During this, the Long Night Moon, I compiled a list of gifts of enlightenment for readers that will, in turn, support generous gift giving to the Earth.
I realized that the last remnant of her childhood had disappeared. A levelheaded and determined young woman was carrying out her business and I was standing on the side, holding her stuff.
These refill stations are extremely hygienic, as no skin or mouth contact is needed to refill your bottle. The units will be owned and maintained by the town.
Selectboard Chairman Steve Bannon said he could not support enforcement of the bylaw until there is an implementation and funding plan for the series of water stations that are planned to help consumers refill the reusable bottles.
Voters at last year's town meeting amended the plastic water bottle ban measure with a May 2019 enforcement date. However, the selectboard must first approve the regulations and develop enforcement provisions.
Alternative packaging, such as those made from bagasse and bioplastics, is being researched and manufactured, but not at a rate that will impact change any time soon. Perhaps the best way to proceed is at a community level.
Former Environmental Protection Agency regional administrator Judith Enck will launching the “Beyond Plastics” project, through which she will work with college students and community leaders around the country to reduce plastic pollution.
The divide between the natives and those from outside the area is as wide as it's ever been. Don't take my word for it or judge based only on Monday night's meeting. As of Tuesday afternoon the Great Barrington Community Board Facebook page contained more than 500 comments.
In his letter Ed Abrahams writes: "Rather than vote yes or no on Monday night, let's extend the deadline of the ban far enough out to solve some of the problems it will create."
At the special town meeting Aug. 6, people under the age of 18 will not be allowed to be present, cutting off the voice of the next generation...And we will be the ones forced to deal with choices that you — the generations before us — made, choices that we were barred from speaking about.
