Let’s look ahead to next weekend when so many folks will kick off the summer!

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it’s Memorial Day Weekend preparation week. Many folks will be planning outdoor activities as well as week-end getaways. Start planning today.

If you are thinking of driving away from the county, prep your vehicle with a tire pressure check, coolant and fuel. Chances are good that our gas price may be better here than there.

Properly inflated tires increase your gas milage; keep your speed in check, too. If possible, use the cruise control to maintain your speed and avoid the surges on the gas pedal. And while you are checking for coolant, check the windshield wiper fluid.

Pollen is still swirling about and with sudden downpours, it may be necessary to wash your windshield. Many folks will take to a local park…if you’re planning to picnic, you could check to see if there is a need to reserve a shelter. (I could be way off here, and others have reserved long before this article is in the Gaston Gazette).

You know what I’ll be saying next: if you are planning to picnic, bring reusable plates, cups, utensils and napkins. We have a permanent box of these items, so I don’t have to hunt for them when we are ready to head out on an outdoor dining experience!

I will scrape food waste into a small bag (then into the compost container at home), pile up the used dishes, cups and forks, and they are washed at home. We try to “leave no trace” regardless of our location: backyard or mountaintop!

Remember that you are modeling good environmental behavior when you make these efforts. Recycling your aluminum cans and glass bottles and plastic bottles really does need a plug here, too. Easy peasy to recycle all three of these materials.

Do you know that Gaston County is one of the few North Carolina counties that is offering free glass bottle and jar recycling? We have had our program in effect for more than three years; when we secured our connection to Strategic Glass in Wilson, North Carolina, we were able to offer this service free of charge to our county residents.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality had offered assistance to start new programs; we were already up and running, so make sure you visit our sites! Our glass is coming from you in great condition; cleaned out and uncontaminated because our recyclers are the best!

Coming off our Beetopia event last Saturday, “bee” aware of any pest spray you might think about using at your outdoor event. I know in our backyard; the mosquitoes can ruin any gathering. One way to keep them away is with a big outdoor fan that properly positioned, will blow away mosquitoes from our guests. Citronella is another good option to avoid the pesticides that can also kill our pollinators.

Don’t forget the Farmers Market for local foods. With the Gastonia Market open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, you will be able to plan the most wonderful meal or meals! Between breads, vegetables, meats, eggs and table decoration of cut flowers or plants, you can score the best event.

Unfortunately, our Honey Hunters will be on the road for this weekend so you will have to make your own fun! Check out their schedule for the rest of the summer; nothing says summer better than baseball! Memorial Day Weekend is the best! You have a whole week to plan your Memorial Weekend’s green events and habits.

Nan Kirlin is recycling coordinator for Gaston County.