Happy Earth Day from the Town of Islip

Spring has arrived and so has Earth Day, an opportunity for all to reconnect with how we can do our part to remain good stewards of this most amazing planet.

For over 50 years, Earth Day has served as a time for each of us to reflect on what we can do to help protect the earth. Simple steps, such as using refillable water bottles, recycling, planting a garden, composting, picking up litter and cutting energy use can make a huge difference.

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.

In 1980, during my involvement with the community, I offered up the acronym WRAP to then Supervisor Frank Jones for our innovative recycling program, We Recycle America, Proudly (WRAP). The Town-run program provides WRAP recycling pails, educational recycling calendars, annual recycling events such as STOP Day and Shredding Day, and a recycling educator who teaches the next generation the benefits of “Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle.”

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.

The MacArthur Compost Facility shreds and processes yard waste from residents and landscapers. The waste is then turned into a rich soil compost to be used in organic farming, landscaping and gardening. The compost and wood mulch generated at the facility is available for pick-up and is FREE to all Town of Islip residents. The MacArthur Compost Facility is located at 1101 Railroad Ave., Ronkonkoma.

The Town also manages the Great South Bay Shellfish Cultivation Facility and the Bay Bottom Licensing Program. The Shellfish Facility through the Shell Recycling Program, improves water quality in the Great South Bay and helps combat coastal acidification by returning calcium to the water. The Bay Bottom Licensing Program encompasses over 1,500 acres of Town-owned Bay Bottom. The Program is a partnership of government, local business and individuals working together to manage parcels of underwater land in the Great South Bay to grow oysters, hard clams, bay scallops and kelp. Currently, the Town is in Phase III of the program, which will encompass 1,300 acres of deep water bay-bottom off of Heckscher State Park.

Additionally, the Town’s closed and capped landfills have been repurposed into solar farms, creating a renewable and clean energy source on otherwise environmentally sensitive land.

Likewise, the MacArthur Waste-to-Energy Facility reduces the volume of residential and commercial solid waste by nearly 85%. The facility processes 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.

Another way our Township commits to the environment is through Keep Islip Clean (KIC). Keep Islip Clean was founded in 1989 as a way to enhance every hamlet within the Town of Islip through litter cleanup, beautification, recycling and education.

Throughout the year, Keep Islip Clean hosts a number of cleanups for our community. Student participants can acquire community service volunteer hours for their involvement in these cleanups. See KIC Cleanup Schedule here. Don't miss the Saturday, April 22nd Great American Cleanup!

From our certified clean energy efforts to our excellent recycling program and many other important initiatives, the Town of Islip has led the way and is proud of its environmental commitment.

This Earth Day, April 22nd, and all year long, I am asking residents to make the commitment to protect our Town and reflect on how we can all work together to keep Islip clean, and keep Islip green.

Let’s celebrate Earth day, every day in Islip!

Learn more about our commitment to recycling at www.islipny.gov/insideislip/recycling.