March 25, 2020

Zero Waste Newsletter: The Covid-19 Edition

Looking for Something to Do? Pick up Litter!

Keeping our roadsides clean can be done as a solo activity or with just one other person. Driving along, our island may look pretty litter-free, but up close, there is no lack of man-made discards. (At left is a sample of trash and recyclables gathered from a short section on New Brooklyn.) The Zero Waste lending library keeps a supply of grabbers. If you would like to check out a grabber during this homestay period, please contact Diane Landry.

Another Suggestion: Go Bagless

In adjusting to a temporary new normal, your grocery store baggers may not be packing your purchases in reusable bags. Never fear! Simply have them return the groceries loose to your cart and bag them yourself once you get to your vehicle.

Celebrate Earth Month!

Play Earth Month Bingo, created expressly for BI Earth Month by Deb Rudnick. Starting April 1, check out the BI Earth Month Facebook page every day for a different tip on how to keep our planet a healthier place to live.

Composting Questions during the Coronavirus

Here’s some advice* on what to do with commonly compostable items: TISSUES used to blow noses: According to the CDC, coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. If you are sick with the flu, virus or a cold, or have symptoms, please do not compost tissues that were used to blow your nose, cover a cough or sneeze, or for a bloody nose; instead, put them into the trash. This is always good practice. For other uses, you can continue composting tissue. PAPER TOWELS used to clean surfaces: It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes. Wiping down surfaces with cleansers and disinfectants can reduce this risk. If you are sick with the flu, virus or cold, and are using paper towels to wipe down surfaces, discard them in the trash. For other uses, you can continue composting paper towels.  FOOD SCRAPS: Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. There is likely very low risk of spread from food products shipped over a period of days or weeks at ambient, refrigerated, or frozen temperatures. At this time, keep composting your food scraps! * C opied from an email from the organization Eco-Cycle and confirmed with Bainbridge Disposal

And remember, wipes are not flushable. DON’T FLUSH ANYTHING BUT TOILET PAPER.

Bainbridge Disposal would also like you to bag your garbage. Even at the transfer station, BD general manager Dave Stanley notes, bagging would contain the trash better. (Note: Never put recyclables in a plastic bag. Deposit them loose.)

March 28 - POSTPONED: League of Women Voters' Garbage Presentation April 19 - POSTPONED: BI Fix-it Fair April 25 - CANCELED: Islander Earth Day Festival April 26 - POSTPONED or CANCELED (not known at press time): ZW Trashion Show

Textiles Recycling

Use your at-home time to clean out your closets. The Eagle Harbor High School PTSO currently has a clothing drive underway now through April 30, 2020. What to include in your donations: Clothing (all ages, styles, and condition - no mildew, wetness or hazmat) Linens (bedding, towels, pillows) Fabric scraps Jewelry Shoes and boots Accessories (purses, belts) Outerwear (coats, hats, scarves) Blankets Stuffed animals The drop-off spot is on Sarah Albee's front porch, 1810 Sakai Village Loop. You may also contact Sarah to come pick up. The textiles are sold to Value Village. Money raised goes to support the Eagle Harbor High School PTSO budget.

The spring issue of the online Salish Magazine, entitled "Welcome to the Plastocene" (i.e., Age of Plastics), is now out. The guest editor is none other than Deb Rudnick, a dedicated environmentalist and BI Zero Waste community advocate. If you aren't familiar with this publication, the creator, John Williams, chooses a subject and explores its interconnectedness to all aspects of our regional ecosystem via a variety of contributions, including art, poetry, meditations and factual articles. A notable feature of all issues is the rich visual imagery. Williams also has taken to sending out additional content after the initial release date so the issues are not so jam-packed. If you want to make sure to receive the full range of plastic coverage, then sign up here.

6 Waste-Related Bills Pass Through WA Legislature

Zero Waste Washington has done a nice job summarizing the zero waste bills that passed before the close of the 2020 legislative session. Go here for details of the following six measures: Plastic bag ban Solar panel recycling Post-consumer plastic content Nonflushable wipes labeling Compost use Industrial waste use

Library of Things Update

The nascent Bainbridge Island Library of Things now has a logo and a Facebook page. To join future meetings (currently via videoconferencing), please contact Gilian Engelson.

Visit the BI Zero Waste website

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  .