Started early with Bella running around in background so sharing her story as requested.

Conversation with:

KarenN, DianeS, SusanD, PatT, RoseE, CarolynM, MargoJ, LenaH, ElizabethW, SissieO, CarlaM, and TedE (Mr. H’s new friend)

Questions asked:

• If Jane was here, what question would you ask her?
  • How does deforestation continue to affect the chimpanzee population in Africa?  Has she had any impact on stopping it?
  • Rose shared when she taught at Bush Elementary, Jane came and talked to her students.
• What are the cleanest countries? One looked up and said Iceland. But another looked and said Switzerland, as that was most current.  Looking at the details, so important in doing research. What teamwork!!
  • Rose added when lived in Japan nothing was thrown on ground due to space limitations. And they cleaned cans and area after every pickup.
  • Is the South dirtier than the North? That was an observation shared.
• Of the 3 problems, which is most important to you?
  • Most said waste reduction is achievable and can be locally addressed
  • AAUW’s goal is to empower women, so will continue to support, especially helping with extreme poverty
• Where was everyone raised?
  • 3 from Houston, different states (will add details after survey).
  • Lena was from Lebanon, where they have a huge garbage problem.  Said here in US we throw away too much food. In Lebanon they ate what was given or went hungry.

Action Ideas:

• Start Reading for Results  – This would be based on a book having to do with waste in America or other environmental issues. We have hikers, birders, etc. who might want to participate.
• Work on waste reduction –
  • Individual:
    • Post pictures on Next Door Neighbor of trash picked up.
    • Be an example and pick up trash on your walks.  Mr. Magic was a role model picking up – takes while for impact, but does work.
    • Connect community – “leave a campsite better than found it.”
    • Hike in places not clean and pick up the trash.
    • Don’t throw away so much food.
  • Group:
    • Support kids in neighborhood and schools with RootandShoot.org action.
    • Plan an AAUW KHB Cleanup – build a sense of community
    • Watch and discuss the Plastics video.
• Next Meeting October 12th.  Voted to continue with Jane and Mr. H.