We strive to create a healthy, safe environment for all people to live, work and play. Find out what Ramsey County is doing to go green inside and out!
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Feeding Pigs and Saving Money
Did you know that Ramsey County works with a hog farmer to collect food waste from several County-owned facilities? In 2011, almost a half a million pounds of food scraps were recovered from food prep activities at the Ramsey County Care Center, at the County’s transitional housing and correctional facilities, as well as from celebrations at the Landmark Center. The food scraps were turned into food for the farmer’s hogs Instead of going into a landfill. Not only did this program boost the County’s overall recycling performance, but it also saved the County almost $10,000 compared to throwing away food scraps in the trash. If your Ramsey County business has a lot of food scraps, contact Minnesota Waste Wise at 651.292.4650 or mnwastewise@mnchamber.com to receive a free consultation.
Improving the Water Quality of Our Lakes
Ramsey County Public Works monitors water quality in over 25 County lakes, including testing for chloride concentrations that result from the use of road salt. Recent testing has shown that the County’s efforts to decrease its use of road salt over the last several years have had a positive effect on County lakes. The average summer chloride concentration in County lakes has decreased in each of the last three years, and the average winter chloride concentration was 25 percent lower in 2011-12 relative to 2010-11. Public Works has worked to reduce chloride concentrations by training its plow drivers and implementing improved technology such as pre-wetting, which is spraying deicing salt with a liquid chemical before spreading it on the roads. Results from the County’s efforts will be reviewed by the State of Minnesota as it considers whether it should regulate road salt use throughout the metropolitan region. Learn more about the County’s stormwater management efforts online.
Composting Resources at Your Fingertips
Looking to try your hand at backyard or worm composting? Check out the Union Park District Council’s composting resource website. You’ll find everything you'll need to take recycling to the next level by composting food scraps in your backyard, or with an indoor worm bin. Browse their library and video pages, and then take the online quiz to enter a prize drawing. This program was funded by a Community POWER (Partners on Waste Education and Reduction) grant from Ramsey County and the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board.
New Community Education Toolkit Available
RethinkRecycling.com now features the Community Education Toolkit, an educational resource and guide for groups and schools throughout the Twin Cities. This new toolkit is designed to inspire, educate, and actively engage others to recycle and reuse more, reduce waste and toxicity, compost yard and food waste, and plan green events. Developed for groups of any size, age, or composition, it offers helpful tips and instructions to implement a waste management activity or program. Use the toolkit in combination with a Community POWER Mini Grant to amplify your education efforts. If your school nonprofit, or community group is interested in applying for a grant, there’s still time. The deadline is May 25. Also take a look at Ramsey County’s other environmental education resources.
Free Healthy Homes Workshops Offered in May and June
Chemicals are all around us, and there are reasons to be careful about exposure to some chemicals, especially with young children. The National Children’s Study and Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health are pleased to offer free workshops on maintaining a healthy home on May 30, June 4, and June 18. You can learn how to identify toxic chemicals and use them safely, as well as get information on non-toxic alternatives for your home and yard. See Ramsey County’s website for workshop locations and times. Advanced registration is required. To register, call 612.624.4140 or email sawye014@umn.edu.
Green Alternatives Newsletters
A newsletter focusing on the purchase and use of environmentally preferable products in Ramsey County and City of Saint Paul facilities.
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