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A Note from Leesa
The Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District adopted a Zero Waste Solid Waste Implementation Plan in 2003. An integral component of a successful Zero Waste system of waste management is reuse. Through reuse efforts, materials and products are recovered from individuals who no longer need the items and distributed to other individuals who do have a use for the them. Examples of reuse items include furniture, books, clothing, appliances and construction materials. In contrast to recycling, which recovers materials for processing, reuse recovers the original product. In a Zero Waste system, reuse might be more highly valued than recycling in that reuse provides for the extension of the useful life of original product.
The fact that extending the life of products is a key practice in sustainable waste management was recognized by former CVSWMD Board member Lawrence Walbridge and has been recognized by the CVSWMD staff and Board of Supervisors for over two decades. To encourage the growth of reuse enterprises in Central Vermont, CVSWMD created the Lawrence Walbridge Reuse Fund in 1997, six years prior to the adoption of our Zero Waste Plan. The Lawrence Walbridge Reuse Fund provides grants to reuse businesses and organizations that wish to begin or expand reuse efforts in the CVSWMD.
Since 1997, the Lawrence Walbridge Reuse Fund has awarded over $42,000 in amounts ranging from $500 to $5000 to twenty-one different reuse efforts in the Central Vermont region. These businesses have become integral components of the Central Vermont economy, providing employment opportunities as well as contributing to the sustainability of the region by reducing the amount of materials that go to landfills. As we work to create a Zero Waste municipality, we will continue to look for opportunities to collaborate with businesses, individuals and non-profits to increase reuse efforts. This work is an integral component in creating a sustainable Central Vermont.
Be Well,
Leesa
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Quick Fact:
Each computer monitor or TV display contains an average of 4 to 8 pounds of lead. Source
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Our August Zero Hero
Ingrid Lukas-Howe and Teresa Ettouzar
Director and Manager, Women and Children First, Inc.
No, you are not seeing double! This month we are honoring not one, but two Zero Heroes! Ingrid Lukas-Howe, Director, and Teresa Ettouzar, Store Manager, are the combined force both behind Women and Children First, Inc., in Barre City, a local reuse charity that is reducing the amount of waste entering the landfill and that works closely with many local agencies such as Circle (formerly the Battered Women's Shelter), Community Action, and Washington County Department of Children and Families, as well as local schools and churches. The shop also responds in times of emergency, such as after the recent flooding and in cases of house fires.
I recently spoke with Ingrid, a minister who believes strongly in the call to "Clothe the naked.", as well as other Biblical calls to humanitarian acts. With a mother and grandmother who both made all the clothes for their families, Ingrid sees the sacred in clothing. She lamented the current conditions under which most clothing is manufactured, as well as American's tendency to buy more lower quality items which don't last and end up in the trash. She refered to her work as 'Re-pioneering", since reuse was such a strong value of early Vermonters. Ingrid also wanted to contribute to the downtown Barre economy and community. All of this led her to found Women and Children First in 2007.
While Ingrid is the founder and handles the organization's finances, Teresa is the workhorse managing the store each day, helping patrons and assuring that donated items are high quality, reusable, and clean. She began her work here several years ago volunteering as a mom with small children and to find bargains on clothing for her kids. Eventually, though, Teresa was laid-off from her high stress job as a dental hygienist and started working for Lukas-Howe on a full-time basis. She says that though her job is demanding and lots of hard work, she loves it because she gets to "shop, chat, and treasure-hunt all day!" Plus at the end of the day she feels like she's really helped the community. "Who could ask for a better job?!", quipped Teresa.
Both Ingrid and Teresa obviously love their work, are dedicated to their values, and to making the store an asset to the community. They appreciate donations (you must call ahead! 476-4413) of high-quality clothing and shoes for women and children, especially boy's clothing, kid's shoes, and back to school items. So next time you're in Barre, stop in, have a look around, and support this wonderful enterprise!
We at CVSWMD truly appreciate people in our communities who, like Ingrid and Teresa, dedicate themselves to the principles and practices that help the CVSWMD to reach our Zero Waste goals for our district!
Thanks Ingrid and Teresa...
You're BOTH Zero Heroes!
*If you know someone in your community who is a Zero Hero, let us know!
(Article written by Marian Miller, PR & Outreach Coordinator)
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Local News and Stories
The Magic Wheel: Making Central VT "Bike Magic"
Emily and Pavel, The Magic Wheel Community Bike Shop
What do you do when you are a former professional cyclist who wants to do more with bikes than just ride them? There are many paths one could choose, but Pavel Cherkasov wanted to build a community of bike lovers, provide an opportunity for everyone to own a bike, and introduce people to the joys of working on their own bikes. His dream has become a reality at Magic Wheel Community Bike Shop in Barre. The Lawrence Walbridge Reuse Grant recipient is helping young people through the Earn-a-Bike Program.
About a year ago, Pavel, set up a small program for kids at Montpelier Middle School in partnership with Community Connections. At the time, the program was just a small, self-service area in a room off the gym with a workbench and some tools; kids brought in their bikes work on and repair them. This gave rise to a desire to provide a better space and more options, so Pavel contacted The ReStore about his ideas. They had a space to offer, so Pavel moved in and refurbished the space. Now he and partner Emily Medley, with the help of volunteers, staff the shop and run the programs.
In 2011, Magic Wheel received a grant from CVSWMD's Lawrence Walbridge Reuse Fund grant program to run an Earn-a-Bike Program. The program currently serves about 30 people, mostly youth, and allows them to choose a bike, repair it, and make it their own. Participants learn valuable skills and the joy of ownership well-earned. The majority of bikes at the shop are donated by individuals, though the shop has collected bikes at local events, such as Clean Up Your Act Day.
The Magic Wheel Shop
The Magic Wheel takes trade-ins and consignments, and provides repairs and education. There are two work stands, a bench and tools so you can take your bike in and repair it yourself! Donations for use of this self-service work space are optional. The shop stocks refurbished bikes, helmets, accessories, some new bikes and many parts, both new and used. They even have a few unicycles for sale! Pavel estimates that 95% of sales are of re-used bikes or parts. Funding for the shop comes mostly from store operations, but monetary donations to support operations and community programs, such as Earn-a-Bike, are always welcome.
This community-based bike shop is a great reuse resource for everyone in the Central Vermont community. We hope you will stop in, chat with Pavel and Emily, build some community, and get on a bike!
Lawrence Walbridge Reuse Fund Grants Program
"Supporting the development of a local and sustainable reuse community that serves District towns."
The Lawrence Walbridge Reuse Fund (LWRF) was established in 1997 in memory of Lawrence Walbridge, a CVSWMD Board Supervisor from Williamstown, Vermont. Lawrence served on the CVSWMD Board from 1990-1996, where he was distinguished by his untiring commitment to District reuse programs, education, and a waste-less ethic that he embodied in daily practice.
This grant program is designed to provide technical and financial support to individuals and new or developing reuse businesses. It also supports endeavors that educate the public about the social, economic, and environmental benefits of reuse.
Grant applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis during CVSWMD Reuse Fund Committee meetings. If you or anyone you know is involved in a reuse oriented business, this small grant program can be a much needed source of additional funding!
To learn more or download an application, visit our website at www.cvswmd.org.
Community Member Needed for Commitee
We are looking for a community member to join our Lawrence Walbridge Reuse Grants Committee. If you are interested or want to learn more, please contact Gwen Lyons-Baker at 802.229.9383 ext. 111
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School Updates
Looking Ahead
CVSWMD School Coordinator Gwen Lyons-Baker has great things planned for this year. One of our most exciting happenings will take place in early September, when Gwen will be training the last remaining public school, Chelsea Public School, to participate in school composting (Phase 1 of School Zero Waste Program)! Once trained, 100% of the students, faculty and staff in the CVSWMD will be composting in schools. We extend a hearty welcome to students and staff at Chelsea Public School!
This year, our staff will continue to help schools evaluate the content of their waste streams by doing full school waste stream audits. These audits can help the school identify ways they can reduce waste and increase recycling and composting. Please let Gwen know if your school would like to schedule a waste stream audit this fall!
We have also been working hard to put together some great in-class lessons and activities that cover topics related to: recycling, waste reduction, packaging, and consumption (needs vs. wants). See our school programs web page for the lessons and their descriptions, grade levels and approximate amount of time needed for each lesson. These lessons are free to all public schools within CVSWMD member towns. Please contact the School Coordinator for more information or to schedule a lesson for your class!
Another exciting program CVSWMD is rolling out this fall is our new School Zero Waste Grant Program! Public schools can apply for up to $2500 (during the 2011-2012 school year) for projects relating to waste reduction. Examples of ways schools could use this money are for purchasing reusable dishes or recycling bins. Funds are limited, so please apply early! Visit our website for more information and to download an application.
If you have any questions about the School Zero Waste Program (including School Composting), please feel free to contact Gwen!
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Program Updates
NECI Waste Audit
On August 10th, CVSWMD staff, led by Program Manager Mia Roethlein, performed a waste audit for NECI on Main restaurant in Montpelier. Two NECI students, a chef and Will Colgan, Director of Facilities Operations, also participated in the sort.
Trash from one day of the restaurant's operation was sorted into three categories: compostables, recyclables, and trash. Overall, it was found that NECI on Main staff are doing a great job at keeping the restaurant's waste sorted! CVSWMD weighed each category of waste and then tallied percentages. We then made recommendations on ways in which staff might improve their waste reduction efforts; for example, both compostables and recyclables were found in the trash.
Mia Roethlein Weighs Recycling
CVSWMD staff is available to conduct waste audits for any Business Compost Program customer who is interested. Waste sorts can help a business to increase the amount of waste they are diverting from the landfill and can also help businesses cut disposal costs.
To learn more or schedule a waste audit, contact Mia Roethlein at 229.9383 x 106 or by email.
Proper Disposal
While on a recent walk near Plainfield, Program Manager Mia Roethlein found a few illegally dumped items (see photo below) on the riverbank. We felt it might be helpful to use these items as an opportunity to: 1) remind district residents that dumping trash and hazardous waste anywhere other than a licensed site is illegal, and 2) educate about how the items could have been properly disposed of.
 Illegally Dumped Trash
- Propane cylinders can be disposed of at the Barre Town Depot or Moretown landfill year-round.
- The five gallon container holds used oil, which should be disposed of at CV Transfer Station in E. Montpelier, Barre Town recycling depot, or the Moretown Landfill.
- The lead-acid battery could be taken to point of purchase locations such as service stations and auto parts stores (for free) or to a salvage yard.
- The car could be offered for reuse or disposed of with any licensed hauler.
Paint Poll
Check our the new poll on our website! We are gathering information from people in our district to find out whether they would be willing to pay 50 cents extra for a gallon of paint in order to set up a free, year-round paint collection program. Take the poll and see the results at www.cvswmd.org. Next Special Collection Event Our next scheduled collection is on September 10th from 9AM - 1PM and we'll be collecting Hazardous Waste & Electronics. The event will be held at the Town Garage in Bradford. FEES: Hazardous waste is $15 for most residential carloads. No fees for electronics disposal. *See the full collection events schedule. *Business owners and schools: You must call ahead to pre-register for this event. Mia Roethlein at 800.730.9475 x 106. |
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Resources in Vermont and Beyond
Apple Offers Free Recycling!
Apple, Inc. used to offer gift cards and discounts to those bringing in their old computer components. While this would a good thing, apparently the company felt they could do better! Now you can, according to the company's website,
"Turn that iPhone, iPad, or computer - Mac or PC - you're not using anymore into something brand new. Send it to us and we'll determine if it qualifies for reuse. If it does, that means your device has monetary value that we'll apply to an Apple Gift Card, which you can use for purchases at any Apple Retail Store or the Apple Online Store. If your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or PC doesn't qualify for reuse, we'll recycle it responsibly at no cost to you."
So while you can dispose of most e-waste for free in VT, including at CVSWMD collection events, you can also utilize this program to offer your old electronics up for re-use first and get a gift card to boot! You can also send them your old Mac batteries for proper disposal.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The Drug Enforcement Administration has scheduled another National Drug Take Back Day on October 29, 2011. Locations to be determined. Check the DEA website for latest updates. Vermont contact: SA Tom Doud 802-951-6777.
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State and National News
Vermont Author Celebrates Reuse
Keep an eye out for a new book by Vermont author Joanne Palmisano entitled Salvage Secrets: Transforming Reclaimed Materials into Design Concepts. The book claims to be a practical guide for interior designer types who wish to recycle or reuse items in their homes and offers a "stunning visual tour" of the possibilities that will have you out scavenging for items to reclaim for new uses in your home! The book is due to be released in early September.
Compost "Killer" Recalled
Dupont has been ordered by the EPA to recall its pesticide product Imprelis (active ingredient aminocyclopyrachlor) after thousands of customer complaints and 14 lawsuits accusing the product of damaging crops and evergreen trees. The pesticide is not eliminated with composting and thus produces what is sometimes called "killer compost". This is important news for residents of the district who compost or who use compost prodcuts, as well as our for our compost partners! Learn more from Waste & Recycling News .
Protecting Your E-waste Data
Planning on getting rid of your old computer? Remember that unless you are donating it to an organization that you trust to clean the hard drive, you should be sure to "wipe", or clean, the hard drive. When you bring your e-waste to a CVSWMD collection, you can rest assured your data will be destroyed by the recycler, Good Point Recycling of Middlebury, VT. CVSWMD will hold three more e-waste collections this season.
You may also purchase software, download free open source programs (such as DBAN), or take the computer to a local business that will wipe the data for you. The Computer Barn in Barre will wipe your hard drive for a small fee ($10-$15). Learn more at Vermont E-cycles.
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CVSWMD Notes
Soilsaver Classic Composters are selling fast!
Those who have purchased them have commented that the quality is high and the price is very reasonable, so stop by our office to check them out or call to order (802.229.9383 x 111).
These are for sale to in-district residents for the ultra-low price of $47. You can visit our website to learn more about these long-lasting composters.
Green Cones for Sale at the District Office We love these things! They're a great way to keep food scraps, including bones and meats, out of the landfill. To purchase a Green Cone, email Gwen Lyons-Baker or call the office (802.229.9383 ext.111).
- PLEASE NOTE: We sold all the old stock of Green Cones so the cost is now $99. Pickup is at CVSWMD at 137 Barre Street, Montpelier. Please be sure you speak with Gwen prior to stopping by to pick up a cone. (229-9383x111)
- We also sell Kitchen Caddies to hold food scraps prior to putting them in the compost pile. Price: $10 (in-district), $20 (out-of-district).
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Town Representatives Needed!
We still need Board Representatives from the following member towns: Plainfield, Tunbridge, Walden, Washington, and Williamstown. If you or someone you know would be interested in helping guide the organization's work, let us know!
Please contact us at 802.229.9383 or at administration@cvswmd.org for more information.
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Contact Us
Central Vermont Solid Waste
Management District (CVSWMD)
137 Barre Street
Montpelier, VT 05602-3618
Phone: 802.229.9383
Toll Free: 800.730.9475
FAX: 802.229.1318
email
Staff
Leesa Stewart
General Manager x101
email
Barb Baird
Administrative Coordinator/District Clerk x100
email
Mia Roethlein
Program Manager x 106
email
Gwen Lyons-Baker
School Zero Waste Coordinator x 111
email
Sarah Wisner
Program Assistant x 105
email
Marian Miller
Public Relations & Outreach Coordinator x 102
email
Annette Martin
Bookkeeper x 104
email
Bob Freeman
Driver
Ted Coles
Driver
Simon
Senior Office Mascot
Rosie
Junior Office Mascot
Devin
Off Site Mascot
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CVSWMD Board Members by City/Town
Barre City - Nancy Wolfe
Barre City alternate - Steve Micheli
Barre Town � - Fred Thumm
Barre Town alternate - Jack Mitchell
Berlin - Matt Levin
Bradford - Gerhard Postpischil
Calais - Bill Powell
Calais Alternate - John Brabant
Chelsea - Mark Lembke
Chelsea Alternate - Steve Gould
East Montpelier - Ginny Callan
Hardwick - Paul Fixx
Middlesex - Anita Krauth
Montpelier - Mia Moore
Montpelier Alternate - Andy Hooper
Orange - Lee Cattaneo
Plainfield - Vacant
Tunbridge - Vacant
Walden - Vacant
Washington - Vacant
Williamstown - Vacant
Woodbury - Dave Barnowski
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Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District is a union municipality committed to helping its 17 member communities work "Toward Zero Waste".
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