Update by Sandra Boggs
March 25, 2015
Energy and Pollution Prevention Bureau
Department of Environmental Quality
recycle.mt.gov
Sandra Boggs
News and Updates
1. Montana’s SMART Schools Initiative Gets National Recognition!
Lt. Gov. Angela McLean received an award last week at the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) meeting which recognizes the innovative leadership and practices by Montana Schools. The award is named the Public Leadership in Energy and Environmental Stewardship” and was presented by General Electric and the NLGA. The Lt. Governor stated “I’m humbled to receive this award on behalf of the students and teachers making a difference across Montana.”
The SMART Schools Challenge includes an Energy Challenge, a Green School Challenge and a Recycling Challenge. SMART stands for “Saving Money and Resources Today” and schools have been reducing their energy use, increasing their sustainable practices and conserving resources. This national recognition is a great boost to the program which will be repeated next year. Find out more about SMART Schools here:http://governor.mt.gov/Home/SmartSchools/Challenges
Read the press release and Independent Record article here:
2. First Annual Green Clean Schools Leadership Summit
Healthy Schools Campaign is hosting the first annual Green Clean Schools Leadership Summit in Seattle, WA this summer. The Summit will bring together facility managers, school decision makers, green cleaning experts and vendors for presentations and panel discussions. Find out more here:
3. Walmart Doesn’t Want Consumers to Choose between Affordability and Sustainability
Walmart recently launched their Sustainability Leaders shop as an online resource for consumers. As part of a multi-year project to reduce environmental and social impacts throughout their supply chain, Walmart created their own Sustainability Index. In order to receive a Sustainability Leaders badge, companies must be ranked as best in class amongst other Walmart suppliers. If there happen to be many leading suppliers, then all suppliers scoring over 80% on Walmart’s Index receive badges. Note that the program provides wide recognition of sustainability efforts on a manufacturer-wide basis; it does not identify specific products. Walmart’s FAQ page states that the badges are reviewed every year.
The online resource: http://www.walmart.com/cp/Sustainability-Leaders/1229461
Chris Mooney of The Washington Post describes the oddly surprising study of human behavior in regards to some of our recycling habits. It’s an interesting and quick read.
5. Focusing on Great Lakes Pollution: Microbeads and MicroFibers
Environmental News reports that microplastic particles are polluting the Great Lakes.
Webinars, Trainings, Conferences and More
Date
|
Topics
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March 26, 2015
11 am – 1 pm
Free
|
Food Recovery Challenge: Tracking Progress
Sponsored by EPA Sustainable Materials Management
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March 31, 2015
1 pm – 2:30 pm
Free
|
Energizer EcoAdvanced: Recycled Content Alkaline Battery
Sponsored by Product Stewardship Institute
|
April 9, 2015
Noon – 3:30 pm
Free
|
Paint Stewardship in Rural Areas
Sponsored by Product Stewardship Institute
|
April 9, 2015
11 am – 12:30 pm
Free
|
Is Your Education Outreach Changing Behavior?
Sponsored by College& University Recycling Coalition
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April 21, 2015
11:30 am – 12:45 pm
Free
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Animal Mortality Composting
Sponsored by NRC and RMC
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April 23, 2015
1 pm – 2 pm
Free
|
Take-Back Programs in Rural Areas and the Role of Retailers
Sponsored by Product Stewardship Institute
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April 23, 2015
11 am – 1 pm
Free
|
Food Recovery Challenge: Measuring Impact
Sponsored by EPA Sustainable Materials Management
|
Bin Recycling for Special Events!
[WasteP2 Listserve formatted for web and republished with permission of author by Recycle Montana.]
