November 20, 2020

You've asked for it and now it's coming to Bainbridge Island! Zero Waste Washington and Kitsap County Solid Waste are in the incipient stages of bringing Fix-it Fairs to Kitsap, and island newcomer Gilian Engelson has stepped up to be point person for such an event on Bainbridge. Fix-It Fairs are three-hour long community events where people can get household items repaired for free by skilled community fixers.  The first step is recruiting local fixers, student fixer apprentices, and event volunteers , with stipends involved for the first two groups. Read more at the  Fix-It Fair website. If you are interested in fixing items at these events, please submit an interest form at the website  or call the program coordinator, Caitlin Newman, at 360-337-4678 to be added to the list of interested fixers.

Turkey Talk

After the Thanksgiving bird has been all carved up and leftovers tucked away in the fridge, remember that turkey bones and any uneaten meat parts can go in your yard waste container. Organics kept out of the landfill means fewer global warming methane emissions. Frying your turkey? Filter out out food particles and use the cooking oil again or take it to the special collection container at Bainbridge Disposal Transfer Station.

Fashion Impact

The fashion industry is responsible for approximately 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions  due to its long supply chains and energy intensive production. Kick the buying habit with clothing swaps clothing rentals clothing resales Check out where to buy/rent and where to consign/give. And join us at the movie below. Trashion chair Naomi Spinak and SHiFT clothing store owner Rebecca Hall will be on hand for the post-film discussion.

Efforts are underway to establish a Library of Things on Bainbridge Island. Island resident Gilian Engelson is holding an open meeting on Monday, December 16 , from 7-8:30pm at the Bainbridge Public Library* for anyone who is interested in being involved in the nascent stages of this project. Gilian describes the endeavor as follows: The goal of the Library of Things is to act as an accessible repository of shared goods for the community to borrow. A recent BI Facebook survey showed that over 92% believed a Library of Things would be a valuable resource, with home and garden tools, recreational equipment, entertainment items, kitchenware and toys being the top five categories of items that residents would want to borrow.  There are well over 300 tool libraries and libraries of things in the world. Community resources and activities on Bainbridge like Zero Waste's Tableware Lending Library, BI Parks and Recreation’s Gearbank, the Rotary Auction, and Helpline's medical equipment lending library are all amazing and well loved examples of our community's penchant to share, reuse, and offer affordable access to goods. Is our island ready to expand on these through a Library of Things?   If you are interested in becoming involved or learning more about the Library of Things, please contact Gilian Engelson or RSVP here to attend the meeting on December 16. * This project is not affiliated with the public library but will be created as an independent non-profit entity.

Holiday Gatherings and Traditions

This year, weave a reduce and reuse theme into your celebrations. Check out Zero Waste's "Landfill Less" Holiday Guide . There are links to tips for ways to be green during the holiday season, as well as information about groups and businesses on Bainbridge who will help you keep your decorations and packaging out of the landfill.

Med Take-back Update

Last year Kitsap County joined other communities in having dedicated drop boxes available for secure disposal of medications. In Bainbridge, that location is the lobby of the police station, open 8am-4pm, Monday-Friday. There is also the option of a free mail-back envelope for those home-bound or differently abled. See details here. (Sharps are not accepted and should be put in a puncture-resistant container and dropped off at the kiosk at the Bainbridge Disposal Transfer Station.) In its first yea r, Kitsap’s MED-Project collected more than 3,800 pounds of medicine. It is important to dispose of pharmaceuticals properly for safety and environmental reasons. Never flush any medications down the toilet (unless specifically stated). For a quick reminder of what goes in the loo, watch this cute video.

Winter Calendar

Now through January 20 - Holiday string light recycling at Bainbridge Ace Hardware. December 5 - The True Cost movie at the Bainbridge Public Library, Thursday, 7-9pm. Donations appreciated. December 16 - Library of Things introductory meeting at the Bainbridge Public Library, Monday, 7-8:30pm. RSVP here. December 28 - Kitsap Solid Waste Styrofoam collection, Kitsap Fairgrounds, Saturday, 9am-3pm. Details here. January 11 - Tree pick-up by Boy Scout Troop 1564. Make your reservation pick-up here. January 11 & 12 - Styrofoam and CD recycling collection at Bay Hay and Feed, Saturday & Sunday, 10am-4pm. Details here.

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Newsletter editor: Diane Landry, BI Zero Waste (Volunteer) Director Back issues are available   here . BI Zero Waste is an all-volunteer program of Sustainable Bainbridge. Send feedback   here .