Since March 2020, the Warm Hearth Village (WHV) resident-led Green Committee, coordinated by Cheryl Pearson, has participated in a plastic film recycling initiative sponsored by Trex. For every 500 pounds of plastic (about 40,500 plastic bags) collected the Village has received a high-performance composite bench. The benches are worth approximately $300. Every six months, they can apply to collect for a new bench and plan to continue because the program has been so successful. To date, thanks to the recycling efforts of village residents and employees, a total of nine benches have been earned. Seven of those have been placed along walking trails throughout the village and the last two were donated to the hospital.
Staff, resident and community collaboration contributes to Warm Hearth’s mission to nurture a culture where people live and work in community. “The innovative thinking and work of the Green Committee is one shining example of the culture of our community,” said William Lester, President and CEO. Warm Hearth and Lewis Gale Hospital Montgomery are partners on many fronts and the benches are an expression of gratitude for the long-standing relationship.
“We are doing our best and we are so happy with what we’ve accomplished,” said Pearson. “And we are working to do a lot more,” she added. Other initiatives include education on how, what, and where to recycle, working with WHV staff on Federal grants for solar panels, electric bike storage and cardboard recycling on a larger scale.
