Archive for the ‘Goal 3: Protect & Grow Our Natural Resources’ Category

Computer Reuse Center

Saturday, May 31st, 2008

How many readers of this blog have older computers stored in their homes? How many of you would like to have a resource to put these computers to good use? How many would like to see computers used rather than sent to the landfill?

According to the National Safety Council, “…three-quarters of all computers sold in the United States remain stockpiled in businesses and homes.” Also, the United States Department of Commerce says that “Approximately 40% of US families do not have Internet-capable computers.”

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, “…each used computer monitor and television screen—can release 3-8 poundsof lead, which has been demonstrated to cause brain damage particularly when exposed to children. EPA estimates that discarded CRTs (monitors and televisions) contribute at least 40% of the known lead in U.S. landfills. Cadmium, mercury, chromium and hazardous flame-retardants are other toxic chemicals typically found (in electronics).”

Additionally, according to Jim Lynch in his Islands in the Wastestream, “From an environmental standpoint, it is preferable to reuse computers an extra two or three years than to recycle their components. Over each computer’s life cycle, reselling or upgrading computers saves 5 to 20 times more energy than recycling.

Given this information and the work that Horizons is doing in Hot Springs, could we all work together and develop a computer reuse center where computers could be collected, refurbished and distributed to residents who cannot afford one? Could we reduce the amount of toxic waste in our landfill and help the community at the same time?

Older computers are still viable tools that can be used for many more years. Word processing, spreadsheets and data bases as well as Internet use will work just as well on a 5 to 10 year-old computer as they do on the newest models.

Comment on this blog to let us know if there is some support for this idea.

 

Posted in 03. Poverty: Action, Goal 3: Protect & Grow Our Natural Resources | 1 Comment »

Join the Fall River Team, the Scenic Tour Team

Thursday, February 21st, 2008

Are you interested in developing a scenic tour route to boost tourism? Would you like to join a “River Committee” to develop a landscape plan for Fall River?

Come to the Horizons community dinner Feb 21 at the American Legion (6 p.m., lasagne, good food, good people) and sign up for a team, or — if you can’t make it — leave a comment here with your contact information and someone will get in touch with you.
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Goal 3 -Protect and grow the value of our natural resources.

Goal 3 - Objective 1: Develop scenic tour route of the area for tourists. Implementation Steps…………………………………………………… Completion Date

1. The Horizons Visioning Committee - Natural Resource subcommittee
will present the proposed plan to the Chamber of Commerce to assess
areas of interest for tourists. .………………………………………………….. 11/30/07

2. The Natural Resource subcommittee will work with the Chamber of Commerce to create a map highlighting identified areas of interest…………….………… 12/15/07

3. The Natural Resource subcommittee and Chamber of Commerce will seek competitive bids for economical artistic place mats, maps and signs………. 01/30/08

4. Economical placemats, maps and signs will be available and in place
at opening of tourist season 2008……………………………………………..……… 05/01/08

Method of Evaluation …………………………….. Completion Date

1. Interview or survey businesses located on the map to determine
increase and/or decrease in tourism. …………………………………….. 09/30/08

2. Chamber of Commerce will survey tourists to determine whether
they plan to visit locations on the map……..……………………………..09/30/08

Goal 3 - Obj 2: Develop Water Features & Freedom Trail through Town.

Implementation Steps: ……………………………………………………… Completion Date

1. Invite Save the River, Keep Hot Springs Beautiful, Fall River Master Gardeners, 4-H, and other interested groups to join the Natural Resources and Infrastructure Subcommittees to create a “River Committee” …………………………..….. 03/15/08

2. Groups on the River Committee will work together to develop a plan for Fall River from Jennings Avenue to the waterfall………………………….………….………. 04/01/08

3. River Committee will meet with Congressional representatives re: grants and other funding sources for landscape design work ………………..………………… 05/01/08

4. River Committee will meet with Corp of Engineers to discuss options… 05/15/08

5. Identify and contract with a professional landscape designer; work
with designer to develop a landscaped waterway to pique tourism
interest and to benefit the community……………………………..………….……. 05/25/08

6. Work with City on River Street signage directing to Freedom Trail….. .06/15/08

7. Present landscape design plan to the city council………………..…………….. 07/01/08

8. Ask City and National Guard to furnish trucks and drivers for cleanup…07/08/08

9. Publicize the event and recruit volunteers. ………………………………..……. 09/08/08

10. Call volunteers to remind them………………………………………………….…… 09/08/08

11. Clean up along the entire river………………………………..……………….………10/01/08

12. New signage pointing to Freedom Trail will be installed along River Street, Jennings Avenue and Minnekahta Avenue………………..…. 10/01/08

Methods of Evaluation:………………………………………..Completion Date

Progress reports to the Visioning Committee………………………….……Monthly
Before and after pictures of the targeted areas…………………………..Quarterly
Responses to the Hot Springs Star …………………………… 2 wks. Post Cleanup

Posted in 11. Community: Action, Goal 3: Protect & Grow Our Natural Resources, Goal 4: Improve Our Infrastructur | 1 Comment »