How can you help reduce trash in the Blue Hills – and increase recycling at the same time? Help collect signatures for the ballot initiative to update the Bottle Bill!
We’ve found that when people know they can redeem their bottles, they’re less likely to leave them in parks like the Blue Hills. In fact, the Bottle Bill is touted as the state’s most successful recycling and litter prevention program.
Since the Bottle Bill’s inception in 1983, over 35 billion containers have been redeemed, contributing to a healthier environment, cleaner and safer communities, and a stronger economy. But to keep up with the times and consumer’s tastes, we need to update the bottle bill.
After 14 years of unsuccessful attempts to convince the Legislature to update the Bottle Bill to include containers like bottled water, sports drinks, fruit juices and iced tea, a coalition of groups (including the Friends of the Blue Hills) is planning to place this issue on the November 2012 ballot.
How can you help?
To make this happen, we’re looking for people like you to help gather signatures on petitions in order to place this question on the ballot. With public opinion polls showing that more than 75 percent of Massachusetts voters in favor of updating the Bottle Bill, our chances of success at the polls are very good. But first we have to get the question on the ballot.
If you can spare an hour or two between mid-September and the end of October to help collect signatures, let us know! (info@FriendsoftheBlueHills.org). We hope you can join us!
If you have general questions about the Bottle Bill, visit the Bottle Bill coalition’s website.
Photo credit: Ian Smith
Thanks for cleaning up the trails! You’re probably right that the people drinking the beer wouldn’t bother to take them, but do you think it would give others incentive to take them? (Which is what you’re doing without any financial incentive!)
Here’s a fact sheet:
http://www.massbottlebill.org/ubb/files/facts2.htm
And here’s the language of the bill itself: http://www.massbottlebill.org/ubb/bills2.htm
Thanks for your thoughts on this.
I take trash out of there on the wrap up of my mountain biking runs. Most significantly, I find beer bottles frequently at 1176, a big party area I guess. I bike out with them in my Camelbak. Not sure the people care about the pittance the bottle is worth when redeemed when gas costs $4.00 a gallon. The bill needs an update but I would like to know the proposal before I agree to canvass.
Consciousness of the environment may be a better sell point.