STYROFOAM RECYCLING PROGRAM and FOC Updates

After 2 years of our incredibly successful program, the City of Waco plans to take over the project in January 2022.  Training on the densifier, used to process the plastic, is happening now.  The plan is to do a joint event, with the Solid Waste Dept. of Waco and the Waco Friends of the Climate, detailing the history of this recycling system, the adoption of styrofoam recycling by the City of Waco, and the opening of Cobbs Recycling to receive the styrofoam. 

This will be a great development, with recycling of a larger volume of the plastic.  We want to thank and congratulate all our amazing volunteers over these 2 years.  You helped keep a large volume of styrofoam out of the landfill and helped create a new recycling protocol in Waco.  We want our volunteers to be recognized at this event, and we hope every one of you will attend.  We will let everyone know when the date for the ceremony has been scheduled.  

GO RENEWABLE WACO

Our effort has been ongoing for more than four years now.  The City of Waco and the Sustainable Resource Practices Advisory Board (SRPAB) have taken notice.  A half dozen EVs have been purchased, the City has a 100% renewable energy contract starting in 2022, and solar panels are scheduled to be installed on the new 25th Street fire station. Of course, with the climate crisis becoming more dire, these actions are not enough, and every small victory is hard fought.  But we continue to attend and comment at almost every City Council and SRPAB meeting, as a voice for what must be done to combat the climate crisis.

DEMAND SENATOR MANCHIN HALT HIS WAR ON PLANET EARTH TODAY

We don't have to remind our members that Senator Joe, "Coal Barron" Manchin has blocked passage of the Build Back Better plan, our best hope for real climate legislation this year, and perhaps forever.  Please join us in contacting Sen. Manchin through his phone number, office, or social media, demanding he be satisfied with his fossil millions, vote FOR the BBB plan, and help us move forward with climate crisis mitigation. 

Our member Travis Hipp has also suggested we contact his housekeeper, gardener, driver, etc. demanding they request the Senator do the right thing.  We certainly can’t disagree with Travis but don't have  contact information for Manchin's employees.  Please contact Manchin today:  202-224-3954.  The following link provides multiple methods of contacting the Senator, including through social media:   https://www.contact-senators.com/west-virginia/joe-manchin

2022 for WACO FRIENDS OF THE CLIMATE

With 2022 just around the corner, we plan to initiate several activities:

• Begin live meetings again.  We have all missed the solidarity of meeting each other monthly for FOC meetings.   Unless the omicron variant of COVID causes a huge resurgence, we will have a new venue, possibly a City Library site, with catered food probable.  Look for an announcement soon.
• Undertake a new major project, since the Styrofoam Recycling Program is ending.  we are looking for a positive campaign, a climate crisis solution.  Expect an announcement in early 2022.