Hundreds of surveys were sent out to area residents to help identify areas of highest concern within the community. Then, a city matrix identifying the age groups and professions represented in Chillicothe was created, and more than 200 individuals representing these groups were recruited to participate in two evening planning sessions. The Long Range Planning Committee accepted as its challenge the need to address the root causes of problems, and to recognize that while many problems are global, solutions are local. Many of these differences have been resolved as a result of an open, empowering planning process. The community supports recycling because it has proven itself as both the right economic and the right environmental choice.
Landfills have a longer lifespan, coal bills have dropped and agricultural production has increased.
The paper pellets are then blended with coal and burned, resulting in reduced solid waste, reduced dependency on coal, and increased savings. Two pounds of paper can provide enough power to run a microwave for 100 minutes, a hair dryer for 15 minutes or a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours. The long-range planning committee identified nine areas in which they wanted to invest resources. For each of the areas below, a task force was created to meet once a month and help achieve the listed goals. CMU has entered into a partnership with North American Resources to produce paper fuel pellets.