FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 18, 2006

Contact:
John Picone
Corporate Communications Manager
(562) 426-9544
 

SCS ENGINEERS OFFERS RECYCLING TIPS IN RECOGNITION OF EARTH DAY

Long Beach - SCS Engineers, an environmental consulting and contracting firm, offers the following tips for consumers to do their part in helping the environment this Earth Day, April 22:

1.  SHOPPING. Everything you buy affects the Earth. “Green purchasing,” or buying things that have a lesser impact on the environment, can allow shoppers like you to make a difference in protecting the planet.  

•   Buy items in bulk or multi-packs, or with packaging that can be recycled. You produce less package waste when you buy items all at once.

•    Buy used merchandise or trade with friends. Instead of buying brand new products, shop at a thrift store, garage sale, or exchange items with friends and family.

•   Combine bags. When shopping at the mall, use one bag for all the purchases instead of getting a new bag at every store.

2.  GARDENING. Managing yard waste generated from landscaping is another way to protect the environment. Grasscycling (the process of leaving clippings on the lawn to enrich the soil beneath it), mulching, and composting can save property owners money and time, and help produce a healthier lawn or garden.

3.  COMMUTING. Long commutes to work are both environmentally and mentally stressful. Finding alternative ways of getting to work can help ease this strain.

•   Carpool. Driving to work with a co-worker not only reduces traffic congestion and improves air quality, it also gives everyday drivers some time to relax during what normally would be a stressful commute alone.

•   Telework. Changing your work hours to outside the normal commuting hours also can help reduce traffic and save time.

4.  IN THE HOME. Properly managing household wastes can help prevent accidents at home, as well as contamination of the environment.

•   Use and store products containing hazardous substances carefully, and never store hazardous products in food containers. This will prevent accidental ingestion and other potential accidents.

•   Repackage corroding containers with clear labels. This will help prevent leakage and contamination, as well as protect sanitation workers. Take household hazardous waste to a local collection program, if available.

•   Never mix household hazardous waste with other products. Contaminated waste may become unrecyclable, or may react unexpectedly. Always follow any instructions for disposal and use provided on the label.

5.  ENERGY CONSERVATION. Conserving energy is another simple way to protect the environment and save money.

•   Buy energy-efficient items. Look for electronics labeled with the ENERGY STAR® logo. This label is on products that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

•   Check for gas-efficiency when purchasing a new vehicle. Hybrid vehicles also are a great way to reduce air pollution and save money on gas.

About SCS Engineers
Since 1970, SCS Engineers has delivered economically and environmentally sound solutions for solid waste management and site remediation projects throughout the world. The award-winning firm provides engineering, construction, and long-term operations and maintenance services to private and public sector clients through a network of 40 offices in 17 states, including company headquarters located at 3900 Kilroy Airport Way, Long Beach, CA 90806. For more information about SCS Engineers, please visit our website at www.scsengineers.com or contact service@scsengineers.com.