Taking Small Steps Toward Sustainability

To the Editor,

I need to clear my conscience!  I have not always paid close attention to what belongs in the trash, recycling, or compost.  However, I recently decided to take things one step at a time and become more environmentally responsible.

We are fortunate to have Black Earth right here in Manchester, so I decided to start with composting.  I dutifully line my compost bin with a compostable liner and fill it with food scraps.  Until recently, though, I didn’t realize so many other items can be composted.  Toothpicks and other small pieces of wood, cardboard rolls from toilet paper and paper towels, newspapers without color, and wine corks are just a few examples.  Once I got into the habit of composting, it became second nature—and I’ve noticed that my trash is so much less smelly!

Now that I have gotten the hang of composting, my next step is to learn more about what can be recycled through single-stream recycling and what can be brought to CHaRM (Collection of Hard to Recycle Materials).

So far, I have gotten two bags.  I plan to use one for flexible plastics, such as plastic bags, mailers, bubble wrap, and other clear plastics that cannot go into single-stream recycling.  The other will be used for rigid plastics,

such as the clear clamshell containers that many foods come in and black plastic take-out containers.  Their service provides an option to recycle 18+ different materials and collect them curbside.

It may seem like a small start, but I believe that small changes can make a difference.  I am going to continue learning about proper waste disposal and look for more ways to live sustainably.  If more of us take the time to understand what can be composted, recycled, or reused, together we can reduce the amount of waste going into our landfills.

If you’re interested in composting, Manchester offers a free town-wide collection program.  You can order a bin and sign up through blackearthcompost.com.  Essex residents can also choose a payment plan that works for you!

Donna Brewster

Manchester