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ABOUT GREEN NOTES
GreenNotes covers environmental news, programs and events from Hennepin County.
Please take a few moments to read our stories. Share your feedback and ideas for protecting the environment.
Also check out archived issues.
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 Hennepin County has developed a natural resources strategic plan to help guide the county and its partners in responding to natural resource issues and developing policies, programs and partnerships that improve, protect and preserve natural resources. This is the county's first comprehensive strategic plan focused on the protection and preservation of natural resources.
Tell us what you think!
Residents can provide feedback on their priorities for protecting natural resources in the county by taking our online survey.
Opportunities for partners to provide feedback
Watershed organizations, government agencies, parks, non-profit organizations and community groups that work on natural resources issues are encouraged to provide feedback on the plan by completing our online survey or by attending the next Natural Resources Partnership meeting. The next meeting on Tuesday, July 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Ridgedale Library in the RHR room will focus on gathering feedback about the Natural Resources Strategic Plan.
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Give unwanted stuff a second life instead of throwing it away. Many items that residents throw out while moving, such as furniture, clothes and dishes, may be reusable to others.
Not sure where to start? Hennepin County’s new move-out pilot program for multifamily properties makes it easy. Here’s how it works:
- Properties receive a container for collecting reusable materials.
- Residents fill the container with items they no longer want, such as chairs, clothes, dishes, coffee makers and lamps.
- When the container is full, your designated reuse partner will is called for pick-up.
There is no cost to participate. For more information, contact Kirsten Wahlberg at kirsten.wahlberg@hennepin.us or 612-348-6846.
 Hennepin County recently recognized 23 businesses for their successful recycling efforts. The newest members of the Hennepin County Environmental Partners program all recycle materials like paper, metal, plastics and glass. In addition, 16 of the businesses divert organic waste to composting and six businesses donate food. Hennepin County business recycling grants have helped 11 of the businesses improve their programs.
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The additional businesses represent a variety of industries:
- Restaurants and food retailers: Anchor Fish & Chips, Brasa Rotisserie, Galactic Pizza, Lakewinds Food Co-op, Northeast Farmers Market, Shir Tikvah
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Congregations: Basilica of St. Mary, Plymouth Creek Christian Church, St. Olaf Catholic Church
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Retailers: National Camera Exchange, North Face, Roth Distributing
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Other businesses, non-profits and services: Allina Health Nicollet Mall Clinic, Bailey Properties, Crane Engineering, Freshwater Society, Jefferson Lines, Greenway Office Building, National Theater for Children, Pace Analytical, Spring Salon, Sunshine Tree Child Development Center
To help educate about environmental issues, Hennepin County provides factsheets, brochures and handout items covering a wide variety of environmental topics to community groups, municipalities, schools and residents in Hennepin County at no charge. The following pieces have recently been created or update. Order these pieces and more through the online literature order form.
Updated: Reducing waste and recycling during your move
 Moving can be a busy time that in which you have to make a lot of decisions about the stuff that you have. Giving yourself enough time to sort through your things before you move will keep you from feeling overwhelmed and allow you to find the best reuse, recycling and safe disposal options. The updated Reducing waste and recycling during your move factsheet provides tips and resources for reducing, reusing, recycling and disposing of a wide variety of materials people commonly need to deal with when moving. Tips for being green when packing and moving in are also included.
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New: How to identify and reduce hazardous chemicals in your home
 Many products we have in our homes contain hazardous materials that can harm the health of our families, pets and the environment if not properly used, stored and disposed. Reading the label is the easiest way to identify and reduce hazardous products in our homes. The new How to identify and reduce hazardous chemicals in your home brochure contains information on signal words to look for on labels, hazard levels of common household products, safe storage and disposal tips, and simple steps to reduce hazardous chemicals in the home.
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New: Green Cleaning Recipes in English and Spanish
 According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, only a fraction of registered chemicals have gone through complete testing for human health concerns. You can protect your health and the health of your family, pets and the environment by making your own cleaning products with simple, less-toxic ingredients. Many common household products, such as baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar and liquid dish soap, can make effective and inexpensive cleaners. See the updated Green Cleaning Recipes brochure in English and Spanish for recipes to use throughout your home.
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 The Hennepin County Wellness by Design Awards recognizes businesses in the county for their successful employee health and wellness efforts. Acknowledging the many connections between personal health and wellbeing and environmental sustainability, the 2014 – 2015 awards incorporated a +Green certification that also recognized businesses for efforts to minimize their impact on the environment. Green activities that included in the +Green criteria include recycling, reducing waste, conserving energy and water, promoting sustainable transportation and educating employees. Of the 81 businesses receiving Wellness by Design awards, 53 also earned the +Green designation.
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Learn about how county roads are plowed every winter, how the county is involved in light-rail transit, how the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center works, the environmental programs that the county offers, and how county taxes are assessed and where your tax money goes.
The Henenpin County Citizens Academy includes seven weekly sessions held on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at various locations throughout the county. Each session will provide information about the various programs and services the county offers. You also receive a rare opportunity to tour county facilities and meet county leaders. Learn more and register for the fall 2015 session.
In the News
 Starting in 2014, the State of Minnesota is providing funding to all Minnesota counties to manage the spread of aquatic invasive species, such as zebra mussels, Eurasian watermilfoil, carp and other species. Hennepin County has already implemented some projects to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, such as infrastructure changes and signage at public boat accesses, and plans to use funding for a variety of projects including a decontamination and boat wash station. Learn more on KSTP.
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The City of Minneapolis recently set goals to recycle and compost 50 percent of waste generated in the city by 2020 and 80 percent of waste by 2030. These goals align with goals set by Hennepin County and the State of Minnesota. The city is also aiming to achieve a zero-percent growth rate in the amount of waste generated from 2010 levels. Learn more on KSTP.
Events
 Hennepin County organizes collection events to give residents more convenient local options for disposing of household hazardous wastes. Materials accepted include unwanted automotive wastes, household, lawn and garden products, batteries, mercury-containing items and more.
Collection events are held Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The following collection events are scheduled for 2015:
- July 9 – 11 in northeast Minneapolis
- August 20 – 22 in south Minneapolis
- September 17 – 19 in Shorewood
Learn more about event locations, guidelines and materials accepted.
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 Fix-It Clinics provide an opportunity to receive free, guided assistance from handy volunteers on disassembling, troubleshooting and repairing small household appliances, clothing, electronics, mobile devices and more.
Upcoming Fix-It Clinics are scheduled for the following dates and locations:
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- Saturday, July 11 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran Church in Robbinsdale
- Sunday, August 9 from noon to 4 p.m. at Arc’s Value Village in Bloomington
- Saturday, September 19 from noon to 4 p.m. at the University of Minnesota Reuse Program warehouse in Minneapolis
Volunteer fixers who have skills in electrical, mechanical or electronics repair, wood working, sewing or general tinkering are essential to making the clinics successful.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Nancy Lo at nancy.lo@hennepin.us or 612-348-9195.
Provide feedback on the Natural Resources Strategic Plan
Tuesday, July 28 from 1 to 3 p.m at the Ridgedale Library in the RHR Room
The next Hennepin Natural Resources Partnership Forum will provide an opportunity to participate in a facilitated discussion to gather feedback on the county’s draft Natural Resources Strategic Plan. Everyone is welcome to attend, especially those from cities, watersheds, agencies and organizations involved with or interested in natural resources management and protection.
RSVP to Stacey Lijewski at stacey.lijewski@hennepin.us or 612-348-9938.
Hennepin County staff and volunteers will be out at community events this summer with information on actions you can take to protect the environment by reducing waste, recycling, properly disposing of hazardous materials and implementing green yard practices to protect water. Get your questions answered by stopping at our table at these events:
- Hopkins Raspberry Festival Marketplace Arts and Craft Fair: Saturday, July 18 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Main Street in Hopkins
- Minnehaha Creek Cleanup: Volunteer to help cleanup three tons of trash around Minnehaha Creek and lakes in Minneapolis on Saturday, July 26. Cleanup starts at 9 a.m. with a BBQ lunch and celebration at Lake Hiawatha Park in Minneapolis at 11:30 a.m.
To request Hennepin County staff attend your upcoming event or give a presentation to your group on waste reduction, recycling, protecting land and water, reducing hazardous waste or other environmental topics, contact Angie Ziobro at angela.ziobro@hennepin.us or 612-348-9850.
Thursday, July 16 at 9 a.m. at the Maple Grove Library
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Hennepin County and the University of Minnesota Extension are conducting a local work group to review and provide feedback on the NRCS federal funding criteria.
RSVP is required to Stacey Lijewski at stacey.lijewski@hennepin.us or 612-348-9938.
Green Tip
With a little planning, it’s easy to make your Fourth of July celebrations red, white, blue and GREEN. Follow these tips to make your Independence Day celebration a little more environmentally friendly:
- Provide your 4th of July guests with recycling containers or ask your host for one. Print recycling labels for free at www.hennepin.us/eventrecycling.
- Use your own dishware instead of disposable paper or plastic plates and silverware. Although you may spend a few extra minutes at the sink, the extra effort goes a long way in reducing waste!
- Grocery shopping for the 4th? Shop local by finding a farmers’ market near you using the Hennepin County Farmer’s Market and Community Garden map. Remember to bring your own reusable shopping bag.
- Provide reusable food containers for guests to bring leftovers home, or encourage your guests to bring their own. You’ll have less to clean up and avoid food waste!
- Look for MPCA air quality updates and avoid having a bonfire during poor air quality days.
- Traveling around town for the 4th? Bike or use public transportation instead of driving if possible.
- Buy 4th of July decorations that can be reused every year instead of decorations that can only be used once.
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