As Earth Day approaches, several residents of StoneRidge in Mystic are continuing as active caretakers for the next generation by volunteering for environmental causes.

Resident Rita Madison, a former chemist, has been active as a volunteer feeding the fish invertebrates at Mystic Aquarium for 18 years and advocated for StoneRidge’s sponsorship of the new Plastic-Free Seas exhibit at the aquarium.

Duffy and Gerhard Schade suggested that StoneRidge minimize single-use plastic in the dining room, and Conservation Committee Chair Sally Taylor took that suggestion and worked with the culinary director, Matt Haut, to replace plastic straws with paper (now provided only on request), eliminating plastic “clam shell” take home containers and adding fiber-blend, compostable paper containers, eliminating Styrofoam cups and lids and replacing them with paper products, all while encouraging residents to bring their own reusable glass containers to reduce waste.

Taking that initiative one step further, the conservation committee, under Taylor’s lead, approached the facilities management lead, Brian Wilson, with the idea of replacing all incandescent bulbs with LED lighting and installing an electric car charging station, efforts that are now underway.

In addition, Alice Willard, chair of the gardening committee, helps maintain and improve the 30-plus eco-friendly garden plots on the grounds of StoneRidge. In addition to offering planting advice and composting assistance, the committee has improved the space to enable residents with mobility issues to access it with crushed stone pathways (providing a stable surface for walkers) and raised beds. While residents consume most of their fruits and vegetables, bumper crops are shared with the main kitchen to help supplement the diets of the community’s more than 200 residents.

Friends and Neighbors is a regular feature in The Times. To submit, email times@theday.com.