Trash-Free Natick in 2014: The First Community in Massachusetts (Update)

Hi Friends,
Spent a little while this morning (2/25) shoveling out some of the BHLF Units along Rte 135.  Some of you may remember that I declared last year that 135 was one of the most abused and trashed roads and RR Corridors in MetroWest.  After a monumental clean-up (early May 2013) I can report that it's much improved.  Far from perfect; but not bad.  
It's a big part of our Trash-Free Natick Effort.  In fact, I've recruited a few new volunteers in the past month.  We hope to keep the "pressure on."  W/ the help of Natick Patch, Metrowest Daily News, the local ConComs and BOS's we feel confident that we'll achieve our goal.  Of course, I could use approximately 20 more volunteers; but we're a lot closer than you would think.  I even met a couple of walkers today who thanked me as I shoveled out the trash barrels and buddy bins.  They said they often pick up stuff and put it into the containers.  And as I shamelessly gave them my card, they promised to contact me if the barrels and bins were getting full.
Imagine this: a fairly typical town of 33,000 people (Natick) with plenty of convenience stores, fast food places, and other commerce: trash-free.  Seems impossible but it could actually happen.  And I realize that trash is only a symbol: it suggests how we treat and respect each other (and the earth).  By itself it's not all that harmful or a big deal.  It underscores how disconnected and frayed our relationships have become.  We can live better and do better.  Join us in the effort.  Thanks, Pat