Leaving it Better than We Found it

Leaving it Better than We Found it

In line with Ridgefield’s continuous efforts to be more environmentally conscious, comes the recent hire of the very first Recycling Coordinator for the Town. In her new role, Tiffany Carlson, is tasked with improving recycling for residents, businesses and local government. She aims to encourage and empower our community with the tools needed to recycle accurately and with ease.

Tiffany may be new to the job, but her passion for helping the environment has been a lifelong endeavor. She was the champion behind the Veterans Park Elementary School food composting trial years ago. The program taught students how to separate food scraps from recycling and trash, and dispose of them into the appropriate bins. It was discovered that 30% of the materials being thrown into the garbage were actually compostable or recyclable. Reducing the amount of garbage in the schools reduces our carbon footprint while also cutting costs for garbage removal.

One goal of Tiffany’s is to find a way to bring composting to all the schools, starting with the elementary level. Introducing composting at an early age will hopefully instill lifelong recycling habits that the kids can pass along to their families.

Tiffany’s focus doesn’t stop at the schools. She wants to spread the word to all residents that Ridgefield has free on-site composting at the transfer station. Participants will receive their own share of compost, which is great for fertilizing, soil enhancement and even water abatement.