The Green Scene an email publication of the Mahoning County Solid Waste District
Green Team

Inside this issue

  • Compost Seminar
  • Nursery Pot Re-
  • cycling 
  • Nursery Pot Reuse
  • Summer Reading
  • 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
Green Team
Earth Day Billboard - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Chloe Lobby - Gr. 4
Holy Family School
South Ave. & McClurg
 

Mahoning County Unveils Winners

The Green Team is proud to announce the winners of the newly developed “Earth Day Billboard Contest.” This competition, which was open to students in grades four - eight,  resulted in five hundred entries being submitted from nine schools, with winning artwork selected for each grade level. Keeping the “Earth Day” theme in mind, students were advised to focus their messages on the 3 R’s, environmental beautification, and litter prevention. The names of the winners, their creative designs, and locations of the billboards are:

Earth Day Billboard - 3 R's
SkyleeShay Gline - Gr. 5
Boardman Center Intrm.
SR 46 @ Willow Crest
 
Earth Day Billboard - We're going recycling
Ella Cataldo - Gr. 6
Lowellville Elem.
SR 46 @ Willow Creek
 
Earth Day Billboard - we only have one earth
Stella Zippay - Gr. 7
West Branch MS
SR 224 @ Taco Bell
 
Earth Day Billboard - keep our earth clean
Gabriella Memo - Gr. 8
Holy Family School
South Ave & Windham Ct.
 

Billboards will be on display April 3 - May 6.  

In addition to the artwork selected for billboards, other notable entries were received and will be featured on our Facebook page during Earth Week. This will give more people an opportunity to admire and appreciate the dedication and talent that was applied to this promotion. 
  The Green Team would like to thank everyone who participated in this exciting project. Through our efforts, we are making the world a better place.


Earth Day Events

Excitement abounds in the Valley as residents prepare to celebrate Earth Day.
 Beginning April 1 and ending April 23,  Sustaining Bliss will  be conducting a “Refill Not Landfill” campaign. During this promotion, residents who stop in the store for refills will be entered into a drawing to win Earth-friendly prizes. What a great idea!

On April 18, beginning at 7 pm, Jamey Emmert, Wildlife Communications Specialist for ODNR, will be delivering a  presentation at Sebring Trinity Lutheran Church titled:  Comeback Critters - Stories of Conservation Success. Anyone interested in protecting wildlife and the local environment, won’t want to miss this! 

On April 20, YSU will host an Earth Day celebration in the Chestnut Room at Kilcawley Center featuring displays provided by local environmental groups. Beginning at 10 am and ending at 3 pm, visitors may peruse exhibits and pick up educational material about a variety of  “green” programs. This event will truly have something for everyone. 


Learn to Compost with the Green Team

Did you know that over 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 Sunday, May 15, the Green Team will host a compost seminar at Trinity Lutheran Church located at the corner of 12th St. and Pine Lake Rd. in Sebring. The session will begin at 1:00 pm and last approximately one hour. 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. Preregistration is required.
                   ~ Kim Lewis



Attention Spring Planters

Nursery pots can be recycled at Bending Oak Permaculture Farm in Youngstown or
Rivers Bend Farm in Alliance. Nursery pots cannot be recycled in Green Team bins.



Swim into Summer Fun at the Library

Hey kids! Join us this summer at Mahoning County libraries as we share a thought provoking book titled: Somebody Swallowed Stanley. This adventurous tale, written by Sarah Roberts and illustrated by Hanna  Peck, contains a powerful message about plastic pollution and is told through the eyes of a plastic bag that gets swallowed by various marine animals before ending up inside a turtle that eventually gets rescued.  After story time, children will decorate Earth-friendly tote bags to take home and will receive coloring books and recycling information to share with their parents. 

This activity is recommended for children in grades Pre-K through 3.  Refer to the library schedule at left for the location nearest you.


Summer Reading Library Schedule June 2022

2 Campbell                10 am
3 Sebring                   10 am                  
9 Tri-Lakes           11:30 am
9 East                   11:30 am
15 Struthers         11:30  am
16 Springfield        11:30  am     
17 Poland                  10 am
21 Newport              11 am
22 Boardman             10 am
23 M. Kusalaba           11 am
24 Main                     11 am
27 Canfield                10 am
29 Austintown           10 am  

The Business of Recycling

The 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 approximately 25% 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  paper recycled, you conserve 17 trees, cut pollution by 95% and save 7,000 gallons of water? As you can see, recycling paper is is truly 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 become a bit more “green.” 




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 



Home-Safe-Home

Are 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. At right is a list of ideas to help you get started with this project.     

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
 
Glass Cleaner - Use 1 part vinegar + 1 part water

Air Freshener - Use small dish of lemon juice, baking soda, or  essential oils

Furniture Polish - Use 1 part lemon juice to 2 parts mineral oil

Toilet Bowl Cleaner - Use baking soda or a pumice stone for really tough rust stains


No Drugs Down the Drain

You can drop off unwanted prescriptions at the following permanent locations:
  • Austintown PD
  • Beaver Twp. PD
  • Boardman PD
  • Canfield PD
  • Goshen Twp. 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

Spring Household Hazardous Waste Collection

The Green Team is once again providing an opportunity for collecting household hazardous material. On Saturday, May 14, 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. 

The Great American Cleanup

The 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 2021 over 500 dedicated volunteers participated in community clean-ups and collected multiple bags of litter. Hopefully 2022 will be another successful year.

People picking up trash

Members of the WBHS Environmental Club and members of the Sebring HS Ecology Club picked up litter in their communities during the 2021 Great American Cleanup.

People picking up trash

12 Ways to Care for the Earth

  1. Collect cans, glass, paper & plastic for recycling.
  2. Pack a zero-waste lunch.
  3. Plant a tree! Trees clean the air and provide wildlife habitat.
  4. Save water. Take short showers.
  5. Donate reusable items to charity.
  6. Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth.
  7. Reduce waste. Shop with a reusable tote bag.
  8. Save energy. Turn off lights when you leave a room.
  9. Save marine life. Pick up litter at the beach.
  10. Reduce plastic consumption. Use a travel mug and refillable water bottle.
  11. Never litter.
  12. Be a friend to the Earth. Make every day Earth Day.

Save the Rainforest with a Click

Help protect wildlife habitat by visiting The Rainforest Site and clicking on the green rectangle. This small gesture will cost you nothing  and will greatly benefit the environment. Visit https:therainforestsite.greatergood.com/clicktogive/trs/home
and get started today!



April 2022

4 - Earth Day Program for Pocket Pets 4-H  
16 - Drop off material for Angels for Animals Garage Sale
18 - Drop off material for Angels for Animals Garage Sale
      - ODNR Presentation in Sebring
20 - YSU Earth Day  
22- Angels for Animals Garage Sale begins
     -  Earth Day Celebration  at Damascus Elem. School 
23 - Angels for Animals Garage Sale continues
      - Earth Day drawing at Sustaining Bliss
24 - Earth Day @ Sebring Trinity Lutheran Church
       - Angels for Animals Garage Sale ends
27 -  Earth Day Program at Marian Living Center
29  - Arbor Day
30 - DEA Drug Take - Back Day

May & June at a glance:
May
14 - HHW Collection @ Canfield Fairgrounds
          
JUNE 
4 - Struthers Appliance Drive
25   - Canfield Twp. Appliance Drive
  
For calendar updates, visit our website at www.greenteam.cc or follow us on Facebook 

Scholarship Opportunity

The 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 Jim Jerek at [email protected]  or sent by USPS to OALPRP Scholarship c/o Mahoning County SWMD 345 Oak Hill Ave. , Suite 330, Youngstown, OH 44502. Forms sent by postal mail should be postmarked by April 15. 

Any questions or assistance regarding scholarship applications may be directed to Kim Lewis, Nicholas DeMart, or Jim Jerek at the Green Team.



40th Annual 
Millcreek MetroParks Earth Day Cleanup

On April 23, more than 150 scouts and volunteers are expected to scour Mill Creek MetroParks in recognition of Earth Day to remove a buildup of litter and debris. However, even with this type of turnout expected, more helping hands are always appreciated. If you would like to participate in this activity, contact Mike Kupec, 
 Mill Creek Earth Day Cleanup Chairman for the Boy Scouts at [email protected] 



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.  




Earth Day Activities Online

Visit the following websites for Earth Day games and activities you can enjoy with your children.

  1. www.lifewire.com/free-online-earth-day-games-1356768
  2. www.legendsoflearning.com/earth-day-games/
  3. www.crazy4computers.net/earth-day.html
  4. www.primarygames.com/holidays/earth_day/earthday
  5. www.plt.org/educator-tips/earth-day-activities/

A Word About Wipes

Baby 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 2 years, Ginnetti has regularly encouraged people to throw wipes away and not flush them in 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. 





Contamination Concerns

In an effort to reduce contamination, Republic Services is continuing to distribute “OOPS” tags to curbside customers as part of an ongoing educational campaign. If you would like more information call us at 330.740.2060.

oops tags

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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