Worked with the Minnesota Land Trust to establish a 13-acre conservation easement in Independence. We also secured $1.5 million from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund to expand conservation easement acquisition and habitat restoration activities.

Supported the expansion of organics recycling

Continued to work closely with households through the Zero Waste Challenge. This year, 39 household completed round two of the challenge and 65 households started round three. Participating households cut their waste per person, per day by one third, and they recycle 66 percent of the waste they generate.

We also taught valuable repair skills to more than 750 Fix-It Clinic attendees. At clinics this year, 690 items were repaired, keeping 4,770 pounds of stuff out of the trash.

And we focused on preventing food waste by updating food donation guidelines for businesses and educating shoppers at farmers markets on how to properly store produce.

Collaborated on youth environmental education

In partnership with the Three Rivers Park District, we offered NatureFest, an environmental education field day, to over 400 students who don’t normally get such opportunities.

We also had more than 900 students collect water quality data with River Watch, and helped the Metro Children’s Water Festival provide more than 1,200 fourth graders a day to learn about water.

We created an educational display featuring Recyclo, a superhero who teaches youth about the power of recycling, that rotated through seven Hennepin County libraries.

And in collaboration with Specialized Environmental Technologies, we distributed free compost to 40 schools to help them close the loop on organics recycling. Compost was used in vegetable gardens, a greenhouse, a rain garden, potted plants, and a tree planting.

Enhanced the tree canopy

More than 1,100 new trees were planted along county roads, at libraries, and at county facilities. We got help planting trees from volunteers at two community planting events, and offered three tree steward training classes.

We began offering grants to enhance the tree canopy to cities, affordable housing properties, schools, and nonprofit organizations. And we sent a call to action on emerald ash borer by creating a website and new educational materials to raise awareness about options for managing ash trees.

Ensured compliance with hazardous waste rules

To ensure that hazardous waste is managed properly to protect the environment, we license over 5,200 businesses that generate hazardous waste, and we conducted more than 800 compliance inspections this year.

Hennepin County inspectors helped investigate the case against Luminaire Technologies, Inc. The company pled guilty in federal court to fraud and conspiracy charged related to improper disposal of hazardous waste.

Improved recycling at schools and businesses

To improve recycling and organics recycling programs, we awarded 62 grants totaling more than $465,000 to businesses and gave nine grants totaling more than $150,000 to schools. We also created best practices videos, distributed free signs and educational materials, and sent newsletter updates.

Encouraged residents to recycle right

Responded to concerns about the state of recycling by creating messaging and educational materials focused on recycling right. We highlighted top items that don’t belong in recycling bins at home and provided information on how to recycle or dispose of them items instead.

Restored habitat and cleaned up contaminated land

Awarded $2 million through the Environmental Response Fund to 15 projects to fund cleanup of contaminated properties and support affordable housing and economic development projects. Also awarded $170,000 in natural resources grants for habitat restoration projects and stormwater best management practices.

Prevented the spread of aquatic invasive species

Awarded 11 grants totaling $198,000 to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

One of these grants involved installing boat cleaning stations at nine public accesses in partnership with CD3.

Another grant supported the Wayzata Community Sailing Center’s new summer camp focused on aquatic invasive species. Youth developed messaging focused on preventing the spread of AIS that the county shared on its interactive messages board on Lake Minnetonka.

A third grant in partnership with Fortin Consulting provided training and support to 20 lake groups to conduct aquatic invasive species monitoring.

Opened new medicine drop boxes and promoted the availability of more than 30 drop boxes now available at Hennepin County facilities, police departments, healthcare facilities, and independent pharmacies.

Served 140,000 people at drop-off facilities and collection events, and provided disposal information online to more than 300,000 users.

As we head into the New Year, consider what changes you want to make to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. Are you going to finally put in that pollinator garden or plant a new tree? Maybe you want to take up bike commuting, reduce your clutter, learn repair skills, or take steps to reduce your “waste line.”

Whatever your goals are to protect the environment this year, take the following steps to make a plan that will help you put your resolutions into action.

1. Choose an action that is specific, that will have a significant impact on reducing your environmental footprint, and that you can realistically take action on.

2. Set a goal and timeframe for taking action. For example, maybe you’ll sign up for organics recycling by January 31, purchase one fewer paper towel roll by the end of June, or clean out your storm drain before every storm.

3. Think about your barriers and motivations. Consider why you want to take this action, and also what stands in the way for you and others in your household. Use this information to help you identify ways to overcome your challenges and build on your motivations.

4. Identify what you need to take action. Think about what you need to overcome your barriers. Maybe you need supplies or to learn a new skill. If you just forget to take the action (like bringing reusable bags or a water bottle), get a prompt to remind you. If you’re motivated but need a nudge to get started, make a commitment to yourself or someone else that will hold you accountable.

5. Celebrate your successes. Recognize when you achieve your goal, take a moment to celebrate, and build on your successes to plan your next action.