The Coral Bay Community Council (CBCC) has published “The R-Words: Reduce, Re-Use, Repurpose & Recycle: A How-to Guide to Solid Waste Reduction” and is working to make a difference. This 30-page booklet is an update of the 2017 R-Words booklet and is aimed at stimulating interest among Coral Bay and St. John residents about the opportunities to reduce their household trash amounts through best use of disposal, recycling and reuse options.
The CBCC worked closely with the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority to obtain and include the latest 2022 information on the proper disposal rules and methods for all forms of municipal solid waste and household hazardous waste on St. John. The manual also includes detailed information on the Island Green Living Association’s (IGLA) new aluminum and plastic recycling initiative so that everyone can easily participate in this recycling effort.
The manual is intended to stimulate interest in considering a variety of “R-Word” strategies that can reduce the amount of waste that goes into the landfill, and that costs so much to take to Bovoni from St. John. Using the manual, everyone can:
Rethink strategies for purchases and trash disposal
Reduce the waste we create
Re-use or Repair items to save money and avoid buying anything new
Repurpose old items to extend their life and
Recycle many items that we use every day so the materials can be used again.
The manual also covers backyard composting and some project ideas to make use of items and materials that would otherwise end up being discarded. Sharon Coldren, the president of the CBCC said, “This is a practical ‘how to’ manual that brings people up to date with the current disposal rules and recycling options. Using these ideas, my family has been able to reduce the trash reaching the landfill. You could have a goal that 1/3 goes to your compost pile, 1/3 to recycling and just 1/3 of your waste into the big bin! Try these ideas and options for reusing, repurposing and composting to help reduce the amount of waste we create.”
This is one of several CBCC initiatives aimed at reducing the amount of waste we produce through effective Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Composting and Recycling practices. It was made possible by a grant from the Rural Utilities Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Printed copies can be picked up at the CBCC office in Coral Bay (across from the fire station) or people can access or download a copy online at https://cbcc.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/R-Words-Recycle-Reduce-Waste-Manual-August-2022.pdf
The CBCC is always looking for volunteers to help with the overall planning and execution of its various programs and initiatives. Interested folks should please stop by the office or contact the CBCC at 776-2099 to discuss volunteer opportunities. Additional information about the Coral Bay Community Council can be obtained by visiting the CBCC Website at www.coralbaycommunitycouncil.org or the CBCC Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/CoralBayCommunityCouncil.
