As local partners gear up for our popular Green Fair April 16 – a day where “green” rules and vendors, demos and literature explain why – it’s time we gauge the return on our own green efforts.
Does the library practice what we preach – I mean aside from being Topeka’s No. 1 book recycler?
The library saved 336 hours of energy alone last year by turning the lights off at night one hour earlier. Motion-sensing lights have also been installed in certain areas, and as incandescent bulbs burn out, more energy-efficient light bulbs replace them.
Customers won’t notice, but the heat and air conditioning in the library is on a strict schedule to further reduce our carbon footprint and save money. And, we ration the amount of water our lawn drinks up.
Our crews use “green” cleaning products to reduce the toll on Mother Nature.
We also recycle pop cans, paper, cardboard, copper and other metals.
The Millennium Café uses herbs from its garden right outside the library to provide the flavor you’ve come to expect from its meals. And, grass-fed beef will soon make its way onto the menu.
In addition, many of the craft programs offered to library kids center around recycled materials.
Plus, staff recycles a variety of trash items to use in craft programs.
Our Lawn and Garden neighborhood offers ideas for planting that could help reduce erosion and global warming.
Learn more about the Green Fair and read other “green” blogs here.