You hear so much about disharmony, discord and disintegration of relationships in this multi-media complex world we reside in. Communication has become less about communing than it has about roadblocks, stalled starts and frustrated misunderstandings.

Then, something happens to quiet your cynicism for a time.

In February 2009, after learning of a successful Medication Drop Off Program conducted last fall by enlightened community members in South Portland, I contacted the council with a general inquiry and Councilor Maxine Beecher responded.

She and other citizens are working toward a 2009 collaborative collection effort with Cape Elizabeth. Not only did she respond to my email timely, she readily shared data and encouraged involvement in the process, inviting me to a March meeting, where I sat at the table with people who are all committed to this cause.  

Of particular note, Bob Scarpelli, Maureen Belanger and Ralph Cabana were also supportive and open to providing information and direction. All are passionate about the issue (keeping medications out of groundwater and the environment) and are willing to do what they can to help bring that awareness to my community.  

In the process of learning more about medication pollution, I am reminded that of the countless challenges we face in protecting our health and that of all living systems, it is only by collaborative efforts we will succeed. It can be despairing to learn the extent of each threat. The bio-accumulation of mountains of medications flowing into the biosphere is scary stuff. I don’t want to drink your hormone disrupting, antibiotic, cancer or disease fighting, behavioral, arthritis, coronary, pain, and/or other drugs you take or give your pets; any more than you want to ingest mine.

It is only by working together we will make a difference. Appreciate each of these people for their commitment to making your communities safer. If you can, offer to help.  Volunteers are needed to make the collection day a success. Even if it is in the form of a much appreciated ‘thank you.’  

C. Anne Lozier

Buxton