Board of Health
(1 seat available - 3 year term)
Q1. Research has shown that there are serious health risks to the microplastics that are now ubiquitous in our environment and our bodies. What local policies can the Board of Health initiate and/or promote to reduce exposure to the danger from plastics?
Linda Oliver Grape
A1. The recently identified health risks of microplastics are most concerning; clearly, more research is needed to fully understand the impact. In the meantime, we need to educate the community as to what is known about the risks and advise as to habits that should be changed in our everyday lives- including but not limited to- reduce use of plastic water bottles - instead use recyclable glass water bottles; discourage microwaving food in plastic containers; reduce the distribution and use of plastic materials by food establishments; reduce use of synthetic fabric, etc. At the upcoming Annual Town Meeting, Health is co-sponsoring an article/initiative called "Skip the Stuff" which endeavors to reduce use of plastics distributed by our food establishments in town. We will continue to take advantage of opportunities to promote and increase the community's awareness now and as we move forward.
Q2. How can the Health Department educate the community about the dangers from indoor and outdoor methane pollution and help residents learn about alternatives to gas stoves and gas-powered lawn equipment?
Linda Oliver Grape
A2. There are several ways that the Health Department and other groups can educate the community as to dangers of indoor and outdoor methane pollution. Teaching both children and adults about the impact of greenhouse gases and encouraging them to reduce their animal-based food intake would be beneficial. Surprisingly, agriculture is the top contributor to methane gas emissions. Promoting use of electric vehicles and fossil fuel alternatives for heating along with explaining why this is important to our global health is important to ensure adoption. Also suggest increasing forestation as tree bark absorbs methane. This information can be shared in a variety of venues - at school, at town-wide public events, via websites, etc. The Health Department uses its webpage, social media pages and newsletters to educate and promote our various health initiatives. Certainly, methane pollution and education are areas that we can highlight in an upcoming newsletter. We cover a wide range of topics each month, we are also trying to focus on certain topics in a timely manner. For example, providing information on battery operated lawn equipment vs. gas powered would be best circulated leading into Spring. We are also planning on a week-long education campaign for public health that involves both in-person educational opportunities and via electronic media.
(1 seat available - 3 year term)
Q1. Research has shown that there are serious health risks to the microplastics that are now ubiquitous in our environment and our bodies. What local policies can the Board of Health initiate and/or promote to reduce exposure to the danger from plastics?
Linda Oliver Grape
A1. The recently identified health risks of microplastics are most concerning; clearly, more research is needed to fully understand the impact. In the meantime, we need to educate the community as to what is known about the risks and advise as to habits that should be changed in our everyday lives- including but not limited to- reduce use of plastic water bottles - instead use recyclable glass water bottles; discourage microwaving food in plastic containers; reduce the distribution and use of plastic materials by food establishments; reduce use of synthetic fabric, etc. At the upcoming Annual Town Meeting, Health is co-sponsoring an article/initiative called "Skip the Stuff" which endeavors to reduce use of plastics distributed by our food establishments in town. We will continue to take advantage of opportunities to promote and increase the community's awareness now and as we move forward.
Q2. How can the Health Department educate the community about the dangers from indoor and outdoor methane pollution and help residents learn about alternatives to gas stoves and gas-powered lawn equipment?
Linda Oliver Grape
A2. There are several ways that the Health Department and other groups can educate the community as to dangers of indoor and outdoor methane pollution. Teaching both children and adults about the impact of greenhouse gases and encouraging them to reduce their animal-based food intake would be beneficial. Surprisingly, agriculture is the top contributor to methane gas emissions. Promoting use of electric vehicles and fossil fuel alternatives for heating along with explaining why this is important to our global health is important to ensure adoption. Also suggest increasing forestation as tree bark absorbs methane. This information can be shared in a variety of venues - at school, at town-wide public events, via websites, etc. The Health Department uses its webpage, social media pages and newsletters to educate and promote our various health initiatives. Certainly, methane pollution and education are areas that we can highlight in an upcoming newsletter. We cover a wide range of topics each month, we are also trying to focus on certain topics in a timely manner. For example, providing information on battery operated lawn equipment vs. gas powered would be best circulated leading into Spring. We are also planning on a week-long education campaign for public health that involves both in-person educational opportunities and via electronic media.