SalemRecycles Committee
Meeting Minutes for March 8, 2010
Attending:
Liz Vago
Katie Giddings
Lynn Murray
Erin Huggard
Susan Yochelson
Jennifer Percy
Marcia Lambert
Tony Keck
Julie Rose
1-Reviewed Minutes from February meeting. Approved barring objections via email to Tony within one week.
2-Debriefed on various events:
Garbage Dreams-well attended, Mayor acknowledged continued contribution of Salem Recycles by recognizing Book swap, etc. and mentioning each committee member. Great partnering with PEM, they are eager to work with us in the future. Very youthful crowd attended from the surrounding communities. Liz mentioned the movie highlighted the value of things as well as the value of people doing the work.
Book swap-great attendance, need specific drop off location and a greeter to direct people, add Fiction, Non-Fiction and Coffee Table categories. Not enough volunteers from 10-11ish during the peak rush. Discussed why there was a different crowd-assume early calendar listing, Globe North coverage, distribution to religious groups, and visible sandwich boards were reason. Got Books will not recycle cassettes; discussed not accepting or an alternative recycling approach (Penny found a recycler). Decided there was no point to 9:30 drop off vs. 10am start time; next time event will start at 10; potentially use the large classroom. St. Anne’s is eager to host another Book swap the weekend after Labor Day-September 11, 2010. No decision from SalemRecycles.
3-Discussed upcoming events
Citywide Science Fair 3/11 at Bowditch School-Katie, Julie and Marcia to participate. Will use some of original displays; plus bring various items to recycle and play a game with students and parents. Prizes will include candy and recycled items.
WaterSense-Dallas was the winner; however the regional EPA administrator is very interested in this program. The City is working with the House of 7 Gables to host an event on Tuesday March 16 at 4pm. If anyone would like to attend, please contact Julie. Liz will circulate abstract that was submitted to EPA for the contest.
SSC Panel North Shore Green Initiative, 4/12/10 at 12:30 pm. Kevin Beckwith contacted Liz and Julie, many questions remain. Julie will follow-up by calling him to determine who else is on the panel, who is keynote speaker, are they interested in a representative from SalemRecycles or North Shore Recycled Fiber? There is some indication that Health link may be driving the agenda.
Clean Salem Green Salem- Marcia reported that the Beautification Committee is on board with this s collaboration. Julie suggested buying recycled bags as prizes; the committee felt that some format of seeds would be more appropriate. Susan and Liz will come up with some ideas of types and where to purchase. We would need about 300; there was discussion about approaching Thompson Gardens, Northeast Nursery to see if they would co-sponser.
4-Strategic Plan; the committee discussed the revised draft plan that Liz and Lynn produced by taking apart the original plan and consolidating. There was much discussion about how the plan would be used, internal vs. external publication, simplifying language, and becoming a guiding document.
Mission-decrease trash by source reduction; encourage re-purposing, re-use and recycling. Instead of providing leadership to North Shore, suggest Lead by Example. The mission should be short, and the reason the committee exists. Need a concrete statement that promotes decreased trash, increased recycling while generating increased knowledge and positive feelings. Want to ensure recyclers feel positive about the process.
Suggested mission: Increase recycling rates and encourage re-use and reduction in order to reduce trash in Salem.
Stakeholders: the committee discussed this element of the plan; concluded this was anyone who generates trash in Salem-residents, employees, visitors. Committee also wants to increase recycling outside the contract.
The discussion was a great start in re-framing the strategic plan. The next meeting to finalize: Tuesday March 23, 6:30 pm at Liz’s home at 29 Summit Avenue.
- Meeting adjourned 8:15 p.m.
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