News You Can Use

August 1, 2008

Twenty Years of Rewarding Recycling

Twenty years ago, Pennsylvania was about to run out of municipal waste disposal capacity spurring the Republican Senate to draft one the country's most sweeping waste planning and recycling laws.  Fast forward to 2008 and more than 9 million Pennsylvanians in 1,364 communities have recycled over 45.3 million tons of municipal waste since the law was implemented.

The nation's largest mandate for curbside community-based recycling programs is generating both economic and environmental benefits.  Pennsylvanians have recycled the equivalent of nearly two years' worth of municipal waste since the program began in 1988.  More than 3,247 recycling and reuse businesses and organizations with gross annual sales of over $18.4 billion pay $305 million in taxes and supply jobs for more than 81,322 employees on an annual payroll of approximately $2.9 billion.

As if solving the urgent landfill crisis of the late 1980s, cleaning up the environment, and spinning off economic benefits throughout the commonwealth are not enough, roadside littering, according to the PA Department of Transportation, dropped 64 percent between 1988 and 1999.  Program funding of approximately $45-48 million annually is derived from the $2/ton fee assessed on municipal waste disposed of in PA.

Improve the efficiency of your recycling efforts; know what can be recycled in your community.  Contact your county recycling coordinator for efficient recycling practices.

PGC Begins Accepting Doe Applications

The dog days of summer are signaling the time to submit doe license applications to the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC).  All resident antlerless deer license applications must be submitted after August 4, 2008 by first class mail through the U.S. Postal Service, excluding express and priority mail.  Nonresident license applications will not be accepted until August 18.

The PGC has established a new set of procedures for collecting and distributing antlerless deer license applications, including a requirement to send applications to the Game Commission's Harrisburg headquarters via post office boxes for each Wildlife Management Unit (WMU).  The applications will then be distributed to County Treasurers – who are required by law to issue antlerless licenses – based on the percentage of county land contained in the management area.

Ensure adhering to PGC requirements to obtain a doe license by referencing the Commission's Doe License Update webpage for procedural and substantive details.

Responsible Hosting Tips

Summertime is filled with opportunities to entertain family and friends.  Whether you will be planning a large family reunion or a smaller more intimate gathering, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) offers "Responsible Hosting Tips".

Attitudes and current laws mean drinking and driving over the legal limit is now recognized as a serious crime.  The PLCB has developed a series of guidelines to assist social hosts in conducting a safe and successful event:

• Plan activities and encourage everyone to participate.
• Serve plenty of good food, especially dishes that are high in carbohydrates.
• Keep salty foods to a minimum and not in the room where drinks are served
• Alcohol-free beverages should be available and openly visible.
• Set limits on drinking and consider important factors such as weight, gender, and overall health.

The PLCB also encourages locating the bar out of the room where guests will socialize and mingle, requiring them to travel to get a drink when they want one.  Shut down alcohol service at least one hour before ending the party.  Continue to serve food and alcohol-free beverages; consider dessert and coffee service, allowing you to observe behavior for signs of impairment and make preparations for those who should not drive.

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors

The National Weather Service (NWS) reports 24 lightning fatalities have occurred in 18 states during 2008, including a 17 year old Pennsylvanian who had been swimming in a lake at the time of the strike.

Among the common errors in judgment contributing to lightning fatalities is discounting its ability to travel great distances.  Lightning may occur even when it is not raining and no clouds are hovering overhead.  The NWS indicates lightning may strike 10-15 miles from a thunderstorm.  Anvil lightning can strike the ground over 50 miles from the thunderstorm, under extreme conditions.  Reports reveal the bolts have travelled over a 100 miles from a thunderstorm.

In order to dispel the myths related to lightning safety, the NWS offers a myth-busting fact sheet including the one about lightning never striking twice in the same place.  The Empire State Building was once used as a lightning laboratory since it is struck nearly 25 times a year.  The NWS stresses distance and proper shelter are your best protection from lightning.  Tap into a wide selection of lightning-related factsheets, publications and statistics to ensure your family's safety.

Ramp Up Your Home's Security

Whether you will be away vacationing for the week, or just running out the door for work, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) wants to help ramp up your home's security with their brochure, "Home Burglary Prevention Guide".

Statistics reveal burglars break into a house, apartment or condominium every 11 seconds; with 60 percent of residential burglaries occurring during daylight hours.  PSP reports 28 percent of burglaries involved no force with doors or windows left unlocked.

PSP recommends conducting a security evaluation of your home to assist in avoiding becoming a burglary statistic.  Assess the following:

• Do not hide a key in an obvious spot such as under a flower pot.
• Remove tree limbs providing access to second floor windows.
• Maintain a well manicured law.
• Security fencing should not provide a hiding place for burglars.
• Store away implements, such as ladders, screwdrivers, hammers, and pliers that may be useful to a burglar attempting to enter your home.

Burglars tend to avoid neighborhoods that are collectively security-conscious, according to the PSP.  As a result, law enforcement encourages Neighborhood Watch programs and practicing Crime Prevention Techniques.  Contact Troop H at 717-671-7500 and leave a message for the Community Services Officer to start a Neighborhood Watch program or to learn more about protecting your home from burglary.

Sex Offenders Discovered Hiding Behind Social Networking Websites

Popular social networking websites may appear to be safe for teens and young adults but the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (OAG) recommends parents become proactive with their children's internet use.

Following the discovery of nearly 200 registered sex offenders with accounts on one of the most popular social networking sites, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is recommending parents become proactive with their children's internet use.  In opening the lines of communication, the OAG suggests parents ask the following questions, remembering it is not being nosey – it's being a parent:

• What are they doing online?
• What types of sites do they visit?
• To whom are they talking?
• Do they have a profile on a social networking site like MySpace?
• If so, ask them to show you the site.
• Have they posted photos of themselves on a blog or personal webpage?

Internet predators should be reported to the Child Predator Unit at 800-385-1044.