I went to JP Centre/ South Main Streets on February 23. I learned that all products and materials in this street came from neighbors. I think it is a good idea because it can contribute local economy. In addition, it is environmentally friendly because it can reduce fuel and carbon emissions from transportation. My research is about plastic products and their consumption, so I tried to get information about it. The director said that more and more stores offered to take out after the pandemic. Therefore, they need some containers to pack food. Then, they try not to use plastic by using alternative stuff like paper straws and non-plastic containers. At one of the stores, I found some eco-friendly products. For example, bees wrap and bamboo tissues. Bees wrap was made with beeswax, organic cotton, and so on. Bamboo produces more oxygen and less carbon dioxide than trees. I have been to some zero-waste stores in Boston, but I did not know that other stores were also working to reduce the use of plastic. It was good to know about that, and I will use that in my research. One interesting thing is the donation refrigerator. I took a look inside, but it did not seem to be getting much use. If it works well, I think it is a unique and effective way to reduce food waste. I would like to know what has changed since the NPO started supporting the community and how the situation differs from before that. I would like to recommend this place to people who are interested in local communities and their businesses.
Yuri Ono