Join the ‘Plastic Free 413’ forum
More InfoTo the editor:
I recently started a Facebook page called Plastic Free 413, to create a forum (friendly and kind!) to share ideas about how we, individually and as a community, can reduce the amount of plastic we generate. Not suggesting eliminating all plastic (medical needs come to mind), but once you start noticing how pervasive our plastic use is, and how devastating it is to our environment (microplastics in your salmon?!), it seems like we have an opportunity, every day – at least to not make it worse. We can become known as a Green Community, not just for our dispensaries, but for the way we respect our environment.
Some of our grocery stores are making great progress with packaging, bulk bins, refillable options (shampoo, laundry detergent, etc.) Many restaurants are now providing cardboard containers for leftovers, some even let you bring your own containers for take-out. Once you realize how easy it is to keep a set of containers in your car, you may want to do so as well. Sometimes it’s just a matter of realizing what we can each do and then being committed to make some changes. We can let our businesses know that packaging matters, and we can choose to patronize those who are responsive.
By now, most of us are fine with bringing our own grocery bags to shop. But, for example: what about bringing our own set of mesh bags, for produce and bulk bin goods, or keeping one set of silverware in your car, so that the next time you do take-out, you won’t need to use plastic utensils? There are so many small, easy ways to use less and it needn’t be expensive or difficult to make positive changes. It starts with awareness and the belief that each one of us can make it better or worse.
I am just hoping to encourage folks to be more conscious, to use less plastic and to share what works.
Hinda Bodinger
Egremont
CAPITAL IDEAS: Upside down you’re turning me
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Hinda,
This is a great idea! Increasing consumer awareness, and encouraging our changing habits, drives change through positive energy. Many people don’t like being told what they can’t do so your approach is entirely appropriate.
If I used Social media I would join your group. I wish you well with it.
Thank you!! I believe this is an amazing community and we can make an impact. Best wishes Steve.
The amount of plastic and extra packaging coming out of Theory Wellness is disturbing. How many of those white plastic containers are going out everyday? Can you bring them back for a refill? Can you bring your own container? Will they reuse or recycle them? Just as the town is raising education about plastic, a huge new plastic waste stream has begun. No problem with the business, but the packaging must be reduced.
don’t worry….most of them are going to NY, NJ and CT, it can be their pollution problem
You’re right. We drove by there and not one MA license plate in the lot. All CT, NJ and NY. I thought it is illegal to transport this product to a state where it is not legal?
It’s a great website with great ideas, Hinda! Brilliant!
It’s heartening to see awareness increasing. It used to be embarrassing to make a big deal about plastic use in a restaurant (“No straw, please”), but now the restaurants are getting on board, and it’s even OK to take your own reusable take-out containers! We CAN make a difference!
Thanks for your support Marj!
Brava Hinda! I’m on board.
Good morning – I concur and applaud the article by Alan Chartock on the influence of dark money in politics, however, he omits pointing out that his “friend” Richie Neal is one of the worst offenders in our state.
To further view and discuss this influence all are welcome to see the film “Dark Money” this Friday at 7:30 in the Unitarian Society of South Berkshires on Main St in Housatonic
In relation to plastic recycling, I’ve often been inconvenienced by the fact that grocery and retail stores with recycling machines limit the brands of bottles they accept for recycling. What would help the plastic situation would be to have every place that sells beverages forced to accept all qualified MA bottle redemptions and not just the ones they sell, this would reduce litter and improper disposal at recycling stations etc.