As eco-conscious citizens, many of us strive to recycle plastic, yet an astonishing 95% still ends up in landfills, incinerators – or worse – creeks, streams, beaches and the oceans.
The reason? Mostly economics – there’s little demand for recycled plastics. This fuels a massive plastic pollution and health crisis, worsened by the petrochemical industry’s plans to triple annual plastic production within 30 years.
To combat this, the Los Altos Rotary Climate Action Committee partnered with NexTrex to launch a program redirecting Type 4 “soft and stretchable” plastic waste (e.g. bubble wrap, bread bags, Ziplock bags, etc.) into durable decking materials, like those used for downtown Los Altos restaurant decks.
In just six months, phase one of the program diverted over 1,000 pounds of plastic, thanks to contributions from Rotary Club members and businesses.
The Rotary Club of Los Altos extends its gratitude to supporting businesses, including Chicos FAS, Cheeky Monkey Toys, Cranberry Scoop, DeMartini Orchard, Discovery Shop, Linden Tree Books, Los Altos Hardware, Paperwhirl and Skateworks.
The collected plastic is weighed, tagged and sent to local Safeway and Lucky Supermarkets, who transport it to NexTrex.
In appreciation, NexTrex has donated a Trex bench to be installed near the Los Altos Community Center this Spring.
Phase two aims to expand, involving more businesses, schools and organizations like the MVLA Service League of Boys. Greater participation will deepen community awareness of the myths of recycling and keep more plastic out of landfills.
Residents can help in a number of ways: 1) reduce the consumption of plastic in general; 2) bring Type 4 “soft and stretchable” plastic waste to Safeway, Lucky, Los Altos Village Association (75 Main Street) or any location with a “Store Drop-Off” bin; and 3) get involved in mitigation programs for your home, school or community group.
For more information about the NexTrex plastic film recycling program or to get involved, contact Los Altos Rotarians Sherry Auerbach ([email protected]), Laura Fay ([email protected]) or Peter Landsberger ([email protected]).
Fay is a Los Altos resident and member of the Rotary Club of Los Altos.
