Green Scene Meeting Wednesday
November 13, 2024

WHAT IS ( OR IS NOT ) RECYCLABLE ? ?

The answer to that question is constantly changing !

As material processing technology constantly evolves, and as markets for re-processed material also evolve, what we are able to recycle ( and what it makes economic sense to recycle ) is - as previously stated - constantly changing. Which is why we have invited back to our November 13 Green Scene Meeting our very own "local authority" on the subject: Chatham County Recycling & Education Specialist, Shannon Culpepper.

In her more than 9 year career with the Chatham County Environmental Quality Department, Shannon has led us on field trips to the Materials Recovery Facility ( MERF ) to which our recycling is sent for initial processing. She has also, periodically, come to speak to us at G.S. meetings in The Gathering Place - to bring us "up to date" on current practices, through slides, and physical samples of the "do's" and "dont's." Her presentations have always been enlightening - and there is always time for Q & A to discuss items of particular interest.

Also at the Wednesday morning meeting we will get a brief update from Cheri Derosia and David Brown on the impressive launch of Fearrington Composts a few weeks ago. If you haven't done so already, do stop by and take a look at the ( inviting and accessible

) containers for food waste that are located to the right of the "new shed" in the G.P. parking lot ( along with the explanatory signs ).

And, last but not least, at the FHA / Green Scene Fall Event on October 19, we collected 3,984 pounds of paper to be shredded and recycled, as well as 28.4 pounds of unneeded pharmaceuticals, to be correctly disposed of by the Chatham County Sheriff's Department.

Recycling two tons (4,000 lbs) of paper has a significant positive impact on the environment. It can save 34 trees, 760 gallons of oil, 6 cubic yards of landfill space, 8,000 kWh of energy, and 14,000 gallons of water. Additionally, the 34 trees preserved can absorb about 500 lbs of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year, while burning that same ton of paper would release 3,000 lbs of carbon dioxide. Overall, recycled paper generates 74% less air pollution compared to paper made from raw materials.

Once again: THANK YOU to the dedicated G.S. Volunteers who helped to make the event a success !

Looking forward to seeing many of you at 11:00 AM Wednesday morning at The Gathering Place.

Please join us for an enlightening experience - and maybe even bring a friend.