ReUseIt Network Launches in Berkshire County

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new online network offers a way to get rid of your old stuff without overloading landfills and transfer stations — recycle it and reuse it.

Based on the concept that one person's trash is another's treasure, the worldwide ReUseIt Network is dedicated to reducing the strain on natural resources by keeping useable items in circulation.

Since many items may be discarded long before they have outlived their use, the ReUseIt Network finds new uses for unwanted items that would otherwise be thrown into the trash.

ReUseIt has formed a group in Berkshire County to connect people who have things but don't want them with people who want them but don't have them.

By visiting the Web site, www.reuseitnetwork.org, individuals can join local group forums to browse items available or post items they wish to discard. Membership is open to all who want to "recycle"; the only constraint is that everything posted must be 100 percent free. Items are not required to be in pristine condition, and in some cases can be non-working. Simply list the item that you wish to give away and wait for someone to respond.

The mission of the network is to reduce the human footprint on Earth by promoting conservation of resources and providing an opportunity for individuals and communities to take action. The online forum serves as a tool to make connections between community members who want to help each other, themselves, and their environment. ReUseIt Network groups can be found throughout the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia, with new groups forming throughout the world.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Flushing of Pittsfield's Water System to Begin

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city of Pittsfield's Department of Public Utilities announces that phase 1 of the flushing of the city's water system will begin Monday, April 22.
 
Water mains throughout the city will be flushed, through hydrants, over the upcoming weeks to remove accumulations of pipeline corrosion products. Mains will be flushed Monday through Friday each week, except holidays, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
 
  • The upcoming flushing for April 22 to May 3 is expected to affect the following areas:
  • Starting at the town line on Dalton Avenue working west through Coltsville including lower Crane Avenue, Meadowview neighborhood, following Cheshire Road north.
  • Hubbard Avenue and Downing Parkway.
  • Starting at the town line on East Street working west through the McIntosh and Parkside neighborhoods.
  • Elm Street neighborhoods west to the intersection of East Street.
  • Starting at the town line on Williams Street, working west including Mountain Drive,
  • Ann Drive, East New Lenox Road, and Holmes Road neighborhoods.
Although flushing may cause localized discolored water and reduced service pressure conditions in and around the immediate area of flushing, appropriate measures will be taken to ensure that proper levels of treatment and disinfections are maintained in the system at all times. If residents experience discolored water, they should let the water run for a short period to clear it prior to use.
 
If discolored water or low-pressure conditions persist, please contact the Water Department at (413) 499-9339.
 
Flushing is an important operating procedure that contributes significantly to the maintenance of the water quality in the water distribution system. 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories