Thrifting For Zero Waste In Las Cruces
By Shelby Kapp and Suzanne Michaels
Courtesy of krwg.org
A Las Cruces thrift store has been recognized by the Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce as one of the 2017 top environmentally sustainable businesses in town.
Green Chamber President and CEO Carrie Hamblen says, “We launched the Sustainable Business Recognition Program in partnership with the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) to honor businesses in the community that implement zero waste practices.” Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary Thrift Store at 840 El Paseo Road was awarded third place, out of the fourteen businesses that submitted applications.
Safe Haven raises funds for the Safe Haven Animal sanctuary – a no-kill zone that shelters abused and abandoned animals, until they can be placed in new, loving homes. While carrying out its mission, the Thrift Store has worked hard to be a no-waste zone.
Store manager Cassandra Lockwood explains the store fills a large recycling dumpster weekly with cardboard, paper products, plastic, and shredded paper, and notes, “Volunteers and customers collect and sell aluminum and tin cans usually once a month. We welcome can donations at all times! We use that as an additional way of funding the animal sanctuary.”
She adds, “The store now has more than fifty volunteers who make sure that nothing that comes to the store goes to waste.” In thrift stores everything being sold has been preowned, and is being given a second life. Even though not all donations make the cut to be sold, volunteers have found ways to put everything to good use.
Volunteer Juan Carrillo, senior work program participant, says, “All unsold or unusable electronics are recycled.” Worn towels donated by customers are used for cleaning at the thrift store and at the animal sanctuary. Broken eye glasses are passed along to be repaired and reused; unsold greeting cards are donated to elementary schools to be used for crafts or letters. Partial containers of cleaning supplies are used to clean the store.
If you have a sustainable business and would like to apply for the 2018 Sustainable Business Awards, the self-nominating period will be open November 15 (America Recycles Day) through December 31st. For more information contact the Las Cruces Green Chamber at (575) 323-1575 or carrie@locallascruces.com.
Green Connections is submitted by the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA), managing recyclables, solid waste, and fighting illegal dumping for residents and businesses in the City of Las Cruces and Doña Ana County. You can reach the SCSWA at (575) 528-3800 or visit www.SCSWA.net
Dogs versus Cats – Which One is Right for You
by: Jessica Brody
Dogs versus Cats. It is a question that has been asked for centuries; which one makes the better pet, a dog or a cat? The answer is…both. Cats and dogs usually rank in the top five on almost all of the most-popular-pets-to-own surveys conducted around the world. In some parts of the world, cats come out ahead, while in others, dogs take the lead. And it’s no surprise that those two furry creatures are so highly regarded, as cats and dogs happen to be pretty awesome creatures. In fact, you would be lucky to call either one of them your fur-baby.
Studies show that owning either a cat or a dog can significantly improve the quality of your life. The simple act of loving on your pet can help decrease stress levels while aiding the release of good mood endorphins. Playing with your fur-baby can help strengthen your muscles and lower your risk for heart disease, and tending to your pet’s needs can help motivate you and ease loneliness. So, the question shouldn’t be which one is the better pet, but, which one makes the better pet for you?
Cats versus dogs, the decision of which one to choose should be largely influenced by your lifestyle; it should be influenced by your finances, the size of your home, the other people living in your home and your available time. Although they’re in constant competition with each other, cats and dogs are very different animals; dogs are needier, while cats are more self-sufficient. Dogs tend to be more social, while cats are more introverted. Dogs require more space and more out-of-pocket expenses, while cats are more budget-friendly. However, both animals are smart, compassionate, and loyal.
Dogs require more attention, walks, exercise and enough room to play; if you can offer this, then a pooch might be the right choice for you. And if you happen to have a busier schedule, you can always hire a dog walker or a pet sitter to take over when you can’t be there. Dogs also require grooming, vet care, and high-quality food to stay healthy, and these requirements can add up financially, so take that into consideration before you make the final decision.
The upside to owning a cat over a dog is that you don’t have to walk it; however, you do have to clean their litter box regularly. Cats also like to scratch, so scratching posts should be made available in multiple areas in the house. As mentioned earlier, cats tend to be a little more reserved, and most cats only come out to socialize on their own terms. If that is what you are looking for, then a cat might be the right choice for you.
After you have decided between a cat or a dog, you then it’s time to narrow down your choice of breed. All breeds of cats and dogs have different personality traits, so it’s up to you to research to which breed suits you best. If you have small children in the house, you will need to take that into consideration. Also, you will need to take your age and mobility into account as well. Once you have determined the ideal breed of cat or dog for your needs, considering looking for your new furry friend in shelters and rescue organizations, instead of at pet shops.
You want your new friend to become part of your family; therefore, it’s important that you show your cat or dog lots of love and affection and they will selflessly give you the same in return.