to create a multi-functional , multi- purpose, multi-service community center in New Paltz, NY.  Email: npzdefactoproject@gmail.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/334257156703786/

Heady Teddy Outfitters is the Hudson Valley's only shop which specializes in vintage music memorabilia and Grateful Dead collectibles. Phone: (845) 444-1720 Website: www.headyteddys.com

Home Energy Consultants, Inc. – Jonathan Flynn. Will show you how to reduce energy costs and guide you through the process by demystifying the NYSERDA process.  Phone: 845-635-8302 Email: HEC@SaveEnergyNY.com

Fossil Fuel Resistance – Check out the Mercedes converted to run on vegetable oil and chat with them about the Pilgrim Pipeline project.  Learn more about what you can do to conserve and advocate for the environment.

New Paltz ReUse and Recycling Center – Focusing on education and waste reduction, staff helps the public understand the importance of changing consumer habits, reusing everything possible, eliminating hazardous materials, recycling and other lifestyle changes to move toward zero waste and sustainability.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation The NYSDEC division of solid waste and recycling is responsible for oversight and management of solid waste. Their hierarchy encourages education on waste reduction, reuse and recycling Phone: (845) 256-3000  website: www.nysdec.gov

Rifton Woodcrest - Woodcrest was the first community of the Bruderhof in the United States, started in 1954 on a property near the Walkill River. They are a faith based community that advocate local volunteerism and support.

Solid Waste Disposal Service, Inc – This local company has offered garbage and recycling collection for over ten years and has recently added  organics to the list of services provided to customers.  Learn more from owner Phil Ferraro. 845-453-8741

Solarize Hudson Valley Solarize Hudson Valley is a partnership of municipalities, community organizations and solar companies working to expand renewable energy in the Hudson Valley. Email: solarizeinfo@sustainhv.org website:   http://solarize-hudsonvalley.org
Take Me Home Pet Rescue, Inc. Take Me Home Pet Rescue Inc., is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization that rescues pets from high kill shelters & finds them loving homes. Website: http://www.tmhpetrescue.com

Dan Guenther has been a farmer and farm consultant for 20 years. He helped create CSA’s in the Hudson Valley including Brook Farm Project and Phillies Bridge Farm. He and his wife, Ann, have actively been educating the people on climate change and offering alternatives to energy consumption through education. They co-founded New Paltz Climate Action Coalition. Their work involves community outreach and SUNY New Paltz interns to reduce climate change effects and carbon footprint.

Food Not Bombs is part of the De Facto Community Center project which is a local movement to sustainability and social outreach through community events and membership.   This group of advocates for real change with hands on support for food security, farms, local businesses and artisans.  

Lion Zen plays a blend of rock and blues which they refer to as Playing Groove Rock ((Psychedelic Country Blues)) Come on out and “Get your Groove On” with this newly formed band.               

Special thanks to Davy from Heady Teddy for helping us out with tents and getting us in touch with Lion Zen.  YOU ROCK!

Clothing Swap

Swap for Success March 14th from 11am to 3pm at the New Paltz ReUse Center.  You still have an hour to stop by and pick out some new clothing for your wardrobe or drop off clothes.  It's been quiet but our volunteers are still here to help.

Volunteer Fair

Come out to Jordan's Pizza on 52 Main Street (the corner of Main and Chestnut) to find out what volunteer opportunities there are to help out the community.  Have pizza and network with a great group of people!! Volunteering is what makes this community so vibrant and so successful.

Hope to see you on Friday, March 6th at 4pm!!

2015 Zero Waste Goals

New Paltz will be meeting with the NYSDEC and EPA soon to discuss next steps for the New Paltz Zero Waste Action Plan.  We have gone pretty far with several of the short term goals (i.e. a registered composting facility, rigid plastic and textile collection) and have reduced waste being sent out from the New Paltz Recycling and Reuse Center​ from 808 tons annually to 348 tons annually. BUT!!!!! we need the entire community to be on board which means modified consumerism, food recovery and composting. The plan is to offer classes so volunteers can spread the word as part of the certification for all of the above.  Stay tuned, stay involved and remember to support local not-for-profits as part of the reuse philosophy. Don't forget the Repair Cafe - next date is March 21st at the United Methodist Church on Grove Street.

Swap for Success Clothing Exchange March 14th

Our first Swap for Success Clothing Exchange was such a success that we are hosting another event on March 14th from 11am to 3pm at the ReUse Center. This event is for clothing only (you can't wear a toaster!) and we invite you even if you have already cleaned out your closet. Because now you have space for more!!

Remember that the Repair Cafe can teach you how to repair torn clothing that you just can't part with. Their next event is Saturday, March 21st at theNew Paltz United Methodist Church on Grove Street from 10 am to 3pm.

New Paltz Volunteer Fair

Swap For Success

 FUN Community Clothing Swap for Success!

2015 New Paltz ReUse Center Shop Kick-Off & Clothing Swap

January 10^th from 11am to 3pm

New Paltz ReUse and Recycling Center

3 Clearwater Road

New Paltz, NY 12561 (½ mile past the ballfields on Clearwater Road)

(845) 255-8456 or recycling@townofnewpaltz.org

WHAT: FREE clothes & clothing treasures for others to take home! 

       BRING: Your sorted CLEAN, DRY and ODOR FREE clothes. ONLY! NO clothes            with stains, smells or rips AND empty bags to take home new ones!

       COST: NOTHING! However, you will be able to donate at the door. All                          proceeds will be donated to the Washbourne House serving battered women.

       WHY: To help those by doing something we love- Shopping for Free!