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An environmental health newsletter from Ramsey County. |
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As we celebrate America Recycles Day on Nov. 15, we are taking a look at the ways recycling can help our communities. Most people know recycling benefits the environment. You might not know that recycling supports the economy, too.
Read more.
As the cooler months settle in, consider these relatively cost-effective ways to weatherize your home. Weatherizing helps a home maintain temperature, conserve energy and save money on energy bills.
Read more.
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Happy household plants
Indoor plants have become especially popular over the last few years. Consider embracing the trend! Here’s a few reasons some people enjoy having houseplants:
- They can support mental health. Plants help reduce stress levels and sharpen focus. Some people also find tending to houseplants therapeutic.
- Houseplants can be relatively easy grow, especially plants like philodendron, holiday cacti or pothos (pictured left).
- Houseplants can be practical. Herbs, for example, can be used in cooking, and many people enjoy the way they look, too.
To learn more about houseplants, try these resources:
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Houseplant Success, a free webinar hosted by the Ramsey County Master Gardeners the fourth Tuesday of every month. The next one is Nov. 23 from 6:30 - 8 p.m.
- University of Minnesota’s houseplant guide.
If you have plant material to dispose of, bring it to a free yard waste site or put in backyard composting.
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Take the guess work out of holiday meal planning with ‘Guest-imator’ tool
Hosting for the holidays? Use Save the Food’s Guest-imator to estimate how much food you need according to the number of guests you’re expecting, how hungry they might be, and whether you want leftovers.
Other food waste reduction tips:
- Invite guests to bring food storage containers so they can bring leftovers home.
- Make sure you have room in your freezer for leftovers you might not get to right away. Meats, like roasted turkey, freeze especially well in a bit of broth or water.
- Is there a dish that lands on the table every year mainly out of tradition, but no one seems to eat it? Consider swapping it out for something new.
- Start collecting food scraps with a free starter kit. Offer to pick up some for your guests if they’re interested. Starter kits are available at our yard waste sites.
Learn more about preventing food waste at SaveTheFood.com.
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Deconstruction grants available
Renovating your home? Consider a deconstruction grant. Deconstruction is taking apart a building so materials —
like cabinets, light fixtures, doors and more — can be reused. Grants are available for residential and commercial properties. Property owners and developers may apply. Learn more at RecyclingandEnergy.org/Deconstruction.
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Nov. 15 is America Recycles Day!
Join Ramsey County in celebrating American Recycles Day, a day dedicated to promoting and educating about recycling at home and in the community. Challenge yourself to start a new waste-friendly habit, like collecting food scraps or reusing items when possible. Learn more and be inspired at RamseyRecycles.com.
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Need to know / Nice to know
Need to know: Bread clips (pictured right) are not recyclable. They’re too small to be effectively sorted at recycling facilities. Throw them in the trash. Better yet, reuse them.
Nice to know: How much plastic is in our oceans? Experts say too much. Learn more (video: 5 minutes)
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News flash
Save the Food recipe of the month
Give new life to holiday leftovers with some creative twists. Get inspired with this turkey bone and stuffing dumpling soup.
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Ramsey County Master Gardeners present - home composting
Webinar: Thursday, Nov. 4
6 - 8:30 p.m.
Hosted by the Ramsey County Libraries
Seed talk - winter sowing
Webinar: Tuesday, Nov. 9
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Hosted by the Ramsey County Libraries
Learn more
America Recycles Day
Monday, Nov. 15
Learn more
Household hazardous waste year-round collection site
Bay West facility
Tuesday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
5 Empire Drive
Saint Paul
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Gardening and Landscaping
Learn more about eco-friendly gardening and landscaping from a Ramsey County Master Gardener, sharing the latest University-based research.
Parks and Recreation
Explore what Ramsey County has to offer for parks, trails and recreational activities year round.
BizRecycling Grants
BizRecycling helps businesses, non-profits, schools, apartment buildings and institutions in Ramsey and Washington counties reduce waste and recycle better. Learn more.
Radon
At this time, Ramsey County is unable to fulfill new orders for radon test kits. Tests are on backorder until early January. If interested in purchasing a test, email us. We will notify you when they are back in stock.
Recycling Containers for Events
Ramsey County's lending program for event recycling containers is suspended until further notice. Many cities and Saint Paul district councils continue to lend out containers. Find a pick up location.
A to Z Recycling & Disposal Guide
Use this guide to learn how to properly recycle or dispose of many items. Visit RamseyRecycles.com/AtoZ.
Soil and Water Conservation
The Soil & Water Conservation division conserves and enhances natural resources in Ramsey County. Learn what projects and programs are taking place in your neighborhood.
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