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Inside this issue- Canfield Fair
- Subaru News
- Dangers of Sky Lanterns
- MVME
- Tire Collection
- Sidewalk Chalk Challenge
- Special Collections
- Know Before You Throw
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Damascus Elementary Continues To ShineWhen the Mahoning County Solid Waste Management District, nicknamed the Green Team, was established in 1988, one of the first programs implemented was the “Cash for Cans” contest. This con-test was developed as an educational activity for schools that not only enlightened people about the importance of recycling, but had an added benefit of generating much-needed funds for school coffers. For years, Mahoning County schools participated in Cash for Cans and the pro-gram was deemed a great success. Then, COVID 19 happened. In 2020, the vendor that collected most of the cans generated in the county suspended its operation and “Cash for Cans” took a hiatus.
When Damascus Elementary School teacher and recycling coordinator Jessica Scullion heard about this dilemma, she did not despair. Instead, she sprang into action and developed a plan for Damascus to continue “Cash for Cans” and honor their long-time tradition. You see, Damascus and the entire West Branch community has been supporting this pro-gram since its inception and pulling the plug just wasn't an option. So, Jessi-ca continued the collection, found a local buy-back center to manage cans, and solicited volunteers to facilitate operations. The plan worked! Jessica's efforts resulted in the continuation of a program that residents have come to expect. In turn, their expectations were rewarded. During the 2020-2021 school year, Damascus Elementary school recycled 1,091 lbs. of cans and generated funds in the amount of $345.98.
I would like to congratulate Damascus Elementary School and everyone in the West Branch District for continuing the “Cash for Cans” contest during these trying times. They are a shining example of a com-munity that is truly making a difference.
~ Kim Lewis |
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What on Earth Can You Do With...An old flag? - retire it at the Veterans Service Commission or contact the Boy Scouts Of America.
Plastic shopping bags? - recycle them at a “bags only” bin located at local retail outlets.
Used monofilament fishing line? - recycle it in designated bins at Lake Milton, Berlin Lake or Mill Creek Park.
Pringles Lids? - drop them of at the Green Team Office in Youngstown.
Old latex paint? - harden it with sand or kitty litter and place with household waste.
Outdated electronics? - check the Green Team website for recycling opportunities
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Play “Recycle and Win” at the Canfield FairFor nearly the past twenty years, the Green Team has provided recycling at the Canfield Fair. During this time, we have experimented with a variety of collection methods and have used over half a dozen different styles of containers. However, in spite of our best efforts, managing recycling at an event of this magnitude has proven to be quite the challenge. In fact, due to high contamination rates, fair re-cycling has sometimes resulted in more material being landfilled rather than re-covered.
So, this year we’re advising recycling enthusiasts to adhere to a pack-in, pack-out policy. In other words, recyclables that you bring to the fair or obtain on site should be taken home with you and placed with your other recyclables. If you’re not sure which material can or cannot be recycled, stop by our fair booth and play “Recycle and Win.” This game is sure to enlighten you about the particulars of recycling and will also al-low you to enter a drawing to win a $100.00 Visa gift card. Wow! A reward for learning to recycle correctly: Does it get any better than that?
So please stop by our booth in the government building and play “Recycle and Win.” Who knows? You just might get lucky!
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Subaru Loves the EarthFor more than a decade, Subaru has been committed to protecting natural resources and engaging in smart environ-mental practices. In fact, all Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants. But, the commitment doesn’t just apply to manufacturing. Subaru dealerships are on board with the initiative too.
Boardman Subaru is one of two hundred six eco-friendly Subaru dealers in the country and one of seven in Ohio. According to Business Operations Manager, John Jones, Boardman Subaru engages in a variety of environmental stewardship programs with a special emphasis on recycling and waste management. Currently, the dealership partners with TerraCycle to recycle not only typical material but also unique items like used air filters and personal protective equipment (PPE) that was generated during the pandemic. All of these efforts resulted in the dealer-ship diverting ten thousand pounds of material from the waste stream last year. Now that’s a true accomplishment!
The Green Team commends Boardman Subaru for their commitment to environmental stewardship programs. Proudly, their efforts are making our community a cleaner and “greener” place to call home.
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Just When You Thought It Was SafeFor years I have been writing about the detrimental effects of releasing helium balloons into the environment. And just when I thought I was making progress, I learned about a newer product on the market: sky lanterns.
A sky lantern consists of a wire frame, treated paper, and a small candle or fuel cell composed of a waxy combustible material. These fiery devices, which have become very popular during the past nine years, have been re-leased during weddings and other celebrations with some tragic results. In Wales, a young boy suffered serious burns on his face when a lighted lantern fell on him. In Smethwick, England, a plastics recycling facility burned to the ground when a fallen lantern landed in its midst. In other areas, wildlife and domestic animals have suffered after ingesting or becoming entangled in this fallen debris. Obviously, something needs to be done and fortunately something is being done. Sky lanterns are being banned in many states including Ohio, which considers this activity a misdemeanor that is punishable by a $1,000.00 fine.
Please think before you release anything into the sky. The world is depending on you.
~ Kim Lewis
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Attention:Garden Enthusiasts River’s Bend Farm accepts nursery pots for re-use.
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Plastic Free July
If you’re sick and tired of the tremendous amount of plastic in circulation, consider joining the “Plastic Free July Challenge.” For information about this effort, visit https://www.facebook.com/PlasticFreeJuly/
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The Mahoning Valley Materials ExchangeThe Mahoning Valley Materials Exchange is a free service to Mahoning County industries. If your business generates wastes that you would like to trade, sell, or simply give away, the MVME is a great place to start the process! Like-wise, if you are looking for certain materials for your business, you can be connected with other businesses that may generate those useful waste materials. It can meet your bottom line AND reduce impact on the environment. If your business already has an aggressive waste recycling program established, the MVME would love to hear about your success. Along with being an industrial waste match-maker, the MVME also tracks the recycled/reused tonnage generated within Mahoning County. Annually, many businesses confidentially report their industrial waste recycling that helps contribute to an overall industrial recycling rate for the county. In 2020, Mahoning County businesses reported 242,364 TONS of waste diverted for recycling / reuse! Please help contribute to the continued success of the MVME by contacting Dan Kuzma at Youngstown State University at 330-941-2294 or [email protected]
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A Solution for Scrap TiresOhioans generate 12-14 million scrap tires per year and this waste, if not managed properly, poses significant problems for the environment. Littered tires collect water which provides breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes. Illegal tire dumps are unsightly and often lead to harmful fires. So...what’s the answer to this problem? The answer is simple. When you purchase new tires, make sure you allow the tire dealer to keep your used tires for recycling or proper disposal. The nominal fee charged for this service is a small price to pay for protecting our precious planet. However, if you have neglected to participate in a tire take-back program, there is another option. The Green Team is hosting a tire recycling drive at the Canfield Fair-grounds on July 10 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. The event is open to Mahoning County residents only and restrictions and fees may apply. Please visit www.greenteam.cc for further information. |
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A Solution for Scrap TiresOhioans generate 12-14 million scrap tires per year and this waste, if not managed properly, poses significant problems for the environment. Littered tires collect water which provides breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes. Illegal tire dumps are unsightly and often lead to harmful fires. So...what’s the answer to this problem? The answer is simple. When you purchase new tires, make sure you allow the tire dealer to keep your used tires for recycling or proper disposal. The nominal fee charged for this service is a small price to pay for protecting our precious planet. However, if you have neglected to participate in a tire take-back program, there is another option. Goshen Twp. is hosting a tire recycling drive at their drop-off site located at 12649 Seacrist Rd. on Sept. 19 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. The event is open to Mahoning County residents; restrictions & fees may apply. For more information call 330.205.4204.
Extend the life of your tires by: - checking tire pressure on a weekly basis.
- visually examining tires for cuts & holes.
- rotating tires every 6,000 miles driven.
- keeping tires properly aligned.
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 Students from Jackson Milton Elem. School pose with their sidewalk chalk creation.
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They Took the Sidewalk Chalk ChallengeDuring the 2020-2021 school year, the Green Team Education Department conducted classes on Zoom and developed creative promotions to keep children engaged. One of these promotions, titled the “Sidewalk Chalk Challenge” involved preschool and kindergarten students creating colorful artwork depicting environmental themes. In all, six schools took the challenge. These schools included, BL Miller Preschool, South Range Preschool, The Childcare & Learning Center of New Middletown, Holy Family School, Jackson Milton Elem. School, and Springfield Elem. School. To recognize these schools, the Green Team shared their amazing artwork on Face-book and presented each school with a birdfeeder, bird seed and field guide as a token of appreciation.
If you would like to view pics from the “Sidewalk Chalk Challenge,” visit Recycling Green-Team on Facebook. You’ll be happy you did!
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Upcoming Special CollectionsAppliance DriveJune 26 - July 3 Berlin Twp. Tire DrivesJuly 10 Canfield Fairgrounds Sept. 25 Goshen Twp. Document Shredding Aug. 21 Shepherd of the Valley, Boardman For additional information call 330.740.2060 or visit our website www.greenteam.cc
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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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