(originally sent December 22, 2015)
PEDAL PEOPLE NEWS WINTER 2016 Greetings from the Pedal People Press: ... a simple, informative newsletter to support our collective path to sustainability... Contents: * Preparing for Winter Trash Collection * Text Messaging * Recycling Reminders * Northampton Single Use Plastic Bag Ban * Pedal People Yard Care * Christmas Tree Removal ** PREPARING FOR WINTER TRASH COLLECTION ** As the snowy weather approaches, we want to be sure to remind you that trash and recycling needs to be easily accessible through the snow and ice. It is most helpful if your trash and recycling is placed on the curb. If we have other pick-up arrangements with you, please be sure we have a safe and easy passage to your recycling, compost and trash bins. We will charge an additional fee of $1 per 2 minutes if the path is not cleared, with an option to leave the trash if it feels too unsafe. Storm delay info: here is a link to the storm delay page on our website: https://www.pedalpeople.coop/index.php?page=60 You should plan that your trash and recycling will be picked up as usual unless you receive an email or phone call indicating a delay. ** TEXT MESSAGING ** If you prefer, you may now text us with questions and requests. You may send us texts, including pictures, to 413-586-8591. ** RECYCLING REMINDERS ** Particularly during the holiday season, please remember that all cardboard boxes, including smaller boxes, need to be broken down flat before being placed in the recycling. Breaking down boxes ourselves is time consuming and requires us to stand still in the cold longer. We break them down as required by the recycling center and so that we may fit everyone's recycling on our trailers. Plastic recycling can be confusing. Much of the thin plastic packaging on toys is not recyclable. Please also be aware that we are not able to recycle plastic bags. However, you can drop off many kinds of plastic bags and films in supermarket bag recycling bins. Not all to-go containers are recyclable as well. Check out this flyer for details: http://springfieldmrf.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/inside-brochure-small-1-22-15-MRF.pdf Feel free to call, email, and now text, with any recycling questions... we are more than happy to help you. ** NORTHAMPTON SINGLE USE PLASTIC BAG BAN ** Beginning January 1, 2016 Northampton's Single Use Plastic Bag Ban will go into effect. For details on this ban, visit: http://northamptonma.gov/1610/Single-Use-Plastic-Bag-Ban A single use bag is defined as a a bag with a thickness of 3.0 mils or less which is intended for single-use transport of purchased products. The ban affects all sales outlets, stores, shops, restaurants, markets, supermarkets, clubs, pharmacies or other places of business located within the City of Northampton which sell or convey merchandise directly to the ultimate consumer. Bags which may be used instead include reusable bags, biodegradable bags, and compostable bags. Thank you for helping us all create a greener Northampton! ** PEDAL PEOPLE YARD CARE ** Thank you for our most successful season so far! For those of you who may be unfamiliar with Pedal People Yard and Garden Care Services, we offer quiet, clean, human-powered mowing, weeding, digging, planting, spring cleanups, and general maintenance. We also offer raking and leaf hauling services and compost bin construction. Call or email us today for more information! (413) 586-8591 x1 or yardcare@pedalpeople.coop https://www.pedalpeople.coop/index.php?page=32 ** CHRISTMAS TREE REMOVAL ** Yes! We haul Christmas trees for $15 - $25 depending on the size of the tree. If you would like to arrange a special pick up for friendly disposal of your Christmas tree, feel free to contact us.