In addition to fieldwork, CRWA interns work at the office at least one or two days a week. This past week, part of my 'office work' consisted of drafting a letter to legislators, asking them for their support in updating the Bottle Bill to cover water and other non-carbonated drinks such as juice and sports beverage bottles. Expanding the bottle bill would yield an extra $20 million in uncollected deposits, which would be used toward balancing the budget, funding the Department of Environmental Protection at adequate levels, and improving community recycling rates.
For those who are unfamiliar, a bottle bill, also known as a "container deposit law" requires retailers and distributors to collect a minimum refundable deposit on beverage containers. When consumers purchase the drink, retailers collect the deposit. Consumers get refunded when they return empty containers, and retailers get refunded for returning the containers to the initial distributor. This system encourages recycling and keeps empty containers off our road-sides and waterways.
The hearing is on Wed, July 20, 2011 at the State House. There will be a rally at 9 a.m. and the hearing begins at 10 a.m. Please show your support by attending!!!
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