Recycle Montana in the Classroom Across Montana; Appreciate your teachers says Recycle Montana's educator!

Photo Update & Teach Appreciation: 

Recycling Presentation in Pablo

Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week! Rob Pudner, Recycle Montana's recycling educator said, "I don't know how they do this every single day. After a few presentations I'm exhausted!"

‪#‎TeacherAppreciationWeek‬ ‪#‎ThankATeacher‬

Message from Rob: Schedule Your School TODAY!

Screen shot of print view from yesterday's Missoulian!

Rob on the Road this Week!

Rob is visiting schools throughout the Flathead this week! 

Letter to the editor for Recycle Montana President Candi Zion!

Happy Earth Day, Week, Year!

This April 22^nd is the 45^th anniversary of Earth Day! Communities across Montana are taking this opportunity to celebrate with Earth Day events and even weeklong series of events. Earth Day is a great time to look at what we can do to improve our relationship with the planet. With recycling, this is something we can do all year long!

This Earth Day, Recycle Montana is celebrating a renewed focus on education as a membership organization that includes local governments, recycling advocates, and recyclers. Together, we are looking forward to our new education resources at RecycleMontana.org, expansion of “Don’t Waste Montana” statewide, and more engagement with the public.

“Don’t Waste Montana” is a campaign developed to help rural communities recycle, save money, and conserve natural resources to keep Montana beautiful for years to come. The program was originally developed in Broadwater, Jefferson, and Lewis & Clark counties, and has since been adopted by Recycle Montana for statewide use. Don’t Waste Montana resources are available at DontWasteMontana.org

Recycle Montana is also re-launching RecycleMontana.org, a resource for community guides, recycling events, and technical assistance. We are expanding forums and our ability to host community discussion. We are starting with a list off Montana’s Earth Day and future related events; please join us online to post your event and learn more about other events in your area.

Happy Earth Day; Lets Recycle All Year!

Sincerely,

Candi

Candi Zion, President 

Recycle Montana

Helena, MT 59624-1360

Recycle Line: 406.461.9106

Waste P2 Update: SMART Schools Nationally Recognized, News, Upcoming Webinars and More!!

Waste Pollution Prevention 
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:

http://governor.mt.gov/Portals/16/docs/2015PressReleases/032015LGPublicLeaderInEnergyEnviroStewardshipGERelease.pdf

http://helenair.com/news/local/lt-gov-mclean-wins-national-award-for-environmental-stewardship/article_26f3c923-ef7c-51ae-94d8-65719dab1f59.html

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:

http://greencleanschools.org/

http://greencleanschools.org/summit/

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

4.  “The Weird Reason Why We Recycle Flat But Not Crumpled Up Paper”

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.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/03/25/youre-weird-humans-why-we-recycle-flat-but-not-crumpled-up-paper/?tid=sm_tw

Abstract: http://eab.sagepub.com/content/early/2015/03/21/0013916515577635.abstract

5.  Focusing on Great Lakes Pollution: Microbeads and MicroFibers

Environmental News reports that microplastic particles are polluting the Great Lakes.

http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20150319/NEWS/150319902/researchers-focus-on-great-lakes-pollution

Webinars, Trainings, Conferences and More

Date	Topics
March 26, 2015 11 am – 1 pm Free	Food Recovery Challenge: Tracking Progress Sponsored by EPA Sustainable Materials Management Register Here
March 31, 2015 1 pm – 2:30 pm Free	Energizer EcoAdvanced: Recycled Content Alkaline Battery Sponsored by Product Stewardship Institute Register Here
April 9, 2015 Noon  – 3:30 pm Free	Paint Stewardship in Rural Areas Sponsored by Product Stewardship Institute Register Here
April 9, 2015 11 am – 12:30 pm Free	Is Your Education Outreach Changing Behavior? Sponsored by College& University Recycling Coalition Register Here
April 21, 2015 11:30 am – 12:45 pm Free	Animal Mortality Composting Sponsored by NRC and RMC Register Here
April 23, 2015 1 pm – 2 pm Free	Take-Back Programs in Rural Areas and the Role of Retailers Sponsored by Product Stewardship Institute Register Here
April 23, 2015 11 am – 1 pm Free	Food Recovery Challenge: Measuring Impact Sponsored by EPA Sustainable Materials Management Register Here

Bin Recycling for Special Events!

D.E.Q. Bin in Loan Program for Special Events

[WasteP2 Listserve formatted for web and republished with permission of author by Recycle Montana.]

Montana Recycles Day this Tuesday, March 24th in Helena!

Recyclers from around the state will be in Helena to celebrate Montana Recycles Day this Tuesday in Helena at the Capitol and Downtown!

Montana Recycles Day 2015 in Helena!

Montana Recycles Day 2015 

March 24th in Helena!

• Recycle Collection for the Legislators, Staff, and Guests of the 2015 Legislature
  
• Household and Electronic Recycling Collection 
• 7:45a.m. to 11a.m. at the South Entrance of the Capitol (on Lockey Street one block east of Montana Avenue
• Collection for paper, plastics, cardboard, aluminum cans, tin cans
• Collection for most electronic items excluding monitors and common appliances (no toasters or microwaves)
  
• Recyclers in the Capitol Rotunda
• Exhibits 10a.m. to 1p.m. at the Capitol Rotunda
• Networking Lunch Noon to 1p.m.
• Beverages provides by the Montana Beverage Association
• Introductions and Awards Program 12:30 to 12:45p.m.
• Recycling Roundtable
• Recycling roundtable with recyclers from across the state from 2p.m. to 4p.m.
• Continued Networking and Meeting the Board session 4:30p.m. to 5:30p.m.
  
• Recycling the Town: Evening Reception for Policy Makers
• Downtown reception at the offices of Browning, Kaleczyv, Berry & Hoven with the Montana Recycling Association!
• RSVP at 406.431.0815 or email the Montana Recycling Association at Policy@MontanaRecyclers.org
  
• Sign up exhibit, volunteer or be part of Montana Recycles Day 2015 here!

Upcoming Recycling Challenges Provide Opportunities for Montana Schools, Deadlines Fast Approaching

Upcoming Recycling Challenges Provide Opportunities for Montana Schools, Deadlines Fast Approaching 

Upcoming Challenges Reward Schools for Recycling and Reducing Waste, Deadlines Fast Approaching
Several recycling challenges and competitions offer schools and students opportunities to save money and win awards with recycling programs and events. Recycle Montana lists these competitions at RecycleMontana.org, and can help answer questions about these events or with any recycling challenges schools may have year round.
Montana Schools have done well in recent years. For example, Victor School in Victor, MT won the Recycle-Bowl at the state level 2011 and 2012. West Elementary in Great Falls followed, by winning Recycle-Bowl in 2013. “Recycle Montana hopes even more schools will compete in these challenges this year and that all schools and communities plan to celebrate America Recycles Day on November 15^th,” says Mark Nelson, President of Recycle Montana. Schools can visit AmericaRecyclesDay.org for tips and toolkits and submit their events.

The Recycle-Bowl, hosted by Keep America Beautiful, challenges schools to collect as much recycling as possible from October 20 through November 15. Schools must register by October 15^th. The Great American Can Roundup challenges schools to collect as many aluminum cans as possible between November 15, 2014 and April 22, 2015. Schools must register by January 16, 2015. RecycleMania challenges colleges and universities to report all trash and recycling generated during an eight-week period. Prizes are awarded based on recycling percentages and overall waste generated. An orientation webinar will be held on November 19. The GameDay Challenge promotes waste reduction at college and university football games. Schools may register until October 14. Applications for the Montana Saving Money and Resources Today (SMART) Challenge remain open until October 30. All of these challenges are linked at RecycleMontana.org or your can call Recycle Montana(406) 461-9106.
In addition to these challenges, Recycle Montana is pleased to announce the adoption of “Don’t Waste Montana,” a campaign developed to help rural communities recycle and conserve resources. Don’t Waste Montana provides the tools for rural communities to save money, conserve natural resources, and keep Montana beautiful for generations to come. The Don’t Waste Montana campaign was developed in Broadwater, Jefferson, and Lewis & Clark Counties through partnerships funded by a USDA grant. The materials developed are now available statewide and can be customized to communities through Recycle Montana at DontWasteMontana.org. The campaign will compliment Recycle Montana educational outreach, which includes visiting schools across the state.
Recycle Montana works to increase recycling in Montana through education and building partnerships between communities, schools and recyclers. In the last three years, Recycle Montana has reached 23,000 students in over 20 counties across Montana. Schools seeking guest lectures can contact Recycle Montana for more information. Visit www.RecycleMontana.org to learn more.
Upcoming School Recycling Challenges and Links:
*The Recycle Bowl, hosted by Keep America Beautiful, aims to invigorate student participation by challenging schools to establish new recycling programs, increase recycling rates, and/or provide educational opportunities about recycling and waste reduction. Schools can register athttp://recycle-bowl.org/ until October 15.
*The Great American Can Roundup (GACR) “is an easy and fun way to raise money and help the environment. Your school, boy and girl scout unit or US Service Academy units, squadrons or companies can earn money by recycling aluminum beverage cans. The proceeds received from recycling can be used to purchase much needed supplies for your school or unit or can be donated to charity.” The Roundup begins November 15 and schools can register until January 15, 2015. For more details visit http://www.cancentral.com/recycling-sustainability/programs-initiatives/great-american-can-roundup.
“RecycleMania is a friendly competition and benchmarking tool for college and university recycling programs to promote waste reduction activities to their campus communities. Over an eight-week period each spring, colleges across the United States and Canada report the amount of recycling and trash collected each week and are in turn ranked in various categories based on who recycles the most on a per capita basis, as well as which schools have the best recycling rate as a percentage of total waste and which schools generate the least amount of combined trash and recycling.  With each week’s updated ranking, participating schools follow their performance against other colleges and use the results to rally their campus to reduce and recycle more.” Find out more information about the November 19 orientation webinar at http://recyclemaniacs.org/.
“The GameDay Recycling Challenge is a friendly competition for colleges and universities to promote waste reduction at their football games. During the challenge, colleges and universities implement waste reduction programs during home football games. Schools track and report waste reductions and disposal data that is used to rank the schools.” Find out more before the October 14 registration deadline athttp://gamedaychallenge.org/.
In addition to these national competitions, Governor Steve Bullock and Lt. Governor Angela McLean recently launched the Montana S.M.A.R.T. Schools Challenge. This challenge is “aimed at saving schools money and promoting health by encouraging energy efficiency, conservation, waste reduction, and green practices in K-12 schools across the state.” SMART (Saving Money and Resources Today) features three challenges for competition among schools: Recycling; Energy Savings; and Green Practices. Prizes, grants, and resources are available to schools that choose to participate and apply by October 30. Visit http://governor.mt.gov/Home/SmartSchools to learn about saving money and resources at your school.
Challenges for K-12 schools include:

·         October 15      Keep America Beautiful Recycle Bowl Competition registration deadline

·         October 30      Governor’s SMART Recycling Challenge application deadline

·          November 15  The Great American Can Roundup begins

Challenges for colleges and universities include:

·         October 14      GameDay Challenge registration deadline

·         November 19 RecycleMania orientation webinar

Upcoming Webinars from the Sustainable Cities Network

​

Aug. 25: Extend the Life of Asphalt Roads with a Soy-Based Rejuvenating Sealer, featuring Robert Cummins, retired Ohio Dept. of Transportation construction manager and Michael Freisthler, owner of BioBased Spray Systems, LLC. - https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/780206854 - Free event sponsored by BioBased Spray Systems.

Aug. 26-28: Facilitating Remote and Online Meetings - Essential Success Skills, featuring Michael Fraidenburg - https://remotemeetings.eventbrite.com - Paid event.

Sept. 4: Sustainability in the City of Austin, Texas, featuring Austin's Chief Sustainability Officer Lucia Athens - https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/311818582 - Free event sponsored by Crescent Electric.

Sept. 9: Converting Biogas into Energy and Vehicle Fuel, featuring Jan Scott of Unison Solutions - https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/832731910 - Free event sponsored by Unison Solutions.

Oct. 9-Dec. 18: Master Class in Behavior Change and Community Engagement, featuring David Gershon - http://sCityNetwork.com/Gershon - Paid event.

Also, don't forget the early-bird deadline for the Growing Sustainable Communities Conference