NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

Dec. 30, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 485

Contact:  Robert Underwood, Division of Air and Waste Management, 302-739-9403; Charlie Smisson, Delaware Energy Office, 302-735-3480; or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

                       Ring in a Green New Year
         Five New Year’s resolutions for a greener, more sustainable 2010

This January 1st the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control encourages Delawareans to ring in a green New Year by making resolutions that will protect and conserve our state’s natural resources. By committing to a few green resolutions, you can make a tremendous difference in the health of Delaware’s environment.

Here are five New Year’s resolutions for a greener, more sustainable 2010.

• Go Native. Landscape your property with native plants. Trees, shrubs and plants that are native to Delaware use less water, require less maintenance, improve air and water quality, and help reduce global warming. For more information and links, visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/dplap/information/Pages/HabitatManagement.aspx.

• Recycle your Christmas Tree. Drop off your old tree Dec. 26 – Jan. 18 at a DNREC yard waste site in New Castle County or a state park in Kent or Sussex County. Recycling your tree helps extend the life of Delaware’s landfills, promotes sustainability, and benefits the environment by converting your tree into a usable product – wood chips. Visit DNREC’s website, www.dnrec.delaware.gov for drop-off locations and hours.

• Take Actions to Reduce Pollution. Whenever possible, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. By preventing pollution, you can reduce wastes and harmful impacts to the environment. For more information on pollution prevention, visit www.dnrec.delaware.gov/p2 or recycling, www.dnrec.delaware.gov/whs/awm/Pages/Recycling.aspx.

• Conserve Energy.  When not in use, turn off your computer, television, stereo and lights to conserve energy and save money. Switching to CFL bulbs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) use 75 percent less energy than regular incandescent bulbs. Visit DNREC’s Delaware Energy Office webpage, www.dnrec.delaware.gov/energy for energy savings tips.

• Use Water Wisely. Conserving water preserves drinking water supplies, helps the environment, and saves energy and money. Calculate your “Water Footprint” - the total amount of water you use in your home, as well as, the water used to produce the food you eat and the products you buy. Visit  www.dnrec.delaware.gov/wr/Information/OtherInfo/Pages/WaterFootprint.aspx

For a list of Green Resolutions and the easy steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint, go to: 
http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Info/Documents/Green_Footprint_brochure.pdf.

Visit DNREC’s website, www.dnrec.delaware.gov, for programs and activities that ensure the wise management, conservation and enhancement of the state’s natural resources.