Linn County is committed to environmental sustainability and resource protection and working towards a more environmentally just future. Everyone can invest in our planet and make a difference.
Here are 5 easy things you can do at work or at home:
Eat locally grown food. Whether you grow your own fruits and vegetables or purchase locally grown food, you are helping to reduce the distance the food travels, thereby helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Use window treatments to control temperatures. Temperatures outside can drastically affect the temperature inside. Try using blinds to maximize comfort. You can open window treatments on sunny days to warm your space on cold days, and close them to keep out heat on hot days.
Recycle right. Recycling is an important way to reduce waste and protect our environment, but not all materials can be recycled. A recycling symbol does not guarantee the item is recyclable. Non-recyclable items in the recycling stream can contaminate an entire load of materials. Visit your recycling provider’s website to find out what items they will accept. Learn more about recycling on the Cedar Rapids Linn County Solid Waste Agency website.
Minimize power usage. Like your parents probably told you, turn off lights when you’re not using them. Unplugging small appliances, like your blender or toaster, can also add up to big energy savings.
Stay informed. The more we know about sustainability, resiliency, and our environment and how our choices affect our planet, the better equipped we are to make a meaningful difference economically and environmentally. Linn County offers a number of ways to stay informed through News Flashes, the Food Systems Council, Soil Conservation, and the Sustainability Department.