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Inside this issueCompost Seminar Nursery Pot Recycling Nursery Pot Re-use Summer Discovery Business Recycling Home-Safe-Home Medication Info. HHW Collection Litter Clean-ups Earth-friendly Tips Calendar of Events Scholarship Info A Word About Wipes Curbside Recycling Update
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Happy Earth Day! Excitement abounds in the Mahoning Valley as residents prepare to celebrate Earth Day. And while pandemic restrictions are still limiting many in-person events, nonetheless, plans are moving forward in creative and imaginative ways.
Although it is not listed as an official Earth Day event, The Child Care and Learning Center of New Middletown will host a virtual art show on April 16 with an environmental component. All of the artwork will be made with recovered material! For information about the art show, visit the Child Care Center on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CCLCofNM/.
The Green Team will be busy throughout the entire month of April “Zooming” into schools with Earth Day presentations. In addition, schools will be offered the opportunity to participate in two special promotions. Students in grades k-12 can take part in the “Rethink Your Drink” campaign, which encourages students to choose refillable water bottles rather than drinking from a single-use container. This campaign will reward students who use refillable water bottles by entering their names into a drawing to win Earth-friendly prizes. New this year, will be a promotion for preschool and kindergarten students to participate in the “Earth Day Sidewalk Challenge.” This campaign will involve students getting outside to create artwork with an environmental theme, taking photographs of their creations and submitting them to the Green Team. The artwork will then be featured on the Green Team Facebook page and each participating school will be awarded an Earth-friendly prize.
On April 21, the Youngstown Environmental Sustainability Society (YESS) plans to host a virtual event with guest speakers from local environmental agencies. On April 22, “Sustaining Bliss”, Mahoning County’s only zero-waste store, will conclude its month-long drawing for Earth-friendly prizes and will offer exciting promotions and giveaways for children and adults.
Whatever your plans are for Earth Day, I hope you take time to enjoy and appreciate the wonders of nature and all that the Earth provides.
~ Kim Lewis
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Beyond The BinWhen it comes to recycling, sometimes you have to look beyond the bin. Community drop-off sites and curbside programs are designed to accept comingled fibers and post consumer containers, but very often other material ends up in the mix. While things like metal curtain rods, shredded paper, wooden pallets, plastic buckets, etc., may be reused or recycled, when placed in community bins, these items are simply thrown away during the sorting process at the mrf (material recovery facility). This is truly a waste.
So...how can this problem be addressed? It’s simple. Residents may contact the Green Team to learn about options for recycling unique items. Referrals to local charities and civic groups may be suggested along with information about local materials exchange programs and special collection events.
The bottom line is this: If you’re not sure whether something belongs in a community recycling bin, call the Green Team for answers. We’ll be happy to guide you.
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Learn to Compost With the Green TeamDid you know that nearly ¼ of the waste stream is composed of organic material that can easily be recycled? The process for recycling organics is called composting, and the Green Team is conducting a class to teach you all about it! On Wednesday, April 28, the Green Team will host a lunch and learn compost seminar on Zoom beginning at 12:00 pm and lasting approximately 30 minutes. Preregistration is required and must be completed by April 14. The cost for the seminar is $10.00 for Mahoning County residents and $40.00 for non-residents. The seminar will include a training session with video instruction and open discussion. Registrants will receive a backyard compost bin, instructional booklet and trouble-shooting guide. If you would like to participate in this activity, please call the Green Team at 330.740.2060 and request a registration form. Reservations are limited and pre-registration is required. ~ Kim Lewis
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Discover Your LibraryJust because there are limited in-person activities at the library, doesn’t mean you should overlook this resource. In fact, The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is revving up for the Summer Discovery Program and there are plenty of exciting activities planned.
This year’s Summer Discovery theme is titled “Imagine Your Story” and will include virtual performances by top notch entertainers, science programs by guest presenters, as well as community cooking courses, story time live, and family game nights presented by librarians. Simply speaking, there is something for everyone!
Summer Discovery, which runs from June 1-July 31, will offer perks to program participants who sign up for the experience. To learn more, visit the library’s website.
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The Business of RecyclingThe Green Team’s mission to divert material from local landfills involves many efforts and one that stands out and continues to grow is the “Business Paper Recycling Program.” With paper- related products comprising up to 40% of the solid waste stream, this is an obvious and easy way to reduce waste in the workplace. In addition to diverting this material from the landfill, recycling paper boasts a number of other conservation benefits. For example, did you know that for every ton of every paper recycled, you conserve 17 trees, cut pollution by 95% and save 7,000 gallons of water? As you can see, recycling paper is definitely worth the effort.
If your business is interested in the Green Team’s “Business Paper Recycling Program,” please contact us. We’re always eager to help businesses and the environment
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Environmental Quote“In nature, there is no waste; everything is connected to everything else; everything must go someplace; and there is no such thing as a free lunch.”
~ Barry Commoner
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Attention Spring PlantersNursery pots can be recycled at Rivers Bend Farm in Alliance or other local nurseries that participate in take-back programs. Nursery pots cannot be recycled in Green Team bins.
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Home-Safe-HomeAre you aware that Americans generate 1.6 million tons of household hazardous waste per year? It’s true. During its occupancy, the average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of household hazardous waste in the basement and the garage. This material, when improperly disposed of, can pose health risks for people and the environment. So, what can we do to combat this problem? The solution is simple. We can replace household hazardous waste with Earth-friendly alternatives. Here is a list of ideas to help you get started with this project. Instead of:
Instead of: Drain Cleaner Use: ½ cup of baking soda followed by ½ cup of white vinegar. Wait a minute then flush with boiling water
Instead of: Glass Cleaner Use:1 part vinegar + 1 part water
Instead of: Air Freshener Use: small dish of lemon juice, baking soda, or essential oils
Instead of: Furniture Polish Use: 1 part lemon juice to 2 parts mineral oil
Instead of: Toilet Bowl Cleaner Use: baking soda or a pumice stone for really tough rust stains
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Spring Household Hazardous Waste CollectionSpring Household Hazardous Waste Collection The Green Team is once again providing an opportunity for collecting household hazardous material. On Saturday, May 18, The Household Hazardous Waste Collection will be held at the Canfield Fairgrounds from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. The collection hours listed below are designated by last name:
A-F 9:00 am-11:00 pm G-N 11:00 am-1:00 pm O-Z 1:00 pm-3:00 pm
The following HOUSEHOLD items will be accepted: Thinners, Automotive Fluids, Pool Chemicals, Bleach , Antifreeze, Used Motor Oil, Solvents Poisons, Aerosol Cans, Propane Cylinders, Photo Chemicals, Stains, Lighter Fluid, Adhesive/Glue, Wood Preservatives, Greases, Roof Coatings, Car Batteries, Household Cleaners, Pesticides , Varnish, Gasoline, Oil Based & Spray Paint (5 gallon limit), Insecticides, Herbicides, Cylinder fluorescent bulbs, Acids
Latex paint will not be accepted. Dispose of Latex paint by hardening with sand or kitty litter and placing with regular household waste. Also, please note that compact fluorescent light bulbs may be recycled at Home Depot or Lowes. If you have any questions regarding this special collection, please contact the Green Team.
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The Great American Clean UpThe Great American Cleanup is the country’s largest community improvement program that kicks off in more than 20,000 communities each spring. This national program engages more than 5 million volunteers and participants who take action in their communities every year to create positive change and lasting impact. Did you know that individuals are much more likely to litter where littering already exists? Let’s end this cycle together.
Please consider becoming a part of the Great American Cleanup and organize a “Clean Your Block Party” sharing in the responsibility to improve our communities. Preventing litter requires changing individual behavior.
If you would like to pick up litter in your community, please call the Green Team for supplies. In 2020, due to Covid 19, most clean-ups were suspended. However, in 2019 over 1500 dedicated volunteers participated in community clean-ups and collected 12.6 tons of litter. Hopefully 2021 will be another successful year.
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Members of Village Varieties 4-H Club picked up litter in North Benton during the 2019 Great American Cleanup.
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No Drugs Down The DrainYou can drop off unwanted prescriptions at the following permanent locations: Austintown PD Beaver Twp. PD Boardman PD Canfield PD Lowellville City Hall MC Sheriff’s Office Milton Twp. PD New Middletown PD Poland Gov’t. Center Sebring PD Springfield Twp. PD Struthers City Hall YSU PD
Please be aware that sharps and liquid medication are not accepted.
For more information visit www.DrugFreeMahoningCounty.org
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12 Ways to Care for the Earth- Collect cans, glass, paper & plastic for recycling.
- Pack a zero-waste lunch.
- Plant a tree! Trees clean the air and provide wildlife habitat.
- Save water. Take short showers.
- Donate reusable items to charity.
- Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth.
- Reduce waste. Shop with a reusable tote bag.
- Save energy. Turn off lights when you leave a room.
- Save marine life. Pick up litter at the beach.
- Reduce plastic consumption. Use a travel mug and refillable water bottle.
- Never litter.
- Be a friend to the Earth. Make every day Earth Day.
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April 202117 - *Drop off material for Angels for Animals Garage Sale 18 - *Drop off material for Angels for Animals Garage Sale 21 - *YSU Earth Day 22 - *Earth Day Sustaining Bliss 22 - *YSU Tree Dedication 23 - *Angels for Animals Garage Sale begins 24 - *DEA Drug Take -Back Day 24 - *Angels for Animals Garage Sale 25 - * Earth Day @ Sebring Trinity Lutheran Church 25 - *Angels for Animals Garage Sale ends 30 - *Arbor Day
May 20218 - HHW Collection @ Canfield Fairgrounds 8 - Struthers Appliance Drive 8 - 15- Goshen Twp. Appliance Drive June 2021 26 - Canfield Twp. Appliance Drive
For calendar updates, visit our website at www.greenteam.cc or follow us on Facebook
* Due to the pandemic, activities and events are subject to change
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Scholarship OpportunityThe Ohio Association of Litter Prevention and Recycling Professionals (OALPRP) is offering a $1,000.00 scholarship to a deserving student from Ohio. To qualify for the scholarship, a student must: - Plan to enroll or currently be enrolled at an accredited Ohio college, university, or technical school.
- Have declared or plan to declare a major relating to environmental sciences or environmental education.
- Reside in Ohio.
OALPRP scholarship forms may be downloaded at www.oalprp.org or obtained by contacting the Green Team at 330-740-2060. Deadline for submission is April 15, 2021.
Completed forms can be e-mailed to Scholarship Chair Katrina Carpenter at [email protected] or sent by USPS to OALPRP Scholarship c/o Perry County Waste Reduction & Recycling, PO Box 621, New Lexington, OH 43764. Forms sent by postal mail should be postmarked by April 15.
Any questions or assistance regarding scholarship applications may be directed to Kim Lewis at the Green Team.
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What On Earth Can You Do With- Lids from Pringles cans? - donate them to the Green Team Education Department
- Plastic grocery bags? - recycle them at a retail outlet
- Empty gift cards? - mail them to the Green Team
- Motor oil? - recycle it at an auto parts store
- Leftover latex paint? - harden it with kitty litter and place in house-hold trash
- Packaging material? - contact a UPS or FedEx Store
- CFL’s? - recycle at Home Depot or Lowe’s
- An old American flag? - retire it at the Veterans Service Commission
- Ink jet cartridges? - contact Staples or Empties 4 Cash
- Household batteries? - recycle them at any MC Library
- Eyeglasses? - contact a local Lions Club
- Other unique material? - Call the Green Team at 330.740.2060 for options.
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The YSU Legacy Forests Program is hosting a tree dedication ceremony on Earth Day, April 22. This project is being conducted to increase awareness about the importance of trees in the fight against climate change. The ceremony will begin at 2:00 pm and take place on the west side of Tod Hall. The public is invited; Covid precautions will be in place.
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A Word About WipesBaby wipes, disinfecting wipes, personal hygiene wipes, wet wipes, flushable wipes. These products have become increasingly popular in the war against COVID-19, but consumers need to realize that it is dangerous to flush these products down the toilet. Flushing a wipe is just like flushing a piece of cloth. It clogs sewer systems, damages equipment and may lead to basements flooding. According to information posted by Mahoning County Engineer Pat Ginnetti, Mahoning County has 40,000 customers in the sanitary sewer system. During the past year, Ginnetti has regularly encouraged people to throw wipes away and not flush them down the toilet. This simply makes sense.
If you’re using any type of wipe, please act responsibly and throw it away. Wipes flushed down the toilet will only lead to problems.
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Contamination Concerns
In an effort to reduce contamination, Republic Services is continuing its distribution of “OOPS” tags to curbside customers as part of an educational campaign. If you would like more information about this topic, call us at 330.740.2060.
As always, The Mahoning County Green Team is committed to serving the recycling and waste reduction needs of the public.
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For further information about recycling and other solid waste management programs, visit our website at www.greenteam.cc or follow us on facebook
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