April 16th, 2021 – April 22nd is Earth Day. This is a time, especially with all the challenges we face with COVID-19, for all of us to get outside and enjoy our wonderful parks, beaches and all the beauty of our amazing planet! It’s also a time for each of us to reflect on what we can do to help protect the earth, our home.
Simple steps, such as using refillable water bottles, recycling, planting a garden, composting, picking up litter and cutting your energy use can make a huge difference.
VIEW NOW: 2021 Seatuck Environmental Association 2021 Earth Day Events
In Islip, protecting and improving our environment is a top priority. We Reduce, Reuse and Recycle in more ways than just collecting bottles, cans, paper and cardboard. Through its various divisions, the Department of Environmental Control (DEC) manages multiple facilities that work to continue our commitment toward a greener tomorrow.
Our MacArthur Compost Facility shreds and processes yard waste from residents and landscapers, and turns it into a rich soil compost to be used in organic farming, landscaping and gardening. Additionally, the Town’s closed and capped landfills have been repurposed into solar farms, creating a renewable and clean power-generation source on otherwise environmentally sensitive land.
Likewise, our MacArthur Waste-to-Energy Facility reduces the volume of residential and commercial solid waste by nearly 85%, processing an average of 485 tons per day, while recovering energy in the form of heated steam, that not only operates the facility, but is sold to the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) for reuse.
The Town also manages the Great South Bay Shellfish Cultivation Facility whose efforts improve water quality in the Great South Bay, and helps combat coastal acidification by returning calcium to the water through our Shell Recycling Program.
From our certified clean energy efforts, to our excellent recycling program and these many other important initiatives, Islip is proud of our environmental commitment. In 1972, and long before green initiatives were common, Islip founded ITEC, The Islip Town Environmental Council comprised of Town residents dedicated to our environment. We ask that on this Earth Day, April 22nd you make the commitment to protect our home and join with us.
Look for more information in upcoming issues of our weekly E-Alert Newsletter. Let’s all celebrate Earth Day Everyday in Islip!
Learn more about our commitment to recycling at www.islipny.gov/insideislip/recycling.