By Brandon Hearn

Johnson County Department of Health and Environment wants to wish you a Happy New Year and show you a few ways that you can help the environment all year long by making green New Year’s Resolutions.

Food waste is a growing part of what ends up in the trash, and currently makes up 20% of the Johnson County landfill. Reduce your food waste in 2023 by composting your food scraps and waste.

There are now three companies in Johnson County that will pick up your food waste from your house, retirement community or business and take it away to be composted. These companies are: FoodCycle KC, Compost Collective KC, and KC Can Compost.

“Phantom energy” is used by electronic devices that continue to draw power even though they are “off.” This includes any device with a “standby” or “instant on” setting. According to the Department of Energy, phantom energy can add up to nearly 10% of a household’s monthly electric bill. By using smart power strips or unplugging appliances, when possible, you can save money and energy.

Residents can get involved in green efforts with their city. Leawood, Mission, Overland Park, Prairie Village and Roeland Park have official environmental or sustainability committees that are made up of interested residents and professionals who want to help make their cities more sustainable.

Climate change is a growing issue that is not going away anytime soon. Find out more about how you can help and what Kansas City and Johnson County are doing to reduce the impacts of climate change. Climate Action KC, a non-profit organization doing great things around the city, offers guidance on its website.

Whether it is a beer or wine bottle, pickle jar , candle jar or even a glass cosmetic jar , all of these can be given a second life by recycling with Ripple Glass. The purple glass collection bins are found all around Kansas City and once collected the glass is recycled into new beer bottles for the Boulevard Brewing Company (amber glass) and fiberglass insulation for Owens Corning (all other glass).

Johnson County Government offers a free consulting program that can help you start a recycling, waste reduction or sustainability program. We will work with any business, school, church or even senior living facility in Johnson County.

Recycling is important, but remember to reduce, reuse and then recycle to help our planet during the New Year and all year long.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me at 913-715-6936 or brandon.hearn@jocogov.org or follow us on Facebook at Johnson County Recycles.

Brandon Hearn is environmental health specialist at the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.