March 2009 Reston Environmental Action Member Update
Everyone is welcome to attend all board and committee meetings.
Observe a neighborhood project in action
REACT members are welcome to attend neighborhood project meetings to learn what they involve before holding one in your own neighborhood. Two upcoming opportunities include:
Eco-Friendly Yard and Garden Care in Hunters Green Cluster on Saturday, March 8 at 3:00 pm. (Remember Daylight Savings Time!) If you would like to attend, contact Mona Khalil. (See most recent cluster results under committee report below.)
Drive Less, Breathe Better in Wethersfield Cluster on Sunday, April 26 at 2:00 pm. If you would like to attend, contact Steve Cerny.
A quote we like
This is a quote we believe helps define one reason why we do what we do. “The environmental movement has been very good at instilling in people a sense that the environment matters. And itÙs been good at creating a cadre of serious, committed environmentalists. Where it has had trouble is in bridging the gap between those two – people willing to get involved in some local action thatÙs compatible with a normal life.” Peter Sandman, environmentalist and corporate risk management consultant, in “Risky Business” by Gillian Kendall, The Sun, December 2003
Communicate with fellow members online . . .
In a few days you will receive an email invitation from REACT via Facebook and Mona Khalil, to join our Facebook group. This is simply an opportunity to share and receive information with and from other REACT members. If youÙd like to join, follow the links in the email you receive from Facebook/Mona. If youÙd rather not add REACT online social networking to your life, delete the email!
. . . And/or in person
The REACT board would also like to find opportunities to meet REACT members in person. Our first occasion takes advantage of a walk sponsored by the Reston Association at the Sunrise Valley Wetlands on Thursday, April 23rd from 7 pm to 8 pm. Get together with fellow REACT members while enjoying a walk led by an RA naturalist. The walk is for all ages. The fee is $3 for RA members. Participants must make a reservation by April 20 by calling RA at 703-435-6530 or emailing naturalist@reston.org. Once you have made your reservation, email REACT so we know which REACT members will be attending.
The information from the Reston Association A to Z Guide includes “Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Sunrise Valley Wetlands. Bring a flashlight, binoculars, or any other nature detective tool with you to explore your natural surroundings. This is a great time of year to experience the diversity of nature. Sunrise Valley Wetlands, 12700 Sunrise Valley Drive. Park on the west side of the ASG Software Solutions building.”
If this does not fit with your schedule or interest, know that REACT will be suggesting a variety of gatherings throughout the year!
Recycling at Best Buy
“Now you can bring everything from TVs and computers to DVD players and more to any U.S. Best Buy store, and we'll recycle it. Best Buy does not charge a fee for recycling most consumer electronics. However, we do charge $10 for TVs, CRTs, monitors and laptops, which is offset with a $10 gift card.
We accept up to two items per household per day.”
“Items which are not accepted
Console TVs, or TVs and monitors larger than 32" -Use our haul-away or pickup programs to recycle these items.
Electronics containing Freon - Please contact your local solid waste disposal department for help with recycling air conditioners, dehumidifiers and mini refrigerators.
Appliances - Use our haul-away or pickup programs to recycle items such as refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washers and dryers, ranges and microwaves.”
“What are Best Buy standards for recyclers?
Best Buy makes sure that the recyclers we work with adhere to the highest guidelines and standards so that the products customers bring into our stores for recycling don't end up in landfills or in foreign countries, and that all hazardous materials are disposed of properly. We partner directly with a short list of qualified, respected recycling companies who ensure all products collected for recycling through Best Buy are handled responsibly. These recycling companies meet our standards, and we encourage them to examine and consider additional third-party standards for responsible practices.
What happens to products that are taken to the store to be recycled?
The products are removed from our stores through third party logistics, consolidated and then delivered directly to one of our contracted recycling partners. The recyclers will then determine if the product can be repaired, repurposed or recycled. Using various technologies our recyclers dismantle the electronics, separating out various commodities (Plastics, Glass, Metals, etc) which are repurposed into new products or delivered to a specialized recycler to be further processed and repurposed.”
PROJECTS
Organize this project in your neighborhood and your neighbors who participate will also receive REACT shopping bags!
Country Walk cluster is planning to begin the project in the spring.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Eco-Friendly Yard and Garden Care Next Meeting: Tues., March 3, 7:00 p.m., 1684 Moorings Dr.
The committee reviewed the survey results from Wethersfield and Moorings Clusters. One resident has started using a rain barrel and one has started composting. Three are using less synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Six have removed invasive plants from their yard/neighborhood and four have planted native plants in their yard. A few changes in each cluster adds up!
Hunters Green Cluster is holding a meeting on March 8.
Drive Less, Breathe Better Next Meeting: Tues., April 8, 7:30 p.m., 2011 Approach Lane
The committee added updates to the project handout and is holding a meeting in Wethersfield Cluster on April 26.
Next REACT Board Meeting: Tues., March 24, 7:30 p.m., Reston Community Center at Lake Anne, Room B