Residents can ‘recycle the un-recyclable’

WASHINGTON — The Washington Environmental Council (WEC) has announced the launch of its Zero Waste Washington Initiative, which provides residents with the opportunity to “recycle the unrecyclable” over the course of a year by offering a series of 12 TerraCycle Zero Waste Boxes, the world leader in the collection and repurposing of complex waste streams, according to a press release. By using funds received from a generous grant by the Khurshed Bhumgara Fund of the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, WEC will target waste that Connecticut’s recycle stream no longer accepts.

The first Zero Waste Box WEC purchased was TerraCycle’s Alkaline Battery box which was prominently featured at the WEC booth at the 7th Annual Washington Depot Community Day. Residents were invited to bring their spent batteries to the event to recycle them safely and efficiently. Following the event, the Alkaline Battery Zero Waste Box will continue to be available at WEC’s table at the Washington Farmers’ Market held in the Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. each Saturday throughout the summer. For safety reasons, WEC asks that the ends of the batteries be taped to avoid current transfer.

WEC also invested in the Garden Products Zero Waste Box in response to the accumulation of gardening waste during Spring planting season. Placing the Zero Waste Box inside the Washington Supply Company provided residents a convenient place for their gardening waste. Items available for collection included mulch, soil, sand and fertilizer bags, small planters, wind chimes, hose and sprinkler nozzles and small gardening tools.

“The most important elements of our Zero Waste Washington initiative is the concept of zero waste,” said Lisa Wright, grant writer for the Washington Environmental Council, in a written statement. “We love how TerraCycle redirects waste from landfills and how this simple act changes the way waste is perceived. Instead of seeing trash as something to be disposed of, a Zero Waste Box suddenly transforms trash into a resource and something of value and worth. With just a little effort, through recycling that item lives on and continues to have a useful life.”

Any individual or groups interested in reducing local landfill waste can learn more about TerraCycle’s Zero Waste Box program at www.terracycle.com.

The Washington Environmental Council was founded in 1971 and is a domestic not-forprofit corporation. Its mission is to be an advocate for and provide leadership in maintaining, protecting and enhancing the environmental quality of the Town of Washington and the surrounding region. For more information, please visit https:// www.wec-ct.org/zero-wastewashington/.

TerraCycle is the world’s leader in the collection and repurposing of complex waste streams, ranging from used cigarette butts to coffee capsules to ocean plastic to oral and beauty care products and packaging. The waste is collected through manufacturer-funded programs that are free to the public, as well as Zero Waste Boxes that are purchased by end users for recycling from homes, offices, factories and public spaces. The collected waste is converted into a variety of raw materials that are sold to manufacturers that produce new products. Each year, across 21 countries, TerraCycle collects and repurposes billions of pieces of waste, donating millions of dollars to schools and charities in the process. To learn more about TerraCycle or get involved in its recycling programs, visit www.terracycle.com.

Run/Walk For Your Life set for July 11

TORRINGTON — Act Natural Health & Wellness will host the first annual Run/Walk For Your Life - Food is Mood Potluck on Wednesday, July 11, 6:30 p.m., to commemorate World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day (W-BAD). A grassroots victim-organized campaign that seeks to raise global awareness about the harms and dangers of prescribed benzodiazepines, W-BAD seeks to raise global awareness about iatrogenic benzodiazepine dependence and the dangers of its adverse effects and associated withdrawal syndrome, which can last years.

Participants will walk or run a half mile course through downtown Torrington, beginning and ending at Act Natural Health & Wellness, 24 Water Street. A pot luck will be served in the store after the event for all participants who have brought a dish to share. The pot luck is a way to raise awareness of the food/mood connection.

Participants will walk or run a half mile course through downtown Torrington CT, beginning and ending at Act Natural Health & Wellness, 24 Water Street. A pot luck will be served in the store after the event for all participants who have brought a dish to share.

Information about the dangers of benzodiazepines will be distributed at the event. Holly Hardman, Director of the documentary film “As Prescribed” will bring in her crew to film on the day of the event. Holly is a benzo survivor sharing not only her story, but the story of millions of families around the world.

Kava Chocolate (makers of Kava, Kratom, and CBD Chocolate), Teeccino, the alternative coffee beverage, a delicious drink without the stimulation of caffeine. Green Roads World CBD Hemp Products. Endoca Unlocking the secret of nature, 100 percent Organic Hemp Oil, Base Culture Gluten Free Bakery, makers of Paleo goodies that keep you grounded in the best lifestyle on Earth, Eidon Ionic Minerals liquid minerals for better health. Sponsors will provide product samples for our Pot Luck as participants return from their walk/run.

Early Registration for this event is $15 per participant or $20 day of. To register, volunteer, donate or bring a pot luck dish, go to http://www.actnaturalhealth.com/walk-run-registration

Contact Pam at info@actnaturalhealth.com for more information.