Take Out Containers: Recycle..or Not?
The New game from Metro is so much fun!
Master Recycler Handbook Update
Your Handbook has more resources than ever!
The Handbook is updated every year (usually in June) to ensure that facts and figures are current.
This year, the Handbook experienced more substantial updates. The Equity and Materials Chapter has a new section that describes two global movements and how they are being applied on a local level. The Materials and Work Chapter has a whole new food section.
Stay fresh and enjoy the Master Recycler Handbook Edition 2020
Volunteer Opportunities
Join in. Have fun. Make a difference!
Recycle or Not table at the Zoo
Washed Ashore is an exhibit that takes on the global marine debris crisis by turning plastic waste into beautiful, thought-provoking works of art. -And it is on display right now at our Oregon Zoo!
This is a great time for Master Recyclers to help people take action by staffing a Recycle or Not table at the Zoo.
We’ve made it easy! There is a permanent Recycle or Not kit that lives at the Zoo. All you need to do is set it up and do your thing!
Pick your day of the week: In February shifts are from noon to 3 pm. After March 1st you can sign up for a morning shift: 10 am - noon, afternoon shift noon - 3 pm, or both! Contact me and tell me the dates and times you want to volunteer.
Contact: Lauren Norris, MasterRecycler@portlandoregon.gov
Appreciations
Centurion Master Recycler
A special “thank you” to Bob Kravitz (Class 60) who completed his 100th volunteer hour this month while presenting in his retirement community in East Portland. Bob started out working on changes in his community in Forest Heights, talking directly with fellow residents, writing in the HOA newsletter, and even approaching the businesses connected with that community. His articles reignited fellow Master Recycler Meg Miller (Class 20) who lives in the community!
The two of them became a dynamic recycling duo! They offered technical assistance and presentations for several SW multifamily/retirement communities, including Terwilliger Plaza.
Reporting 100 hours is a big deal and it means that Bob joins the elite group of Centurion Master Recyclers. He will have a button that goes next to his badge to show his efforts. Thanks for all your intentional outreach work, Bob.
Bob presenting Recycle or Not in his community.
Certified Master Recyclers
It was a busy month with six people completing their 30-hour commitment. Thank you to each of you for all your creative outreach work. Just look at all the cool change you are making happen!
Dana Weintraub (Class 10) is now an officially Certified Master Recycler. That's right: Class 10! He attended the class in the 90's and then we lost touch with him when we shifted to an email newsletter. But then he started volunteering at the 350PDX table at the Portland Fix-it Fairs to engage folks on climate action. Since then he's been joining the Westside Master Recyclers through the 350 Washington County and PlanetCon events. So, we all know that Dana has been active all these years, but now it is official.
Eldena VanderZanden (Class 69) came to the Master Recycler program with tons of experience engaging communities through her active work raising awareness about breast cancer (as pictured in the Oregonian picture here). She joined the Westside Master Recyclers at the Forest Grove Farmers' Market and the PlanetCon events to bring that passion to the three R's. No one can say that Eldena isn't up for challenges. We wish you the very best, Eldena.
Faith O'Malley (Class 71) reached people in many settings to share her passion for business recycling, recycling in houses and apartments and food waste prevention. She was at the Asian New Year Celebration, the Canby Independence Day and the Gresham Earth Day celebration, the Hillsboro PlanetCon event, and the Montgomery Tenant Fair.
Angie Hamilton (Class 74) is an active member of the Eco-School Network and the Chair of the Green Team of her kids' school at Bethany Elementary School. She took the Master Recycler class to take all the amazing things she does to a whole new level. She has been quite busy since the fall course. She organized several collection drives (including Styrofoam, Christmas lights for recycling, and clothes for donation). She also worked with administration and janitorial staff to systematically go through the school and ensure that all the containers were the same and well-labeled to ensure better recycling. She completed her 30-hour commitment with fellow Master Recyclers at the PlanetCon event.
Chris Olson (Class 74) spent much of her fall and winter engaging folks at the indoor Forest Grove Farmers' Market on topics such as food waste prevention, recycling, and reduce and reuse. She started her volunteer hours at the Fall SW Community Recycling event. So, it seems fitting that she completed her 30 hours at the PlanetCon event. She is pictured on the right with fellow Class 74 member, Lindsey Kemp. They engaged folks on ways to make non-toxic household cleaners.
Kristin Anderson (Class 74) promoted recycling with youth and adults. She started out on what has been referred to as a marathon day of five hours of kids at Meadow Park Elementary School rotating through by class to learn about the 3 Rs. She also went door-to-door in apartments and shared her enthusiasm at PlanetCon. Kristin even spent several evenings at the Zoo Lights talking about RecycleorNot.org and alternative gift wrap. She is pictured on the right with fellow Class 74er Tauna Tattem.
Conservation News
Nyssen Recycling and New Seasons PET #1 Plastic Recycling Collection Event
Sunday February 9, 9 am to 1 pm
New Seasons Progress Ridge Location
14805 SW Barrows Rd Beaverton
A small start-up company is partnering with New Seasons for this one-time plastic recycling event. Nyssen Recycling is working on a model of collecting hard-to-recycle PET #1 clear plastic and making sunglasses. See the Kickstarter post to learn more about the mission and goals.
What they accept: Clear PET plastic (Recycle Code 1)
Clam shells
Lids
Trays
Cups
Applications for GLEAN are now open!
GLEAN is a juried art program that taps into the creativity of artists to inspire people to think about their consumption habits, the waste they generate, and the resources they throw away.
Every year, five local artists chosen by a jury of arts and environmental professionals are given access to the Metro Central transfer station for five months to glean discarded materials to make art. The program culminates with an exhibition of their works at a local gallery.
No previous experience with discarded materials required. All artists in the Portland area are encouraged to apply.
GLEAN is sponsored by Cracked Pots in partnership with Metro, a regional government, and Recology, an employee-owned company that manages resource recovery facilities.
Jobseekers Board
There are several position announcements in the board right now including
Event recovery coordinator for Terrapin Events
Opal Environmental Justice (two positions)
Portland parks Youth Conservation Crew Leader