Recycling
Recycling reduces the need for hauling trash (producing emissions), the need to burn (producing toxic emissions) and the need for landfills (emitting toxic methane gas). Almost anything can be recycled; check Earth 911 for excellent recycling information. BuxMont is a member of Recycle Bank, a novel trash program that rewards us for recycling.
It is important to note that consumer goods, when manufactured or otherwise created, generate an average of 70 lbs of waste for every pound of product. By consuming less, we can cut more waste upstream from the point of sale than recycling a product once it has served its purpose, breaks, or wears out.
For more information on recycling, see:
- Annie Leonard’s hilarious Story of Stuff
- William McDonough’s Cradle to Cradle
- Janine Benyus’ Nature’s Designs and Biomimicry
As part of the Green Sanctuary initiative, the following actions have been taken to encourage reduction of waste, reusing materials and recycling what cannot be reused:
- Members are encouraged to bring reusable serving items (cups, plates, utensils) for community events, rather than relying on disposables.
- BuxMont Unitarian Universalist Members recycle cardboard, plastics and glass, and compost food scraps.
- Recycling containers have been added to many common areas as well as religious education classrooms.