Maintaining Environmental Conservation during the Winter

As winter is nearly officially here and temperatures are continually dropping for the season, there may be a misconception that some specific environmental concerns cannot be addressed. However, there are many different ways to continue to work for environmental conservation throughout the winter months, as well as being prepared in general. 

1. Limit time spent warming the car: While I am sure everyone has been guilty of this at some point or another, make the decision to not start your car longer than necessary just for the purposes of warming up. Cars emit a great number of emissions which should be limited as much as possible for the health of the environment. The advent of remote starters have only furthered how incredibly easy it is to start the car from the warmth of one’s own home. The car will heat up within a few minutes and there will be a certain peace of mind from contributing less to a carbon footprint. For modern engines, it is only necessary to heat the car for a total of 30 seconds. 
   
2. Do research on de-icers: Slippery sidewalks are one of the biggest hazards during wintertime and for some public places, de-icing is a must. However, a number of different de-icers, such as calcium chloride or rock salt, pose toxic issues to aquatic environments. Salt may change the way water will mix and may even form salt pockets in lakes and chloride is toxic to aquatic life. Many of these chemicals may also pose a hazard to dogs and children. In the instance that some chemical de-icer must be used, make sure to use only enough in order to melt the ice and not more than is necessary. Other solutions include removing the snow before it turns into ice or instituting ice-free designs through porous asphalt and other permeable surfaces. 
   
3. Recycle the decorations: There are a number of different holiday decorations which oftentime are thrown away when they can be properly recycled. Old lights if they are still working can be donated to a number of different local organizations where they can be redistributed to the community. If broken, lights can be recycled at a number of different places, including the Christmas Light Source recycling program and the Holiday LEDS light recycling program. Popular hardware supply stores also do recycling programs for holiday lights. Cut trees are another important holiday decoration which should be recycled and may be turned into wood chips, mulch, erosion control and shoreline stabilization. Earth911 gives information on tree recycling programs based on locations throughout the state. 
   
4. Be cautious of radon: Radon gas exposure is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the United States. Every year, as many as 22,000 people may die as a result of exposure to indoor radon. Radon is something that is more prevalent during winter months because more people are staying indoors with the windows closed. The EPA reports that it is estimated that one in 15 homes on average across the country has levels of radon exposure that are unacceptable. The EPA also recommends:
   
   1. Test your home for radon.
      
   2. Fix the radon leak if the level is 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher.
      
   3. Even if radon levels are less than 4pCi/L, there is still a risk posed and still may be reduced. 
      
   4. In order to receive more information on radon testing, call the EPA hotline at 800-SOS-RADON