Earth Month has come and gone and many activities have ended, but the Putnam County Department of Health urges residents to keep taking steps for lasting environmental improvement. Messages of reducing waste, composting and proper hazardous waste disposal that were circulated to residents, visitors and Putnam County employees last month continue to resonate and can provide important guidance year-round.

“Protecting the environment is an ongoing responsibility for us all that has no real finish line,” said Savannah Usher, MPH who assumed the first full-time position as solid waste program manager for the Putnam County Department of Health just over a year ago. “It is central to our work here at the Health Department, but we cannot do it alone.” 

Ms. Usher, along with Ilona Campo from the planning and transportation department for Putnam County, attended EarthFest at Boscobel in Garrison on April 26. Their agenda was to engage residents and visitors to learn about their waste footprints and what they could do to reduce it. Personal shopping and food habits, along with public transportation alternatives, were top on their lists of promoting ways to reduce waste and live more. Ms. Campo was also there to gather support and input for Putnam County’s community climate adaptation and resilience plan.

“The average person generates more than four pounds of trash each day,” says Ms. Usher. “This is according to the Environmental Protection Agency known as the EPA. It strains landfills, local resources and public spaces. Reducing waste can help maintain healthy, clean communities,”

Tips provided by Ms. Usher and the solid waste program, include looking at one’s shopping and cooking habits, and choosing products with minimal or recyclable packaging. She suggested buying only a modest quantity of perishable items that you will use quickly to avoid waste, but with household items that are used frequently bulk purchasing may be considered. If possible, try refill stations for household items. Reducing food waste also means using what is on hand first, practicing proper storage to extend freshness, and repurposing leftovers or freezing extras for later use. 

Other recommendations about everyday swaps at home and work included skipping single use-items such as plastic spoons and forks and carrying reusable ones when on the go. A “zero-waste kit,” complete with utensils, mug, napkin and container is easy to keep at your work desk. 

In addition to reaching out to county residents at EarthFest, Ms. Usher also presented these environmentally sound measures to county employees at an Earth Day Lunchtime Learning event. 

The health department has also increased its online educational efforts and communications about preserving the environment, providing information about proper waste disposal and composting. The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day in May sold out early with more than 400 residents registering for this popular event that is held twice a year. The flyer for the event provides detailed lists about the types of household hazardous waste that need to be disposed of with special care, and what can and cannot be brought to a department disposal event. Residents who are new to the event and wish to be notified of the next one in the fall can sign up on the department’s Household Hazardous Waste Mailing List.

Hauling other types of waste, such as construction materials, metal or septic waste, can also be a challenge. Haulers who handle these large projects need to be permitted by the health department. So, to help residents and businesses find an appropriate hauler, the department recently launched a Waste Hauler Dashboard. Here one can find a hauler permitted to remove these and other types of waste based on their location. 

Finally, for those residents who may have considered composting or those who are new to it but want to give it a try, the home process does not have to be complicated. Easy-to-understand directions can be found on the health department website at Learn to Compost for Earth Month! It covers the four basic “ingredients”—greens, browns, water and air, and explains how they interact with each other. To make composting more affordable, the health department also offers the Earth Machine compost bin for the wholesale cost of $70. For a picture of the Earth Machine with an ordering link, visit the Recycling & Compost page.

Preserving the environment continues throughout the year and the health department has launched a brand new, free recycling initiative–mattress recycling. The event will be held on May 30. To learn more visit Spring Cleaning Checklist: Mattresses, box springs and more on the health department’s website. Registration is required and the website provides a direct link.  

The mission of the Putnam County Department of Health is to improve and protect the health of the Putnam County community. The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) through 2029, serves a community composed of nearly 100,000 residents. Core services are provided through a lens of equity, and include community health assessment, disease surveillance and control, emergency preparedness, environmental health protection, family health promotion and health education. For more information, please visit the County website at www.putnamcountyny.gov, or visit our social media sites on Facebook, X and Instagram @PutnamHealthNY.

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For further information, contact: Shanna Siegel, Public Information Officer, at 845-808-1390, x43258.

Resources:

• Community Climate Adaptation and Resilience Plan (CCARP)—Putnam County https://putnamcountyny.gov/ccarp
• Putnam Recycles—Putnam County https://www.putnamcountyny.gov/health/recycle?highlight =WyJyZWN5Y2xpbmciXQ==