Celebrating Earth Day
How did you celebrate Earth Day? This was a much happier Earth Day for me. Last year, I awoke to the sound of my neighbor basically clear-cutting his big timber. No kidding. Earth Day began with the sound of chain saws. My boys and I watched in horror as tree after tree hit the ground. This year, no chain saws! Instead, I planted some peas and lettuce with Sam. I also weeded my blueberry bushes and laid down a newspaper and grass clipping weed barrier. And, I went to MetroPaint with Emily to pick up a compost bin.
I’m actually very excited about the compost bin. I’ve wanted one for some time, but they are often ridiculously priced. MetroPaint sells a great bin for $39 and then you can buy a grid mat for underneath to prevent pests for an extra $7 http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=557. Composting is great to reduce your waste production. And, in the two gardening classes I’ve taken recently, composting appears to be the key to successful organic gardening.
Incase you are wondering. Oregon MetroPaint is where you can buy latex paint for your home made from recycled paint. Dumping old paint is a no-no. Always recycle it. You can take your old paint (and household cleaners, motor oil, compact flourescent lightbulbs, propane bottles, batteries, etc) to Metro Central Station at 6161 NW 61st Ave., Portland (503-234-3000) or Metro South Station at 2001 Washington St., Oregon City (503-234-3000). Or, Emily found out that Metro is holding a neighborhood paint recycling day in Sherwood on July 18th, and they’re schedule also says they’ll be at Tigard High School on June 26-27 from 9am-2pm. The website covers how and what to bring.
