Posts filed under ‘Uncategorized’
Celebrate America Recycles Day
Free Community Event
Waukesha, WI (October 23, 2012) – The public is invited to a Community Open House at the Waukesha County Materials Recycling Facility, 220 S. Prairie Avenue, on Saturday, November 10 from 10 a.m. – Noon. Visitors will enjoy refreshments and tours of the facility along with music and prizes from 94.5 The Lake FM. Children will have the opportunity to meet Recycle Raccoon to collect trading cards and learn more about recycling. Families will also be able view Veolia refuse and recycling collection trucks as well as speak to representatives. In addition to all the other activities, attendees can pick up a free recycling bin (while supplies last) and register to win additional prizes including a home compost bin, laptop lunch box, and a kitchen compost collector.
This annual event celebrates America Recycles Day by taking visitors behind the scenes to see how 90 tons of recyclables are sorted and baled each day for shipment to markets. Everyone will have the opportunity to learn about products made from recycled materials and the impact that the recycling industry has on energy, natural resources and the economy. For more information, visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling or call 262-896-8300.
Ode to the “Trash Maven” (aka/Karen Fiedler)
Trash, trash everywhere – what can one tree hugger do?
Reduce, reuse, recycle – keep shouting ‘till your blue?
A volunteer collection with a divided trailer will do
It’s a starter, but a landfill ban would be much smarter
Maybe I’ll call a legislator or two
Reduce, reuse, recycle – hip-hip hooray!
With the new state recycling law the county can lead the way!
Glass and paper, plastic and tin – go in the recycle bin
With state grants to boot – and people that give a hoot
Let the sorters at the MRF begin!
Reduce, reuse, recycle – the message is catching on – holy cow!
Weekly pick-up, a handsome mascot – we are looking good now!
MRF markets are reaching new heights, three hazardous waste sites
The people demand it, the private sector will man it
A policy maker’s delight!
Reduce, reuse, recycle – the message is not complex
The MRF is making money now – let’s tackle yard waste next
Maybe that new tall guy can lead – after all, how hard could it be?
Just combine it with mining, and put up with the whining
And five years later, we’re a composting permittee
Reduce, reuse, recycle – form a coalition – it’s a must!
Let’s hire some tech savy interns, and make our web sites really robust
MRF tours, presentations, and schools going green
E-cycling, oil filters, and blue bins for free!
If only product stewardship would come to be
Reduce, reuse, recycle – the system is changing it seems
The blue bins are artful, but replaced by big cart fulls
The future looks like single stream
MRF rebates are big, but we need some new digs
Is a partner to the east just a dream?
Reduce, reuse, recycle – the Trash Maven is wearing a grin
A state leader for decades you’ve been, but you’ve decided to turn it in
With grandkids on each coast, it is there you want to be most
Of your work you can be proud, a big thank you from today’s crowd
Nothing but the best for you is wished, Karen – you will truly be missed
A new motto has been adopted for today in your honor:
Reduce, reuse, recycle – RETIRE!
Yours Truly,
Perry Lindquist, Land Resources Manager
Presented at Karen’s Zero-Waste Retirement Party
September 4, 2012
Composting, Recycling and Water Conservation Information at Local Farmers’ Markets
Waukesha (WI) – August 27, 2012 – In addition to fresh produce, residents can get the most up-to-date information on composting, recycling, water conservation and storm water management! Residents will also be able to purchase a Home Composter for only $55 (cash or check) at the Stone Bank and Oconomowoc markets.
Waukesha County recycling and water conservation staff will be at the following Farmers’ Markets:
- September 13: Stone Bank Farmers’ Market from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- September 15: Oconomowoc Farmers’ Market from 7:00 a.m. – Noon
- September 27: Piala’s Farmers’ Market from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Stop by the tent to purchase a home composter (cash or check only), pick up information and ask questions. Residents can also get a free recycling bin while supplies last. Visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling or call 262-896-8300 for more information.
Learn More About Rain Gardens, Native Plants, Composting, and Recycling at Retzer Nature Center\
Learn about Rain Gardens, Native Plants, Home Composting, and Recycling
Saturday, August 25th at Retzer Nature Center
Waukesha, WI – Retzer Nature Center, located at S14W28167 Madison Street, will be buzzing with educational activities on Saturday, August 25 beginning at 9a.m.! Events of the day include a Native Plant & Home Compost Bin Sale (9a.m.-noon), Rain Garden & Rain Barrel Class (10-11a.m.), and a Recycling Outreach Booth (11a.m.-1p.m.). There is no fee required for entrance into Retzer Nature Center and all are welcome to attend. Visit www.waukeshacounty.gov for more information.
- Native Plant Sale (9a.m.-noon): Join nature specialists to learn about gardening with native species. The plant sale features native grasses, wild lupine, compass plant, asters, prairie blazing star and much more. There will be opportunities to ask Waukesha County Parks and Land Use staff questions regarding natural landscaping and plant identification as well as view a continuously running 10-minute power point program on “Selection and Care of Your Native Plants”.
- Home Compost Bin Sale (9a.m.-noon): The Home Composter is only $55, it is easy to assemble, lightweight, and fits into most vehicles. Includes a booklet on how to compost your kitchen vegetable scraps and yard debris to make a great soil amendment for your garden, lawn, or shrubs.
- Save Water, Save Money with Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels (10-11a.m.): Capture your runoff by learning basic design and installation of rain gardens and rain barrels. Call 262-548-7801 to register by Friday, August 24.
- Recycling Outreach Booth (11a.m.-1p.m.): Waukesha County Recycling and Solid Waste staff will be available to help residents stay informed and recycle more. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions, pick up information, get a free blue recycling bin (while supplies last), and learn how to increase recycling rates!
Retzer Nature Center is a part of the Waukesha County Park System, which is a natural resource based park system that demonstrates stewardship while providing recreational and educational opportunities.
Recycling Bins and Water Conservation Information at Local Farmers’ Markets
Waukesha (WI) – August 6, 2012 – In addition to fresh produce, residents can get the most up-to-date information on recycling, water conservation and storm water management!
Waukesha County recycling and water conservation staff will be at the following Farmers’ Markets:
- Pewaukee Farmers’ Market August 15th from 3:00-6:30pm.
Stop by the tent to pick up information and ask questions. Residents can also get a free recycling bin while supplies last. Visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling or call 262-896-8300 for more information.
Recycling Bins and Water Conservation Information at Local Farmers’ Markets
Waukesha (WI) – July 2, 2012 – In addition to fresh produce, residents can get the most up-to-date information on recycling, water conservation and storm water management!
Waukesha County recycling and water conservation staff will be at the following Farmers’ Markets:
- Brookfield Farmers’ Market July 14th from 7:30am-Noon
- Dousman Farmers’ Market July 18th from 2:00-6:00pm
- Delafield Farmers’ Market July 21st from7:00am-1:00pm
- Waukesha Farmers’ Market July 28th from 8:00am-12:00pm
Stop by the tent to pick up information and ask questions. Residents can also get a free recycling bin while supplies last. Visit waukeshacounty.gov/recycling or call 262-896-8300 for more information.
Visit Waukesha County at Local Farmers’ Markets
Recycling Bins and Water Conservation Information at Local Farmers’ Markets
Waukesha (WI) – May 21, 2012 – In addition to fresh produce, you can get the most up-to-date information on recycling, water conservation and storm water management!
County recycling and water conservation staff will be at the following Farmers’ Markets:
- Pewaukee Farmers Market May 30th from 3:00-6:30pm
- Oconomowoc Farmers Market June 23rd from 7am-Noon
- Mukwonago Farmers Market June 20th from 12:00-6:00pm
- Piala’s Farmers Market June 28th from 3:00-7:00pm
Stop by the tent to pick up information and ask questions. At the Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, and Piala’s locations residents can get a free recycling bin while supplies last.
Discover Composting
Discover Composting
Family Fun Event Saturday June 2, 2012
Waukesha (WI) – May 21, 2012 – The Waukesha County Recycling and Solid Waste staff will hold a free composting event for adults and children on Saturday June 2, 2012 from 10-11am at Retzer Nature Center. Come and visit the outdoor Discovery Tour and Field Lab at Retzer Nature Center and discover how to turn vegetable scraps and yard debris into compost. Find cool decomposers as well as plant a seed to take home and get your garden started. Children must be accompanied by adults. Attendees must pre-register by Friday June 1 by calling 262-548-7801.
For more information please visit: www.waukeshacounty.gov/recycling
Reflecting on the Holidays
Let’s take a different approach. Statistics about waste and consumption and energy and water this time of year are everywhere…you could spend your entire day Googling all of the various numbers to support green practices during the holidays. That’s easy to do. 
But as we know, even if stats are generated from scientific polls, surveys and measurements by very smart people, doubts and contradictions will still surface in the hearts and minds of the skeptical.
Instead, what if we dare to put it in terms of pure intangibles - the kind of subjective, yet logical conclusions one can make, based on life experience, observation and gut instinct. Of course, this is where different perspectives foster. This is where it gets delicate: when personal opinions are vested in traditions and visions of what the holidays mean to the individual – what the holidays should be.
The reluctant might say this is a fork in the road: you must choose between the satisfaction of enjoying the holidays the traditional way, the way our culture deems it, and restricting yourself to a limited, disciplined green holidays - possibly resulting in less fulfillment.
However, those who embrace green can see synergy. They can see fun and green. They can see happiness and eco. They can see the holidays and all of the beauty our world has to offer, making time spent with loved ones and sharing even more worthwhile.
The two concepts are not mutually exclusive. Eco-conscious people still put up decorations, give gifts, cook, travel, and party as much as those with fewer green thoughts in their days. There is a certainly a place for celebrating and being earth friendly at the same time. At a minimum, it’s all about making reasonable choices where one can be mindful of unnecessary excess where even a skeptical person would have to agree with.
For instance, consider decorations. Indeed, the season just wouldn’t be the same without the lights and colors and patterns associated. If you are fan of the holidays, you are fan of the decorations – they go hand in hand. Where can the green come into play? At a high level of eco, the type of decorations you use could be extremely green – from organic to handmade to reused for generations. At a more basic level, it must make sense to everyone to take care of decorations, storing them carefully, and handling them delicately so they last a long time. Imagine not having to rebuy new ornaments or light strands every year – a win-win situation for the planet and the wallet.
Speaking of lights, most new ones people can buy now are LED, with good reason, for energy conservation. And the old strands can be recycled as well, by taking them to a scrap metal or electronics drop-off site. But, beyond those considerations, simply thinking about how we use them could be greener, yet still the same level of enjoyment. It would make sense to most people that they do not need to be on all night, when very few would enjoy them. They make pretty nifty timers nowadays, or even just manually unplugging before bed and before heading to work or school would make a difference.
Gift giving is another biggie. The joy of giving someone a gift they will truly enjoy is an experience we all cherish, when we know the notion is sincerely appreciated and you have made someone else very happy. Those are the goals we all aspire for and share. It would lead one to conclude, then, that perhaps some of the most meaningful gifts are the most personal and hit a spot in someone’s heart rarely touched. These need not be excessive trinkets or redundant clothing of which someone already owns plenty. The most thoughtful gift may not be a thing at all, but an unforgettable experience for someone’s life enrichment – anything from a fancy restaurant to big game tickets to a shared trip to frontiers uncharted.
The holidays are a time of special occasions and special times with loved ones. No statistics can measure the joy in one’s heart. This green-minded practitioner would never want to take away from the majesty of those moments with preaching green in the name of sacrificing that joy. But, what is obvious to me is that the holidays can be enjoyed with the same passion and vigor, yet also not be a terrible stress on the environment. It takes mindfulness and adapting behaviors to match. They needn’t be extreme, though the possibilities are vast, but can be the simplest of adaptations making the smallest differences, one person at a time.
Have a happy holidays!
- Dustin, Recycling Intern in Waukesha County
Falling Leaves, Oh My!!!
What is the ‘greenest’ way to handle the oranges, yellows, and browns that fall everywhere this time of year? 
In the past, the inclination was to rake the leaves into piles and burn them. This practice is no longer recommended, due to the toxic particulates added to the air we breathe, safety issues and creating a neighborhood annoyance. Many communities have banned this disposal method.
One of the best practices for handling leaves is simply mowing them into the lawn. This process has many benefits compared to the alternatives, including: no raking, bagging, dragging or tending a smoldering burn pile.
Additionally, mulching leaves into your lawn returns the nutrients to the tree, which spent an entire season creating the leaves as next year’s food source! Leaves are rich in carbon, phosphorus, and potassium – all of which help sustain your trees naturally while also supporting a healthier lawn.
This year, put away the rake and bring out the mower to handle those colorful fallen leaves. Your trees, and your neighbors, will thank you!
For details, visit waukeshacounty.gov/leaves
