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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
Christina Schmitt
Mary Karius
Patience Caso
Sarah Goodspeed
We're excited to introduce two new members of the Hennepin County Environmental Education and Outreach Team:
Sarah Goodspeed will be coordinating events and multicultural outreach as well as working on the Community POWER and Green Partners environmental education programs. Her previous work experience includes internships at Voyageurs National Park Association and Audubon Minnesota, bilingual voter outreach for Secretary of State's office, and community relations for Chicano Latino Affairs Council. She has a degree in Bioethics from Scripps College in California and a Master's degree in Science, Technology and Environmental Policy from the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Email Sarah or call 612-348-9850.
Christina Schmitt will help with our communication efforts, including managing our website and social media. Her previous work experience includes public relations for Minnesota Public Radio, communications coordinator for the Out Vote Our Future Campaign and freelance writing for Star Tribune, City Pages and Minnesota Magazine. She has a degree in English from the University of Minnesota. Email Christina or call 612-596-7740.
Please forward this email to interested individuals and encourage them to sign up.
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The 2013 iteration of the Recycle Half campaign, which encourages residents to juice up their recycling and milk it for all its worth, will run from September through November. The campaign focuses on recyclable items that are still commonly thrown in the trash, including cartons, plastic containers and recyclables from the laundry room and bathroom. The campaign encourages residents to help the county meet our goal of recycling half of all the waste generated in the county by 2015 – we currently recycle 40 percent.
We will be running billboard, TV, Pandora radio, online and skyway ads throughout the campaign. On RecycleHalf.com, visitors can get answers to frequently asked recycling questions, connect with a recycling expert, download or order a recycling guide, test their recycling knowledge and learn how to recycle more at home, work and play.
An event display, newsletter article, web story, social media posts and images are available to promote Recycle Half.
For more information, email Angie Timmons or call 612-348-2477.
 Hennepin County is partnering with local retailers to offer free Choose to Reuse coupon books valid from October 1 through November 30. Choosing to reuse is a key way to reduce the more than one million tons of waste that is generated in Hennepin County each year.
New in 2013, we’ve partnered with Chinook Book to make Choose to Reuse coupons available on your smart phone or tablet. Just download the free Chinook Book app from your app store and create an account in the Twin Cities Market. Coupon books will be available for free at participating retailers, Hennepin County Service Centers and Libraries and Three Rivers Park District locations.
A newsletter article, web story, social media posts and image are available to promote this program. If you would like coupon books to distribute, please email Kristin Pierskalla or call 612-348-4787.
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 Registration is open for the fall Master Recycler/Composter course, which will be held on Tuesday evenings, October 1 through November 5 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Three Rivers Park District Administrative Center, 3000 Xenium Lane North in Plymouth. Optional field trips will be held on Friday, October 11 and Friday, October 25.
Master Recycler/Composters receive training in waste prevention, recycling and composting, then volunteer 30 hours on projects that reduce waste generation and increase public awareness of recycling and composting opportunities.
For more information, email Carolyn Collopy or call 612-596-0993.
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Funding available
Funding available to start or improve recycling programs
 Hennepin County is offering grants of up to $50,000 for businesses, non-profit organizations, institutions and multifamily housing buildings to start or improve programs to divert recyclables and organics (food and non-recyclable paper) from the trash. These grants can help with the purchase of recycling containers, equipment, hauling services and minor improvements to loading docks and waste enclosures.
The commercial sector generates more than half of the total waste in Hennepin County, and nearly two-thirds of the waste created at businesses and non-profits is recyclable. Having a strong recycling program conserves natural resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, can help your bottom line, and demonstrates your organization’s commitment to sustainability and the community.
Learn more and apply.
A newsletter article, social media posts, brochures and flyer are available to promote this program.
For more information, email Andre Xiong or call 612-543-1316.
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Green Partners proposals due November 1
 Funding, project support and free resources are available through the Green Partners Environmental Education Program for projects that empower residents to reduce waste, increase recycling, reduce toxicity, conserve energy and protect water quality. Grants of up to $15,000 are available.
Learn more about funding requirements, get feedback on your project ideas and get tips for completing your proposal at an upcoming information meeting:
- October 16 at the Maple Plan Library from 1 - 2 p.m.
- October 16 at the Northeast Library in Minneapolis from 4 - 5 p.m.
- October 23 at the Hopkins Library from 11 a.m. - noon
Proposals are due by 5 p.m. on November 1. Learn more and apply.
For more information, email Patience Caso or call at 612-348-9352.
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 Financial assistance to support the labor costs for energy efficiency and/or renewable energy projects is available through the Minnesota Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) Seed Grants. Project proposals should be for community-based energy efficiency or renewable energy projects that also provide a forum for community education about energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and their economic, ecological, and community benefits.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. on October 18, 2013. Learn more and apply.
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Events
The fall Green Partners Quarterly Networking meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Plymouth Library.
The meeting will be an opportunity to:
- Learn about recycling resources available, including funding, expert assistance and signage, to start or improve recycling and organics recycling programs at businesses, organizations, schools and multifamily buildings.
- Hear about the Recycle Half campaign strategy and resources available to help promote the campaign.
- Collaborate and network with educators and issue experts from across the county. Share ideas and stories about project successes and challenges.
Networking meetings are open to the public. We look forward to seeing you there!
RSVP to patience.caso@co.hennepin.mn.us or call 612-348-9352.
The Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board (SWMCB) is holding a Communications, Marketing & Outreach Forum on Tuesday, October 3 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Metropolitan Counties Government Center in St. Paul.
The forum will be an opportunity to:
- See a presentation from KARE 11 staff on data from their 2013 Twin Cities Consumer Market Profile, which includes information on demographics, consumer behavior, and media and lifestyle habits and attitudes.
- Get tips to developing cost-effective communication and outreach efforts.
- Provide feedback on Rethink Recycling’s communication toolkits, which include articles, images and ads to help partners with waste reduction, reuse and recycling outreach efforts.
The forum is free but registration is required by Monday, September 23.
Email info@rethinkrecycling.com if you have any questions.
 The final 2013 collection event for residents to safely dispose of their unwanted hazardous wastes will be held October 3 – 5 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Hennepin County Public Works Orono Shop, 3880 Shoreline Drive, Orono. Materials accepted include household, lawn and garden products, electronics, mercury-containing items and auto wastes.
Visit www.hennepin.us/collectionevents for a full list of materials accepted and a map to the event site. A newsletter article, web story and social media posts and flyer are available to promote this event
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 Fix-It Clinics, where residents with broken household goods or clothing in need of repair can get free, guided assistance on disassembling, troubleshooting and fixing their items are scheduled for the following dates and locations:
- Saturday, October 12 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the McRae Park Rec Center in Minneapolis
- Sunday, November 10 from noon - 4 p.m. at the Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield
- Saturday, December 14 from noon - 4 p.m. at the St. Louis Park Rec Center
- Saturday, January 11, 2014 from noon - 4 p.m. at The Bakken Museum in Minneapolis
- Saturday, February 8, 2014 from noon - 4 p.m. at Arc's Value Village in New Hope
In the first year of the Fix-It Clinic program, Hennepin County hosted 12 Fix-It Clinics that attracted 638 participants who brought 932 items in for repair. The participants and volunteers worked together to repair 75 percent of the items, preventing more than two tons of waste.
A newsletter article, social media posts and flyer are available to promote this program. For more information or to volunteer, email Nancy Lo or call 612-348-9195.
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Zane Avenue in Brooklyn Park will be transformed into an avenue for active transportation on Saturday, September 21 from noon to 5 p.m. as part of La Vida Zane, organized by the African Career, Education & Resource, Inc. (ACER) and the City of Brooklyn Park. Zane Avenue between 68th Avenue and Brooklyn Blvd will be closed to automobile traffic and open for biking, walking, dancing and other activities. ACER will be sharing information about their Green Partners environmental education project called “Don’t Waste Our Future” during the event.
Participate in hands-on activities and learn how to be more sustainable at the Bloomington Sustainability Fair on Saturday, September 28 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., sponsored by Bloomington Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Center for Energy & Environment in collaboration with The Bloomington Sustainability Coalition and Metro Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs). Be sure to stop by Hennepin County Environmental Services’ table to find out how to reduce waste and recycle more!
Environmental education resources
Hennepin County’s Recycling Sorting Activity and Greening Your Celebrations Learning Trunk are now available to be picked up during evenings and on weekends from the Do It Green! Minnesota Resource Center at the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis. Call 612-348-4168 to reserve a learning trunk, and specify the pick-up location when making your reservation.
Rethink Recycling develops newsletter articles and social media posts monthly on residential recycling topics. New articles available include:
Check out the 2013 communications calendar to find out what articles will be available this year.
Grants awarded and project updates
On August 27, the Hennepin County Board awarded funding to eight organizations through the Green Partners Environmental Education Program to implement projects that will empower residents to take actions to protect the environment.
The following organizations received funding:
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Center School, Inc. in south Minneapolis will engage students and staff in recycling, reducing waste and protecting water.
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The Freshwater Society will support Master Water Stewards in the implementation of rainscaping and community engagement projects.
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Will Steger Foundation will mentor five high school environmental clubs and support student-led action projects.
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Eden Prairie Early Childhood Family Education will engage families in reducing toxicity, increasing recycling, protecting water and conserving energy.
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Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Team Teenworks will engage youth workers and park users in waste reduction and recycling.
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Minnetonka Early Childhood Family Education will educate families about recycling, worm and at-home composting, and toxicity reduction.
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Noble Academy in North Minneapolis will engage students in designing and implementing environmental behavior change projects with their families.
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Robbinsdale Early Childhood Family Education will educate and engage families in reducing waste, recycling and reducing toxicity.
Learn about the organizations and their projects.
For more information, email Patience Caso or call 612-348-9352.
 On August 27, the county board awarded funding totaling $55,916 to four schools for projects that will improve recycling, introduce organics recycling and reduce waste.
The following schools received funding:
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Banaadir Academy in Minneapolis will establish recycling and organics recycling programs.
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Bloomington Public Schools will expand recycling to three athletic facilities in the district.
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De La Salle High School in Minneapolis will improve recycling, introduce organics recycling and reduce waste through the purchase of reusable silverware and plates.
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North Education Center, Intermediate District 287 in New Hope will being organics recycling.
Find out more about the schools that received funding and their projects.
For more information about implementing recycling in schools, including resources and assistance available from Hennepin County, email Andre Xiong or call 612-543-1316.
 Experience is a great teacher, which is why Hennepin County awarded funding in 2012 to five organizations in North Minneapolis to engage urban youth in hands-on, experiential learning about the environment. Activities implemented by the organizations this summer include:
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Beez Kneez brought bees to Elizabeth Hall Elementary where 60 2nd graders put on beekeeper suits and learned about bees, pollination and our food system. Beez Kneez also continued their bee care and honey extraction summer program with the McKinley Flower Team.
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The Minnesota Internship Center High School and Spark Youth Action Labs worked to create a Sustainable Urban Education Farm that features aquaponics and vermicomposting systems.
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The Renewables Research and Policy Institute taught students at North High School about gardening and aquaponics.
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Phyllis Wheatley Community Center offered a variety of classes involving 120 youth and worked with students to plant two community gardens.
- Hennepin County, the University of Minnesota Extension and Beez Kneez are developing a Teacher’s Academy that will provide curriculum instruction to educators on how to maximize the potential of schoolyard gardens within the classroom.
Learn more about the organizations and projects being funded. For more information, email Mary Karius or call 612-596-9129.
From June 2012 to May 2013, 13 organizations funded through the Green Partners Branch and Root groups engaged more than 2,000 people in environmental activities and shared environmental messages with more than 16,000 people. Project participants reported taking 1,332 actions to protect the environment, and 461 people reported taking action for the first time.
In addition, 20 organizations have received project support through the Seed group since May 2012 with plans to engage more than 3,800 people in environmental education activities.
Learn more in the Green Partners June 2012 - May 2013 Project Results Report.
For more information, email Patience Caso or call 612-348-9352.
 This summer, the Three Rivers Park District implemented a green camping program at Baker Campground that made composting and recycling are available at the campground. Each camping group was given a blue bag for recyclables, a green bag for organics and a green camping guide with information and educational activities. The program is funded in part through the Green Partners Environmental Education Program.
A waste sort conducted on July 22 to assess the success of the program found that campers recycled 32 percent and composted 10 percent of all the waste generated at the campground for a total diversion rate of 42 percent, exceeding the program goal of a 35 percent diversion rate.
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