Recycling at your Library

On Earth Day and Every Day

What is this library doing to help recycle,
conserve, and reduce energy costs?

• The library received a grant in 2006 from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation to replace internal lighting with new energy efficient lights. The funding, along with funds received from the Efficiency Maine energy savings program, made it possible to upgrade the library lighting to make it more energy efficient and to help reduce energy costs. The result was an annual savings on utility bills and maintenance costs. The new lighting is also softer and creates a much nicer atmopshere in the library.
• Blue plastic recycle bins will be placed throughout the library for paper and cans/bottles
• Wherever possible the library purchases recycled products
• Toner cartridges are recycled
  

A recent article in the April issue of American Libraries offers many ideas and suggestions and sites for further reading on "How to Make Your Library Green." At the library, we will be thinking of new ways to become more environmentally aware and to adopt green practices to help us all reduce waste, reuse materials, and recycle and conserve. If you have ideas to share, we would like to receive your input.

Earth Day Information

New items at the library

If you are of a certain age, you may remember how you spent the very first Earth Day on April 22, 1970. This year, come to the library and attend a talk by Gary Kaszas from Organic Sam's in Fort Fairfield at 6 pm on Tuesday the 22nd. Gary will talk about "What Organic Means Today." Join us to learn more and to enjoy some organic refreshments.

This year for Earth Day why not try to make one change in your lifestyle that will help give us all a healthier and cleaner planet. The Solid Waste Department at the City of Presque Isle supplies residents with blue recycle bags that can be put out curbside for your refuse hauler to take during regular trash pickups. You can also visit the Presque Isle Recycling Center at 655 Missile Street (764-9393). We will have bags and brochures from the Solid Waste Department to distribute at the library. If you have any questions regarding local recycling, contact the Solid Waste Department at 12 Second Street (764-2507).

The Presque Isle Recycling Center has compost bins available for sale. These bins are an $80 value and they are being sold for $15.75 thanks to a grant which the department received for this program.

One simple way to reduce trash is to take your own bags when grocery shopping. See the link for "Bring you own bag when you shop" below.

Here are a few links for additional reading about Earth Day and Organic Organizations in Maine.

We have a great display for Earth Day and Gardening in the library and many new books you may enjoy.

Earth Day Network

World Wildlife Fund Earth Day

Bring you own bag when you shop

EPA Earth Day

Earth Day Photo Contest

History of Earth Day

Earth Day History

Wilderness.org Earth Day

Earthday.gov

Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association

Common Ground Country Fair