Center for Ecotechnology
At the April 4, 2024 meeting of the Sustainable Hanover Committee Abbey Massaro, Senior Waste Reduction Consultant representing the Center for Ecotechnology (CET), gave a presentation about a program developing sustainable practices for rural businesses and schools. CET, a non profit was founded in 1976 in Massachusetts with a focus on energy conservation. It has expanded its expertise and services to include waste related to food and deconstruction due to building projects and its geographical outreach to New England states. Funded primarily through a USDA RUS grant in 2023, CET has established a presence in New Hampshire.
Massaro focused her remarks on commercial waste reduction – wasted food and construction and demolition waste. She preferred the term “wasted food” as opposed to “food waste” because it suggested a broader scope including not just food scraps but also left over prepared food that can be distributed to organizations that feed those in need. CET has developed a number of resources to aid organizations to address the wasted food concerns. In 2021-2022, with the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, it conducted a study leading to a report Waste Solutions for Northern New Hampshire (https://tinyurl.com/2a9u26tp) The early results can be found at https://www.cetonline.org/nh-wasted-food-assistance/ which provide some excellent examples for those seeking to involve local businesses in wasted food solutions.
Deconstructing Deconstruction; Dismantling Buildings for Reuse in New Hampshire (https://tinyurl.com/22ow2rr6) is also a compelling guide for reducing municipal solid waste from constructing and demolishing buildings. “The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services adopted a solid waste management plan to reduce municipal solid waste and construction and demolition debris by 25% by 2030 and 45% by 2025 . . . “(https://tinyurl.com/2ycmucfs) Among the benefits of CET’s plan are cost savings through reducing disposal and making donations of material, marketing brand recognition, job creation and reduction of green house gas. CET’s guide helps in defining a management plan, identifying material outlets and methods for donations, and how to develop source separation strategies.
CET is a rich resource for a wide variety of pilot programs, guides and examples of climate solutions. Furthermore, their staff is ready to help!
