Bottle Redemption: Makes Even More Cents! | |
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Dear Friends of Sustainable Westport,
Beginning January 1, Connecticut’s “Bottle Bill” DOUBLED its deposit to 10 cents! The bottle bill aims to incentivize recycling and proper disposal of beverage containers by attributing a cash value to each container, making it more likely that the containers will be recycled. States with bottle bills (CT is one of only 10 in the U.S.) have much higher recycling rates for containers than non-bottle bill states. The redemption process, separate from curbside recycling, results in less contamination, contributing to higher-quality recycled materials, particularly for plastics.
Eligible containers include most metal, glass, and plastic beverage containers within specific size ranges for carbonated and non-carbonated drinks. The program covers various beverages but excludes certain items like paper cartons, pouches, milk, wine, and liquor.
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Consumers can redeem containers at stores selling the deposited beverages, including those equipped with self-service reverse vending machines (RVMs). In (adjacent) to Westport, the two locations to redeem bottles and cans are Stop & Shop and Stew Leonards.
Connecticut’s Bottle Bill laws contribute to the creation of a circular economy by ensuring that valuable resources within these containers are efficiently recycled and reused. This conserves raw materials and reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing new containers from scratch.
Beyond its environmental benefits, this legislation fosters a sense of responsibility and awareness regarding waste management. For more information about the new bottle bill and to learn about other redemption options, check out our recent blog.
Best,
Gately Ross & Johanna Martell
Co-Directors, Sustainable Westport
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On December 15, we launched our first-ever Community Giving Challenge with the goal of inspiring 100 Westporters to make a gift to Sustainable Westport before the end of the year. Thank you to the over 150 supporters who rose to the challenge - and helped us receive a $10,000 challenge grant from a generous donor. Learn more about the challenge and view our donor list here. | | |
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Residential Energy Learning Series: Everything Solar
Tuesday, January 23, at the Westport Library
6:30 - 6:45 p.m. Welcome Reception
6:45 - 8:00 p.m. Presentation & Q&A
Join John Rountree, Owner and Chief Architect of Rountree Architect, and Nathan Hernandez, Solar Consultant from Aegis Solar, for an informative presentation on the process of transitioning your home or business to solar energy. Learn how solar panels work, how to choose a solar installation company, key design and installation considerations, and the expected ROI from going solar. Our panel will also break down financing options, including federal and state incentives. You will also hear directly from Jim Wolf, a Westport resident who recently went through the process of installing solar. The evening will conclude with a Q&A. Please register for this free event here.
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Small changes matter. By committing to incremental changes in our daily habits, we each play a vital role in contributing to a more sustainable future. Small actions can have a huge impact, and one person like you can inspire others to action.
As we welcome 2024, we are encouraging Westporters to commit to “One Small Change” that will reduce waste, fight climate change, and improve our lives!
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when considering how to make your life more “sustainable.” Give yourself some grace, and start by committing to one small change! Not sure where to start? Check out the list of ideas below!
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Starbucks announced last week that customers at all Starbucks locations across the U.S. and Canada can use their clean, personal cup when ordering in the café, in the drive-thru, or when ordering ahead with the Starbucks app. With the majority of Starbucks beverages enjoyed on the go, this milestone unlocks a big opportunity for customers to choose reusables! We love this!
They must have gotten the idea from Refill Not Landfill. . .
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Sustainable Westport, in partnership with the Town of Westport, is seeking applications for the Green Building Awards. The Westport Green Building Award aims to recognize residents and business owners who elect to prioritize sustainability for their project’s design, construction, or renovation.
Please click here for more information on how to apply.
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Film Screening of Abundance: The Farmlink Story: Sustainable Westport partnered with Food Rescue US – Fairfield County, Wakeman Town Farm, and Westport Farmers Market to sponsor a community film screening of Abundance: The Farmlink Story. This award-winning documentary short explores youth-led solutions to food insecurity and wasted food.
Residential Energy Learning Series: This fall, Sustainable Westport sponsored a three-part FREE Residential Energy Learning Series designed to provide residents with information, resources, and the confidence to kick off their energy-saving home improvement projects. Check out recaps on All About Heat Pumps and Going Geothermal - our last session, “Everything Solar,” will be hosted on Tuesday, January 23. Click here for more information.
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Did you know Sustainable Westport is a completely independent non-profit organization? If you like what you’ve been seeing, either in person, in our newsletter, or via social media, help us keep it going! Your gift is critical to the continuation and success of our work. Make your tax-deductible gift online today! | |
Follow us for tips on how to reduce waste, improve your energy efficiency, and help contribute to making Westport a healthier and greener community. | | | | |
