b'14 green living tips8019 st EonimmisscoTips for a Green Summer -By Jamie Rosenthal: Ashland Recology, Ashland Conservation CommissionTake a moment to imagine the early morning glow of sunrise, the longest light, gorgeous sunsets, crackles of campfires, sounds of sprinklers, crickets chirping, children playing in the park, barbecues and picnic gatherings that leave our hearts feeling full. This is what the Summer season is all about. Summer is, undoubtedly, a wonderful time for outdoor activities with friends and family. Its also a great season to choose to act sustainably. Consider going green with these local Summer sustainability tips1)Stay Hydrated: But dont cycle through water bottles. Be sure to keep filling a reusable bottle instead. Opting for a reusable bottle will substantially reduce your waste output, even if you were recycling those one-time use bottles. Remember, the 3-Rs is a hierarchyReduce, Reuse, then Recycle! 2)Grill Green: Trash cans fill up fast when disposable plates, cups and silverware are used at large gatherings where food and drink is served. Consider using Lend Me A Plate, a free dishware lending service operated out of the Ashland Recycle Center by Southern Oregon Master Recyclers in Action volunteers. For more information go to somra.org/lend-me-a-plate/.3)Two-Wheel It: Have you noticed there are clusters of identical bikes conveniently located in six spots throughout Ashland? These bikes are part of the Rogue Bike Share Program and are available for anyone to use. Please consider ditching your four-wheel carbon-happy commuter for something better for your health and the climate. For more information about the Rogue Bike Share program, visit rvcog.org/what-we-do/rogue-bike-share/.4)Visit Ashlands Recycle Center: The list of items you are encouraged to place in your recycling cart at home does not include everything you can recycle in Ashland. Certain recyclable items, like soft plastic bags which clog sorting equipment, must be collected separately. Stop by Ashlands Recycle Center to give another life to items that cant go into your cart, like clothing, shoes, ink jet cartridges, metal lids, up to three Compact Florescent Light (CFL) bulbs and three florescent tubes per day, soft plastic bags, and styrofoam peanuts. Summer sustainability doesnt have to be complicated. Choosing to adopt just one of the four suggestions above can significantly increase your positive impact. Which suggestions will you choose? AshlandParksandRec.org | Facebook.com/AshlandParksandRec | ParksInfo@ashland.or.us 39'