January 2020

Your Monthly GreenNews

***HAPPY NEW YEAR!***

Meetings for the Waste Watchers of the Eastern Shore are typically held on the second Wednesday of every month from Noon until 2pm at the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce in Melfa. Stay tuned, however, as we plan to spice it up with a new location soon - potentially one with food & beverages! Minutes from the last meeting, in November, can be found here . Please join us for our first meeting of 2020 at 12:00pm Wednesday January 8th . All are welcome!  The Greenworks Committee will have their semi-annual meeting directly following the Waste Watchers Meeting and is also open to the public.

News, Current Events, & Resources

A GIANT Thank You! to Sandy Schultz and Fitz Godwin for their efforts at Mackemie Monument Park. As part of their efforts with the Virginia Master Naturalists program, t hey spent several hours picking up litter and look at how much they collected!

Balloons are a symbol of happiness and celebration... but what happens when they've become deflated or float away? Read NOAA's report on Marine Debris in the Chesapeake Bay - including our very own Fisherman Island NWR, which had the most debris found. Balloons make up a large portion of marine debris found along our scenic beaches, as they often end up in our oceans and on our beaches, adding to marine debris or being ingested by marine species.

There are many alternatives to Balloon releases, which impart a sense of joy, wonder, and inspiration. Watch this lovely 1-minute video with alternatives for folks planning their wedding day.

Have an idea for an area that needs attention? It's time to plan the Operation Our Clean Roads events for spring 2020. Get in touch so we can help you organize a fun and rewarding clean up day in your neck of the woods!

Waste Watchers Leadership Needed! Please " look in your heart and see if you have a few hours a month to help out. And remember; people who are part of a group live longer, happier lives. Honest! Numerous studies have shown that to be true. So let us help you to live a better life by accepting a leadership role with us! " We are looking for a new Treasurer, Litter Survey Coordinator, and soon a Vice President.

This monthly e-newletter is made possible by the GreenWorks Committee, a collaboration between the Waste Watchers of the Eastern Shore and the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission! These mailings will announce upcoming meetings of the Waste Watchers and those of the GreenWorks Committee, as well as potential volunteer opportunities, related community events, and locally relevant news articles.

Waste Watchers of the Eastern Shore | (757) 824-0608 | wastewatchers.esva@gmail.com| www.wastewatchers.esva.net

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