 |
| Compost bins at the 2009 Como Cookout |
Sustainable practices are evident in many events to both protect and enhance our environment, but also educate the public about what they can do in their own backyard.
Arbor Day – This annual event increases awareness of the value, preservation and revitalization of the urban forest. Trees are planted in a selected community with assistance from a participating school and the community. In 2009, 100 trees were planted in Waite Park and at Waite Park Community School; 500 students and staff participated.
Como Cookout, Linden Hills Festival, Matthews Neighborhood Festival-Kings Fair – These community festivals drew over 3,000 people. Instead of the garbage being thrown in dumpsters, a total of 31 bags/bins/carts of food compost and 11 bags of recycling were gathered. Just seven bags of garbage were disposed that could not be recycled or composted.
Earth Day – Drawing attention to the water quality improvement needs of Minneapolis’ lakes and the effects that individual actions have on urban water quality, this event is gaining in popularity and impact. In 2009 over 2,000 volunteers removed over 20,000 pounds of trash from their neighborhoods, parks and watersheds at 41 locations throughout the city.
Minneapolis Bike Tour – The 2009 event unveiled a tap water system from existing water resources to allow participants to fill their own water bottles, and added compost bins for food waste.
Minneapolis Recycle Run – A new event, the proceeds benefit future Earth Day efforts. In 2009 participants were provided biodegradable cups and napkins, and composted and recycled the majority of event waste. The event partnered with Clean City Minneapolis to secure compost carts. In addition, 150 pairs of unused running shoes and 100 unused running shirts were collected and recycled.
Monarch Festival 5K – Participants were provided with biodegradable cups and napkins, and composted and recycled the majority of event waste at this inaugural event.
Rec Plus Child Care Program – A number of sites have replaced paper cups, bowls, plastic flatware and plates with reusable products. By eliminating those products each site saves an average of $1,500 and eliminates an estimated 2,200 pieces of plastic flatware being thrown out each year.
