Sustainability.
Being outdoors is so important not only to our well-being but also for taking advantage of our resources in a safe and sustainable way. Today more than ever it is important to take steps towards being more sustainable and resourceful so we can protect and conserve the Hudson Valley for everyone to enjoy. By taking a hike on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, or biking across the Mid-Hudson Bridge everyone contributes to enjoying the outdoors and being sustainable. By re-establishing our connection with nature and the beauty of being outdoors, we inspire ourselves and others to practice sustainability and protect the environment. Although, it is not every day we have time to go explore a new bike trail or ski a new mountain, here are some things to help you live a more sustainable lifestyle.
Bike
Instead of taking the train, bus, or car, ride a bike. Riding a bike emits almost no harmful emissions into the environment and has many benefits for your physical and mental health. In NYC Citi Bike is very popular and easy to use through an app on your phone. Using the app you pick up a bike and drop it off at different locations. The Greenway Path, as well as bike paths throughout Central Park and the city streets, have made biking safer and easier for commuting and enjoyment.
Compost
Compost your waste. While it might be easy to compost when you live in the suburbs and have an easy place to compost your waste, it is not as simple in NYC. However, many buildings and organizations have tackled this problem by creating a place for many residents to bring their waste to be composted. The NYC Department of Sanitation has locations in all boroughs where you can bring your waste and if you are so passionate about composting, and have an outdoor space you can start your own drop-off compost where people can bring waste to you.
Cleanup
Organize to clean up your local park, or street by picking up trash. Often in big parks around NYC, there are scheduled cleanups where you go with a group and help clean your community. Whether it is your trash or your neighbors if we all clean up we learn to practice sustainability while beautifying our community.
Repurpose
Donate your equipment or take advantage of gear swaps. If you are no longer able to use your equipment there is a good chance someone else will. Many ski organizations hold gear swaps where you can bring gently used equipment, or last season’s equipment in for someone else to use. This is a great way to keep your equipment and the Earth sustainable while getting some new gear.
Donate
Donate or repurpose your clothes and books. Organizations like Housing Works and Salvation army offer arrangements where they will pick up clothes and other goods. In addition Hospitals, homeless shelters, and even schools often are in need of books. Donating your books is not only sustainable but is a great way to reuse important resources.
Reuse
Bring your own reusable bag when you go shopping. Today, many places have a small fee if you don’t bring a bag to most stores. Save five cents and plastic waste by reusing shopping bags and bringing them with you.