Residents of Howland Township are being urged to become a part of the community's ''Going Green'' program.
Residents are encouraged to ''think green - act green - go green,'' as part of the township's long-term comprehensive plan that will create a community with a sustainable future and a high quality of life.
As part of the plan to establish itself as a healthy place to grow, the township will kick off with a first day of spring Community Shred from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the gazebo parking lot.
Residents can bring two large trash bags of paper to be shredded. All paper will be recycled to make things like paper plates, paper towel, toilet tissue and other products. Protect-N-Shred will be handling the shredding. There is no charge to residents for the service.
On March 27, Trumbull Geauga Solid Waste District will retain Great East Metals to be at the gazebo parking lot for Electronic Recycling Day. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., computers, keyboards, small appliances and other small electronic devices will be accepted for recycling. All parts will be reused and recycled. Great East Metals provides certified destruction of computer hard drives.
Residents also are encouraged to take part in a community garage sale April 9 and 10. Anyone scheduling garage sales on those days will not be required to pay for a permit. The township will handle all advertising and provide a listing in area newspapers of all residents' garage sales to encourage people to shop in Howland on those days.
April 17 is the township's Earth Day Celebration at the gazebo park. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be held at the administration building. Vendors, activities for children and more will be presented for the public.
The ''Going Green'' program is partnered with Howland Local Schools. Throughout the month and prior to all activities, schools will be promoting the township recycling program, holding contests and encouraging residents to make a difference.
Part of the schools' promotion program included students painting rain barrels, which will be on display beginning March 20. A silent auction will be held throughout the month and rain barrels will be awarded to the highest bidders during the Earth Day celebration.
Residents also are encouraged to sign up for curbside recycling with Allied Waste. Sign up cards are in the lobby of the administration building. If 5,000 residents take part in the program, Allied Waste has agreed to pick up leaves for recycling free of charge, saving the township $50,000.