Cleveland Metroparks Recycles

Cleveland Metroparks is committed to maintaining the integrity of the natural environment through initiatives like recycling, source reduction, conservation, and education. This will serve to help minimize the ecological footprint throughout Greater Cleveland.

Paper and toner cartridge recycling information

Paper Recycling and More in Cleveland Metoparks
Cleveland Metroparks and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo annually recycle the following:

2007 Recycling Totals

Cleveland Metroparks Buys Earth Friendly Products
Look for these, and more, recycled products in Cleveland Metroparks:
• Benches made from recycled plastic.
• Trail posts made from recycled plastic.
• Recycled paper used to produce newsletters and brochures.
• Paper towels made from recycled materials.

What “R” You Doing to Preserve Our Planet?
Does the way you live have an impact on the environment? Absolutely! While we all have an impact on the environment, we also can make choices in our daily lives that can lessen our environmental impact. Here are some choices to consider:

Refuse
• When deciding on products or services to buy, first decide whether you really need them. Less is generally better.
• Take time to look at the big picture. Is the impact that product or service has on the earth worth what you’ll gain from using it?
• Need information? Cleveland Metroparks nature center staff can help answer questions and offer suggestions about lessening our environmental impact.

Reduce
• Wise use and not abuse of natural resources is the definition of conservation. By reducing our use of water, electricity, highly packaged products, toxic chemicals, gasoline and more, we can make a difference in the health of our planet.
• Here’s the challenge – for one week pay close attention to your use of natural resources and toxins (inside and outside the home) as well as how much garbage your household produces. What choices can you make to reduce consumption and waste?

Reuse
• We live in a “throw away society.” Reusing materials is not only good for the earth but also kind to your wallet!
• Choose to donate things like clothes, computers and toys rather than discarding them. Choose to use and wash plastic food containers rather than throw out a multitude of plastic sandwich bags. Consider buying used items rather than new.

Recycle
• While recycling is an important part of the preservation picture, it should be the last resort. Consider the above first and if you have refused, reduced and reused then make the choice to recycle.
• Be an educated consumer! Given the choice between two products, check to see if the item packaging is recyclable. Let this help you decide which to purchase.

Rethink
• After all is said and done, continue to rethink the choices you made.
• Sounds time consuming and possibly bothersome? Try this: pick one thing (like water consumption or garbage production) and concentrate on that thing for one month. Can you make choices to use water more efficiently or produce less garbage? Before long, your new choices will become a way of life!
• Don’t stop there … pick another environmental concern to tackle. You can make a difference!

“R” is for Read!
Here are some great resources available for purchase at Cleveland Metroparks EarthWords Nature Shops.
• The Greater Cleveland Environment Book by David Beach
• The Consumer’s Guide to Effective Environmental Choices by Michael Bower and Warren Leon
• The Official Earth Day Guide to Planet Repair by Denise Hayes

“R” is for Recipe!
Clean your house and grow your garden naturally (not too mention less expensively).

Organic Pest Spray
In a blender, blend:
4 heads of garlic
1 chopped jalapeno pepper
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 cups water
Let sit overnight. Strain and use a quarter cup per gallon of water. Spray plants in the morning and evening for four days.

All Purpose Spray Cleaner
Combine in a spray bottle:
1 teaspoon borax
2 tablespoons vinegar
1/4 teaspoon liquid soap
Add 2 cups hot tap water and shake bottle gently until borax dissolves.

Disinfectant Scouring Powder
1 cup baking soda mixed with 1/4 cup borax

Floor Cleaner
Fill a bucket with hot water and add 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar. For stains, use a mix of borax and hot water.

For more information on Cleveland Metroparks recycling initiatives, contact Cleveland Metroparks Safety and Environmental Manager Nicole Lorenzo Luna at nl@clevelandmetroparks.com or 440-331-8641.