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Green Partners provides updates about environmental education resources, tools, programs, grants and events to our environmental education partners.
Hennepin County has the following free environmental education resources available to partners.
Hennepin County Environmental Education & Outreach Team
Angie Timmons
Alisa Reckinger
Angie Ziobro
Christina Schmitt
Jessica Arika
Mary Karius
Patience Caso
Please forward this email to interested individuals and encourage them to sign up.
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Recycle in every room
 Remembering to recycle everything from every room in your house can sometimes be challenging, especially when you’re just trying to get the laundry done or get ready for work.
Hennepin County’s 2015 Recycle Everywhere campaign offers tips, tricks and hacks to make recycling a habit in every room of your home. All it takes is equal parts recycling bins to trash bins, some education and even a little fun.
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Order supplies to expand your recycling habit
 Free resources to expand your recycling habit, including recycling labels, a bag for collecting recyclables and a recycling guide, can be ordered online. Order enough for your household or a larger quantity to distribute at events, at work or in your other community.
We also have a newsletter article, social media posts, logo, images and recycling tips factsheet available to help you spread the word.
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 Why do you choose to reuse? Maybe you have kids that outgrow their stuff constantly, or you want 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, Hennepin County is encouraging you to Choose to Reuse for all your shopping needs by partnering with over 50 reuse retailers to offer coupons with discounts from August through October.
Get free coupons 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. To download the free Chinook Book app, go to the app store and create an account in the Twin Cities Market.
Spread the word
Get coupon books to distribute or flyers to promote the mobile app by contacting Kristin Pierskalla at kristin.pierskalla@hennepin.us or 612-348-4787.
A newsletter article, social media posts, and images are also available to promote Choose to Reuse.
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 Funding is available to public entities to begin or expand recycling and composting programs at parks, sports venues, events, community centers, commercial districts and other public spaces. Eligible expenses include recycling containers, supplies, equipment and development of educational materials. Applications are due September 14. Learn more and apply.
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 Minneapolis residents who have signed up for the city's curbside organics recycling program began receiving their carts last week. The program is being rolled out in two phases, with 25 percent of customers receiving their carts through September 2015 and the rest in spring 2016. Residents can find out what phase they are in by checking the organics recycling roll-out map. Residents who have not signed up can do so by calling 612-673-2917 or emailing SWRcustomer@minneapolismn.gov.
Spread the word
If you would like resources to help promote the Minneapolis organics recycling program, contact Kellie Kish at kellie.kish@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-3536.
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To reduce waste and increase reuse when residents move in and out, Hennepin County is piloting a bulky waste reuse program at apartment buildings and townhomes.
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 is called for pick-up.
There is no cost to participate. If you live in or work with an apartment building or townhome, encourage the property manager to participate.
For more information, contact Kirsten Wahlberg at kirsten.wahlberg@hennepin.us or 612-348-6846.
 The Maple Grove Police Department recently added a medicine drop box in the lobby of their building. Residents can now safely dispose of unwanted or unused medicines at seven locations throughout Hennepin County. 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. Promote this program by downloading or ordering printed copies of the medicine disposal program flyers.
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There are many environmentally friendly decisions you can make when preparing to go back to school. Share these tips on your social media pages and communication channels by downloading an article and social media posts from Rethink Recycling.
School supplies
- Before shopping for school supplies, take a look at what you have left over from last year first.
- Visit local thrift stores to see if you can purchase any used supplies or talk to friends, family and neighbors about sharing supplies.
- Buy supplies such as pencils, paper, binders and notebooks made from recycled materials.
- Consider the recyclability of supplies and packaging when making your purchases.
Recycle at school
- Learn about the recycling program at your school. Many schools are taking steps to improve their recycling programs and reduce the amount of waste generated.
- See the Recycling Guide for Minnesota Schools and get additional tips and resources to help your school reach its greenest potential.
Off to college
- If you’re heading off to college, find out what items are provided in dorms and other facilities so you don’t end up cluttering your dorm with unneeded items.
- Buy supplies for your dorm room after you move in so you know exactly what you need, and shop at reuse stores to reduce waste and get a good deal.
- Donate items you no longer need at the end of the year. See if your school offers a reuse program such as the University of Minnesota Pack and Give Back program.
As students and educators settle into the new school year, remember the environmental education tours, field trip transportation funding and resources available from Hennepin County.
Tours
Tours that focus on recycling and waste management are available at the Hennepin County Drop-off Facility in Brooklyn Park and the Hennepin Energy Recovery Facility.
Field trip transportation
Groups can also get field trip transportation for an environmental education field trip at sites throughout the county. See our recommended field trip locations for ideas.
River Watch stream monitoring
River Watch is a stream monitoring environmental education program available to school classes and student groups. The program provides students a hands-on opportunity to learn about assessing water quality and how our actions influence the health of lakes, rivers and streams. If you are interested in getting your class or group involved, contact Mary Karius at mary.karius@hennepin.us or call 612-596-9129.
Hands-on recycling and waste reduction activities for classrooms
Hennepin County has staff available to give classroom presentations that engage students in hands-on learning about waste generation, the benefits of recycling and the importance of sorting waste correctly at school and everywhere else. A variety of presentation and activities are available. Review the presentations available and contact Kira Berglund at kira.berglund@hennepin.us or 612-596-1498 to schedule a presentation for your classroom.
Learning trunks
Learning trunks contain supplies and display materials that can be checked out by educators for use in environmental education lessons. The household hazardous waste and green cleaning supplies learning trunks have recently been updated. Learning trunks about recycling, reducing waste and protecting water are also available. Contact Angela Ziobro at angela.ziobro@hennepin.us or 612-348-9850 for more information.
Activity ideas and factsheets
Toolkits with activity ideas and factsheets on a variety of environmental topics.
Hennepin County Green Partners grants
Hennepin County recently awarded grants to 14 organizations for projects that will engage more than 5,700 residents in taking action to protect the environment by reducing waste, toxicity and greenhouse gas emissions, protecting air and water, and increasing recycling.
The projects will engage a wide range of audiences in a variety of
activities, including:
- Schools and early childhood education programs in Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Robbinsdale and Rogers will engage students and families in learning about composting, pollinators, protecting water, reusing and more by integrating activities throughout their curriculum and developing outdoor learning centers.
- Several non-profit organizations and community groups will engage their audiences in hosting clothing swaps, taking action to conserve energy, engaging youth in caring for agricultural systems, establishing native pollinator plants, composting, developing projects to reduce stormwater runoff, making green cleaners, increasing recycling and more.
- Two congregations will focus on engaging congregation members in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing household hazardous waste and recycling.
Learn about the organizations and grants projects awarded.
Regional Community POWER grants
Five organizations in Hennepin County recently received grants through the regional Community POWER (Partners on Waste Education and Reduction) program, funded by the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board.
Art Your Engine/Bancroft Elementary School, Asian Media Access, Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota, Minnesota Waldorf School and the West Bank Business Association received funding to educate and engage residents and businesses in reducing waste and toxicity, recycling and composting.
 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. 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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 Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) have seed grants available to support the labor costs for clean energy projects that spur community development in Minnesota. Project proposals should be for community-based energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that also provide forums for community education about the technologies and their economic, ecological, and community benefits. Proposals are due October 26. Learn more and apply.
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Green Partners Networking Meeting
Date: October 13, 2015
Time: 2 to 4 p.m. (optional networking from 4 to 5 p.m.)
Location: North Minneapolis Regional Library, 1315 Lowry Ave. N., Minneapolis
Join us at the next Green Partners Networking Meeting to learn about organics recycling. Organics recycling programs are becoming more widely available to residents and at schools, organizations and businesses. The meeting will be an opportunity to hear about organics recycling programs from Hennepin County and City of Minneapolis staff, learn about the materials accepted in organics recycling programs, and discuss outreach strategies with fellow environmental educators.
Networking meetings are open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP to Patience Caso at patience.caso@hennepin.us or 612-348-9352.
Hennepin Natural Resources Partnership
Date: September 22, 2015
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Location: Ridgedale Library, RHR Room, in Minnetonka
Learn about the Master Water Stewards, an education and certification program for community volunteers focused on protecting water, from Peggy Knapp with Freshwater Society. Also hear mid-year highlights from Becky Christopherson with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.
The Hennepin Natural Resources Partnership provides a forum for a holistic and collaborative approach to managing and protecting our land and water. 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.
Hazardous waste collection event in Shorewood
 The final 2015 hazardous waste collection event is September 17 - 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Shorewood Public Works.
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.
Download the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events flyer to promote these events.
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Fix-It Clinics
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Get free, guided assistance on disassembling, troubleshooting and fixing broken household items at an upcoming Fix-It Clinic.
Clinics are scheduled for the following dates and locations:
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- 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 City Hall and Community Center
- Saturday, November 14 from noon to 4 p.m. at Folwell Park Rec Center in north Minneapolis
Download a flyer to promote the Fix-It Clinics. For more information or to volunteer, contact Nancy Lo at nancy.lo@hennepin.us or 612-348-9195.
The following projects are being funded through the Green Partners Environmental Education Program. These groups have been busy engaging their audiences in taking action to protect the environment. For more information about Green Partners grants, contact Patience Caso at patience.caso@hennepin.us or 612-348-9352.
Cool Planet celebrates families taking action
 Edina students and family members from the Student Environmental Leadership Council gathered recently gather for their year-end celebration. In attendance were families that participated in Cool Planet programs and created family action plans to reduce their environmental impact. Representatives from the Edina City Council and Edina School Board attended the event.
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YouthCARE digs into waste to identify ways to increase recycling
 Youth working with YouthCARE's Community Service Starts program this summer recently sorted through trash and recycling from their office to learn how well they are recycling. The youth were in good spirits as they sorted through more than 65 pounds of trash and recycling with the guidance of Hennepin County staff.
At the end of the waste sort, they found they are doing a good job of keeping trash out of their recycling bins. Because they don’t collect organics at their office yet, they found that organic material made up more than 38 percent of their trash. Additionally, nearly 40 percent of their trash was recyclable materials, so they need to do a better job recycling overall. Youth are taking what they learned back to their office to educate staff on identifying recyclable materials and proper disposal.
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Project Sweetie Pie’s holds State of the Garbage Compost Summit
 Project Sweetie Pie held a State of the Garbage Compost Summit on Tuesday, August 18 that brought together elected officials and community leaders to discuss ways of increasing recycling. Compost Captains, who are part of Project Sweetie Pie’s Green Partners project, spoke about their experiences composting at community gardens are helping them teach others about the importance of waste and composting. Mayor Betsy Hodges and Congressman Keith Ellison spoke about the importance of community involvement and public policy to improve recycling, reduce waste and use our resources more effectively. Hennepin County provided portable recycling and organics bins for the event, and event organizers went to great lengths to reduce waste with the food vendors and participants.
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Cycles for Change bike classes help build confidence and develop skills
Cycles for Change has offered a variety of classes this summer to encourage people to ride bikes more by helping them gain confidence and develop skills.
The next class is a Skillshare and Ride: Carrying Trailers and Cargo on Thursday, September 24 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Spokes, 1915 E 22nd St in Minneapolis. Register by emailing ana@cyclesforchange.org or calling 612-787-7433.
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