In keeping with NLCS’s mission to reduce waste, The Village at Orchard Ridge community engages in a robust recycling program by annually diverting 23 tons of aluminum, glass and paper, and plastic from landfills.

The crown jewels of Orchard Ridge’s recycling efforts are a volunteer run Resale Shop and the Plarners – a resident-led group of women who weave transform plastic bags into plastic yarn, or plarn. The plarn is woven into sleeping mats for local homeless shelters and preschoolers. The Plarners have created countless mats, totes and crafts.

By weaving plarn into tote bags and homeless mats, plastic bags are diverted from landfills and the environment.

The operation plans for The Village at Providence Point incorporate recycling methods to reduce waste and the community’s carbon footprint and using carpets and cleaning solutions that are low in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.

Since National Lutheran communities are residents’ homes, all residents may choose to participate in weekly recycling options. At some of our communities, our team members collect recycling weekly from apartments. In other communities, we make recycling stations available and hold occasional recycling events.