The Horse:Your Guide To Equine Health Care provides monthly equine health care information to horse owners, breeders, veterinarians, barn/farm managers, trainer/riding instructors, and others involved in the hands-on care of the horse.
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45 February 2016 THE HORSE TheHorse.com T he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that the aver- age person generates more than 4 pounds of trash each day, amounting to about 1.5 tons of solid waste per year. It also estimates that 75% of the waste that goes into trash cans is recyclable, but we only recycle about 30% of it. Horse owners aren't exempt from these statistics. Think of how many water bottles you've tossed after riding on a hot day or how many plastic shavings bags you've stuffed in the trash. Fortunately, it doesn't take much to make a few eco- friendly changes to your equine lifestyle. In this article we'll discuss what and how you can recycle and reuse for a greener barn. Set Up a Recycling System First things first: Encourage a more recycling-minded atmosphere at your barn, regardless of whether it's your two- stall personal barn or a large commercial boarding facility. And your efforts will be much more effective if they're well- thought-out and organized. "The most important part of setting up a good recycling system is to designate a 'recycling person in charge' who is really passionate about saving the world," says Barbara G. Crabbe, DVM, of Pacific Crest Sporthorse Equine Veterinary Services, in Beavercreek, Oregon. Her practice made the commitment to "go green" in 2009, and she's since set up an extensive recycling program for the clinic. "For me, reminding my employees constantly about how important it is to our practice is huge. I actually dig through the trash when I see things that could be recycled, hunt down whoever put it in there, and tell them where it should go," adding that, yes, her colleagues sometimes fondly call her crazy. "For nonprivate barn owners, this would mean communicating with board- ers and trainers about mak- ing recycling a priority," she says. Start small, and remem- ber that convenience is key. Most people won't seek out a recycling bin if a garbage can is nearby, says Crabbe. Place a recycling bin next to every trash can clearly labeled with what should go where. "Pick a couple of key items you hope to recycle so it won't be overwhelming," she says. Start with easy-to- collect glass, cans, bottles, plastic feed bags, and scrap metal. "It can grow from there," Crabbe adds, "and soon you'll find yourself asking whether something can be recycled every time you start to toss it in the trash. It is amazing how often the answer is yes." If you live in an area that offers curbside recycling, then the next step is easy. Simply collect all your recy- clables in a bin that's picked up with your weekly garbage service. Otherwise, you might need to haul them to a designated facility. Setting up an organized area with separate bins for different types of items makes the occasional delivery on your way into town easy, says Crabbe. What You Can Recycle or Reuse The list of recyclables goes well beyond soda cans, newspapers, and water bottles. Chances are your barn is overflowing with materials you never even knew you could recycle. "Common items that can be recycled in a barn? Almost everything!" says Crabbe. "A few surprise items are baling twine, broken plastic apple-picker forks, and almost any old bucket. Any and all wood products (even yard debris) can usually be recycled." Your local facility might be able to recycle plastic wrap from baled shavings as well as plastic feed bags. And you can EQUINOMICS ALEXANDRA BECKSTETT TheHorse.com/Equinomics Recycling on the Farm Reuse wooden pallets for storing equipment and stacking things such as hay off the ground. Weld a water hose rack out of thrown horse shoes. ALAYNE BLICKLE How to set up a farm-friendly recycling system, as well as reuse common materials around the barn JENNIFER WHITTLE