Sustainable West Hartford to host screening of the CPTV documentary The Warming of Connecticut on October 4

The newly formed community group, Sustainable West Hartford, will host the screening of the Connecticut Public Television documentary, The Warming of Connecticut, at the West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium, located at 50 South Main Street on October 4 at 6:45 PM.

In The Warming of Connecticut, Emmy Award-winning independent documentary producer Jennifer Boyd, a West Hartford resident, examines the science behind global warming and solutions at a local level. "The predictions are sobering but the solutions are inspiring," says Boyd. "The documentary looks at changes taking place in our own backyards, right now. It also highlights work being done throughout the state to combat global warming and offers ideas for individual action."

By hosting this event, West Hartford joins communities from across the country who are participating in National Conversation on Climate Action events throughout the country on October 4.

Doors open at 6:15pm and the program will begin at 6:45pm with introductory remarks from West Hartford officials and members of the Sustainable West Hartford community group. Following the movie, the audience will be invited to break into smaller groups to discuss local climate action options.

For more information on the National Conversation on Climate Action, please go to www.climateconversation.org.
For more information regarding the Sustainable West Hartford group, please go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Sustainable-West-Hartford/.

Next Hazardous Waste Collection OCT 6

Did you know that many products commonly found around the house are classified as hazardous and can't be discarded with your regular trash? They need to be disposed of in ways that are safe for the environment, so the MDC has special hazardous waste collections throughout the year. West Hartford's next Hazardous Waste Collection day is Saturday, October 6, 2007, 8 AM to 1 PM, at Public Works, 17 Brixton Street.

Here are some examples of items you should bring to the hazardous waste collection if you're ready to discard them.

Kitchen:

• Aerosol Cans (if there's something in them)
• Ammonia
• Disinfectants
• Drain Cleaners
• Floor Care Products
• Oven Cleaners
• Polishes
• Spot and Stain Removers
• Wood Preservatives

Garage & Workshop:

• Antifreeze
• Batteries (all common household types)
• Brake Fluid
• Gasoline
• Kerosene
• Mercury (including thermometers)
• Oil Based Paints (no latex)
• Paint Strippers / Thinners
• Transmission Fluid
• Turpentine

Yard & Hobby:

• Adhesives, Epoxy Products, and Glues
• Artist's Paints
• Charcoal Lighter Fluid
• Cleaning Solvents
• Fungicides
• Herbicides, Insecticides, and Pesticides
• Moth Balls
• Pool Chemicals
• Rat Poison
• Small Propane Tanks (for camp stoves and torches)

What's Not Collected: Things like ammunition, car batteries, latex paint, and propane tanks are not accepted at Hazardous Waste Collections. Click here for a list of other items that don't qualify. Computers and electronics aren't collected with hazardous waste - save them for the ewaste collection in November. If you're not sure about an item, please call the MDC at 860-278-3809.

MDC Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Rules

• Bring your waste in their original containers whenever possible.
• Do not mix different products.
• Put your waste into cardboard boxes, then in your trunk.
• Stay in your vehicle, materials will be handled for you.
• No smoking in your car - wastes are flammable.
• Bring something to read. The wait is at most times 5-15 minutes but can be up to 30 minutes.
• If possible, leave children and animals at home.
• Also REMEMBER: Keep your children and pets away from where hazardous products are used or stored. Store products away from heat. Use products according to their directions. Buy only what you need.

Residential Electronics Recycling Collection NOV 3

Have any old computers, printers or cell phones lying around? Many people don't realize that items like these contain toxic materials and should not be put out with your regular trash. The town now has periodic "ewaste" collections to ensure that these kinds of products get disposed of in a way that is safe for the environment.

West Hartford's next Residential Electronics Recycling Collection is scheduled for Saturday, November 3, 2007, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Public Works, 17 Brixton Street.

The collection includes: computers, monitors, printers, cell phones, TVs, VCRs, copiers, fax machines, radios, stereos, compact fluorescent light bulbs and rechargeable nickel cadmium batteries. All information contained on hard drives is erased to the Department of Defense standards.

E-Waste material collected is not shipped to third world countries where environmental safe practices are not followed.

No appliances (except microwaves) or Freon-containing equipment will be accepted. No commercial electronics will be accepted, and proof of residency will be required.

The Town of West Hartford and WeRecycle! thank you in advance for being environmentally responsible!

Additionally, Staples, Inc., the office supply store, offers in-store electronic recycling seven days a week.

For more information, visit the vendor's web site at www.WeRecycle.com.

Remember to REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE; it's a first step towards a more sustainable world.

Green Lighting Promotions for 2007

Looking for energy-efficient lighting at a good price? Check this list of special pricing at various stores in greater Hartford and Connecticut.

For a larger image, click on the picture or click here.