With warmer weather here and the snow quickly disappearing, many of us are looking forward to getting outside to enjoy Vermont’s spectacular natural environment. Unfortunately, some of our state’s pristine, protected state lands are at risk of being damaged and degraded by the use of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
The benefits of fluorescent bulbs in terms of energy efficiency are tremendous, and VPIRG supports their continued use. However, fluorescent bulbs also contain mercury, a known neurotoxin that can build up in our bodies and the environment. As the demand for energy efficient lighting increases, it’s imperative that Vermont have an effective recycling infrastructure in place.
Congratulations to Charity Carbine for her stellar interview on VPR’s Vermont Edition! And thanks to all who called and wrote in supporting the Bottle Bill. It’s clear where Vermonters stand on this issue. And the awful performance by the beverage industry’s lobbyist makes clear they’re just out to repeal our recycling law.
Tomorrow (Thursday) at 12pm VPIRG’s Charity Carbine will be on VPR’s “Vermont Edition” to talk about Vermont’s Bottle Bill and the need to update this successful recycling program to include water bottles and other non-carbonated beverage containers.
VPIRG has officially launched our Bigger, Better, Bottle Bill Campaign with the release of polling results revealing overwhelming support for the Bottle Bill, the state’s most successful recycling program. It turns out the Bottle Bill is right up there with motherhood and apple pie in terms of its popularity with Vermonters!
We are proud to launch our new website for our campaign to build on the Bottle Bill’s enormous success and not only protect the Bottle Bill, but to update it to include beverage containers such as water bottles, juice containers, and sports drinks. As we move through the legislative session, we will be adding all the new developments here to this blog as they occur. Keep an eye out for what is happening in the State House and the ways you can get involved.
Last spring, VPIRG successfully advocated for an e-waste law that requires manufacturers to pay for an electronics recycling program in Vermont, including free and convenient collection programs in every county across the state. The Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) has drafted their plan and took public comment — including many from our VPIRG members — in December.
Tobacco related illnesses remain the single most preventable cause of death and disease in Vermont, killing more people than alcohol, AIDS, car accidents, illegal drugs, murders and suicides combined. Treating these illnesses costs the state $223 million per year. Luckily, there is one proven method for reducing the number of smokers – raise the price …
The Electronics Take Back Coalition has partnered with Annie Leonard and the Story of Stuff team on a new “Story of Electronics” film. The film tells the story of how electronics are really “designed for the dump” and are not made to last or be recycled. Follow the link to see all of the …
Great documentary on the way we deal with E-Waste Read More »
