Garland Goes Green by bringing classes, exhibitors and products to the Healthy Living Expo: Healthy You, Healthy Earth, Rx for a Better World on Saturday, September 26, 2009, at the Garland ISD Special Events Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Here are a few examples of Healthy Earth activities:
Compost Classes
Visit the Expo and learn how to create healthy soil. City of Garland Environmental Waste Services will host two free compost classes for Garland residents. The first class runs from 9 to 11:30 a.m., and the second class runs from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required. Call 972-205-3500 to see if space is still available. Training will include benefits of building healthy soil with compost, ingredients in the compost pile and hands-on demonstration to build and maintain a healthy compost pile. Class attendees will be eligible for door prize drawings for eight (8) compost bins.
Electronics Recycling
The Environmental Co-op will provide a drop off collection service for electronic equipment from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nominal fees will apply to the following items:
Computer Monitors - $5 each
TVs – $10 for small up to 15 inch screens
$20 for 16 to 32 inch screens
$30 for over 32 inches
Other items collected at no charge include computers, keyboards, laptops, scanners, printers, copiers, fax machines, cell phones, corded phones, ink jet and laser cartridges, stereos, microwaves, air conditioners, and other small household appliances.
Eyeglasses Recycling
Most families have at least one old pair of eyeglasses no longer being used in a dresser drawer. The same pair of eyeglasses can change another person’s life. The Environmental Co-op will accept eyeglasses to donate to the Lions Club for distribution to people around the world in need of the gift of sight.
Paper Shredding
Need to dispose of old personal papers but don’t want to simply throw them in the recycle bin? Then the Expo is the place for you. Greenstar Northamerica will be on site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to receive personal documents for shredding. Volunteers will assist residents with unloading boxes. Acceptable materials include paper, file folders, plastic window envelopes and junk mail.
Eco Shopping Game
Learn how to be an environmentally astute shopper and play the Eco Shopping Game. The purpose of this family friendly, interactive game is to select products that create less environmental impact. Check your score at the end of the game to see if you are eco friendly.
Vermicomposting
Worms are nature’s ultimate recyclers. They take food scraps, newspaper and cardboard and turn them into rich compost which can be added to potted plants, lawns or gardens. See the worms at work at the Environmental Waste Services booth and learn how you can set up a home worm composting bin.
The Healthy Living Expo is sponsored by the City of Garland, Garland ISD, Baylor Medical Center at Garland and the Garland Chamber of Commerce. KDFW-Fox4 is the event’s media sponsor.
For more information, including entertainment and Healthy You activities, visit www.GarlandGoesGreen.org or www.GarlandChamber.org.