Inside this issue

Canfield Fair
Plastic Free July
Natural Pest Control
Cash for Cans
E-waste Update
Designer Ditches
Recycling Site Update
Special Collections

New Composting Project is a Win for the Valley

The Green Team is proud to announce that the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just approved our $100,000.00 grant application to launch a new and exciting project. It is a food waste prevention project that will involve operating a large scale composting unit and partnering with valley organizations to make it all happen.

The first order of business will be purchasing a Big Hanna Aerobic Composter that will be housed at the newly acquired county building on Bev Rd. in Boardman. Once the unit is secured, we plan to partner with Second Harvest Food Bank to collect food scraps which will be fed into the composting unit. There, the food scraps will be processed and turned into nutrient-rich humus, which farmers refer to as “black gold.” When the humus is harvested, it will be used to grow plants in the greenhouse, also located at the Bev Rd. facility. Members of Flying High Inc., a vocational service organization, and the Men's Garden Club of Youngstown will tend to the daily operations at the greenhouse and produce crops that will be distributed throughout the community.

The Green Team plans to launch this project by the end of the year and continue it far into the future. It is believed that when the operation is up and running, 58 tons of food waste will be collected annually and recycled back into the soil just as nature intended. It is a win for the Green Team, a win for our valley partners, and a win for Mother Earth. What could be better than that?
~ Kim Lewis

A Solution for Scrap Tires

Ohioans 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 Fairgrounds on August 20 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.

Environmental Quote

“Only we humans make waste that nature can’t digest.”

~ Charles Moore
Oceanographer who discovered the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Play “Recycle and Win” at the Canfield Fair

For nearly 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 recycling has sometimes resulted in more material being landfilled rather than recovered.

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 of recycling and will also allow 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

Plastic Free July

To increase awareness about the plastic waste issue, a movement known as “Plastic Free July” was initiated in Australia in 2011. Today, the movement continues to gain momentum and is recognized world-wide as a positive way individuals can work together to make a difference. Suggestions for reducing plastic waste include:

Shopping with a reusable tote bag.
Using a refillable water bottle.
Purchasing eggs in paperboard cartons.
Skipping the straw.
Refusing Styrofoam takeout containers.
Making Gatorade and ice tea by the pitcher.
Using a travel mug.
Purchasing kitty litter in paper bags or boxes.
Choosing cotton swabs with paper sticks.
Skipping the K-cup.
Using bar soap and shampoo.
Using powdered laundry detergent in boxes.
Shopping for refills at a zero waste store.

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/

Repel Mosquitos Naturally

How would you like to brighten your flowerbeds, flavor your food, support wildlife, and repel mosquitoes in your yard? If your curiosity is piqued, please continue.
Mosquitoes are pesky insects that annoy people and carry diseases. However, instead of using dangerous chemicals to control the situation, try an Earth-friendly approach as an alternative. Flowers such as marigolds and geraniums repel mosquitoes naturally while adding beautiful color to your landscape. The flowers also provide nectar for pollinating insects.

There are several herbs that repel mosquitoes. Basil, rosemary, sage, and peppermint are a few varieties that will not only fend off mosquitoes, but will provide seasonings for your some of your favorite recipes.

While plants are effective in repelling mosquitoes, they are only part of the solution. To boost your efforts, consider building a bat house. According to batrescue.org a single bat can consume up to 1,000 mosquitoes per hour. Attracting bats to your backyard will greatly reduce the mosquito population and provide valuable habitat for an endangered species.

I hope you’ll consider taking an Earth-friendly approach to pest control this summer. By doing so, you’ll create a better environment for everyone.

To view instructions for building a bat house visit:
www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/gardening/how-to-build-a-bat-house

Mahoning County Schools Earn High Marks for Recycling Cans

Congratulations are in order for several Mahoning County schools in recognition of their outstanding recycling efforts. In the county-wide “Cash for Cans” Contest, which resumed this year after a brief hiatus, the numbers are in. Seven participating schools collected a total of 2,443 pounds of beverage cans earning $ 929.79. The breakdown is as follows:

School Pounds Collected Enrollment

Glenwood Junior High 694 685

Jackson - Milton Elem. 549 410

West Blvd. Elem. 440 418

St. Christine 320 296

St. Joseph the Provider 240 171

Damascus Elem. 171 391

Western Reserve Elem. 29 262

A special thank-you goes out to everyone involved in this worthwhile project. Mahoning County can take great pride in knowing that its youth are helping to preserve our precious environment through their outstanding recycling efforts.

Again, thanks to everyone involved in this worthwhile project. Mahoning County can take great pride in knowing that its youth are helping to preserve our precious environment through their outstanding recycling efforts.

E-waste Update

Electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest growing component of the waste stream. From computers to TV’s to copiers, electronic equipment outlives its usefulness in a brief period of time and the waste it creates must be managed in a safe and efficient manner. To address this issue, the Green Team is offering residents a new program for recycling e-waste. Beginning in mid July, residents will be able to contact us via phone or website to schedule an appointment to drop off accepted materials at our new facility located at 825 Bev Rd. in Boardman. Please be aware that an appointment is required for all drop-offs and that a $20.00f lat fee will be charged for TV’s and computer monitors.

The Green Team is eager to set the new e-waste recycling program in motion and hopes that everyone will jump on board. Please refer to the list at right for accepted materials. The program will continue until further notice.

Accepted E-waste:
· Cable & Wire
· Cell Phones
· Copiers
· Cordless Phones
· Computer Accessories
· CRT Monitors
· CRT TV’s
· Desktop Computers
· DDV / VCR Players
· Fax Machines
· Flat Panel Monitors
· Laptop Computers
· LCD / LED TV’s
· Microwaves
· Misc. Electronics
· Network Equipment
· Plasma TV’s
· Printers / Scanners
· Servers
· Stereos
· Tablets

Get Ready for Designer Ditches

Living in certain areas, you may run into having an ugly drainage ditch in front of your home. Keeping a maintained lawn is always challenging with an open ditch so you may want to consider a change. Here is a very simple way of converting your ordinary ditch into a “designer ditch.” Not only will it be more appealing to the eye but it will also help the environment. A designer drainage ditch is basically a filter for all run off from the street and yard. First you will need to check with your local municipality to see what is allowed. Once permission is granted, you may begin the process by first cleaning the area. After the area is clean, you’ll need to put down sand and then gravel followed by landscaping fabric. After the fabric is secure, you can add river rock or any stone you prefer. Next you’ll want to add some plants like spotted joe-pyeweed, black-eyed susan, prairie smoke, ironweed, and butterfly milkweed. Not only will this add to the aesthetic appeal, it will help attract pollinators to your yard.

~ Nicholas DeMart

Recycling Site Update
Please be aware that the drop-off site currently located at the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm
in Canfield will be relocating to McCune Park

Upcoming
Special Collections

Appliance Drives
July 16 New Middletown
July 30 - Aug. 6 Berlin Twp.

E-drives
July 16 New Middletown

Document Shredding
July 16 New Middletown

Tire Drives
August 20 Canfield Fair

For additional information call 330.740.2060
www.greenteam.cc

For further information about recycling and other solid waste management programs, visit our website at
www.greenteam.cc
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