Recycling 101–Composting at Yankee Stadium

Last night I went to the New Yankee Stadium. For over 40 years I saw games at the  “old” Yankee Stadium. I knew the stadium inside and out, so understandably it’s taking me a while to adjust.  Now every time I go,  I see something new. Here’s what happened last night:

I had just finished a hot dog and was going to throw away the napkin and left over bun when I saw three containers marked “Plastic”, “Trash” and “Compost”. OK I was glad to see the New Yankee Stadium is recycling, but I wasn’t sure what went where. I didn’t have plastic so I ruled out that container. But Trash or Compost? What’s compost? I’m a city boy in Yankee Stadium! Perplexed I just threw everything into the trash.

Yankee Stadium Compost

So what is compost? Compost is something my friend has on his farm, but I don’t remember why. And why is it in Yankee Stadium? This required an internet search. I want to be ready next time I go to a game.

About.com defines compost as “the end product of the decomposition of organic matter. Organic matter includes: garden waste, kitchen scraps, manure, leaves, grass clippings, straw… There are many methods of composting, but all organic matter will eventually decompose, with or without our help.”

The Horticulture Dept at Texas A&M says ”compost can be made out of leaves, grass clippings, vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds and filters, tea bags, wood chips, straw, and small twigs.”

The free dictionary.com calls it “a mixture of decaying organic matter, as from leaves and manure, used to improve soil structure and provide nutrients.”

So the best I can figure this out, any left over food goes into the compost bin, assuming you didn’t sneak in any leaves or grass clippings with you at Yankee Stadium. I’m no expert but why don’t they just say that? “Trash” “Plastic” “Leftover food.” compost, recycling, compost, recycling, compost, recycling, compost, recycling, compost, recycling, compost, recycling, compost, recycling, compost, recycling, Yankee Stadium, Yankee Stadium, compost, recycling, compost, recycling, compost, recycling, compost, recycling,Yankee Stadium, Yankee Stadium

Tags: environment by Jay Stuart
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Let’s declare war on disease

For some reason a large minority of people across the country are unwilling to spend taxpayer money on programs that “promote the general welfare,” (remember that phrase from the constitution?) but will appropriate billions for war. For example the Korean war cost $454 billion*, Vietnam war cost $698 billion*, the first Gulf War $100 billion*, and the War on Terror (includes Iraq, Afghanistan and counter terrorism)  has cost nearly 1 trillion dollars since 9/11.

Just calling something a “War” gets it significant appropriations. More than 30 years ago President Nixon declared a “War on Drugs.” Today we are still fighting it at an “official” cost of approximately $13 billion a year in this decade alone (unofficial estimates are significantly higher). The majority of this money goes towards law enforcement.

But try to get money for health care  or education and the right wing throws a hissy fit. So let’s scrap “health reform” and declare War on Disease; forget education and “no child left behind” and declare War on Stupidity. maybe then they will get the funding they deserve!

* Adjusted for inflation

Tags: Health, Humor, Medicine, National Issues, Politics by Jay Stuart
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How to Dispose of Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) has unquestionably helped to significantly lower my electric bill, possibly as much as 25%. What’s more they come with a 5 year guarantee if they fail. So it seemed like a no lose situation to switch over. The problem is you need to save your receipt, which of course I did not. So when one bulb recently went out I needed throw it away. But how? [Read more →]

Tags: Economy, Energy, Renewable energy by Jay Stuart
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Palin’s Farewell?

Among all the fireworks I saw this past weekend, the one that fizzled out most was Sarah Palin’s Farewell address or whatever that was or supposed to be. For someone who claims that her “decision has been in the works for a while. In fact, this decision comes after much consideration, prayer and consideration” it sounded like an ill prepared off the cuff speech. More so was the breathless, panicky tone of her voice which sounded like someone who is hiding something.

I was particularly struck by one reason Palin offered for quitting now and not finishing her term: [Read more →]

Tags: National Issues, Politics by Jay Stuart
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