Berkshire Green Drinks: Second Chance Composting in The Berkshires

Print Story | Email Story
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The first Berkshire Green Drinks of 2024 will feature John Pitroff, the owner of Second Chance Composting. 
 
This free hybrid event is taking place on Wednesday, January 10, online via Zoom and in person at The Barn of Williams Inn, located at 103 Spring Street in Williamstown. The in-person social gathering begins at 5:00 PM; the presentation and Zoom meeting start at 6:00 PM.
 
According to a press release: 
 
Delve into the comprehensive world of composting as John illuminates both residential and commercial aspects, addressing what materials can or cannot be composted and the underlying reasons. Engage in a thoughtful exploration of common concerns surrounding composting, gaining insights into the intricacies of the composting process and the importance of composting on a localized and broader scale. John will also share how Second Chance Composting contributes to community building and endeavors to make composting accessible to all. Don't miss this enlightening discussion at the intersection of environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
 
John Pitroff started Second Chance Composting in June 2022 and has worked to make composting available and a top priority in the Berkshires. In 16 months, his company has diverted 377,329 pounds of material from the landfill, including 124,686 pounds of food scraps. John is also the alternative commissioner for the Town of Adams Northern Berkshire Solid Waste Management District, a 2022 Graduate of the Vermont Compost Operator Certification Program, and the 2023 Massachusetts MassRecycle Individual Award winner.
 
 
Berkshire Green Drinks (formerly Pittsfield Green Drinks) is an informal gathering that takes place once a month. A guest speaker talks for about 30 minutes beginning at 6 PM, and the presentation is followed by a discussion and Q&A. These nights are free and open to everyone with any environmental interest. 
 
Berkshire Green Drinks is sponsored and organized by the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT). 
 

Tags: BEAT,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

'Nobody' Better Than the Mount Greylock Class of 2024

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Class speaker Judge Martin offered apologies all around for the chaotic class of 2024. See more photos here.
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The class speaker for the 104 graduates of Mount Greylock Regional School apologized for the wild and crazy antics of the class of 2024. 
 
"Our class was not that easy. We came into this brand-new school like a bull in a china shop. It was crazy," Judge Martin said. Students came into the middle school from surrounding towns, and "with that mix of kids, chaos happened." 
 
They lost field trip privileges, the right to use the staircase and claimed credit for the burst pipe that flooded the new school and sent everyone home early just days before the entry into remote learning because of the pandemic.
 
"On behalf of my class, we apologize for the mess," Martin said. "But look at us now — we're no longer those middle schoolers everyone hates, no longer causing water damage in our school. And surprisingly, no longer the worst middle school class to come through Mount Greylock, which was really a hard title to take but somehow the grades below us found a way."
 
He was also sorry it took so long for the class to realize how amazing they are and apologized for taking them all for granted.
 
"We're sorry to this school and everything we put it through most importantly thank you for giving us the time to grow out of chaos and find our identity in the end," Martin said. 
 
Martin gave a shout out to Superintendent Jason McCandless, who announced his retirement at the end of the school year, calling him "our favorite superintendent" to loud applause. 
 
View Full Story

More Williamstown Stories