Vote Medford 2007

Full Text: (Q12) Improving Environmental & Recycling Practice

How could Medford improve environmental and recycling practices within the public schools and other city buildings, including senior housing, and more aggressively promote recycling by the private sectors? For instance, do you believe Medford could attract businesses that use only recycled materials or that converts recycled materials into useful products? How?

Arena: (Q12) Improving Environmental & Recycling Practice

I am always impressed when I hear, read or see recycling success stories. I would support a campaign that showcases the many advantages to recycling in our public schools and city owned properties. Certainly a business that uses and converts recycled materials would be a business that I would support. This kind of responsible entity not only benefits our city but it is also environmentally friendly. The proposed wind turbine at the McGlynn Middle School should serve as a model to our young people of the benefits of alternative energy.

Burke: (Q12) Improving Environmental & Recycling Practice

I just recently offered a resolution requesting our environmental agent to work with the head of the Medford Housing Authority to develop a plan for recycling in our senior/affordable housing units. I also believe that recycling should be offered to the business community. It presently is not. However, a plan must be put in place that provides for an organized pick up of the recyclable materials.

Camuso: (Q12) Improving Environmental & Recycling Practice

Yes, we can do better. We need to coordinate our efforts and demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits to all concerned. There are many experts out there who should be contacted to bring new ideas regarding environmental improvement to us. Recycling is getting more prevalent and we should work with experts to gain the greatest advantage. The schools should be encouraged to accelerate their efforts to recycle products both as an educational and economic initiative.

Chamberlain: (Q12) Improving Environmental & Recycling Practice

Recycling education can be adopted among schools to promote and challenge students to come up with recycling projects in schools. Also throughout the city properties and departments could begin recycling items of all kinds and to promote saving energy in all aspects of the city. The department of public works could reemphasize recycling hazardous material rather than residents simply putting them into the trash. Although fostering companies to adopt and expand their recycling programs a truly pure business that only uses recycles items may not be easy to find. But in the future it may not be.

Dello Russo: (Q12) Improving Environmental & Recycling Practice

I think that recycling and other environmentally friendly practices are increasing as our culture continues to accept and promote them as a good. We could require this as a practice in our public housing. We are on the verge of moving to wind generated electricity at the McGlynn School. Perhaps the growing recycling based industry could find a home at the River’s Edge Project.

Lungo: (Q12) Improving Environmental & Recycling Practice

I think Medford could attract businesses that use only recycled materials or that converts recycled materials into useful products, but it would come one at a time unless we gave some sort of incentive. Also, I wouldn't want to see our current businesses leave in order to let new ones into our city.

I think a better avenue to look into, which can be done right away with our existing businesses would be to encourage small changes, such as putting recycling bins in all of our stores especially our food stores and restaurants. The simple things are what make a difference and the small things can add up and really effect the environment. After reading this question I noticed two recycling bins at the gym and said to myself, That is an easy way that every business can take part.

Maiocco: (Q12) Improving Environmental & Recycling Practice

We are starting to see an increased push on recycling. School principals are active in getting students’ participation. More companies in the private sector are going green and the Medford Housing Authority is promoting recycling in its facilities. I am in full support of more such efforts.

Marks: (Q12) Improving Environmental & Recycling Practice

The city needs to lead by example and business and residents will follow suit. It is important not only to create a recycling program but to report back to the community on the tangible benefits, cost-savings, and models for improvement. I would increase awareness and communication on all levels, such as in recycling in our schools and at home, to encourage particpation. We could offer incentives to businesses that take an active role in recycling. For example, we could approach management of area supermarkets about finding environment-friendly alternatives to the use of plastic bags.    

Penta: (Q12) Improving Environmental & Recycling Practice

You can't mandate anyone to do anything without authority to do so. But, on this issue, if a reward factor was promoted for the environmental quality being protected, this type of inducement could play a creative role.