Earth Day is observed each April around the world, to show support for the environment and environmental protection. Towns around Nassau County have been and will be holding events in celebration, including the City of Long Beach.
The city and its Environmental Advisory Board on Tuesday announced the launch of its first-ever online composter and rain barrel sale. The city said these commonsense items have a positive impact on the environment while also saving residents money. Since they are purchasing in bulk, the items are available to Long Beach residents at reduced costs.
“These items are common sense ways our residents can have a positive impact on the environment and ultimately save a few bucks,” said Francis McQuade, chair of the city’s volunteer Environmental Advisory Board. “The Environmental Advisory Board has advocated for this for quite some time. We are thankful to this City Council for making it a reality.”
Composting and using rain barrels are methods for enhancing sustainability while contributing positively to the environment. Composting is a way to reduce garbage going to landfills and allows you to make your own compost. Rain barrels keep water clean and provide a natural source of water for plants and gardens all while reducing the number of pollutants that enter storm drains.
The city is offering numerous items for sale on its website. Ordering opened on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, at 9 a.m. Orders can be picked up June 6 through 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 150 West Pine Street, at the Sanitation Department.
One of the items is a KIT – Earth Machine. The Earth Machine is a compost bin that has capacity of 80 gallons and is made up of 50 percent recycled plastic and provides a way to keep waste maintained. It features snap-together construction, four anchor pegs to secure the unit to the ground, a locking lid and a how-to guide. The Earth Machine retails for $100, but is being offered for $65 to residents.
The city is also offering a dual chamber tumbling composter, which allows for quick curing, turning kitchen and yard waste into compost for soil. It is being offered for just over $90.
The other offerings include screens to keep rodents out, compost turners, scrap collecting bins, rain barrels, other composters, and kits with multiple products together. The items can be purchased at LongBeachNY.gov/compostersale.
