Everyone is welcome to attend all board and committee meetings.
Welcome to all new REACT members and thank you to those who have renewed your membership! If you havent had a chance to renew your membership, please send $5 per member to PO Box 8942, Reston, VA 20195. (If you have joined or renewed this year and have not received your shopping bag, please email Mary Brown.)
Thank you to those of you who were able to attend our annual meeting. Bob Mowbray and Kelly Daly were re-elected to the board. The board elected the following officers - President: Thea Kreinik, Vice President: Kelly Daly, Treasurer: John Higgins, and Secretary: Mona Khalil.
Our guest speaker Kate Sicola of the Fairfax County Division of Solid Waste and Recycling conducted a lively question and answer session. Questions answered included:
How do we know that materials picked up at the curb are really going to a recycling center?
Because of the revenue collected and the force of the law. It is illegal to dispose of materials separated for recycling. If a hauler takes recyclables to a county disposal facility, enforcement measures are taken. Also, it makes business sense. The recycling center either takes the recyclables for free or pays for them. Therefore, it is in the best interest of haulers to recycle as much of their material as possible.
Why are we not able to recycle foil or milk and juice cartons?
Foil is difficult to recycle because of the food waste that often remains on the discarded foil. Milk and juice cartons are difficult because the wax has to be separated from the paper.
Does Fairfax County plan to expand to other materials for recycling?
The county is currently evaluating whether they can add other recyclables. The county has high standards and will only add more items if they know the material will actually be recycled and processed in an environmentally responsible manner.
What about plastic bags?
Grocery stores that accept plastic shopping bags accept all kinds of plastic bags such as newspaper bags, produce bags, bread bags and even the plastic that is often wrapped around cardboard in shipping boxes.
One member asked whether exotic invasive plants can be composted. We have since learned that the Reston Association and the Fairfax County Park Authority recommend that invasive plants be placed with garbage, rather than composted. Compost piles often do not reach temperatures high enough to destroy the seeds, and invasives could be spread through the compost material.
Finally to assist in our efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle, we can look at items with the attitude that Kate often in observes in children: Thats not garbage yet!
If you would like to join a committee or would like your street, cluster or building to participate in a project, or simply have a question, please contact us.
Reston Recycles/Close the Loop email Mary Brown
Eco-Friendly Yard and Garden Care email Bob Mowbray.
Drive Less, Breathe Better email Steve Cerny
Energy Efficiency Committee email Mona Khalil
This year, we will try a social gathering of members later in the year rather than in December to reduce scheduling conflicts. Hope to see you then!
Next REACT Board Meeting: Tuesday, January 27, 7:30 p.m., RCC Lake Anne, Room B
Check www.restonenvironmentalaction.org for meeting dates, and other REACT information, or call 703-620-0151.
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