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New Bedford’s landfill is scheduled to close within a decade, and in the last two years, the city’s waste collection budget has climbed from $5.4 million to $8.7 million. What can be done to control spiraling costs and help save the environment at the same time?
Light columnist Jack Spillane was joined on The Chat by three environmentalists who offered alternatives to traditional methods of waste disposal and addressed myths about recycling and how New Bedford and other communities can put human health over profits.
Watch Spillane and guests Kirstie Goodwin Pecci, the founder of Just Zero, and local activists Wendy Morrill and Tracy Wallace, of South Coast Neighbors United, on the latest episode of The Chat.
Simply and ultimately, it’s a supply and demand issue. If consumers choose to use products that were reusable rather than “convient throw out” there would be considerably less non biodegradelble material taking up space in the landfills.
Consumers are not the primary problem. Corporations need to be held accountable for the plastic they produce.
Consumers are not the primary problem! Producers need to be held accountable. We need Extended Producer Responsibility legislation, as well as international legislation to rein in plastic production. Thank you to the NB Light for this chat. Kirstie Pecci is a brilliant advocate and Wendy and Tracy are to be commended for their advocacy.
We need “public service” videos and programs that demonstrate simple ways to avoid using plastic and the best ways to recycle plastic containers. Wash with detergent, rinse and dry and reuse zip lock bags, food boxes and drink containers, bring-your- own take home containers to restaurants. These demonstrations would be more effective than written reminders!
I will not be able to attend, but would love to watch a recording if one is made. I have a conflict at that time. Let me know – Thanks
Hi Ken. Thank you for your interest. There will be a recording on the website this evening
The town of Wellesley, MA has a tremendous recycling program that has been used as a model by other municipalities and countries. It’s worth a visit and is a money-making operation for the town.
With all the recycling available, and mandatory in Dartmouth, a lot of wasted can be prevented. Even unused food can be dropped off at the Dartmouth Transfer Station. This may not totally cure the issue but it will help considerably
You also have a Mayor that needs better advice regarding new overdevelopment on an already overdeveloped landscape! Water supply is limited along with sewer/waste disposal! Any redevelopment of existing buildings needs to have new restrictions of conformity for sustainability, including parking for the residents.