EcoBytes - Volume 2, Issue 4 (December 2000)

Welcome to Volume 2, Issue 4 of EcoBytes, the Center for Ecological Technology's (CET) email newsletter. EcoBytes updates you on CET's activities in solid waste, energy, environmental education and sustainable development. Remember to visit us online at http://www.cetonline.org to learn more about our programs. You can reach us by email at cet@cetonline.org, or call us in Pittsfield at (413) 445-4556 or in Northampton at (413) 586-7350. For mailing list additions and deletions, please send a message to cet@cetonline.org.

In This Issue:

• Online Trading for Reusables Debuts on the Web
• Renewable Energy Heating Up in Berkshire County
• South Berkshire Towns Divert Household Hazards
• Exciting Opportunity Awaits Right Candidate at CET

Online Trading For Reusables Debuts On The Web

It's now easier than ever for businesses and nonprofits to find materials that other businesses no longer need. CET has taken the Massachusetts Materials Exchange online at http://www.MaterialsExchange.org The exchange connects businesses disposing of reusable materials and by-products with those who can use them, including other businesses, schools and nonprofit organizations. The interactive website allows you to quickly search for information about specific materials and to place new listings for materials wanted or available. You can also sign up to receive an automatic email when new listings are posted for the materials you are interested in.

Manufacturer's by-products and scrap, packaging materials, surplus and misprinted products, industrial equipment, particle board and other building materials, rubber scrap, surplus paint, plastic sheeting, office furnishings, equipment and machinery are examples of what's currently available. Materials wanted by users include steel tanks, gaylord boxes, used computers, scrap metals, 55-gallon barrels, Teflon scrap, and used office furniture and equipment.

Over the last 5 years, the Massachusetts Materials Exchange has diverted over 2,700 tons of materials to businesses and nonprofits for reuse. Participants have saved over $120,000 in avoided purchasing costs, because used items usually cost much less than new ones, and another $74,000 in avoided disposal costs.

Just visit http://www.MaterialsExchange.org to place and view current listings. Businesses without web access can still participate by calling (413) 586-7350. The website is sponsored in part by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). For more information, please call Jim Desmond in our Northampton office.

Renewable Energy Heating Up In Berkshire County

The newly formed Berkshire Renewable Energy Steering Committee, coordinated by CET, held two exciting educational events in October with support from the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust (MRET). The steering committee is a diverse group of educators, environmental leaders and practitioners promoting renewable energy in Berkshire County.

On a sunny, blustery October day more than 30 individuals from Berkshire County towns and educational institutions toured Green Mountain Power Corporation's Wind Facility in Searsburg, Vermont. Participants saw 11 wind turbines up close, learned first-hand about the technology and asked questions about site selection and other community issues.

On October 18th, Berkshire residents filled the Brooks Rogers auditorium at Williams College to attend the 2nd Annual "Renewable Energy: Choices for Our Environment" forum. The forum, moderated by Greg Watson of MRET, focused on activities underway in Massachusetts--from the Town of Princeton's decision to develop a wind farm to Cape Cod's work to aggregate electricity for 185,000 residents.

William Moomaw of Tufts University and Hank Art of the Center for Environmental Studies at Williams College provided a global and regional context for the evening. A reception in the lobby before the forum featured hands-on displays of conservation and renewable technologies, including wind, micro-hydro, fuel cells and photovoltaic panels. Thanks to MRET for underwriting the forum and for its commitment to raising public awareness about sustainable energy technologies. For more information about these events or the Berkshire Renewable Energy Steering Committee, please contact Nancy Nylen in our Pittsfield office.

South Berkshire Towns Divert Household Hazards

More than 200 South Berkshire households brought thousands of pounds of hazardous products to Great Barrington in September and to Lenox in October for safe disposal during two regional household hazardous products collections coordinated by CET. We also distributed hundreds of gallons of latex paint to nonprofit agencies and residents for reuse.

Both events were enormously successful. The unprecedented level of cooperation is an outgrowth of the efforts of South Berkshire towns to develop a regional program for increasing access to and participation in the collection of household hazardous waste. For more information about these programs, contact Laura Dubester or Jamie Cahillane in our Pittsfield office.

Exciting Opportunity Awaits Right Candidate At CET

Do you know someone who wants to help his or her community and environment while gaining valuable work experience? CET is recruiting an AmeriCorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) member to assist with community recycling and waste reduction programs in western Massachusetts. The position will be based at CET's Pittsfield office. A monthly stipend, health insurance and education award are provided by VISTA, while training and valuable work experience are provided by CET. Please go to http://www.cetonline.org/AboutCET/job_openings.php for more information or call Joy Kirschenbaum in our Pittsfield office.

Coming Next Issue:

New Energy Conservation Incentives