🌱 What You Missed at the Dec. 3 Green Efforts Meeting
If you were expecting something flashy and fast-paced at the December 3, 2024, Farmington Green Efforts Committee meeting, well, sorry—this is “slow news” done right. With no public comments and no last-minute presentations, the committee got straight to business, focusing on what counts: thoughtful planning for a more sustainable Farmington.
Full Replay: Watch the full Dec 3 Green Efforts Committee Meeting on YouTube 📺
Attendees & Topics Covered
Committee Members & Contributors Present:
- Stacey (last name not provided)
- John (last name not provided)
- Jennifer (last name not provided)
- Garrett (last name not provided)
- Amy (last name not provided, previously involved in form updates)
- David and Patrick (no last names provided, contributed compost data)
- Rose Ponti (Economic Development, community newsletter contact)
- Tara Vasquez (Associated with the Westwood School compost program)
- Sam Kilpatrick (Facilities Director, discussed building energy use)
- Matt Ross (Board of Education, mentioned regarding school sustainability)
- Maureen (former committee member mentioned for possible IAR school assistance)
Dark Skies & Recycling Reminders
Stacey shared two potential newsletter pieces: recycling guidelines and “dark skies” to encourage responsible lighting. While timing both might be challenging, the committee seemed keen on fitting these topics into upcoming newsletters—or maybe even Economic Development Coordinator Rose Ponti’s local business newsletter. The hope? Get businesses and residents thinking about energy-efficient lighting fixtures and better recycling habits. ♻️✨
Could We Talk About Bags…Again?
Recycling confusion was a hot (well, warm) topic. The committee emphasized that plastic bags do not belong in recycling bins—it just turns into garbage and undoes all that effort. They want to hammer this message home…again and again. Also, things like greasy pizza boxes stay out of the bin, while proper sorting and mindful disposal help keep the recycling stream pure.
Surveying the Future
The idea of surveying residents about their green priorities popped up. It’s all about understanding what Farmington folks care about, from solar panels to composting to more nuanced conservation efforts. They discussed using Rose Ponti’s newsletter as a potential platform—no immediate rush, but it’s on the agenda.
Composting at Westwood School
On the composting front, David and Patrick provided the numbers:
- September: 2,157 lbs of food waste composted
- October: 1,493 lbs of food waste composted
This is serious progress. The possibility of extending the program to Irving A. Robbins (IAR) School came up, though it may hinge on budgets, training, and possibly snagging discounts from compost contractors. The committee floated that as kids move from Westwood to IAR, they’ll carry their composting know-how with them, making expansion smoother over time. 🌱
Timelines & Townwide Cleanup Day
They’re already thinking about next spring’s Townwide Cleanup Day. The goal? Get the poster ready earlier, line up business sponsors, and get residents psyched well before the event. They want the sign-up genius ready, and they’re considering tapping into Rose Ponti’s twice-monthly newsletter to spread the word in March and April. Also, they want clearer, more user-friendly forms, both for participants signing in and for tracking multiple trash drop-offs. Efficiency might not be sexy, but it keeps the day running smoothly.
Lights On, Lights Off
There was a brief tangent on school energy use. Stacey noted that on holidays, lights and smart boards remain lit even when schools are empty. Sam Kilpatrick (Facilities Director) and Matt Ross (Board of Ed) will look into adjusting timers or reminding teachers to flip that switch off. Every kilowatt counts.
Wrapping It Up
With no further ado, the meeting set a future date—January 7, 2025—to pick up where they left off. They bid each other happy holidays and adjourned. There you have it: no drama, no big headlines—just solid community-level eco-thinking, inching Farmington forward.
This coverage is proudly brought to you by our local sponsor, Farmington Storage (155 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington, CT | 860.777.4001). We appreciate their support as they help keep local stories alive. Thank you, Farmington Storage! 🙏
Jack Beckett:
“Caffeinated greetings from your local slow-news connoisseur—Jack Beckett, sipping espresso and sorting recycling at dawn since 2012. ☕️”
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