Environment Day Coming Up This Weekend in Hillburn

The Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority will host its Sixth Annual Environmental Day, “Living Green in Rockland,” at their facilities in Hillburn this weekend, Sunday, June 7 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The event will feature over 40 exhibitors showcasing their environmental programs, products and services and will include tours of Rockland’s Recycling and Environmental Education Center.  Families receive a reusable tote bag with environmental products and information.  Part of the day’s offerings will be the Annual Rockland Recycles Awards ceremony.

Activities include an organic plant sale, how-to demonstrations, and chances to win a mulching lawn mower, rain barrels, compost bins and other prizes. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.  “See the Flight of the Raptor show, Radio Control Airplane simulators, and learn about Rockland services at the County’s Fire Prevention and Command Center Vehicles,” says Kerri Scales, Education Coordinator.

Kids will enjoy live music with Danna Banana and his band, a balloon artist, kids yoga, and a face painting station, among others.  They can meet the Plastic Bag Monster and plant-a-seed.  “Kids and adults alike will enjoy the interactive Education Center, where we see where our garbage goes and how much of it we typically generate, how recycling really works, how to compost and to properly dispose of household hazardous materials, and other important issues affecting our environment, such as energy and water quality,” Scales said.

Each year the Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority recognizes excellence on the part of businesses, institutions, schools and organizations for managing successful recycling and waste prevention or reduction programs through the Annual Rockland Recycles Awards Program. With over 30 awards presented to date, these awardees represent large and small businesses, public and private institutions, municipalities and schools. This year RCSWA is honoring Suffern Middle School Green Team, Dominican Sisters Convent of Sparkill, and Bloomberg LP.”

“Many people are unaware of all the services provided to them by the Solid Waste Authority,” said Scales. Since its creation in 1994, the Authority has been working to achieve a coordinated approach to managing waste generated by residents, businesses, schools and municipalities.  “We have an extensive education and outreach initiative to help disseminate this information to the public, which is one of the reasons we host this event each year. I hope you’ll come and spend the day with your friends and family and learn what Rockland has to offer in the way of green resources and programs. It’s a fun way to celebrate ‘all things green!’  See how you can help achieve our goal of maximized waste reduction and diversion, thereby decreasing our impact on the Earth and our environment.”  Now there’s a cause worth celebrating.

Cost? Free. Rain or shine. Location:  Torne Valley Road, Hillburn. Visit  Rocklandrecycles.com.