40 Ways to Keep Nebraska Beautiful

Keep Nebraska Beautiful is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year.  Here are some ways to help celebrate KNB’s 40th Anniversary.  Taken from KNB’s Publication Waste Paper Winter 2004.

1. Volunteer to organize a Great American Cleanup event.

2. Carry a litter bag in your car or boat.

3. Before dumping your computer or other electronic equipment into the garbage, call KNB or e-mail info@knb.org to find out if there is an electronics recycler in your area.

4. Secure trash container lids to prevent blowing litter.

5. Volunteer to help organize a recycling program where you work or at school.

6. Buy a reusable, cloth bag to use when shopping for groceries.

7. If possible, repair broken items rather than tossing them in the landfill & buying a replacement.

8. Compost yard waste, grass clippings and non-meat food waste.

9. Turn off the lights, television, stereo, etc., when they are not in use.

10. Store leftovers in reusable containers rather than using plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

11. Purchase a battery charger and rechargeable batteries.

12. Organize volunteers to plant a “Grow Big Red” Garden in your community.

13. Instead of purchasing a gift, give the gift of time: wash the dishes for a week, clean the house for a period of time, or volunteer for a local charity.

14. Seek environmentally-friendly ways to handle a garden or household pest problem.  Check with your local County Extension Office for ideas.

15. Instead of using a clothes dryer, put a clothesline in the backyard to use in nice weather.

16. Instead of using hazardous chemicals to clean your house, use more environmentally-friendly products like baking soda, rubbing alcohol & vinegar.  Check out household hazardous waste educational information on KNB’s www.knb.org for ideas on making your own products.

17. Is your local school a member of KNB’s Litter Free School Zones Program, encourage them to join!

18. Buy only what you need and will use (paint, fertilizer, groceries, etc.)

19. Use cloth napkins, towels, and sponges instead of disposable paper products.

20. Recycle used oil.  Visit www.knb.org for Nebraska Used Oil Collection Program sites.

21. Use a washable mug instead of a styrofoam or paper cup.

22. Recycle aluminum cans, and all other items your local recycling center accepts.

23. Enter your efforts in the Keep Nebraska Beautiful Environmental Awards Program.

24. Purchase energy-saving appliances whenever possible.

25. Water your lawn early in the morning.  This reduces evaporation and saves water!

26. Insulate your water heater to save energy.

27. Don’t litter!  Remember litter includes cigarette butts, gum, and unwanted foodstuffs.

28. Purchase recycled products and products packaged using recycled materials.

29. Print and photocopy on both sides of the paper.

30. Instead of purchasing new products, consider refurbishing furniture and electronic equipment.   Just visit the Materials Exchange section of KNB’s website www.knb.org.

31. Adopt and beautify a local spot in your community to keep it litter-free and looking good!

32. Dispose of household products safely.  Contact your KAB affiliate, RC&D or the health department in your area for times and locations of household hazardous waste collections.

33. Plant drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees.

34. Instead of flying or driving off to some remote location, consider vacationing within the state.

35. Wash and dry only full loads of laundry whenever possible.

36. Walk or ride a bicycle whenever possible.

37. Buy locally grown food items.  Support your local farmer’s market!

38. Donate clean, usable items to charity.

39. Sweep your driveway and sidewalk.  Don’t use the hose or sweep into the street.

40. Contact Keep Northeast Nebraska Beautiful your local Keep America Beautiful Affiliate and ask how you can volunteer for a cleanup or beautification event in your community.