Capturing rainwater in rain barrels for landscape irrigation.
The Southwest Branch Library:
We have the ink cartridge and cell phone container here for the public to drop off those materials to be recycled.
We rarely purchase cans but recycle them when we do.
We turn off lights in the auditorium, kitchen and branch managers office when they are not in use.
Computers and copiers are shut down at the end of each day.
St. Stephens Branch Library:
Recycles old newspapers and magazines.
Main Library, Newton
Recycle newspapers, magazines, many types of paper, cardboard, cans, plastic bottles.
Whenever possible, we print on both sides of the paper.
Many staff use ceramic coffee mugs, real silverware, plates and bowls to cut down on the amount of Styrofoam cups and paper goods that we use.
As incandescent light bulbs burn out, the division replaces them with the newer fluorescent energy saving light bulbs
Staff are asked to turn off lights in the public service workroom, storage room, and auditorium when those spaces are not being used.
Some staff who live far from the library work flexible schedules to limit the number of times that they have to drive to Newton for work.
Staff at Main Library have presented story programs for preschoolers on:
Recycling and helping keep the earth clean
“Hug a Tree” – guest park rangers will (4/24) teach children why trees are good for the environment and give them a free pine tree to take home and plant
Daycares can check out a storytime book crate called “Our Earth” to teach children how to care for the earth.
North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Conducts workshops that increase knowledge and awareness of energy conservations and improving environmental stewardship. The Cooperative Extension has conducted the following workshops:
Hazardous Household Products and Furnishings - This program was conducted for homeowners, school employees, and day care centers.
Saving Energy in Your Home - This program was conducted for homeowners, potential Habitat for Humanity homeowners, older adults, single adults, and students.
Saving Money at the Gas Pump - This program was conducted for community associations and older adult groups.
4-H20 - Water Conservation Education - This program was conducted for a working group, which resulted in mailers being sent to 18,000 water consumers.
Developing Community Gardens - This program was conducted for homeowners' associations.