In an effort to help businesses, schools and organizations with recycling, The Coca-Cola Company and Keep America Beautiful, Inc. (KAB) launched a new grassroots Recycling Bin Grant Program on February 1, that will provide both recycling bins and KAB guidance for setting up an efficient workplace recycling program. The grant program is part of a $60 million investment by The Coca-Cola Company in recycling initiatives. To submit a grant request online visit bingrant.org through March 12, 2010.Grants will be selected on or before April 22, 2010.

Greener at the Grocer

Green grocery-shopping is about choices. With good planning and small changes, it will save time, cash and gas, and it’s kinder to the planet. Simple stuff first: 1- Bring your reusable bags with you. If you don’t have cloth, save the plastic ones, store and bring them back for future trips. 2-Always make a thorough list to prevent multiple car trips to the store. Next, shop primarily in the store’s perimeter where you’ll find the freshest goods with the least packaging. Fruits and vegetables for example, require much less energy to produce than meats and create less waste. When possible, purchase organic foods, which are free of pesticides. Opt for locally-made and grown to reduce harmful emissions associated with transporting them over long distances. Also look for product labels which includes words like “biodegradable” and “compostable” indications that the product’s packaging was made responsibly.

Next time you are headed west on the LIRR, skip the paper schedule and get updates on train times via your phone. Text your origin station and destination to 266266