1
No. 15 Vol. 4
www.thechathamnewsnj.com
The Finest Qualit y Part y Rentals For Your Event Your
LOCAL PARTY RENTAL COMPANY
R PA
TY PLE A SI
N
G
A
for over 30 YEARS.
RENTAL
WE DELIVER
Free Consultations Fully Insured & Licensed
HEATED & AIR CONDITIONED TENTS AVAILABLE
10% OFF Any Rental
Maximum Savings $50. With this coupon. Not valid with any other offers. Excludes linens, helium & tent packages. Orders must be placed by 4/30/17
For a Quick & Easy Price Quote Visit www.apartypleasing.com 38 Rt. 10W | East Hanover
973-887-7264
April 2017
Chatham Initiates Soft Plastic Recycling Challenge
O
By Anastasia Marchese ne of the looming challenges facing humanity in the 21st century is the growing scourge of plastic pollution. There is a continent size collection of plastic waste floating in the Pacific Ocean. There is microscopic pollution in water supplies. Even washing clothing made from fleece can pollute the ground water. Microderm abrasion scrubs contain plastic pollutants that build up in rivers and streams. Single use plastic and the near ubiquitous use of plastics in everything from transparent plastic seals on yogurt cups, to plastic bottles to plastic fabric, plastic is everywhere. The negative effects of plastic on the environment are becoming apparent at an ever alarming rate. Still, the widespread use of plastic packaging has made preserving food and keeping it sanitary a much more convenient and cost effective
Pictured, from left, are Brendan Keating, project leader: Ben Lampert, chair: Kate Murphy, John Dey, council member; Len Resto and Carl Cappabianca. Image from the borough website.
process then it was before. The affordability and access to food has been revolutionized. Some might argue that it has not been a good thing. However most people are purchasing, transporting, wrapping, storing and sometimes even cooking their food in plastic film or bags. All this soft plastic has to go somewhere once it is discarded. Currently municipalities do not collect plastic film and bags as part
of their recycling programs. Some retailers in New Jersey, however , including ACME, McCaffrey’s Food Markets, Stop and Shop, Target and Whole Foods, do collect clean, dry plastic film to be recycled. The sheer volume of soft plastic makes changing the way it is dealt with daunting. According to the NCSL, National Conference of State Legislatures, “States continue to consider strat-
egies to reduce the use of carryout plastic bags from grocery stores and other retail outlets. Regulating bags can mitigate harmful impacts to oceans, rivers, lakes, forests and the wildlife that inhabit them. Reducing bag use can also relieve pressure on landfills and waste management. While some states are focusing on implementing effective recycling programs, others continued on page 2
COLONY CLEANERS EXPERT SHOE & DESIGNER HANDBAG REPAIR Done by rago brothers FREE PICKUP & DELIVERY
We are
GREEN We are
ORGANIC
We Now Clean & Repair
Services we provide: Clean area rugs Professional Tailor Laundry by the pound Leather and Suede Specialist
Mon.-Fri. 8am - 6pm, Sat. 8am - 3pm, Closed Sundays
168 Main Street, Chatham • (973) 635-5689
1st Visit
$10 OFF
Dry Cleaning Only with $25 minimum must present coupon at drop off
2nd Visit
$10 OFF
Dry Cleaning Only with $25 minimum must present coupon at drop off