AMHERST — Communities in the United States and across the globe are adopting zero-waste principles that aim to reduce consumption and protect natural resources.
While Amherst doesn’t yet have a zero-waste plan, the Select Board earlier this year accepted the Solid Waste Master Plan that commits the town to move in that direction with input from all agencies and parts of the community.
To launch education about zero waste, the Recycling and Refuse Management Committee is one of the organizers of “Moving Toward Zero Waste,” which will be held at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, 845 West St., Thursday, Oct. 19, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Also sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Amherst, Sustaining Amherst and the Hitchcock Center, the aim is to gather ideas on how to reduce waste and increase recycling, educate people about zero-waste practices and invite participation in this effort, said John Root, chairman of the Recycling and Refuse Management Committee.
“We’re hoping that people will participate in planning an Amherst area zero-waste campaign and help us to make it happen,” Root said.
During the event, which will take place after tours of the Hitchock Center’s living building and serving of refreshments at 6 p.m., participants will get an overview of the environmental impacts of overconsumption and improper handling of planetary resources, learn how waste management in Amherst is done, share information about how to minimize waste and present ideas on how to improve waste management practices.
Root said there are no imminent changes to how trash and recyclables are picked up at homes and businesses and dropped off at the transfer station. But eventual curbside pickup of organic materials, such as food and yard scraps and paper products that are not recyclable, are being prioritized as future adjustments to Amherst’s solid waste management practices.
“By aiming high, Amherst can also make significant progress toward reaching these goals,” Root said.
During the evening there will be brief presentations by Root and Stephanie Ciccarello, the coordinator of Sustaining Amherst, a short film and the formation of a “Green Team” for Amherst.
