School Lunch Programs Make a Difference!

Hayhurst Elementary School in Southwest Portland earns Oregon Green School Certification.

Styrofoam trays, stinky milk cartons and picky eaters are just a few of the special challenges of tackling waste in cafeterias.

In our region, principals, teachers, parents, PTA’s, Master Recyclers and even students organize green teams, monitor cans, create durable party kits, sell sustainable products for fundraisers and even rinse out milk cartons. These projects are conserving natural resources in the tons.

Program News

Thank You and Goodbye to Julie Gilbertson!

I have sad news for volunteers in Clackamas County. Julie Gilbertson accepted a position as the Solid Waste Analyst with the City of Vancouver where she lives. While we are excited for the opportunity for Julie, she will be sorely missed!

Master Recyclers and I have really enjoyed working with Julie since she joined the Resource Conservation and Solid Waste team at Clackamas County last April. She has been so upbeat and thoughtful. She implemented all sorts of new ideas for ways to engage the public with displays, creative booths and fun give aways. Julie also implemented a couple of successful gatherings for Master Recyclers in Clackamas County to take tours, practice the basics and improve their volunteer experience. Many of the changes will now become the regular way things are done in Clackamas County.

Julie may have been with us a short time, but she will leave a lasting impression on volunteers for years to come in Clackamas. I know I speak for Master Recyclers when I say thank you for all your great ideas and changes, Julie, and we wish you the very best in your new position.

Julie’s last day is TODAY January 28.

If you want to check out a kit or ask for help, not to worry! Emails to Julie will be forwarded to Eben Polk.

Help Grow the Movement: Spring Course Deadline March 1st

Please encourage your friends, co-workers and members of your community to become Master Recyclers. East Multnomah County and Clackamas County residents will find the upcoming Oregon City location a great place to take the course. You can also request post cards to bring with you on your projects or post in your grocery, library or kids’ schools.

Details on how others can become a Certified Master Recycler:

WHAT: Clackamas County course and volunteer program
WHEN: Eight consecutive Wednesdays 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. starting on March 30, and two Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 9 and May 7
WHERE: Clackamas County Bldg., 150 Beavercreek Rd., Oregon City
COST: $50. Partial and full scholarships are available without extra application requirements.

Deadline for applications is Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at 12 pm.

Report Your Hours

Appreciations

Congratulations and thank you to Perry Francis (Class 39). Perry participated in the only plastics round up in Milwaukie and staffed information booths at the Fix-It Fair and Sherwood Farmers Market all in.

Then he came back to complete his certification this December with an ambitious project: organizing the recycling at Portland Revels' nine-day holiday celebration. He planned the containers and signage and trained volunteers which resulted in recycling over 300 plastic bottles and 60 wine bottles. Perry said, "It was successful keeping many materials out of the landfill and it also gave the patrons a chance to help out the environment!"

Job Opportunities

Metro Nature Educator

Metro's nature education team is looking for a new member to help open the doors to nature for communities who have historically faced barriers, including people of color and low-income communities. Closes February 8.

City of Portland Safe Routes to School Organizer

Safe Routes to School is a community-based program that works to increase the number of school-aged children walking and biking to school. This position will work in schools throughout Portland with parents, students, school staff, and partner organizations to develop and implement encouragement activities, education programs, and events that promote safe, active transportation to school. Closes February 2.

More jobs opportunities are posted on an ongoing basis at the Master Recycler Job Board.

Contributions to this month's newsletter include J Lauren Norris, Alicia Polacok and Wing Grabowski.