CAN: Act Sustainably

Lifestyle Choices - Don't throw it out! 

Where does our garbage go?


Once we leave our garbage and household items at the curb for the DPW to cart away, we lose sight of it. However, waste is not a victimless act. The waste goes to landfills or to incinerators, with dire effects on the communities that house them. Think about all the garbage you leave at the curb a year. It goes somewhere and, most importantly, it is not reused. It becomes a problem. For a long, long, long time.


Don't despair, there are many ways we can divert some of our waste from the landfill or incinerator. Here are some easy suggestions for finding a home for your unwanted items.  

Rehome your Household Items, Clothing, Including Furniture, and food 

First we always look at reduce. Do you really need that item on sale that is catching your eye? Or will it be taking up storage space soon? Challenge yourself before making purchases - do you really need it? This question will not only save you money, but it will save the earth.

Now what to do with what you have? Don't toss it - find it a new, useful home. Here are some suggestions: 

Need more?   

Repair, don't toss

In the 'old days' nothing was tossed if it could be repaired. These days, many of us have lost the skills to repair things. However, there is good news. A new movement, called Repair Cafes, is sweeping the nation. For free, experts will help you repair your items so that they are not discarded. We are fortunate to have an active Repair Cafe in the Rivertowns. Generally, every season a Repair Cafe will pop up in one of the Rivertowns - just bring your broken items and leave with a working, viable treasure...and some new friends. If you know how to repair items, contact the local Rivertowns Repair Cafe or the Ardsley CAC and volunteer your expertise and services in this fun community event. 

Reduce and reuse plastic


Plastic is everywhere - including inside of us. It has a dire impact on the environment, wildlife, and people because it never goes away. We are growing islands of plastic waste in the Pacific Ocean and elsewhere. Plastic also contributes significantly to our carbon footprint. Though it may seem impossible to reduce our plastic dependency, it is not.  Just fifty years ago we didn’t need this much plastic. We were fine without it. Be creative. 


Another recent problem with plastic is that China, the world's biggest buyer and processor of recycable material, is no longer accepting plastic. This is causing global plastic crisis and, unfortunately sending much recycable plastic to incinerators and landfills.


There are more sustainable ways to get through our lives.  Here are some simple and easy ways to reduce your use of plastic. Need more ideas?  Here you go! 

Did you know you can recycle your plastic bags and soft plastic product wrappings/film, including dry cleaning bags? Don't send them to a landfill. Though you cannot recycle them through the Ardsley DPW because they require special processing, there are many local establishments, even here in Ardsley, that will take them. Check here to find out who will take your clean plastic bags and plastic film/wrapping. Even better, send your feedback to manufacturers and stores about their excessive use of plastic. Vote with your voice and wallet to change the future.

Don't gift stuff

One of the many sources of unwanted items are gifts. Rather than giving a thing that may or may not be wanted, give an experience or meaningful contribution.  Here are some ideas: