As the warm weather creeps closer, those campgrounds and trails start beckoning. But planning for outdoor season isn’t just a matter of making sure there’s enough room for tents, bear lockers are shipshape and trails are maintained.
In this age of eco-friendliness, parks play a huge role in two ways: ensuring some of our most prized national treasures stay clean and clear of litter, and setting an example for the non-protected spaces of our country … and world. Sustainability efforts at national parks are therefore critical, and the first step in living these values is to ensure people have easy access to a variety of trash and recycling receptacles.
Parks: An Endangered Species
The national parks, while they represent part of our country set aside for wildlife preservation, are still far from safe. According to the National Park Foundation, “The national parks face many threats, from dangers like climate change to the continued depletion of their natural resources. Through your support, our programs will protect our special places as we work to preserve our country’s greatest collection of natural, historic, and cultural treasures.”
Smart Park Sustainability
It’s up to everyone to do their part for a sustainable future. There are many approaches to this being used by most parks, including limiting the numbers of people on trails as well as paving them to prevent erosion. Many parks are also incorporating solar power in their buildings, as well as green wastewater systems.
It also means every park should provide outdoor recycling bins and public trash receptacles, and every camper should endeavor to use them each and every time they set foot in a park. Parks are also increasingly reaching out to experts on the subject, such as Subaru, which is known for being the first zero-waste car manufacturer.
Clean Up the Parks!
We can take a cue from such organizations as Shenandoah National Park and Zion National Park for how to build programs that work. For instance, Zion makes an effort to use only a limited number of bins, all of which have clear purposes. Otherwise consumers get confused and end up throwing their refuse in the wrong bins, which can ruin batches of recycling and be counterproductive. Or they just leave it on the ground.
Moreover, Zion advises placing clear signs near recycling stations telling visitors what exactly can be recycled. Proper placement of those stations in high-traffic areas such as campsites and near visitor centers, and making them visible from a distance, will also help. And Shenandoah advises going beyond typical recycling practices and making sure to properly dispose of batteries, for instance, so they too can be recycled.
Find the Recycling Solution You Need
Recycle Away is one of the best sources for durable, attractive and weather-resistant recycling bins & containers for parks, plazas, playgrounds and recreation centers. Call us today at 800-664-5340 if you would like to learn more about the best solutions for protecting your park. We would be happy to design a customized solution for you and help you do your part in keeping Mother Nature green … for good.