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APRIL 2021
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GROWING UP ON THE BUS Learning Lessons From Riding to School
Related to the first thing, you learn to be flexible and go with the flow because sometimes things happen. I remember many times when the bus just didn’t show up. We would go back to our house and make phone calls and figure out how we could get to school. Several other times the bus couldn’t make it up our snow-covered hill. You learn to make do — get out and walk — because what other options do you really have? The real learning starts when you actually climb up those school bus stairs and find your seat. Just think about it: one bus driver, whose focus has to be on something else other than “watching over” 40-plus kids. That’s probably the least amount of adult oversight a kid ever has before high school. I remember silly songs, “dirty” jokes, finding out my position vis-a-vis others on the bus, private conversations, rumors about teachers, and who liked who as well as learning how to tell a good story. I also learned a lot about social interactions from watching everyone else interact, especially the older kids. One thing I firmly recognized early on was the impact one bad kid could have on the dynamic of the bus. I recently reread “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. In the book, Collins uses the analogy of a bus to describe a company. Before figuring out where to go, he made the point that you have to get the right people on the bus (and the wrong people off). And then you need to get people in the right seats. He continued that if you did that, it doesn’t matter what circumstances and uncertainty
This has been a rough year for the rite of passage known as taking the bus to school. Social distancing, assigned seats, and encouragement to drive kids to school has taken away a lot of the traditional excitement about riding the bus. Interestingly, it has been this year (actually, since December 2020) that my kids have become active bus riders. Before that, because of our work schedules, I or my wife would typically drive them to school for the “extended-day” program at our elementary school. While the kids are missing the extended-day programs they used to participate in (canceled in November because of COVID-19), I hear they are enjoying the bus. And if they like it this year, they are going to love it next year. I grew up in a “we take the bus” house. I can remember rides on the bus from kindergarten through the first few years of high school. Not all of the experiences were fun (I still remember teasing and name calling that had me crying in front of my second-grade teacher). Despite that, the vast majority of my experiences with the bus were fun — and more than fun, they were instructive. One of the first things the bus teaches you is to be on time. “You’re going to miss the bus,” my Mom often called to me or one of my four brothers. The bus has a schedule, and it does not revolve around you. I say to my kids, “Early is on time and on time is late.” They are doing a pretty good job of following that lead. I don’t think they have missed the bus yet.
Luke’s kids waiting for the bus
come across your path. Your team will be able to handle it. I have been on teams that had the wrong people on the bus. I am very fortunate to say that is not the case at RCW. The team is full of the “right people” who are aligned with our company values as well as who we serve. It is a testament to them to see how we have navigated through COVID-19 with the continued housing changes. And it gives me comfort knowing that they will help us all navigate whatever comes next. I’m proud of them and proud that I work with them to serve you. With excitement about the people on the RCW bus,
P.S. An especially fond memory of my time on the bus happened when I was in middle school. Three friends and I played the card game spades almost every morning for the entire school year in the back four seats on the bus. I had tons of laughs those mornings, and that is where I learned to really “trash talk”/tease. It wasn’t master-class level, but it definitely influenced me later in life.
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THE CHALLENGE OF RECYCLING PLASTIC WHY IT’S HARD — AND HOW YOU CAN BE BETTER AT IT!
That Does What ?
Many of us recycle because we believe in the idea. With so much plastic waste ending up in oceans, rivers, and the side of the road, we want to do our part to make the world a little less polluted. So, why is it that plastic recycling seems so complicated? Plastic recycling varies greatly from city to city. Some cities have more comprehensive plastic recycling programs, while others don’t. But no matter the city, most plastic we intend for recycling is not recycled at all — it ends up in a landfill. Part of the reason is that it’s being sorted incorrectly. The other reason is simply ludicrous: Most plastic was never intended to be recycled in the first place — and it’s cheaper for companies to use brand-new plastic than it is to use recycled varieties. Another major problem is the fact that there are several types of plastic on the market, which makes recycling a complicated prospect. Most plastics cannot be recycled together, as their chemical composition varies just enough. If the wrong types of plastics are recycled together, the result is unusable. It’s just too degraded.
5 THINGS TO KEEP AWAY FROM YOUR DRAIN
When it comes to your kitchen or bathroom sink, the only thing that should be flowing down the drain is water. Of course, in the average household, you can call that a pipe dream (literally). So much gets rinsed down our drains, it’s no wonder plumbers are in such high demand! However, there are a few things you should never want to wash down the drain, even if you have a garbage disposal. Not only can you end up with clogged or damaged pipes, but you’ll also have to deal with unpleasant, lingering odors. Fats This is one of the worst substances you can send into your home’s plumbing system. Once fat — such as bacon grease — hits the cold pipes under and around your house, it starts to congeal, becoming hard and waxy. Over time, fat will build up in the pipes, resulting in major blockage. High-Fiber Foods Certain foods like asparagus, carrots, celery, corn husks, and potato peels can spell trouble for your drain and disposal. Fibrous strands can get caught in the grinding plate of the disposal, which then build up and cause clogs. Additionally, high-fiber foods don’t wash away well, as fibrous strands can tangle and clump together in pipes. Seeds Seeds can cause serious problems. Large seeds (peach pits) aren’t going to go anywhere and may end up damaging your disposal or getting caught in your pipes. Smaller seeds aren’t much better and can be a challenge for the disposal if they become lodged in the grinding plate and pipe bends. Starches Foods like pasta, potatoes, and rice are heavy and absorb water. Because of this, they can become a thick mess inside your drainage system, much like fat. They can settle and accumulate, leading to, you guessed it, a clogged drain. Paper Paper towels, tissues, and napkins cause problems due to their fibrous makeup. The only type of paper that can safely be put down the drain (or flushed, in this case) is toilet paper. It’s specifically designed to disintegrate in water. And those popular “flushable” wipes should never be put down a drain; despite their advertising, they are not flushable and can do serious damage as they accumulate.
Most plastic is imprinted with a small number inside of a triangle — typically 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. This is not an official symbol that says the plastic is recyclable. It only tells you what type of plastic it is. In some communities, plastics labeled “1” and “2” can be recycled together. Sometimes, plastics labeled “4” and “5” have to be separated to be recycled. Some communities cannot even process certain types of plastic, and those will end up in the landfill no matter what. So, what can you do to be a better recycler? Make sure you’re recycling according to your community’s guidelines. Check your local waste department website for details on what types of plastic they can and cannot process. Alternatively, reduce the amount of single-use or limited-use plastic you use. Instead, use glass products when possible. Glass products last much longer than plastic, they’re better for the environment, they’re healthier — and they’re infinitely recyclable!
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BOOST YOUR HOME’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY
With These 3 Products
With the development of accessible, affordable technologies and home products, improving the energy efficiency of your home is easier than ever. On top of that, many of these products give you more options for home automation so you can save money and stay comfortable without even thinking about it. Here are three investments that will boost your energy efficiency right now.
A Smart Thermostat
The great thing about smart thermostats is that they offer more programmable options than traditional thermostats. For example, you can buy a thermostat that connects to your home’s Wi-Fi and is controlled by an accompanying smartphone app, no matter where you are. Another awesome feature is that smart thermostats will turn on and off based on your schedule and temperature preferences. In the long run, this feature can save you money and energy.
A Smart Water Heater
Generally, water heaters are not the most energy efficient — especially if you’re in a household where hot water is in constant demand. But with a smart water heater, you can change that. Much like the previously mentioned thermostat, you can control a smart water heater remotely or set it to heat water according to a specific schedule. This way, the heating elements aren’t running all day, every day. They come in tank and tankless varieties, though tankless is the way to go to maximize energy efficiency without taking up much space.
Next-Generation Insulation
While you might be familiar with fiberglass insulation, an industry standard, there are much better options that help you maintain the temperature in your home. For existing homes, spray foam insulation is the best option, as it is the easiest to install and can still save energy. It’s also ideal for insulating attics, basements, and hard-to-reach spots. For new homes or more involved renovations, insulating concrete forms are the most energy-efficient option.
SPRING VEGETABLE AND CHICKEN PASTA BAKE
TAKE A BREAK
Inspired by TheSeasonedMom.com
Ingredients
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 425 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray. 2. In the prepared dish, stir together cooked chicken, artichokes, asparagus, carrots, uncooked pasta, chicken broth, half the chives, half the parsley, garlic, salt, and 2 tbsp Parmesan. 3. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes. 4. Uncover and stir. At this point, check the pasta to make sure it is al dente. If it’s undercooked, cover the dish and return to the oven until pasta is tender. 5. Remove from oven and garnish with remaining Parmesan, chives, and parsley.
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced • 1 14-oz can artichokes, drained and quartered • 1 cup fresh asparagus pieces • 1/2 cup carrots, grated • 1 1/2 cups uncooked penne pasta • 1 3/4 cups chicken broth • 1/2 cup fresh chives, chopped and divided • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped and divided • 2 tsp minced garlic • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
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57 DODGE AVE, STE. 107 NORTH HAVEN, CT 06473 860.613.6290
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INSIDE
1
Growing Up on the Bus
2
Never Put These Down the Drain!
Why Is Recycling Plastic So Complicated?
3
3 Home Products That Can Slash Your Energy Bill
Spring Vegetable and Chicken Pasta Bake
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5 Herbs That Thrive in Low Sunlight
THROW SOME SHADE AT YOUR PLANTS 5 HERBS THAT THRIVE IN LOW SUNLIGHT
An herb garden is a wonderful addition to any home. They attract honey bees, offer pleasant, mild aromas, and are ideal for the home cook. But there’s often one issue homeowners and apartment dwellers face: too much shade. However, several varieties of herb thrive in partial (2–4 hours of sun) or full shade (less than two hours).
Cilantro: Partial shade — grows fast and thrives in cooler temperatures.
Chives: Partial shade — it won’t flower as much in shade, but its culinary value isn’t affected.
Mint: Partial to full shade — grows fast and thrives in many conditions.
Oregano: Partial to full shade — like mint, it’s easy to grow and makes a great addition to many dishes.
Parsley: Partial shade — the Italian variety is a biennial herb and has a two-year growth cycle, but you don’t have to wait to harvest.
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