We can all do more to protect Earth

World Environment Day on June 5th is a great reminder to everyone in Montgomery County that we can do a little more to take care of the wonderful world around us.

There are obvious ways to take action, like picking up litter, planting a tree, or taking public transit instead of driving. But there are other less-talkedabout ways to be more ecofriendly. One of them is to change your shopping habits.

Shopping online for recycled items is one option, but better yet, we have local options right here in Montgomery County. For example, did you know that Habitat MontDelco operates ReStores in Norristown and Horsham that sell new and gently-used household articles at a fraction of the retail price? These are items like furniture, cabinets, lighting, tile, doors and windows that would otherwise be thrown away. Since opening in 2010, the Montgomery County ReStores have kept 1,000 tons of materials out of local landfills.

I volunteer at the ReStore in Norristown, and I am thrilled to see so many environmental measures in place. We test and repair items like lamps and ceiling fixtures, and try to to salvage wire and other parts that can be used by Habitat or by shoppers. We redirect small appliances that we cannot sell to an electronic recycling company. We encourage contractors to donate their overages rather than pay a restocking fee and urge them, as well as homeowners, to donate items removed dur- ing remodeling rather than adding them to the waste stream.

All proceeds from the ReStores directly support Habitat’s mission to build homes, communities and hope.

Beyond shopping or donating items, you can help by giving a little of your time. We are always in need of volunteers to help make a difference for the environment and to help families thrive through Habitat’s programs. If you want to join me as a volunteer, please contact Habitat’s Volunteer Manager, Cara, at cara@habitatmontdelco.org or visit Habitat ReStore’s Facebook page: facebook. com/ReStoreMontDelco. – Brenda Weir, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties

It also serves as a reminder that it is because of their dedication and service that Americans are privileged to enjoy the everyday experience of what President Franklin D. Roosevelt called the “four freedoms” — the freedom of speech and expression, the freedom to worship God in his or her own way, freedom from want and freedom from fear.

Each year, Americans across the country celebrate Armed Forces Day with special events such as parades, military service displays for the general public, educational exhibits to teach children about the armed forces, “Support the Troops” motorcycle rides and more. Often, these events include a playing of the bugle call “Taps” to show respect for those who have given their lives in service to their country.

At Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care, we make it a special point to honor America’s veterans throughout the year. On this special day, we want to make sure that all members of the armed forces serving America today — as well as those who have served in the past — enjoy this recognition and the gratitude and respect that they deserve. — Tamara Moreland,

executive director, Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care, Plymouth Meeting