What’s New for Spring?

Earth Day at the Oregon Garden 

April 20, 10am to 4pm
Free Admission

Enjoy educational exhibits, musical performances, food and more at Earth Day, presented by Marion County, Oregon, at The Oregon Garden!

PARKING:
Parking costs $5 at The Oregon Garden, but free shuttles are available from the gravel lot between Roth’s Fresh Markets and Ratchet Brewery (990 N First St. Silverton, OR - old Seven Brides). The free park and walk lot is located at Robert Frost Elementary (201 Westfield St. Silverton, OR).  

Thank you to our sponsors! Marion County Environmental Services, Oregon Department of Energy, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Salem Sign Co. Inc, Renewal by Andersen Window Replacement, Budget Dumpster, K2Creative

Darn Socks! Waste Less Workshop 

May 8, 6:30 PM
Fresh Start Market- Salem

Learn all about sock darning to make them last. Bring your favorite sock with a hole, and we'll supply the materials and instruction for you to fix it so you can keep your toes warm. This is a FREE event, however, we only have 35 spots and want to make sure we have enough supplies so be sure to RSVP.

Utopian Upcycle

Making Art with Post Consumer Materials
Thursday, April 18th, 1-3pm
Student Center, Building 2, Chemeketa Community College, Salem Campus

Join us for an afternoon of producing art from upcycled materials with Artist and Waste Reduction Coordinator for Marion County, Jessica Ramey. All are welcome! This event is free and open to the public. 

Creating a Circular Economy

Apr 30, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Salem Public Library, Loucks Auditorium

What would an economy that works for both people and the planet look like? How can we move beyond a take-make-waste economy, past the recycling economy, and up to the next level—the circular economy? We invite you to explore the meaning of a circular economy and how it applies to solid waste, water, energy, and more. Featured speakers are Joe Bowersox, Professor of Environmental Science at Willamette University; Russ Beaton, Professor Emeritus of Economics at Willamette University; and Carolyn Stein, Executive Director of BRING Recycling, Eugene. The program is free and open to the public.

A Life of Volunteer (and Auto!) Service

Long-time volunteer, Bob Anderson, was recognized as the 2018 Marion County Advisory Board Volunteer of the Year at the Board of Commissioners’ meeting on April 10, 2019.  Bob has been a member of the Marion County Solid Waste Management Advisory Council (SWMAC) since 2001.  Throughout the 18 years, he has volunteered hundreds of hours and contributed his unique knowledge and expertise to help manage Marion County’s solid waste system.

Having served on the council for so many years, Bob has helped to provide significant guidance to the waste reduction and recycling programs, including some of the first commingled recycling collection programs in Oregon.  Bob and the SWMAC were instrumental in starting one of the only programs in the nation that offers curbside collection of paint and household batteries among other items. Bob was the chair during some of the more turbulent times when council members were not always in agreement and when media coverage was not always positive.  As the chair, Bob has fielded his share of media questions over the years and done so in a clear and professional manner.  Bob is one of the longest-serving members on the council which makes him one of the historians that helps to give context as ideas are “recycled” over the years.  His willingness to suggest new directions and his dedication to seeing things through has earned him the respect of all that have worked with him on the SWMAC.

Part of what has inspired Bob to be so active with the SWMAC over the years is that he co-owns an auto mechanic repair shop called AJ’s Auto Repair.  He recognizes that automobiles are, by their nature, polluting.  But Bob knows that auto repair shops don’t have to be. He’s worked to inspire others to raise their game.  When the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality created a new program called Ecological Business Certification Program which was aimed at automotive repair shops, they used Bob’s work at AJ’s Auto Repair as a model and our department helped to promote the program. When our department partnered with the City of Salem to help businesses to lessen their impact on local streams through the Watershed Enhancement Team, Bob’s business was one of the first to get involved.  They were also original members of the State of Oregon’s Council for Automotive Sustainability.

Another program that Bob brought to the SWMAC was a mercury exchange program.  Many older cars have switches in their lights and trunks that contain mercury.  Bob recruited other repair shops to offer mercury-free replacements at no charge.  He also installed water-based parts cleaners that reduce the use of solvents. The water used for the parts cleaners as well as flushing toilets and irrigating is rainwater captured from the roof.  He recycles the used motor oil by using it as fuel for heating the shop and recycles anti-freeze and Freon.

What makes this award special is that it recognizes all of the personal volunteerism that an individual does to make an organization successful.  Bob Anderson exemplifies the spirit of this award for his many years of service.  Bob has an environmental and social ethic that extends beyond his personal life and into all that he does.  For example, he and his wife have a small vineyard.  Their vineyard has been certified through the rigorous Salmon Safe Program. He regularly donates wine to environmental fundraisers and he started a program at AJ’s Auto Repair called “Wheels and Wishes” that helps low-income clients. These are only a few examples of the many ways that Bob has implemented programs at work and beyond.  While Bob will be missed at upcoming SWMAC meetings, his legacy of service both in the automotive industry and in the community will be intact for years to come.