Massachusetts Beautification Bulletin | August 2023
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It has been a wet and wild summer so far, with frequent torrential rainstorms. The runoff from these storms transports much of the land-based and roadside litter into our streams, rivers, and oceans. Scroll down for information on ways to reduce marine debris and litter, make our shorelines more beautiful, and volunteer with your co-workers to keep the community where you work more beautiful.
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Take Action to Keep Our Shorelines Beautiful
Did you know that Massachusetts is home to 1,500 miles of coastline? We are lucky to live in a state that is home to many beautiful beaches and shorelines—not to mention lakes, rivers, and ponds!
To ensure we can continue to enjoy our shorelines and waterways for generations to come, we must be vigilant in preventing marine debris and removing it whenever possible. Marine debris is defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as “any persistent solid material that is manufactured or processed and directly or indirectly, intentionally or unintentionally, disposed of or abandoned into the marine environment.”
Read our recent blog post to learn ways you can help decrease marine debris in Massachusetts.
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Coming Soon to a Beach Near You: COASTSWEEP 2023
While we’re on the topic of marine debris, COASTSWEEP 2023, the annual statewide beach cleanup sponsored by the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), will kick off later this month. Sign up now to organize a cleanup at your favorite beach, marsh, dive site, or riverbank or to participate as a volunteer.
These events are part of an international campaign organized by the Ocean Conservancy. Participants all over the world collect trash and other marine debris and record what they find. This data is then used to help reduce future marine debris problems. Cleanups are taking place from August through November.
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Did You Know?
Thirty-six states still require the use of a Resin Identification Code on certain plastic containers, and the laws even spell out how the symbol should look. This, despite the fact that certain types of plastic are not recyclable at all (such as black plastic).
Mass General Law Chapter 94 Section 323A says: Such code shall consist of a number placed within a triangle of arrows and letters placed below the triangle of arrows.
Source: MassDEP.
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Volunteers from NextThink taking action!
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Employers: Sign Up to Keep Your Community Litter-Free
Are you and your co-workers looking for an easy way to make a positive impact in the communities where you work? If so, sign up for our new Massachusetts Employers for Clean Communities program and keep the neighborhoods and parks near your place of work litter-free all year long.
Once you identify the areas you want to target for cleanup, sign up through our website. You can adopt a particular street, park, or beach, or target different areas around your workplace! We will ship you all the litter cleanup supplies* you need, including:
- Garbo Grabber trash pickup tools
- Company-branded safety vests
- Gloves
This program offers a convenient way for your business to make a positive impact in your community!
*Please note: a donation is required to cover the cost of supplies and shipping.
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Nominations Open for 2023 Massachusetts Clean Community Awards
Each year, we honor Massachusetts residents, nonprofits, government leaders, and businesses for exceptional environmental protection and community cleanup efforts in the following categories:
- Environmental Legislator of the Year
- KMB Business Partner of the Year
- KMB Chapter Leader(s) of the Year
- KMB Rookie Chapter of the Year
- KMB Litter Buster of the Year
- KMB Youth Volunteer of the Year
We are now accepting nominations through December 1, 2023, with an awards gala celebration to follow in early 2024.
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Zero Waste Zone:Recycling’s Misleading Numbers Game
Have you ever wondered what those little numbers on the bottom of most plastic containers actually mean? If so, you’re not alone!
These are known as resin identification codes (RICs). Each number (1-7) represents the kind of resin used in the manufacturing of a product or package.
Today, many of us mistakenly assume that any item with a resin identification code is recyclable. Sadly, that is not the case. The problem is that those little RIC numbers are embedded within the internationally recognized recycling symbol, a triangular logo comprised of three clockwise “chasing arrows.” This ubiquitous symbol surely suggests to consumers that the plastic item is indeed recyclable.
So why include the chasing arrows if the code is only meant to identify the type of resin? According to a 1993 white paper produced by the Society of the Plastics Industry and the National Recycling Council, the arrows helped to indicate that the container was potentially recyclable. Unfortunately, the operative word—potentially—has been lost on most companies and consumers.
It’s time to rethink how we consider symbols and claims of recyclability on packaging and the associated “greenwashing” that results from this practice.
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Donate $100 Today And Receive a Litter Cleanup Kit
Would you like to support our mission and take action to make our state a cleaner, greener, litter-free environment? Please make a donation today. Donors who give $100 or more can request a Massachusetts Ltter Cleanup Kit as a thank-you for their support. Each kit includes a Garbo Grabber trash pickup tool, a reusable bag, gloves, a stylish tee shirt, and a KMB-branded litter bag for your vehicle.
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Scenic America Launches 2023 “America the Beautiful” Photo Contest
Nature photographers from across the country are invited to submit their favorite photos exemplifying our country’s most iconic and scenic views and vistas.
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Enviro-Newsworthy Developments...
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Thank you for reading our newsletter and please contact me if I can answer any questions you may have about our programs, launching a local KMB chapter in your community, or sponsorship opportunities.
Sincerely,
Neil Rhein, Founder & Executive Director
Keep Massachusetts Beautiful
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