March 2007 Reston Environmental Action Update
Everyone is welcome to attend all board and committee meetings!
Next REACT Board Meeting: Tuesday, March 27, Lake Anne RCC, Room B
PROJECTS
Stratton Woods began the project at their annual meeting. They received information on how to recycle in Fairfax County, and their volunteers will soon distribute brochures on when and what to recycle in their neighborhood.
Many neighborhoods hold the initial Reston Recycles! gathering with their spring cleanups. If your neighborhood is planning a cleanup now might be a good time to get started and join the seven neighborhoods that have increased their recycling rate. Contact info@restonenvironmentalaction.org or 703-620-0151 for more information.
Coleson Cluster is the third neighborhood to complete their participation in Close the Loop, a follow-up project to Reston Recycles! The results from their survey showed an increase in the use of reusable shopping bags and other durable products such as energy efficient light bulbs. Residents are also making more of an effort to seek out products with post-consumer recycled content.
To prepare to implement this project, REACT board members surveyed local grocery stores this summer to learn what recycled-content products they offered. Coleson Cluster residents brought it our attention that they have not found all of the products that we had seen this summer at some local supermarkets. At their suggestion, we plan to write to these stores. We would also appreciate your assistance in calling this to the attention of store managers. Also please contact REACT to advise of the availability or unavailability of recycled paper products in local markets. We would like to know if you call a problem to the attention of the store manager and the results of any action you take.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Reducing Workplace Waste
A meeting was held with staff at Lake Anne RCC. Staff members want to comply with the county ordinance that all businesses recycle mixed paper by July, 2007. RCC plans to work with the Lake Anne Merchants Association to include paper recycling for Lake Anne Plaza businesses.
Do you work in Reston? Does your employer recycle mixed paper? Either way, consider joining this committee to provide resources to businesses on how they can reduce their waste.
Hazardous Waste Disposal Next meeting: Monday, Wednesday, April 18, 6:00 pm, 2066 Headlands Circle.
Committee members are compiling information to provide to neighborhoods on how to organize their own household hazardous waste collections.
If your neighborhood has ever conducted a household hazardous waste collection, please tell us about it at info@restonenvironmentalaction.org or 703-620-0151.
Environmental Yard and Garden Care Next meeting: TBD, check the REACT website.
The committee is in the process of selecting three areas to focus on for their first project. They have decided upon two so far – promoting (1) the reduction of synthetic pesticide and fertilizer use, and (2) an increase in the use of native plants and the removal of exotic plants.
Drive Less, Breathe Better Next Meeting: Monday, March 26, 7:30 pm, 2011 Approach Lane.
Committee members attended a Forest Edge PTA meeting to propose a Walk/Bike/Bus to School Day. The parents were very enthusiastic, as they too are concerned about global warming, student health, and traffic jams at the school’s Kiss and Ride. The parents plan to examine the paths to see what routes work best and to learn how many parents are interested. The parents hope to conduct a pilot Walk/Bike/Bus-to-School Day that will correspond with Earth Day prior to participating in the International Walk to School Day next fall. The committee will work with them to organize these events.
The committee is developing handouts for neighborhood meetings that include information on the benefits of driving less; bus, bike and trail maps specific for the neighborhood; and instructions on using the various bus services.
Committee members are researching additional issues around school and commuter bus use and increased opportunities for walking and biking.
The REACT board wishes board member Marcia Hendershot well as she leaves Reston for Atlanta, GA. Marcia has contributed a great deal to REACT including starting the Reston Recycles! project in Stratton Woods, leading the Reducing Workplace Waste Committee, and cleaning REACT’s adopted pathway with Reston Association’s Adopt-A-Spot program.
Check www.restonenvironmentalaction.org for committee updates, meeting dates, and other REACT news. If you would like to participate in Reston Recycles! or want to join a committee, contact Mary Brown at info@restonenvironmentalaction.org or 703-620-0151.
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