This presentation will focus on food waste composting as one strategy for reducing the waste per household and helping to reduce greenhouse gases which are so damaging to the earth’s atmosphere. According to the MA DEP, the town of Walpole is on record for discarding over 2200 pounds of trash per household per year. This is one of the highest rates in the state. The time is right for residents to take this opportunity to focus their efforts on waste reduction strategies such as reduce, reuse, repair, repurpose, recycle, and compost food waste.

Choices available to residents for food waste composting will be presented and explained. Backyard composting containers are available at Town Hall for $25. For those who choose to sign up for a modest fee, there are curbside pick-up companies. Question and answer session will be included. This presentation is offered on behalf of the Town of Walpole Waste Reduction Committee (formerly known as the Recycling Committee) and is sponsored by Walpole Green and the Friends of the Walpole Public Library.

Mary McDougall RN, MPH, DNP is experienced in hospital and public health settings. Knowing that climate change is a risk to our public health, Mary is interested in promoting changes that individuals can make to support the slowing of climate change. She is a Walpole Waste Reduction Committee volunteer.

Walpole Green is a group of citizens dedicated to a healthy environment, including moving toward 100% renewable energy. They work to protect our natural resources and to address the climate crisis in Walpole and in our state and country. Over the years they have been increasing the town’s awareness of the need to move towards sustainability and carbon reduction in its municipal structures and functions.