Introducing ECOAmeriCorps!

October 25, 2016

Today’s Guest Blog is by Billy Ernest, an ECOAmeriCorps Member serving the Windham Solid Waste Management District, Bennington County Solid Waste Alliance, and the Londonderry Group in southern Vermont.

“AmeriCorps” is an organization headed by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), whose volunteer members commit to intensive community service throughout the United States. Since its founding in 1993 by President Bill Clinton, one million members have contributed over 1.4 billion hours of service. You may be familiar with their VISTA and NCCC programs, but were you aware that states can also have AmeriCorps “chapters” called State/National programs?

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), CNCS, and over 30 host sites have joined to fund a State and National AmeriCorps program to assist with environmental issues in the Green Mountain State. ECO (Environmental Careers and Opportunities) AmeriCorps was originally created to assist in the growing need for communities to tackle environmental issues across the state, and to this day the program continues to focus on these efforts. Now in its second year, the ECO program has 24 serving members who are focusing on issues regarding waste management and water quality.

“The goals of the program are simple,” says Reuben Allen, program coordinator for ECO. “We want to address some of the most critical environmental challenges facing Vermont, while providing our members with training and experiences to help them transition into their roles as the next generation of environmental professionals in Vermont and elsewhere.”

In 2012, the State of Vermont unanimously passed the Universal Recycling Law (Act 148), a comprehensive bill—and the first of its kind—that includes the lofty goal of eliminating over 50% of the State’s waste stream from landfill deposition by 2020. As you can imagine, this comes with numerous challenges, both logistical and educational.

This is the first year that ECO members are serving solid waste management entities, or SWMEs  (pronounced “swimmies”  for short; even waste can be fun!). Four members are serving in this capacity. Their focus ranges from volunteer coordination and educational outreach, to assisting transfer stations with food scrap management and logistics.

Members are taking on admirably sized projects. For example, Andrew Donahue, serving the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District (CVSMD), is working to “make-over” the facility for ease of access to the public. Meanwhile, Shannon Choquette, serving the Lamoille Regional Solid Waste Management District (LRSWMD), is creating a corps of volunteers to assist in proper recycling and composting methods at special events, such as Oktoberfest in Stowe.

Carlie Wright, serving with the Addison County Solid Waste Management District, is developing a curriculum devoted to teaching grade school students (K-12) about subjects relating to waste. She says that “along with [the curriculum], getting schools to start composting” is one of her big goals.

The four members have shared their reason for joining ECO as an opportunity to learn skills in materials management and outreach while transitioning from college life to the “real world,” and their excitement about the program is only exceeded by their passion for service. However, they’re not the only ones looking forward to the accomplishments of this program.

Cathy Jamieson, Solid Waste Program Manager at the VT DEC, says the service of AmeriCorps members will allow SWMEs to “provide more assistance to schools and businesses,” while providing “a great opportunity for the members to learn and gain job experience.” In short, “It’s a win-win for all involved!”  

It might seem like AmeriCorps members think they can change the World, but can you blame us? In the end, it comes down to the final line of the AmeriCorps pledge…

“I am an AmeriCorps member and I will get things done!” 

By Billy Ernest

Billy Ernest is a recent graduate from SUNY Oswego with a degree in zoology. He is serving this year in collaboration with the Windham Solid Waste Management District, Bennington County Solid Waste Alliance, and the Londonderry Group in southern Vermont. In his service, Billy looks forward to developing his abilities in public outreach, education, and program development.

Check out the ECOAmeriCorps program website to learn more about the program, how to become a member, or to apply to be a host site.

NERC welcomes Guest Blog submissions. To inquire about submitting articles contact Athena Lee Bradley, Projects Manager at athena(at)nerc.org. Disclaimer: Guest blogs represent the opinion of the writers and may not reflect the policy or position of the Northeast Recycling Council, Inc.