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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.
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Email Hennepin Environment
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Why do you choose to reuse? Maybe you have kids that outgrow their stuff constantly, or you’re looking for unique fixtures for your house projects without breaking the bank, or you want to find the clothes you love to wear while sticking to your budget.
Whatever your reason, get your free Choose to Reuse coupons now on your smart phone through the Chinook Book app or by picking up a book at participating retail locations, Hennepin County Service Centers, Hennepin County libraries, many city buildings, and Minneapolis Park Board and Three Rivers Park District locations. Coupons are valid August through October. To download the free Chinook Book app, go to the app store and create an account in the Twin Cities Market.
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 Recycling in every room of your home can sometimes be challenging, especially when you’re just trying to get the laundry done or get ready for work. Disrupt your recycling routine and change the way you recycle with Hennepin County’s Recycle Everywhere campaign.
This year’s campaign offers tips, tricks and hacks to make recycling a habit in every room of your home. All it takes is some education, creativity and a little fun. Learn more and get resources.
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Residential and partner surveys close on August 7
 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.
Residents and partners are encouraged to provide feedback on the natural resources strategic plan by August 7. Provide feedback by taking the online survey for residents or partners.
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 With a new drop box in Maple Grove, residents can now safely dispose of unwanted or unused medicines at seven locations throughout Hennepin County. The newest drop box is located in the lobby of the Maple Grove Police Department. All types of medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements and pet medicines, can be disposed of at the drop boxes. Find medicine drop box location and guidelines.
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Hennepin County recently helped facilitate a NEMO (nonpoint source pollution education for municipal officials) presentation for 80 elected officials on Lake Minnetonka. NEMO is a hands-on activity for local officials, leaders and decision-makers that explores the relationship between land use and water quality. The officials also learned about water best management practices from experts in the field. Learn more about NEMO presentations.
Recently awarded grants
Hennepin County recently awarded natural resources opportunity grants to two projects that will improve water quality and protect the county’s natural resources. Opportunity grants are intended for larger projects that leverage multiple funding sources. The following grants were awarded:
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City of Minneapolis and Lake Nokomis Neighbors for Clean Water: $50,000 to work with residents in the neighborhoods near Lake Nokomis to install more than 160 rain gardens, permeable pavement systems, trench drains and other stormwater best management practices that will reduce stormwater runoff leaving the participating properties. This will improve the quality of water flowing into Lake Nokomis, which is listed as impaired due to excessive nutrients. The project will leverage nearly $600,000 in Clean Water Fund grants, local and in-kind matches.
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Parkway Place Homeowners Association: $50,000 to implement a major redesign and stormwater runoff retrofit on the grounds of a 22-unit townhouse association in Minneapolis. This project will reduce the amount of onsite impervious surfaces by roughly 20 percent and will direct stormwater runoff through newly constructed rain gardens, reducing phosphorous entering Minnehaha Creek. The project will leverage $100,000 from other funding sources.
For more information, contact Jim Kujawa at james.kujawa@hennpin.us or 612-348-7338.
In July, Hennepin County awarded grants to nine projects through the Environmental Response Fund for the assessment and cleanup of contaminated properties. The remediation projects will preserve or develop 799 affordable housing units, enhance green space, support new construction and provide permanent jobs. Grants were awarded to projects in Bloomington, Hopkins, Minneapolis and St. Louis Park. Learn about the grants awarded.
For more information, contact John Evans at john.evans@hennepin.us or 612-348-4046.
 Hennepin County recently awarded 29 recycling grants to businesses and organizations. The grants, ranging from $900 to more than $25,000, will help businesses throughout the county start or improve recycling programs. Many of the businesses will also being organics recycling, and a few will start donating food and focus on reducing waste.
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Grants were awarded to the following businesses:
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Grocery and food production: Farmers Market Annex, Mercado Central, Sun Foods, Super Mercado La Mexicana
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Restaurants: Chipotle Mexican Grill, Hamdi Restaurant, Himalayan Restaurant, La Hacienda, Market BBQ, Maya Cuisine, McDonalds, Surly Brewing Company, Taco Bell, Tortilleria La Poblianita, U Garden Restaurant, Uncle Franky’s
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Non-profit, social service and educational organizations: Arc’s Value Village, People Responding in Social Ministry (PRISM), Plymouth Christian Youth Center, University of St. Thomas
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Property management: African Development Center, Little Earth, New Concepts Group, Nightingale Realty
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Congregations: Minnetonka United Methodist Church, Northwest Islamic Community Center
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Manufacturing: Japs-Olson Company, MTS
Learn more about the grants awarded. For more information, contact Andre Xiong at andre.x.xiong@hennepin.us or 612-543-1316.
 Hennepin County recently awarded grants totaling more than $191,000 to 14 schools that will reduce waste and improve recycling and organics programs. Some schools will improve recycling by adding recycling containers in hallways and outside the school. Many of the schools will start or improve organics recycling in the cafeteria by adding sorting tables and signage racks. Other schools are focusing on waste reduction by installing water bottle refill stations or replacing disposable trays and utensils with reusable ones. Learn more about the projects awarded.
For more information, contact Kira Berglund at kira.berglund@hennepin.us or 612-596-1498.
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In the News
In July, the Hennepin County board became the first public entity to allocate additional funding to the Southwest light-rail line. The funding allocated includes $5 million – $1.25 million over the next four years – from the Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund to help cover the costs of cleaning up contaminated properties along the line. Read more in the Star Tribune.
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.
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The following collection events are scheduled for 2015:
- August 20 – 22 in south Minneapolis
- September 17 – 19 in Shorewood
Learn more about event locations, guidelines and materials accepted.
 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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- 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
- Saturday, October 10 from noon to 4 p.m. at St. Anthony Village Hall and Community Center
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.
Cycles for Change, a Hennepin County Green Partners grantee, and Three Rivers Park District are hosting a used bike drive and skill sharing clinic at the Hyland Lake Park Reserve on Saturday, August 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a great opportunity to donate your used bike, learn basic bike repair skills and meet other bike enthusiasts.
Saturday, August 8 from 2 to 4pm at Mount Olive Church in Minneapolis
 Start sorting through your closet now for unwanted items you can trade for new-to-you treasures! Clean clothing, shoes and accessories for any age, gender and size are welcome. Learn more.
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Green Tip
 Shopping reuse is an easy way to get great deals on quality items, support local businesses and protect the environment. Hennepin County has partnered with over 50 reuse retailers to offer Choose to Reuse coupons with discounts from August through October.
We’ve partnered with a variety of reuse retailers so you can choose to reuse no matter what you’re shopping for:
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Books and music: Revamp your book and music collection on a budget. Save up to 30 percent on used books, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records and more at eight shops in the Twin Cities.
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Children and maternity: Adding a family member often means buying a lot of new stuff. Because kids grow so fast, it’s easy to find gently used, high-quality children’s clothing and goods. Check out coupons at children and maternity stores.
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Clothing: Looking to recharge your wardrobe? Search unique, new-to-you clothing and accessories by visiting used clothing and thrift stores.
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Home improvement and antiques: Missing that finishing touch in your home? Save up to 50 percent on tools or antiques and home goods to complete that home improvement project or add the final touch to a room.
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Sports and recreation: Score big savings on sports equipment and clothing, bikes and tune-ups, gear and clothing repairs and Segway rentals. Get discounts at four local sports and recreation stores.
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