Warm weather has arrived, kids are out of school for the summer, and it’s a great time to be thinking about how you can live more sustainably this season. One great way to get started is by reducing energy usage from air conditioning. You can make your AC more efficient in lots of ways:
- Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day and turn off the AC and open the windows at night.
- Use ceiling fans while you’re in a room but turn them off when you leave– they make you cooler when you’re there but just waste energy when you’re not.
- Avoid indoor heat sources by skipping the oven or dryer during the hot part of the day.
Other seasonal tips include ditching single-use plastics at summer events, using a refillable water bottle, and watering your grass only in the early morning or late evening to prevent waste through rapid evaporation. Click HERE for some summer sustainability tips for your closet, and while you’re at it, check out these great recycling tips from a SWACO dad.
Get Up To $50,000 For Your Organization!
SWACO is now accepting applications for Community Waste Reduction Grants and you could get funding to help your organization meet its sustainability goals and cut waste in our community.
Each year, local governments and nonprofit organizations including cities, townships, villages, parks, K-12 schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and faith-based organizations all receive funding for projects to cut waste and make our community more sustainable. Click below to learn more. Applications are due August 7th, 2026.
Upcoming Events
Composting 101 Webinar
Want to keep your food scraps out of the landfill but not sure how to get started? Join us for Composting 101, a free one-hour webinar on June 17th to learn about the basics of turning food scraps and yard waste into a valuable resource at home, from backyard piles, bins, and tumblers to worm bins, community programs, and drop-off options. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your knowledge, there’s a composting method for everyone!
Free Landfill Tour
Did you know that you can tour the landfill? Join us on Saturday, September 12th for a fun and informative tour of the landfill to learn all about how SWACO safely manages all of our community’s waste, as well as some of the actions that you can take to help reduce your reliance on the landfill by reusing, recycling, and composting. This free tour takes about an hour and a half, and is open to any Franklin County resident. Click below to register today!
Sustainable Summer Events
Each year, SWACO supports events throughout the community by providing waste sorting and disposal stations through the Container Loan Program so that attendees can enjoy these events responsibly. When you attend one of these events, you’re not only in for a good time, but you’re also helping to keep central Ohio clean and green. Click below to find a participating Container Loan Program event near you this summer!
