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Don't dispose of medicine in the toilet

9/12/2025

It’s easy to properly dispose of unused medicine--police stations throughout Delaware County, including Swarthmore’s, have permanent medicine drop boxes that are accessible 24 hours a day. Do not flush medicines down the toilet.

Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to potential accidental poisoning, misuse, and overdose. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment.

Read more at PA.gov

Photo of Medicine drop box at Swarthmore police station by Susan O'Donnell

No oil or grease down the drain

9/5/2025

Collect leftover cooking oil in a sealed container. If you pour it down the sink, even a small amount, “fatbergs” can form that stick to your pipes and lead to blockages. If you have a septic tank, the results are riskier.

The problem goes beyond having a blockage in your own pipes. Your oil or grease combines with all the other oil and grease floating around in the sewer. When it meets “flushable” wipes and other products, a lethal bond is formed. It may not seem like a big deal to pour a little grease down the sink from time to time, but it becomes a major issue when everyone else is doing the same. The removal of fatbergs costs cities tremendous resources.

Read more at earth911

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Recycle clothing, even in poor condition

8/29/2025

Imperfect clothing, textiles, and scraps can be confidently donated to The Wardrobe in Upper Darby for their upcycling initiatives. Their mission is combating clothing insecurity.

Keep those items out of the waste stream and donate items in good shape, as well. Simply separate the imperfect items and scraps into their own bag or box. Local news outlets recently celebrated The Wardrobe for 30 years of success and growth in its outreach.

Read more here:
https://careerwardrobe.org/get-involved/clothing-donations/
https://careerwardrobe.org/faq/

Preheat gas grill no more than 10 minutes

8/15/2025

When grilling outdoors this summer preheat the gas grill for no more than 10 minutes. Any longer than that wastes gas.

To minimize fuel use when using your gas grill, preheat for no more than 10 minutes. To make sure that you are ready to cook when the grill is sufficiently heated, prep your food before lighting the grill and set a timer to remind you when to start.

Water plants with water from dehumidifier reservoir

8/8/2025

Reduce your municipal water usage by watering plants with water generated by your dehumidifier.

If you run a dehumidifier to keep your basement less humid throughout the summer, you could be producing a gallon or so of water daily that can be useful in your garden. The water collected by your dehumidifier is a great water source for your plants! Fill your watering can every time you empty the reservoir. Reduce your municipal water use by taking advantage of this source of water.

Keep AC unit unblocked

7/25/2025

Your outdoor AC unit will work more efficiently if the area within two feet around it is kept clear of vegetation and debris that could block air flow.

Clear vegetation within two feet of your outdoor AC unit and clean debris from the interior and exterior of the unit. If airflow is obstructed, the unit will have to work harder, using more energy and driving up your electric bills. Leaves and grass clippings can also cause damage leading to costly repairs and shortening the life of the system.

Water outdoor plants in the morning

7/18/2025

Water outdoor plants in the early morning or late afternoon for better plant health and to minimize water lost to evaporation.

The best time to water your outdoor plants is in the early morning between 5:00-9:00 AM. This gives the water time to soak into the soil and time for the leaves to dry off, preventing the development of fungal diseases. Evening watering is also beneficial for minimizing evaporation, but it is best to use a soaker hose or drip irrigation at this time of day because when the foliage stays wet overnight, the plants are susceptible to diseases. Avoid watering in the middle of the day when more water will be wasted due to evaporation.

For more information, see Better Homes & Gardens

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Beans instead of beef

7/11/2025

Beans, a superstar food, ward off hunger as well as beef, according to a new study using breakfast tortillas. Consider the option of mixing the two together.

Beans and other legumes are superstars, easy on the planet and packed with nutrients, fiber, and protein. A new study shows they ward off hunger as well as beef. Consider the option of mixing the two together.

Read more here.

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Plan ahead to reduce single-use plastics

7/4/2025

Since 2011, the Plastic Free July movement encourages us to build new habits, such as carrying a kit for leftovers when we go out.
Americans go through five pounds of plastic a week. The Plastic Free July movement was founded in 2011 aiming to engage people to reduce single-use plastic use as well as push for systemic change. Reducing plastic use requires more planning and the changes that stick are the ones that work with your current lifestyle.
Photo by Susan O'Donnell
Read more at NPR.org

Fiber reduces PFAS

6/27/2025

Eating more fiber can reduce the levels of two common PFAS or “forever chemicals” in both children and adults, finds a new study in the journal Environmental Health.

Forever chemicals are present in the blood of almost everyone on the planet, with growing concerns about their toxicity. Researchers hypothesized that a gel formed by dietary fiber could stop the gut’s cell lining from absorbing PFAS.

Photo by Susan O'Donnell

Read more at Ecowatch.com

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