Governments around the world are becoming aware and, in turn, making others aware of the necessity of recycling and going green. A large push is made annually in the weeks after Christmas, when thousands of homes house dying Christmas trees. In days of old, people just left their trees out with the trash. In today’s day and age, however, local and state governments are urging homeowners to recycle their trees and keep the planet healthy.
Right after Christmas New York held their annual Mulchfest, where people were able to drop their trees off at numerous parks around the city and have them ground into mulch chips. Other states and counties are following suit. The Coloradoan reports that January 17 is the deadline for homeowners to recycle trees. Residents are asked to remove all ornaments, lights, strings, wires, fake snow etc. before taking the tree to one of the drop-off points. The city will process the trees into mulch for gardening and landscaping purposes, which will be free for the public in the spring at Larimer County Landfill. At the Hamilton-Wenham Green, one dollar from each tree recycled will go to help local charities, a way to pass on the goodwill.
Old Christmas trees are turned into wood mulch for gardening, but using rubber mulch is also an eco-friendly way to garden and floor playgrounds. Rubber tire mulch is made from tires that have breathed their last breaths. Another form of recycling, rubber mulch has many excellent uses, and is just as eco-friendly as the wood chips that are made out of Christmas trees.
While the majority of the government sponsored programs that recycle used Christmas trees turn them into mulch, some cities have other ideas. In St. Louis, for example, the trees are drowned in marked areas of lakes. The trees on the bottoms of the lakes become homes for thousands of fish for years to come, providing protection from predators and a gathering place for fish to feed and spawn. Since state laws a few years back prohibited counties from throwing trees into landfills, different municipalities have come up with creative solutions. Like other cities, the trees that are not thrown into lakes are turned into landscape mulch.
On a whole the number of recycled trees has dipped over the years, but some counties say that the worsened economy may have attributed to the figures because as the prices of fresh-cut trees rise, more people turn to artificial trees.
By recycling their Christmas trees, people have a chance to let Christmas live on, by giving the gifts of health and life to planet earth.
Any mother of an infant knows that babies grow at an extremely fast pace. You’ve finally finished putting together their wardrobe for the season, when nothing fits anymore, and you have to start again. With crawling babies that job is even harder, as everything is always dirty, and the knees of pants are always worn out. A small consolation is that a baby who crawls in the winter is indoors. Babies who crawl in the summer will be even dirtier, and tear their pants even more. When choosing playground flooring, rubber mulch is a great option in this situation.
As opposed to grass which leaves grass stains and wood chips which leave splinters and black streaks, rubber mulch flooring leaves no splinters or stains on clothes. Playsafer Rubber mulch comes in a variety of colors, none of which leave marks on clothing. Rubber is also easier on babies’ hands and knees as it is pliable, and it is odor free.
Playgrounds may be floored with rubber mulch chips or rubber bond. The chips are usually in an enclosed area that is surrounded by rubber curbs. Rubber bond is created by spreading a thick layer of mulch chips which is then covered by a layer of rubber that has a high polyurethane bond. The effect is a smooth, clean surface that retains the characteristics of rubber mulch chips. This option will be better for crawling babies, but it is more expensive than rubber mulch chips. Rubber bond also provides a safe surface for kids to play hopscotch, jump rope, ball, or anything that suits their fancy. Each family must weigh the pros and cons for their specific situation.
Rubber playground flooring offers exasperated mothers a simple solution to constant grass and mud stains and splinters. It is the finishing touch on a perfect playground.
Public parks are meant for children to play in, and it’s a real pity when they’re left to rot. The Daily News reports that for the past three years, Community District 18, which consists of Canarsie, Platlands, Mill Basin, Bergen Beach, and Marine Park, has earned the distinction of being lowest in cleanliness and general conditions. This data is compiled by the city’s Parks Inspection Program, which rates city parks based on litter, graffiti, playground equipment, and general conditions. Aside for being unsanitary, parks that earn low marks can also pose danger hazards for the children playing in them.
In cities especially, where grass is hard to come by, children spend lots of their time in city parks, and are subject to the conditions there. A growing awareness is being made of the need for rubber mulch flooring. Aside for aesthetics, rubber mulch is a necessary part of any commercial playground that is serious about playground safety.
Playsafer rubber mulch is used in the White House playground, an example that cities should follow. Available in different forms including rubber chips, rubber bond surfacing, rubber wearmats, and rubber curbs, the rubber flooring for playgrounds suits any need. A major consideration in any city or commercial expenditure is budgeting. Rubber mulch shows high returns, with little maintenance required and a long life span. An investment in rubber mulch is an investment for the future.
Rubber surfacing is recommended for city playgrounds because its high shock absorbency makes it a safer option, helping to prevent injuries in children. It is also entirely eco-friendly, made from recycled rubber and other sustainable materials. The use of rubber mulch satisfies all the concerns faced by a city, namely, safety, budget, and eco concerns.
When people plan their playgrounds or landscaping, often the last thing that comes to mind is the curbs that will be used to surround landscaping, playground equipment, or sandboxes. However, this is something vital, and if not done correctly, the curbs can break and allow mulch or sand to leak, creating a mess out of carefully planned spaces.
Often the best curbs are rubber, for a variety of reasons. Rubber curbs are more pliable than wood, and don’t weather the way wood does. They can be bent to fit any shape with little effort. Rubber playground borders are also more resilient than wood, and eliminate the danger of splinters in children. The neutral brown tone of Playsafer rubber curbs make them compatible with any playground or area, and they come in many lengths. An added perk of rubber curbs is that they are interlocking and stackable.
While wood curbs require expert installation, rubber curbs and rubber wearmats are easy to install and come with safety caps and spikes. After spending a pretty penny on a new playground, saving on installation is always welcome. Rubber curbs also benefit the grass, mulch, or sand they are surrounding because they dry and drain quickly after rainfall. It is a known fact that wood curbs decompose over time, allowing weeds to trample them and drive them into the ground until all signs of their existence are gone. Rubber, as a synthetic material, does not decompose, and will have a longer life span, proudly guarding the sandbox.
When children visit a new playground, all they see is the gleaming new slide towering above them, and they don’t stop to think about all that goes into a beautiful playground. Be sure to install rubber curbs so that your playground will retain its neat, shiny new look for years to come.
The Make a Wish foundation is renowned for the abundance of good it does in providing sick children with their wishes. They have again brought light into the life of a child with a home playground for Owen Payton, a five-year-old with congenital heart defects. Owen has had multiple surgeries on his heart, and is plagued with a number of medical maladies. He loves to play in the park, and when the foundation called, that was his request. Owen’s parents are also offered a measure of peace of mind with their new home playground, as Owen can now play by himself in the backyard with his friends, and they can rest assured of the playground safety, as well as the fact that he is nearby in case of emergency.
No playground is complete without a rubber mulch floor. Especially in this case, where Owen’s body is fragile, a rubber mulch playground surface would help ensure safety from injuries. This is because synthetic mulch flooring has extra absorbency, preventing injuries from falls. It also comes in a variety of colors that are sure to cheer up any child. The wish that the Make a Wish foundation granted in this case is unique in that it is a lasting one, unlike a vacation. A rubber mulch floor needs no costly maintenance, the finishing touch on the fulfillment of a child’s dream.
Rubber mulch comes to serve added benefits to playgrounds everywhere, with better protection, an odor free nature, and no residue or dirt left on children while they play. Parents also enjoy the financial freedom of a floor that lasts. Many children dream of their own personal playgrounds, where they rule. A rubber mulch floor is the finishing touch.
The Metro West Daily News reported this morning that starting this week, students at Warren School in Ashland will not be able to enjoy the brisk autumn air during recess because the playground was closed Friday. This came after playgrounds around the district were inspected last week, and Warren School’s did not uphold basic standards of playground safety.
Melanie Lewis, a parent of two Warren School students, confirmed this. She said that children on the playground were swinging a 12-foot metal chain last week after the end came free from rotten wood. Officials inspecting the playground found cracking and rotting in many areas, as well as a hole in the slide. Parents testify that they have to watch their children extra carefully when the play in the playground after soccer games. It was a disaster waiting to happen.
It is unfortunate that the playground is closed, but this situation is one familiar to many schools, where no action is taken until it is too late. Playground safety is of upmost importance. In many commercial playgrounds and schools, the playground equipment is sadly out of date and falling apart, but schools choose to spend on textbooks and other education related supplies, rather than the playground.
Many of the schools that are vigilant about their playgrounds are choosing rubber mulch for the playground surface. This innovative new flooring provides the highest standards of playground safety, with extra shock absorbency. It also comes in all colors for a look that is pleasing to the eye.
Playground equipment does not have to be fancy, but it must be safe. Rubber mulch is just that, as well as economically smart because the mulch does not weather or disintegrate, needing minimal maintenance. School superintendents and principals have a responsibility to ensure that their playgrounds are safe in every way.
In a turbulent economy, there is little room for extra government funding and programs. One area that is still receiving grants and assistance is playgrounds and educational play for children. Free time and safe places for children to play are integral to their childhood. The town of Mount Airy is one recipient of such funding, with an extensive expansion of their playground and rec room.
Councilmen and State Senators of Mount Airy have worked hard to raise the funding necessary for a project of this magnitude, and an estimated three million dollars has been raised. The park will be extended, with a new rec room and a spray park. The park should be completed by next year.
Many communities are seeing the necessity for renovations of parks such as that being done in Mount Airy. A necessary factor in the construction of any park or commercial playground is playground safety. Equipment must be well made and safe for kids, with good, strong lighting to prevent vandalism at night. An integral part of any safe park is a good playground surface.
Children tend to jump from places they shouldn’t, and generally do things that have the potential to cause injury. Studies have shown that rubber mulch flooring is the safest option in playground flooring, due to its superior shock absorbency. In fact, the White House playground is home to Playsafer rubber mulch by Rubberecycle. Playsafer rubber mulch comes in various forms to satisfy different needs. There are rubber wearmats that are placed in high impact areas for extra cushioning. The standard flooring comes in the form of rubber chips and bonded rubber flooring. Rubberecycle also offers rubber curbs to cordon off parts of the playground.
Any community that is considering costly renovations of playgrounds and parks must consider rubber mulch flooring as the safest option for kids.
Childhood obesity is a problem that is plaguing today’s society. Various experts blame it on different factors. Some say that childhood obesity is on the rise because kids today have too much access to junk food and sugary sodas. Others say that technology is to blame, as kids become couch potatoes. These and other aspects of our lifestyle may all be contributing factors.
All agree that a great way to battle childhood obesity is for kids to get out and play; to do physical actions. This does not mean just organized sports, but using their creativity to enjoy outdoor activities. According to this line of reasoning, a playground is vital to battling the bulge in children, and no playground is complete without the necessary safety measures.
Rubber mulch flooring helps parents rest at ease, and children play free, with an extra measure of protection in playground safety. The rubber gives added traction and absorbency to protect from falls. This can be especially reassuring to an overweight child, as the traction makes it easier to run about and play. The Playsafer flooring comes in various forms, to suit different playgrounds and areas. The most common form is rubber mulch chips, which look similar to wood chips. They come in a variety of colors. There is also bonded rubber flooring, which is a hard packed floor if rubber that adds a special springiness to the step. There are rubber curbs that cordon off a play area, as well as wearmats, which are placed in areas of high impact. They add an extra cushion and layer of protection.
Children who are obese are often insecure, especially in the outdoors where their bulk puts them at a marked disadvantage. Secure ground can, quite literally, return a spring to their steps. Parents must do everything in their power to help their children overcome this growing epidemic. Using rubber mulch in playgrounds is a good way to start.
To an amateur, a garden in the winter looks neglected, like the owner left it to fend for itself, and come spring, will renew the beauty once more. However, a lot of planning and preparation goes into a garden before the winter hits, to ensure that it will survive the season, and blossom once more in the spring. There are some gardening basics that must be done once the trees start to turn colors, such as weeding, spreading mulch, etc. Gardening in the fall allows you a chance to enjoy the crisp weather, and keep your garden healthy and happy.
First, it’s important to weed your garden and start a compost pile for dead annuals and vegetables. Be careful that weeds don’t creep into the compost pile, so that next year’s garden will not have weeds. While cleaning out the garden, dig fertilizer and soil amendments into the soil so that it will be ready for next year’s planting.
Spreading a fall fertilizer will keep the grass healthy during the winter and protect it from the elements, as will spreading a layer of good quality mulch. Some gardeners stick to the classic wood mulch, but many are turning to rubber mulch. Rubber landscape mulch is more weather resistant, and will better protect the grass and soil during the winter. Rubber, as a non porous material, allows water to flow down to the roots rather than absorbing it along the way, like wood chips.
Rubber mulch is also eco-friendly, a cause that is embraced by gardeners worldwide. Made from recycled rubber, the landscaping material saves space in landfills by reusing old tires. Fears that toxins in the tires would leach into the ground have been unfounded, as the benefits far outweigh the cons. Rubber mulch is more pricey than wood chips, but it’s important to keep in mind that it also requires no maintenance, and does not have to be replenished annually.
It’s important to keep raking leaves and cutting the grass, as fungus can grow in long grass during the winter. By running the leaves over with a lawn mower, you are manufacturing more compost, or you can pack the crushed leaves around plants.
While preparing, think about what worked this past summer, and how you may want to change the layout or different elements of your garden. Plants or flowers that have to be planted in advance should be seeded now, and you should plan the layout of next year’s garden. Until then, your job is to help your garden huddle in to survive the cold winter.
When a simple household product is used by someone of great influence or who is under public scrutiny, the item in question suddenly becomes well known. This is where the idea of celebrity endorsement comes from. Sometimes a product may receive endorsement simply through the free choice of the celebrity using it, without the company paying for advertisement. This is the case with rubber mulch.
When Barack and Michelle Obama moved into the White House, as with all Presidents and First Ladies, they put their personal touch on the residence. In their case, this included a White House vegetable garden and playground, among other amenities. After being contacted by the National Recreation and Park Association, they chose to put Playsafer playground flooring into Sasha and Malia’s playground. There is almost no greater endorsement than being used by the Obamas, and this resulted in a big boom in the rubber mulch industry. Why did they do it?
The Obamas are advocates of the Green Revolution and making this world a safer place for our children. Rubber mulch is made out of recycled tires, offering a perfect solution for tires that otherwise take up space in landfills. There are many benefits to rubber mulch, one of which is its added playground safety. Unlike wood chips that have been used in the past, mulch has an added measure of shock absorbency, helping to prevent numerous injuries in children. Other benefits are its cost effectiveness and low maintenance, and customized colors, but safety of the environment and our children comes first. The Obamas have shown that by choosing to use rubber mulch in the White House playground.
Naysayers argue that the mulch covers the ground, allowing it no oxygen, and that there is the potential for chemicals to leach out of the rubber tires. However, studies have proven otherwise, and the Obamas have embraced this new solution to wood chips that lead to deforestation. They chose Playsafer rubber mulch above other manufacturers for their excellent service, low prices, and high tech methods of producing rubber mulch.
For city and personal playgrounds, Playsafer rubber mulch is now the way to go. If it’s good enough for the President of the United States, it should be good enough for you.
