Participate in Plastic Free July

Started in 2011 by the Plastic Free Foundation, Plastic Free July challenges people to take both small and large steps to reduce their plastic waste in the month of July and beyond! AS an organization, the Town of Erie works to mitigate plastic waste every day, especially at events like our Fireworks Celebration, by requiring Zero Waste Events. Sustainability efforts work best when everyone takes small steps together to make a big difference. 

When it comes Plastic Free July there are plenty of small changes you can make in your day-to-day routine. This can be as simple as opting for a reusable water bottle or bringing a mug to your favorite coffee shop – most places offer a discount for filling up your own clean cup! At the grocery store, instead of buying plastic wrapped produce (or using one of the plastic bags provided), place your fruit and veggies straight into your cart, then your reusable shopping bags to take home. 

Take your first step and join the Town in the Plastic Free July challenge! Fill out our form here to receive two reusable Stasher bags at the end of the month for taking action to reduce your plastic waste. Supplies are limited, and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. Questions? Contact SustainableErie@erieco.gov to learn more!

High Temperatures on the Way in July

The National Weather Service predicts temperatures in the mid- to high-90s for the next week and after unseasonably cool weather this summer, you may have forgotten how to prepare for high heat. Below are tips from Boulder County Public Health on being prepared:

Indoor safety tips:

• Close your curtains and blinds.
• Stay hydrated! Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink water.
• Dress in lightweight clothing.
• Take a cool shower or a bath.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and sugar (they can be dehydrating).
• Avoid using your oven during the day; it makes your home hotter.

Outdoor safety tips:

• Take water with you and hydrate regularly.
• Wear sunscreen with 30 SPF or above to avoid sunburn.
• Limit time in the sun and activities that require a lot of energy.
• Rest often and pace yourself.
• Shift outdoor activities and exercise to cooler times in the morning or evening.
• Be careful of hot surfaces - pavement and metal surfaces can cause severe burns. Wear shoes and avoid touching metal surfaces outdoors.
• Walk animals on surfaces that are lighter colors, such as dirt and grass, and avoid blacktops.
• Bring water for your pet, even for short trips outside.

Even with windows rolled down in a parked car, leaving children, pets, or people with mobility issues in a vehicle during extreme heat is unsafe.

Cone Zones

Each week we list the projects that may have the biggest impact on traffic flow for that week. As always, please sign up for alerts to get more details about these projects and many others. More information and details for how to sign up are at www.erieco.gov/ConeZone. 

Sheridan Parkway: Much of Sheridan Parkway is now open for public use, though please note that Sheridan Parkway will remain closed between Skyline Drive and Weld County Road 4. The roadway is open for local traffic from Skyline Drive to Ridgeview Drive. The changes to the roadway are expected to improve cross-community journeys and minimize travel durations. Truck traffic to the landfill will maintain the detour route through County Road 7 and Erie Parkway until the completion of the water line project. Here's a quick look at what the improvements to Sheridan Parkway include:

• Proactive Safety Enhancements: Clear signage and distinctly marked lanes.
• Innovative Infrastructure: Constructed with the latest technology and durable materials, Sheridan Parkway is designed to last, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
• Optimized Access Points: With strategically positioned entrances and exits, you'll find easy access to nearby neighborhoods, business zones, and key roadways.

Town of Erie is Hiring

As the Town continues to grow, we have several openings and encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Keep checking the Town of Erie job board for Erie’s latest openings, which currently include:

• Water Utilities Maintenance Tech
• Deputy Chief Building Official
• Transportation Engineer