Hello Lansdownians,
Happy summertime! Here are some timely reminders.
YARD WASTE WEDS
Finally, this Wednesday is Yard Waste Wednesday here in Lansdowne. It’s been 3 weeks instead of the usual 2 between collections, and I think many of us have cans and bags flowing over by now. So gather it all up and get it to the curb bright and early Wednesday morning. Sticks should be bundled and tied.
GRASS CUTTINGS
Yup, grass cuttings can go in with Yard Waste, but the best thing to do environmentally is to let the cuttings lie on top of your grass. It helps to feed and regenerate your lawn. But if it’s been a while between mowings, don’t let big clumps sit there as they’ll kill the grass underneath.
AT THE CURB, NOT IN THE STREET
Whether you put grass clippings in with Yard Waste or let them lie on the grass, one place they shouldn’t go is in the street. Please, please do not blow your clippings into the street – they flow down the street in the rain and clog our old sewers causing real problems. If you use a lawn service, please tell the crew cutting and taking care of your lawn not to blow the clippings into the street. It isn’t just the wrong thing to do, there’s an ordinance against it.
REALLY? LEAVES IN SUMMER?
Yup, there are some trees that drop their lovely little leaves this time of year. As everyone knows, the Borough has a big leaf truck that goes down all of our streets in the Fall and sweeps up leaves — but it’s not Fall now, so if your leaves have fallen on your property or out in your street, you need to collect them and put them in your Yard Waste.
MOSQUITOES
It’s that time of year, and the mosquitoes are biting. To avoid West Nile disease (which has already been detected in PA), make sure there isn’t standing water around your house. Something even as small as a dish will allow the critters to spawn, so we all need to be vigilant. Some classic spots to look: your recycling bin, a flat garage roof that isn’t draining resulting in a small, still lake, trash can tops, empty flower pots, toys, swimming pools, etc.
JULY 4TH CELEBRATION
Okay, this has nothing to do with Lansdowne environment news, but I can’t resist putting in a strong plug for donating to the Union Athletic Association to support the 4th of July in Lansdowne. The parade, the games, the water ice, the music, the fire works — none of this is paid for by Borough taxes, but by direct contributions to the Union AA, which produces the event. So please dig deep when someone comes to your house to collect, or you get the flyer in the mail. Even if you’re going to be out of town for the 4th, please make a contribution so the kids and everyone in Lansdowne can enjoy this great day. To order tickets or make a contribution by phone please call Helen Bowes at 610.284-1433.
Stay cool, and hope to see you at the Farmer’s Market!
Barbara
Barbara Silzle
Lansdowne Borough Council
Chair, Environment Committee