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September 2009 News
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Falling leaves.
Even though we're still enjoying the last days of summer, we can already
see the first signs of autumn, one of the most beautiful times of the year
here in the Pacific Northwest. The leaves are turning color and starting
to fall, which means it's time to break out that leaf rake. Please do your
part to keep your yard looking neat and to prevent clogs in gutters and
drains.
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Green Tip O'The Month! Clothes hangers seem pretty harmless, don't
they? Chances are, we don't think twice about how many we use, nor
pitching them when they're no longer useful or we have too many of them.
But did you know that
8 to 10
billion plastic and wire hangers are manufactured every year, and only
about 15% of those ever get recycled? That's a lot of hangers! In fact,
it's enough to fill the Empire State Building...four times!
They're not easily recycled, either. Plastic hangers are often made of
different types of plastics that make them hard to separate, and wire
hangers often get mangled into a knot that gums up the works at a
recycling plant (and plastic hangers do this, too). Which doesn't mean you
shouldn't recycle them, but a better answer is to reduce your use of them
and reuse them as much as possible.
Give them to your local second-hand store where they can be used for
merchandise or given/sold to folks who need them. (And when you need more
hangers, buy them at a second-hand store instead of buying them brand
new.) Dry cleaning vendors can also make use of them. Or look up some good
craft projects for the kids that make use of old hangers. There are even
biodegradable hangers made of
corn
and
wheat and
recycled paper. You might even consider folding more of your clothes
or better yet, cleaning out your closet and getting rid of some clothes
altogether....
Check out our
Sustainability page for more tips on how easy it is being
green!
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Let there be light! If you observe
any streetlights or common area lights that aren't working in your
community, please notify your community manager so they can get that light
working again.
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Seasonal Maintenance. Now is a good time to get started on that Fall
Maintenance Checklist, while the weather is warm enough to make working
outside pleasant. Not sure what you need to get done during this season?
Here are some helpful tips:
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Have your furnace cleaned and inspected by a qualified technician
annually.
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Keep all flammable materials, including all lawn and power equipment, away
from water heaters and wiring in the basement, utility rooms and garage.
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Insulate exposed water pipes in areas exposed to cold temperatures and
turn up the thermostat during extra cold periods.
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Check for damage to your roof, and clean gutters and downspouts to keep
debris from accumulating. This is especially important during the fall
season to keep leaves from building up in gutters.
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Check the caulking around doors and windows for deterioration.
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Check caulking around showers, bathtubs, sinks and toilet base, and make
repairs as needed.
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Have your chimney cleaned and maintained annually by a professional.
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Clean and/or replace your furnace filter.
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Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct and space under the dryer. Remove all
lint, dust, and pieces of material or cloth.
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Check your electrical outlets for potential fire hazards such as frayed
wires or loose fitting plugs. Be sure not to overload electrical outlets,
fuse boxes, extension cords or any other power service.
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Keep a multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible that is filled and ready
for operation.
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Inspect your smoke detectors. Make sure that there is one on each floor of
your home. Test them and change the battery as needed.
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Thinking about exterior improvements? With the warmer weather, why
not take advantage of it with a little work on the yard and house? It's the perfect
time for that summer landscaping or home improvement project. Just don't forget to submit your project for
ARC approval.
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