Three New Directors Join Trash Free Maryland Board
Beginning in 2019, three new directors joined the Trash Free Maryland Board. These individuals bring varied backgrounds working in environmental regulation, policy and urban planning, financial management and fundraising - all skillsets and insights we're delighted and honored to add to or deepen across our directors. Below, learn more about the individuals who will be helping to shape and support our future efforts to address litter and trash pollution statewide. Interested in learning more about board membership? Contact our Executive Director at ashley@trashfreemaryland.org.
Shari Wilson, Former Secretary, Maryland Department of the Environment and Founding Principal, Great Bay Work, LLC
What is your biggest trash peeve?Over-packaged retail goods in the name of theft prevention or cleanliness. There are other ways...!
What is a personal goal you have relating to waste or litter for 2019?To buy less food in single use plastics at the grocery store. So far -- meeting expectations but can do better!Three words to describe how you envision your board service.Strategic, efficient, with humor (4...)Describe in your own words what sets Trash Free Maryland apart?Trash Free Maryland is the only organization dedicated solely to solid waste management, filling a critical need in Maryland.
Derek Baumgardner, Executive Director, Baltimore Municipal Zoning and Appeals Board
What is your biggest trash peeve?Single-use plastics (especially water bottles)! We spend billions of dollars supporting public infrastructure to provide drinkable, potable water to people around the globe. To buy bottled water - which we consume in 5 minutes then discard the container for a thousand year decomposition process - is the height of waste and consumerism gone awry. Open your tap and make your favorite reusable water bottle your friend and companion!
What is a personal goal you have relating to waste or litter for 2019?Be more mindful of grocery store packaging and do every I can to limit plastic purchasing and, instead, opt for a local farmers market.Three words to describe how you envision your board service.Creative, collaborative, and engaged.Describe in your own words what sets Trash Free Maryland apart?Its distinctive and targeted focus and TFMD's ability to have immediate impact. While other organizations work to tackle very serious and pressing concerns like climate change, ocean and bay conservation, or sustainable farming practices around the globe, what sets TFMD apart is its laser focus on the micro issue of trash, litter, debris, and waste in our communities. By targeting this specific aspect of pollution, TFMD is able to make visible progress with achievable aims that positively impact our communities every day.
Ali Solonche, Financial Advisor, Northwestern Mutual
What is your biggest trash peeve?That’s a hard one but I’d have to go with plastic bags! Plastic bags for produce, plastic bags in check-out lines, plastic bags at the mall, thrift stores, restaurants- it never ends. It pains me the most to see someone use a plastic bag for ONE item, when it could be easily carried or put in a purse or pocket.Most people know they’re going shopping when they’re headed out the door, so to me, being prepared with bags is just part of the shopping experience. Not to mention, it’s so easy and simple to keep re-usable bags in your car, purse, backpack, etc., so you’re always ready. There are so many cute, strong and affordable options out there that even it wasn’t about the wastefulness, I’d rather just have a re-usable bag anyway!
What is a personal goal you have relating to waste or litter for 2019?Last year I started transitioning all my bath and beauty products to be packaging free (like a shampoo bar), local brands that will re-use the containers once I’m done and/or 100% compostable packaging, so I plan to continue with that process as I use up my products this year. I’ve also committed to buying all clothing second-hand or from “slow-fashion” companies that are ethically and sustainably made.Three words to describe how you envision your board service.Creative. Educational. Relatable.Describe in your own words what sets Trash Free Maryland apart?I love that TFMD is committed to both short-term and long-term solutions. For many people, making small lifestyle changes or doing things like community clean-ups is their way to create change and make a difference, which is amazing and much needed, so it’s great that TFMD can not only contribute to those efforts, but can also take a deeper dive through legislation and policy, in a way that most of us cannot.