- 2023 environmental education network successes and December meeting recap
- Apply for a grant to reduce waste and improve recycling at preschools, K-12 schools, colleges, and universities
- Materials to dispel myths about recycling in Minnesota
- Become a Community Recycling Ambassador
- Attend a free training to learn how to use GIS as a springboard for learning
- Minnesota Association for Environmental Education awards celebration
- Table at the University of Minnesota Environmental Internship and Career Fair
- Tangletown Neighborhood Association hosts successful Fix-It Clinic
The final network meeting of 2023 was held virtually on Thursday, December 14. Participants met to celebrate a year of climate successes. The meeting included highlights of climate engagement in the community, new resources, interactive activities, and climate positive videos from online influencers. View a recording of the meeting on YouTube.
 Attendees used the annotate feature in Zoom to plan a climate-friendly future
2023 successes
2023 brought continued growth and success for the environmental education network. The Facebook group grew by nearly 100 members, and our monthly newsletters now reach over 6,000 subscribers each month. Network meetings shifted from fully virtual to some virtual and some in-person meetings, and we had 94 people attend them with positive things to say about their experiences.
An overview of 2023 network successes:
 2024 network plans
We plan to offer four network meetings in 2024 with both virtual and in-person offerings. Keep an eye on this newsletter and the network Facebook group for updates on meeting topics, dates, and how to RSVP.
 Grants are available for schools to start or improve programs to reduce waste and keep recycling and organic materials, including food and non-recyclable paper, out of the trash. Grant flyer with program overview (PDF).
In addition to all K-12 schools, eligible organizations are expanding this year to include colleges, universities, and preschools.
The first round of funding is available to two-year colleges, Head Start, preschools, and K-12 schools with at least 50% of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Thursday, February 29. Applications of up to $15,000 from any K-12 school, preschool, college, or university in the county will be accepted beginning March 20 through November 15, as funds remain.
Learn more
Visit the school recycling web page to learn more, register for an informational meeting, and begin the application process.
Metro counties launch collaborative campaign to dispel myths about recycling
Questions about what happens to recycling when it leaves our homes have become increasingly common, which is why Hennepin County is working with five other metro counties to assure our community that recycling is no myth.
Minnesota and the Midwest are home to many recycling facilities that collect, sort, process, and manufacture items made from the bottles, boxes, and other containers we put our recycling bins.
For example, plastic milk and laundry detergent jugs are made into durable decking, fencing and landscaping products in Paynesville, clear glass is sent to Shakopee to make bottles for drinks, pickles, salad dressing and more, and recycled paper and cardboard are made into cereal and cracker boxes in Saint Paul.
The campaign delivers this information in a fun way by contrasting a group of mythical creatures who are distressed that everyone thinks they are a myth with a fact we can all agree on: recycling is real and it works.
Spread the word to your audiences
Download the media kit (DOCX) for newsletter articles and social media content or share the campaign website, RecyclingExists.com, to help spread the message that we can be proud that recycling works in Minnesota.
Become a Community Recycling Ambassador
 If you or your participants and partners are looking for ways to volunteer in your community, consider Hennepin County’s Community Recycling Ambassador program!
Community Recycling Ambassadors are trained on waste prevention, recycling and composting, and effective communication skills through a six-week course, with one class each week, taught by industry experts and community leaders. This training program is free to participants.
Apply for the spring 2024 class
The spring 2024 class will be held virtually every Thursday from February 15 through March 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. The application will open on Monday, January 22. Sign up to be notified when the application opens.
Using GIS as a springboard for learning
Tuesday, January 23 from 4 to 5 p.m.
Join fellow educators to explore ways to use GIS as a springboard for mathematics and environmental literacy with students. This event is hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and is free for 6th-12th grade educators.
Request the Zoom link to join by emailing Sandy Benton at sandy@fieldedventures.org.
Minnesota Association for Environmental Education awards celebration
Sunday, January 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington
Join the Minnesota Association for Environmental Education to celebrate the winners of the 2023 environmental education awards!
- Ana Munro, Formal educator of the year
- Margie Menzies, Non-formal educator of the year
- Alyssa Janilla, Early childhood educator of the year
- Glacial Hills Elementary School, Student environmental stewardship award
- Dawn Bahajak, Lifetime achievement award
- Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Partner of the year
Beverages and light refreshments will be provided. RSVP.
Connect with students at the University of Minnesota Environmental Internship and Career Fair
Friday, February 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Coffman Memorial Union in Minneapolis
 Attend the University of Minnesota Environmental Internship and Career Fair to meet over 300 student candidates. This fair is specifically for employers who have, or will have, internships and/or full-time positions open in 2024 in the areas of biology, conservation, ecology, environmental science, fisheries, forestry, natural resources, sustainability, or wildlife.
Rates for a table range from $100 to $525. The registration deadline is Wednesday, January 24. Register.
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