Bring Your Own (BYO)

A Big "Clean Salem Green Salem" Thanks!

Spring has (finally!) sprung!  SalemRecycles and the Beautification Committee once again collaborated on a very successful Clean Salem Green Salem event on May 3rd.  Thank you to all who participated in Clean Sweeps, cleaning up trash and litter from our streets, and to “Swap 'N' Droppers” who brought items to share with others and/or picked up some great gently used items.  And thank you to our industry partners - Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries (MMGI) and North Shore Recycled Fibers (NSRF) for their mobile drop off stations on Salem Common that day.

A reminder:  MMGI has a manned drop off facility in two convenient locations – Stop and Shop in Vinnin Square, and Stop and Shop at 19 Howley Street in Peabody.  NSRF on Jefferson Avenue accepts all kinds of materials for recycling such as rigid plastic, paper and plastic bags.

Bring Your Own

Our spring cleanup and swap reminds us all that, unfortunately, some items don’t make it into the recycle bin.  Let’s face it; we have too many “one use” items in our world.  So to start the warm weather season off right, here are some tips to reduce all that stuff by incorporating a few simple “Bring Your Own” strategies into your life.

1. Bring your own reusable “doggie box” for leftovers next time you visit a restaurant.  If you take a to-go container every time you eat out, they add up.  The plastic containers are reusable (and recyclable), but unfortunately the plastic coated paper takeout boxes are not.
2. Reusable bags are not just for the supermarket.  Reusable bags come in all forms: nylon fold up bags, plastic grocery bags, paper bags, cloth bags, hey – even a backpack works.  Be creative.  It doesn’t matter what you use – it matters that you use something that you already have at home.
3. Reusable water bottles and mugs make a difference.  Your favorite coffee shop would be more than happy to fill up your travel mug.  And we all know that plastic water bottles are a litter problem.  Salem is fortunate to have healthy water which is tested regularly.  And we know where it comes from.  Can you say the same for purchased bottled water?  The fine print doesn’t tell you much, or tells you that it is essentially tap water shipped from somewhere else.  Save your money and use your own bottle and the tap.
4. Use real flatware with your “bring your own” lunch or dinner.  Or use a portable “spork.”  Like a folding pocket knife, a spork is a folding utensil that is just what the name suggests, a combination spoon and fork.  And oh yes, plastic utensils are not recyclable.
5. Cloth napkins make a meal special.  Ever been on a picnic with nice plates and cloth napkins?  Didn’t it feel fun and special?  Spring is a great time of year to get outside and enjoy a meal - homemade or take out.  Bring a cloth napkin to use to create your own special picnic lunch.

These simple steps make a difference - You can make a difference.  Why not start now?

Liz Vago is a founding member and former chair of SalemRecycles, the City of Salem's volunteer recycling committee.  To learn more about the three R’s: reduce, reuse, recycle, please visit us at GreenSalem.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SalemRecycles and on the City of Salem website.