To the Editor:

The recent launch of the Learning Our ABC’s Campaign by the Princeton Merchants Association (PMA), Sustainable Princeton, the municipality, and local merchants is a perfect example of what can be done when we come together in a positive way to address environmental issues in Princeton.

Sustainable Princeton believes that positive change happens through collaboration. We believe in the carrot — not the stick — to solve environmental issues. We also believe that when it comes to waste, sending less to the landfill and creating less overall, is the best way to preserve our land, air, and water.

Our organizational goals are to reduce waste and energy in Princeton by working with residents, businesses, schools, and the municipality. We are pleased that the PMA and others have embraced our goals through this campaign.

Many people don’t know that we are an independent nonprofit group. We receive the majority of our funding through grants and individual donations. Thanks to this outside funding, we have launched a number of very successful community-wide energy and waste reduction programs, such as the EnergySmart Homes and Buildings Campaigns, Build a Bin, the zero waste Great Ideas Breakfast series, and now among others, the ABC’s Campaign with PMA.

This campaign is attractive because it offers a stepping stone to voluntary reduction of plastics through recycling and, more importantly, encourages shoppers to BYOBag. The campaign calls on merchants to Ask First if someone needs a bag so customers can be encouraged to adopt the habit of bringing their own. We hope the community will grab their favorite reusable bags and do just that!

With the continued help of forward thinking organizations such as PMA and a host of committed volunteers, we look forward to working together to reduce, reuse, recycle, conserve, and continue to create new ways to solve important environmental issues in Princeton.

Diane M. Landis

Executive Director, Sustainable Princeton