CAG Gets Recycling Tips from a Local Expert

Just in time for Earth Day, DC Recycler blog author Catherine Plume gave some recycling tips at the Citizens Association of Georgetown (CAG) meeting held at the Monday.

CAG members trickled in and mingled with neighbors discussing the Waterfront flooding that they could be see all too well from the roof of the House of Sweden.

Recycling "should be an interesting topic” despite recent events, said Pat Heffernan, CAG member and Georgetown resident.

“Littering, it’s a problem only if you are conscious of it. Walking down the block I see these bright orange Reese’s wrappers. This is the nation’s capital; we should look nice. What I’ve discovered is that people don’t even see the trash. I guess they are used to it, but dog walkers, we see it because we are always looking down,” explains Heffernan.

Members migrated from the roof to the conference room. Jennifer Altemus, President of CAG gave an official welcome and two representatives from the House of Sweden spoke about the building, one of the greenest buildings at the Washington Harbor.

DC Recycler blogger Catherine Plume shared a power point presentation that began with the simple principles: reduce, reuse, and recycle and discussed some of the topics that she focuses on in her blog.

“I think that there are great opportunities for recycling here in DC, but people aren't aware of all the options, and/or the options aren't perceived as convenient or necessary.  Throwing ‘waste’ in the trash is often perceived as the easiest solution,” said Plume.

Here are a few of her simple greening tips:

• Use compost buckets
• Buy a clothes line or drying rack
• Forego the garbage disposal
• Use organic cleaners
• Minimize packaging buy in bulk; Make your own food!

Plume believes there is room for improvement in D.C.'s recycling system.

“Our recycling bins are small, and pick up is only once a week.  It's difficult to break down cardboard packaging to fit in the bins,” explains Plume.

“While it's great that we have the option to take hazardous waste and E-cycling to the Fort Totten Transfer station on the first Saturday of every month, this really isn't enough. We need more such centers around town and with more frequent hours of operation. Too much hazardous waste is just thrown into the trash and into our landfill,” said Plume.

“I'd also love to see neighborhood composting centers established, said Plume. A composting bin reduced her garbage by over half, she said. Check out her blog for more recycling tips.

"I had a great time. I'm just thrilled that this many people are excited about recycling," said Plume.