Recycle Utah

Nonprofit Summit County, Utah Recycling Center

#zero waste

The Environmental Burden of Balloons

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When I was little, I remember stepping out of a birthday party with my balloon. It slipped out of my hand and floated away, never to return. I now know that this mistake could have deadly consequences for marine life and ecosystems. Balloons have become a prominent symbol of the culture of celebration. However, most people don’t think about the fact that any time a balloon escapes into the sky, it can lead to many unintended consequences for marine life.

Pollution from balloons actually accounts for some of the ocean’s deadliest trash. Balloons (including latex and mylar balloons) take a long time to break down in the ocean, contributing to plastic pollution. As balloons gradually break down they turn into smaller pieces of colorful plastic that resemble food for marine life; the digested plastic has detrimental effects on the digestive system. Statistics show that ingestion of soft plastics (for example: balloons) often does more bodily damage than hard plastics in marine animals, although both are a critical problem. Over many years, balloons can eventually break down into microplastics, which can build up in marine animals, some of which are eventually eaten by humans. Additionally, the strings of balloons are capable of entangling and suffocating or drowning marine animals. It is estimated that over 100,000 marine animals die annually because of plastic pollution.

So what can we do about this issue? The most straightforward and effective action is to stop using balloons and supplement them for other decorations and materials. Try using bubbles, biodegradable confetti, or even natural materials like rocks, shells, and leaves for creative crafts and decorations. While it may be fun to celebrate with balloons, the long-term environmental effects outweigh the benefits.

By Grayson Rae

Return to Raking!

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When thinking about climate change, it sometimes feels like many of the solutions are out of the hands of individuals and rest solely in the hands of governments and large corporations. However, many of the actions we must take to curb climate change start in our homes – and our yards. Gas-powered leaf blowers, for example, have emerged as a symbol of environmental degradation and public health risks, and some people have begun to speak up.

Each fall, Park City lights up with red, orange, and yellow as the leaves change on our oaks and aspens. And each fall, as these leaves float to the ground, people bring out their gas-powered leaf blowers. The noise from these dystopian gas guzzlers disrupt the tranquility of fall, but their impact extends far past noise pollution. Unlike modern cars, most leaf blowers still have two-stroke engines, which spew unburned fuel into the air. Some leaf blowers can emit more pollutants in half an hour than a cross-country trip in a gas-guzzling truck.

The noise pollution from leaf blowers is equally concerning. People and animals are disturbed by the low-frequency roar of leaf blowers. Prolonged exposure to the noise and emissions from these machines can lead to hearing loss, asthma, and heart disease. Not surprisingly, this disproportionately affects low-wage workers who spend more time operating leaf blowers.

Some progress is underway. Across the country, over 100 US cities have banned gas-powered leaf blowers. Salt Lake City is offering residents up to $500 for switching their gas-powered lawn equipment, including leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and weed whackers, to electric alternatives. This is a critical step in improving air quality in the valley. Winter Park commissioners have also proposed a voter referendum for a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers.

Still, in Park City the action lies in the hands of residents and landscapers. Developments continue to be made in battery technologies, offering viable alternatives to gas-powered leaf blowers. The initial cost of these electric leaf blowers may be higher, but when considering the benefits to air quality and improved public health, these costs make the decision straightforward.

Gas-powered leaf blowers may seem trivial in the grand scheme of global climate change, but their impact is profound. By regulating and ultimately banning them from our neighborhoods, we can foster a quieter, healthier environment while making meaningful strides in the fight against climate change.

By Chelsea Hafer

Blue Sky Blocks

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The Blue Sky Energy program has been around for over 20 years. Participants in the Blue Sky program can invest their dollars and support a renewable energy future. When signing up for Blue Sky by purchasing ‘blocks’, a business or resident is creating demand for renewables in our region. To date, Blue Sky has supported more than 9.2 million megawatt-hours of renewable energy across the western region. This equates to energy for around 938,000 homes for one year! 

The opt-in Blue Sky program requires no upfront costs or contract; customers choose their level of support. Funds are used to purchase Green-e Energy Certified Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from renewable energy resources. Their dollars also go towards funding small and medium-scale community based renewable projects (189+ to date), such as rooftop solar installed at homeless shelters, fire stations, schools and more. Blocks are the equivalent of 100kWh of energy and cost $1.95/block. Find a list of some Blue Sky projects installed from block payments here: https://www.rockymountainpower.net/community/blue-sky-projects.html. To learn more or enroll, go to rockymountainpower.net/bluesky.

Another opportunity to support the local transition to renewables is through the Utah Renewable Communities Program, created in 2021 after HB411 (Utah Community Renewable Energy Act) was passed in 2019. This coalition of 18 cities, counties and towns is committed to providing clean energy for Utah, starting as early as 2025. This program differs from Blue Sky in that it drives large-scale renewable energy development, accessible to all Rocky Mountain Power customers. Blue Sky is a certificate-based program that helps support our utility to acquire and retire RECs, while the URC Program will deliver electricity directly to our grid. The goal of the URC Program is to bring enough renewable energy from solar and wind to eventually supply net-100% electricity for Rocky Mountain Power customers, including Park City, Summit County, Francis, Oakley and Coalville. Once the program gains approval from the Utah Public Service Commission and is ready to launch, the current coalition will make choices about what new renewable energy project to bring online. Support the URC Program by subscribing to updates at https://www.utahrenewablecommunities.org/.

It’s promising that renewables have developed enough in Utah to provide choices for us as consumers. Both programs are critical and we should be grateful that Blue Sky opened their program doors when they did. The more we can do as individuals to support our clean energy future, the better.

By Mary Closser

The Environmental Toll of Tire Emissions

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Alarm surrounding the air quality and climate effects of tailpipe emissions have led to a recent focus on electrifying our transportation. However, recent research has revealed that tailpipe emissions may be little cause for concern when compared to the emissions that come from our tires. After noticing an increase in salmon fatalities during rainfall, researchers discovered the culprit: a chemical compound known as 6PPD, which is added to tires to prevent cracking. This compound, along with the 400 other chemicals and compounds in tires, has devastating effects on our environment.

Tires are full of heavy metals, chemicals, and synthetic and natural rubber materials. It is estimated that over ¾ of microplastics in the ocean are microrubbers from tires. With billions of tires sold every year, it makes sense that the fragments shed with each rotation of a tire would create a large impact on the environment. It is estimated that tires generate up to 6 million tons of microrubbers a year worldwide. And because of their heavier weight, electric vehicles – although they don’t contribute tailpipe emissions – produce 20% more tire emissions than fossil-fuel powered vehicles.

Some microrubbers – small enough to be classified as nanorubbers – are so tiny that they can cross our brain-blood barrier when inhaled or ingested. The effects of nanorubbers on our bodies is still being researched, but some evidence shows that nanorubbers can cause developmental, heart, lung, and reproductive problems. In oceans, the ingestion of microrubbers by marine life can also have severe consequences.

Environmental groups, indigenous communities, and even the California Environmental Protection Agency are speaking up about the danger of tire emissions. Some companies are looking into more natural alternatives to the chemical compounds in tires, including rubber from dandelions or soy oil. A potential solution for mitigating tire pollution is rain gardens; studies have shown that rain gardens can capture almost all rubber fragments from stormwater.

So what can you do? It may seem hopeless, with the fight to lower tailpipe emissions just taking off, and this new emissions culprit just being discovered. We can start by driving less; taking the bus or carpooling, and walking or biking whenever possible to decrease your mileage. You can also get involved by spreading the word about tire emissions, as many people are unaware of the dangers they cause to us and our environment. Just like the fight to reduce our tailpipe emissions, we need to spread awareness in order to make change and create a better, safer world. This Green Tip sourced information from “Road Hazard: Evidence Mounts on Toxic Pollution from Tires” from Yale Environment 360.

https://e360.yale.edu/features/tire-pollution-toxic-chemicals#:~:text=Recent%20studies%20show%20that%20the,have%20significantly%20reduced%20those%20emissions

By Chelsea Hafer

The Case for Home Gardening

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You may have heard scary reports about large-scale farming and the negative impacts of mass food production. But don’t despair! Here in Park City, we have lots of trust-worthy local farms; but what’s more, we have the fun option to grow our own food! In an era riddled with environmental concerns, home gardening has emerged as a sustainable and rewarding practice.

Home gardening has a smaller carbon footprint than store bought food, which requires energy from transportation and machinery. By growing food, you’ll also reduce your plastic and paper consumption from packaging. Additionally, large food industries take up millions of acres of space for the sprawl of farmland, often depleting the soil of nutrients through overuse. Home grown food typically requires a lot less space, and it can promote soil health and bring in beneficial insects and worms. Growing food at home also means that you can ensure your food is grown the way you want it to be, organically grown without pesticides or chemicals. Your food will be rich in nutrients and fresh.

This all sounds great in theory, but in reality, with Park City’s dry climate and high altitude, it can be difficult to grow food. Here are some practices that can help you maximize efficiency and garden sustainably:

  1. Water Conservation: Save water by utilizing a mulch base and water with old rainwater. You can also use drip irrigation to save water.
  2. Soil Management: Improve soil fertility and water retention by using organic matter, such as compost. Consider container gardening to help with rocky and shallow areas.
  3. Crop Selection: Choose hardy crops that can survive in dry environments. Examples include tomatoes, peppers, kale, carrots, rosemary, and some berries.
  4. Microclimate Consideration: Take advantage of microclimates within your garden space, such as south-facing slopes for warmth and protection from wind, or shaded areas for delicate plants during hot summer months.
  5. Maximize each season: Consider utilizing greenhouses and other insulation/cooling methods to prolong your growing season.

Home-growing food provides benefits to the gardener and the planet. Gardening is a fun and peaceful pastime that can help us connect with nature and learn the gratification of hard work with a tasty result!

By Grayson Rae

How to Compost at Home

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With the snow melting, now is a great time to start thinking about starting your own backyard compost pile! While composting can seem daunting, it is actually a straightforward process that can help save landfill space, keep harmful methane emissions out of our climate, and help your soil by providing essential nutrients. Composting, at its essence, is the process of combining carbon-based materials with nitrogen-based materials, along with water and oxygen, to support microbial decomposition. This breakdown produces a nutrient-rich compost that strengthens soil and supports thriving gardens. The beauty of composting lies in its ability to provide natural recycling, converting kitchen scraps and yard waste into valuable resources for sustainable gardening.

To start composting, you’ll need a few supplies: a containment structure (such as wire fencing or pallets), a mix of carbon and nitrogen materials, water for moisture regulation, a compost thermometer for temperature monitoring, and basic tools like a shovel and pitchfork. With these tools, you’ll be ready to create a compost pile in your backyard, contributing to healthier soil and more abundant harvests. Your structure should be about 3 feet in diameter and height. Start by layering a brown carbon-rich layer – things like yard waste, newspaper, and grass clippings. Then you can start layering in green layers, nitrogen-rich materials like food waste. Avoid putting citrus, dairy, onions and garlic, meat, oil, and animal waste in your compost. You’ll want to maintain a ratio of about 2 parts brown material to one part green material. You can also add in a layer of existing compost when starting your pile to kickstart the microbial decomposition.

To maintain your compost pile, you’ll just need to make sure the compost has enough oxygen and moisture. Two to four days after starting your compost, it should reach the ideal temperature of 100-140 degrees Fahrenheit – you can check the temperature with a thermometer. You should turn your compost pile with a rake after a few days. The more often you turn your compost pile, the faster it will break down. Try to maintain that ideal temperature and moisture. You can squeeze a handful of compost to check the moisture content. It shouldn’t be soggy, but if it’s too dry, you can add a bit of water. Your pile can break down in as soon as 18 days if you maintain it regularly by turning it. Once you have a rich, dark brown, fully processed compost material, you can add it to your garden!

If you’re interested in learning more about composting and going zero waste, Recycle Utah and Summit Community Gardens/EATS are hosting a Zero Waste and Composting workshop on May 30 at 5:30 pm at Summit Community Gardens. The event is free and will cover how to compost, recycling education, and zero waste tips.

By Chelsea Hafer