HELP SAVE THE PLANET:

Take the “Plastic Free July” Challenge with us!
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By Rachel Tieger, TEAC Co-Chair

I took the “Plastic Free July Challenge” for the first time a few years ago and was shocked to discover how ubiquitous single-use plastic was in my everyday life, particularly in grocery stores and my kitchen. My goal was to bring zero new plastic into my house, and absolutely no single-use plastic…which was easier said than done. It was a great learning experience and I adapted much of my general buying behavior thereafter, although I make daily concessions.

Landmines and Biggest Challenges:

• Most bread is packaged in plastic, even at farmers markets

• Items like rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar are almost always sold in plastic bottles.

• Everything in the frozen section and snack aisle come in plastic bags

• Some boxed pasta have a hidden inner plastic pouch

• Individually wrapped tea bags 

• Doggie poop bags 

• Online orders have tons of unnecessary inner packaging (ironically, even for  “green” items)

Workable Solutions and Happy Discoveries:

• Bulk bins at Whole Foods and Mom's Organic using cloth reusable bags for grains, cereals, nuts, etc

• Dr. Bronner's Bars for dishes, general cleaning and personal use

• Whole loaves of unwrapped bread at the farmers market to slice at home and store in reusable containers. 

• Refill stations at Mom’s Organic or the Refill Room in Hastings for shampoo, dish soap and cleaning supplies 

• Bring containers if getting take-out (except pizza)

• Travel with a bamboo utensil kit for meals on the run and picnics

The official Plastic Free July July Challenge is to eliminate one type of single use plastic item from your life for the month. Ready to give it a go (albeit a few days late)? View this inspirational video along with other resources to get started. We recommend you engage a few friends or family members to take the challenge with you, to help keep you motivated and make it more fun. Please email us at tarrytownenviro@org to share your experiences and helpful suggestions. Good luck! 👍

CALLING FOR PARTICIPANTS!
TEAC'S ECO FAIR: SEPTEMBER 21, 2024
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By Jenny OConnor, TEAC Member

The Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council (TEAC) is hosting its annual Eco Fair on September 21, 2024 (rain date Sept 28) at Patriots Park from 10am to 1pm, in collaboration with the TaSH Farmers Market.

The Eco Fair brings together community sustainability organizations and local businesses to educate and share ideas to enrich our Villages and enhance the environment. It is an opportunity for community members to increase awareness and engage on environmental issues. The goal is to highlight things that we can all do at home and in our own neighborhoods.

We’re looking for organizations and companies that would like to be a part of the Eco Fair. Please reach out to tarrytownenviro@gmail.com for more information. 

We also invite everyone to come learn more about zero waste, alternative energy and solar power, food scraps recycling and composting, local sustainability initiatives, home energy savings, sustainable DIY projects, healthy lawns, Pollinator Pathways, healthy lawns, native plants, the Hudson River, local waterways, and more.   

There will be something for the whole family including kids activities, games, amazing live music, and fresh local food vendors at the TaSH farmers market! More information will be in our August Newsletter.
 

PLANTS THAT CAN BEAT THE HEAT
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By Mai Mai Margules, TEAC Landscape Committee Chair