August 2009 Reston Environmental Action Member Update
Everyone is welcome to attend all board and committee meetings.
Meet Fellow REACT Members
On Saturday, August 22 at 10:00 a.m. meet at the Lake Anne Coffee House for friendly conversation. We'll have REACT bags so you can find your fellow members.
Hunger and climate change
"Climate change's most savage impact on humanity in the near future is likely to be in the increase in hunger the countries with existing problems in feeding their people are those most at risk from climate change,"
"Millions of farmers will have to give up traditional crops as they experience changes in the seasons that they and their ancestors have depended on. Climate-related hunger [may become] the defining human tragedy of this century."
When reading statements like these from a recent Oxfam International report, itÙs easy to feel helpless. But it is encouraging to know that in addition to far-reaching policy and technological changes, our actions do make a difference. It is encouraging that REACT membership continues to grow as residents show support for behavior changes that have an impact. Thank you for being a member!
PROJECTS
Reston Recycles / Close the Loop
Thanks to the Reston Association Neighborhood Advisory Committee and RA Neighborhood Outreach Specialist Arlene Whittick, REACT was invited to present information on Reston Recycles/Close the Loop at RAÙs recycling workshop. Benjamin Boxer from Fairfax County provided a comprehensive overview of trash and recycling in the county. His presentation included answers to questions we often hear:
- Besides the fact that there is a market for recyclables, haulers have no incentive to throw loads of recyclable in the trash because of the fines they would receive at the waste facility.
- Although the waste to energy facility is useful as an energy source, recycling is nevertheless preferable because it uses less resources and energy in manufacturing products. This, plus the fact that the waste to energy facility must reserve space for the additional trash it continues to receive as the county grows, are two reasons why the county would not put recyclables in the waste to energy facility.
- The county has reached a 40% recycling rate.
Benjamin noted that some contractors are finding markets for additional items to recycle and some neighborhoods are adding this service to their recycling contract. If you live in one of these neighborhoods, contact us to participate in Reston Recycles/Close the Loop to help your neighbors learn of the new procedures.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Eco-Friendly Yard and Garden Care Next Meeting: Tues., August 11, 7:00 p.m., 1684 Moorings Dr.
There were barely enough chairs for all of the Soapstone Cluster residents attending their neighborhood meeting on July 26! We enjoyed much discussion, particularly about rain barrels and composting.
Results are in for Country Courts Cluster. Participants were surveyed on changes they have made since attending their meeting at the end of January. Five new rain barrels and 3 new composters are now in use! Plus, two residents reported that they use less synthetic pesticides, two have removed invasive plants and two have planted native plants.
The next neighborhood meeting will be held in Wheelwright Cluster on August 23. To learn more about holding a meeting in your neighborhood, contact Bob Mowbray at rnmowbray@att.net .
Reston Stream Restoration
At the neighborhood Yard and Garden meetings, the committee often receives questions about the stream restoration work. For more information, visit the Reston Association website at www.reston.org. Do you support the stream restoration? If so, Carolyn Badila is looking for people willing to attend a stream walk, meeting or by writing or signing a letter of support. Contact her at cbadila@verizon.net .
Drive Less, Breathe Better
To learn about changes to the Fairfax Connector bus service implemented last month, visit:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/fy10_routes_overview.htm
If you'd like to hold a meeting in your neighborhood or building to encourage residents to drive less, contact Steve Cerny at cernybrown@earthlink.net .
Join Reston Environmental Action on Facebook! If you have questions, email Mona Khalil at khalilmona@hotmail.com .
Next REACT Board Meeting: Tues., August 25, RCC Hunters Woods, Room 4, 7:30 p.m.
Check www.restonenvironmentalaction.org for meeting dates, and other REACT information. If you would like to participate in a project or join a committee, contact Mary Brown at cernybrown@earthlink.net or 703-620-0151.