Even if an item can be accepted for recycling, using something once and then throwing it away is still creating waste and using resources. With the Super Bowl and Valentine's Day occurring one day apart, waste generation is expected to increase this weekend. Residents are reminded to first reduce, then reuse, and finally recycle right.
Valentine's Day Facts
According to Hallmark.com, approximately 145 million Valentine's Day cards are exchanged industry-wide, making Valentine's Day the second-largest holiday for giving greeting cards. The National Retail Federation projects spending for Valentine's Day 2022 will reach $23.9 billion this year, up from $21.8 billion in 2021.Super Bowl Facts
Per the National Retail Federation, total spending for food, drinks, apparel, decorations, etc. for Super Bowl 2022 is expected to reach $14.6 billion. An estimated 79% will go toward food and beverage purchases. Super Bowl Sunday is the second-largest U.S. food "holiday" of the year. Thanksgiving is the first. However, unlike Thanksgiving, Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most popular days of the year to order takeout. Pizza and potato chips are among the top food choices. How can we reduce waste?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advocates that the best way to manage our waste stream is through waste reduction and reuse. Here are some helpful tips and reminders:
Valentine's Day
Skip the card. Express your words of love in person, video chat, phone call, or via text. If you do buy a card, skip on the non-paper embellishments like glitter, feathers, plastic add-ons, foil, etc. These items unfortunately make the card no longer recyclable. Keep the joy all year. Instead of fresh cut flowers, gift a living plant. Your loved one will enjoy its beauty year-round. Gift from the heart. Kids can repurpose materials to craft a gift. Give the gift of experience. Visit a museum, attend a performing arts event, have a romantic picnic in the park or a night under the stars. Show love for the Earth. Sustainable Valentine's Day tips and creative ideas can be found at www.mesaaz.gov/residents/sustainability.Super Bowl
Minimize the use of single-serving and single-use products. Use reusable partyware. Reduce the amount of plastic cups, paper plates and utensils that end up in the landfill by using reusable ones instead. Buy in bulk where it makes sense. Instead of single-serving soda containers, buy 2-liter bottles to reduce product packaging. Host a potluck. Ask guests to bring their favorite homemade Super Bowl food in a reusable dish. Avoid wishful recycling. Pizza boxes and potato bag chip bags are not accepted for recycling. Pizza boxes are too greasy and interfere with the recycling process. The same goes for paper plates, cups, and napkins.Need help recycling right? Multiple Valley cities have joined together and now include a Recycle Right Wizard online search tool on their municipality's websites to help residents become better recyclers. Visit www.MesaRecycles.org.
Contact: Mariano Reyes
Tel. 480-644-5005
mariano.reyes@mesaaz.gov