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July 2010
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Dear Living Green 365 readers,
Happy Fourth of July! This weekend is a popular time for picnics and potlucks. When
planning your meal, look for Minnesota grown food [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo70_QQ0KHeSnndf1CsO_17Qs-HhvOujOUDlMXsXLJTeAnD6BtZS212j9puFiPb7VOB0UXUnBlWJ7oskzfTJjTRhiyzWMxbYBkeMoElF1WJddZ-XQDWE9rBFnr]
and try to feed yourself, not the trash [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo709VjM5kocgfhwpxLQnYvRVncHZUWbRbVAp3W6VP1PjEIH3MTUR2SORtMWCGhuIFGwXlyeHVlixu_er2XPsfUiBRaLVFtlkPZrfzTcpuqNSAl_I35db8gCV053JQO3CfzchdyeP43C7qVw==].
As you shop, you may come across compostable plates and silverware. Read the article
below for information about these products.
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[Shades of degradability]
Biodegradable and compostable products
Have you noticed an increasing number of compostable chip bags and plant-based plastics?
These green products are hitting the shelves as we transition from petroleum-based
plastics to those that are made from renewable resources. All this can be confusing
to consumers because many terms are used, often seemingly interchangeably, and they
do not mean the same thing.
Learn the lingo
Biodegradable plastic:These products are sometimes labeled as "degradable," "biodegradable"
or "photodegradable" and are different from compostable products. They typically
take longer to break down than compostable items, and in some cases, they only
break down into tiny plastic pieces. Do not place them in your backyard compost
bin or allow them to be collected and transported to a commercial compost facility.
Compostable: Compostable items will break down into carbon, water, and other compounds
in approximately the same time that it takes leaves, grass, and food to break down.
They can be placed in your backyard compost bin, but because a backyard compost
bin typically does not generate the heat needed to speedily decompose these materials,
you may need to return these items to your compost bin to give them some extra time
to finish decomposing. The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo70-FZQoDiJTtiyhhDF26xg2OtMAP9D11eedw7Ne2yP4-syCPNzsgXvmFo_YbkTN1O1kUrRPz2AWU8iiktLWRahSr1OuneSFbnqyYn-PxxMxgfA==]
certifies products that are compostable. Look for the BPI label on compostable items.
The bags used by SunChips® [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo708s9X9Pr5FpS0G5wGCMys3p3IDjYXy7P03rq-XfbsHk5mZ0C9RA-5KS5jCnIumDD3OixNS2UGEZUbX6QqA5b0ddp2ZTMS4hIa-ZMjK7xviUua2xubewBko6piWQBv4y0qddyA_WrAzrgB_6i6aPWRy5G-Pmed31VOBoyWDRwQ6vKZK8Pa7X_tSs]
are an example of this type of material.
Bio-based:Bio-based materials are made of agricultural and forestry resources--not
petroleum-based feedstock. Bio-based materials include cellulose fibers, such as
recycled paper; hemp; sugarcane (bagasse); rice straw; and other materials derived
from agricultural products, such as starch and lactic acid (PLA). Bio-based materials
may be biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable. Read the label and sort them accordingly.
Disposal options
Because oxygen is lacking, compostable material does not break down in a landfill.
Compostable products should be managed by a commercial composting facility, if possible.
These facilities control the composting process by monitoring moisture, oxygen,
and temperature levels to speed the compost process and kill pathogens. The material
is transformed into finished compost that is used in farming, gardening, and soil
conservation.
Products labeled "biodegradable" are more complicated, as they do not breakdown
in a landfill and do not completely breakdown at a commercial composting facility,
either. If they are mixed with compostable materials, any biodegradable products
remaining after the composting process are screened out and sent to a landfill.
Right now, there are only a few places in Minnesota that have commercial compost
collection. The Linden Hills Organics Pilot Collection [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo7083csyZrqD4WimsEREpBgYOz3j9nsOXXWJidbTjTSEFVzrU9dFwLEIJ4k1HjDLlq7JLv3wnBYkjxe677uxn2F6cAE_lRWczofh-Vv0qjuM7kzfI0xC4gv0zam-xSS_mRv2ayM_owYiZKNG_K6hAu2EmpazTddCe_-4=]
in Minneapolis is one example. To read about how the program works, visit their
website. Many communities are considering programs to collect compostable waste
in the future. Get in touch with your county solid waste coordinator [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo70__aupCbJFgcs0kFmenRjBPvQM5iDTzePWMwQZVmlD3qEDiMwsvHdSkte5vYeyvPzjSsM1CVgdeWdwD-_gsbT_hSoG53qJHQ_EOt2aA1iIZ522LdEuT8loBrjTGi0grpbE7cGVekfjhYL1a1ZhTwyns2cIRNiD2rHHSBK4ZH3SPA1--ciPOEDV5ilZWQfcfZlb9qF1adMJLIxUkvVtjSi49O_ngoP3tqoib_IaANrwwasffjsGo8ktX]
to learn about options in your area.
Please note: Yard waste collection sites will not accept food waste or other compostable
items.
Learn more
The University of Minnesota [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo709llHXB2QR7KNn86E14wVyzvA4i0JPyTzxlwiGWFcDwSJaD-xvcQDdVeWOhbqnnk1d-F_XXt778xosKbYS99UGHSZtQxtkh-QoqRTDuT8Q1xns6NA9-JH3w]
is leading the way in sustainable plastic research. Major companies--including many
Minnesota businesses--have already invested in producing bio-based materials. Come
to the Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo708kyj1XIrEp5kofGUHFvzzwVHS4_C8BtDYz2-E8aXCurIY_vQHmIGaGvh6v0aSN45lvGLP1zLeeGdsLFLnkydnlgoZ7PwJUPG0nhdcKFJLWvFMi6Blzl3rK]
to learn about this work and ask questions about these new products.
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[It's more of a science than an art]
What can I put in my backyard compost bin?
Backyard composting of yard waste and kitchen scraps is popular. People are excited
to take practical steps to reduce waste and make a wonderful product for their indoor
or outdoor plants. Often, there is confusion about what can be safely placed in
your backyard compost bin. Here is a list of what we do (and do not) recommend.
Materials that are acceptable:
* Coffee grounds and filter paer
* Tea--loose or in bags
* Uncooked vegetables or fruit
* Egg shells
* Plant trimmings
* Weeds that have not gone to seed or have seed pods on them.
* Non-recyclable paper--like tissues and napkins--and items with a compostable label
may take longer to break down than plants, but can be placed in a backyard bin.
Materials that are not recommended:
* Meat, fats, dairy, or cooked vegetables. These items may attract animals or cause
odors.
* Paper. Recyclable paper should be recycled.
* Biodegradable plastics.
* Pet waste. Feces may introduce pathogens that will not be killed in the compost
process.
* Weeds that have seed pods or have gone to seed. The backyard compost process will
not kill the weed seed, and you'll spread weeds all over your garden when you use
the compost!
For more information on backyard composting, go to reduce.org [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo708UTTCn1KJC87H_MXQmNe6iL4IHCW5sE_LH-zlh7BAHlcnAazvcQvmhEkLmjgGbMsyql88pRjDx8A8sdfuD0J9Sk4giJPkNCbumAV2n8x2F6W-1k6A5PMDajxUbhUq4nBc=].
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[Days of our green lives]
Community events and resources
Nice Ride Minnesota [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo70-k0som7LJUWv3O615EtO9Hv6jU1uBsaX18QVQDxBDpx0f8kpNqxrq-C-wwOaY4C5Ts4o_ZMXZaUx63XS458VQeviTCDP03kdGFZpzSVC4TRg==]--a
bike sharing system recently released in Minneapolis--is the nation's largest bike
sharing system. Bike sharing is designed for short trips, like running errands during
lunch or commuting across town. If you work or live near downtown Minneapolis, look
for the new kiosks and give bike sharing a try!
Festival of Farms [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo70_MpFP4yGq1UpMsCCm7GWQmRRCLnglttHCi2Qu2f3y8V6dLPwp9P-Nt6MqH4VUdsquTJWQfOWhIdweCYLH-yHSKq9j42u2f17B2ESaIEadcC47bL42kXeL8AfOMg0MOpWo=]
is an opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture, network within your community,
and have fun at a farm near you. The festival will be unique to each region in the
state. See the Minnesota Sustainable Farming Association website [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo70_MpFP4yGq1UpMsCCm7GWQmRRCLnglttHCi2Qu2f3y8V6dLPwp9P-Nt6MqH4VUdsquTJWQfOWhIdweCYLH-yHSKq9j42u2f17B2ESaIEadcC47bL42kXeL8AfOMg0MOpWo=]
for the plan in your area, July 10 (multiple locations).
Join local cooking and gardening expert Marianna Padilla in her own home for Do
it Green! Minnesota's Food Preparation and Preservation workshop [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo708hEJ4mVi7SPWBNp-7dO9dMyy-23YGOANZEzUUHNp12--C0ynyquoLMgoqC5I9f5_zFZ2UGUqf80QxdNOHECWCG76pWvYjo0wB1QtXWrBgjF4LN7MfwBU7OOUx-NYw-okcirlkJcmToOOfrFQpspT79oa_hv2kPfDrCFT0HOfZpL2DYvua8RzkQUCvc0xLI7OU=].
Marianna will discuss what to do with the bounty of an urban garden. Participants
will learn to prepare fruits and vegetables for immediate consumption and to preserve
them for future enjoyment, July 13, 7-9 p.m. (Minneapolis).
Solar Energy: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Solar Water Heating [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo709lBnkPASLwR0QlSBPHgiy6YWvGVQgahrTJ5MG8kl5eSgrqHFJq3VuRwTD4Cwkquy4eaJLeGsAdSYIdsWQ0LcZ_th_FXy6WKZt4Eo0aNTj1GaVvEbc0zNUF]
is a one-day introductory course for homeowners and people interested in learning
the basics of how to create heat from sunlight. July 16, 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m., Century
College (White Bear Lake).
The Greater Milan Initiative and the Sustainable Energy Utility invite you to Energy
Basics [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo709FqRn_gbu4Efn-y4ia37LjoQ7IVEmSKmApoxlvBwIlSOdsKsmBI71_TCgjzK9BjzZdTow7YHrKUb6ek8-G-233WAtX7-POCWUE0WWRKhlZ5aXzAKPMIKFLNllrKnyD6J4_Vb5AO1V2o8fzpppZw9m_oeIg74nmZK2nlSpzB7ONSwzzGJz5geLfpIcv9bNQRe5Lp_79if-BV7S1gO8XhHem1SVfOE1Z-ARYG4m_V3v2_w==],
a free workshop that will show you how to stay warm AND save money on your utility
bills, July 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Milan Community Center.
A shoreline with lots of native trees, shrubs, and other plants will benefit water
quality and local wildlife. Planting our Lakeshores [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo7084tmD00qgeM4SpeAZu2FuoiR2hhW9BqkSH5PrIsgRLWF6gvw3ynklngadzUUewfpnkL6MUfHR_53DT3zesrjCWkbPWbHMHCwvuE7a7H4hjguXGDNbuagkDiQ7oMsy0SuBDQ35mXK7SANKhiL99XZsG3zyOtba2QD_6kjnjSOKNxWheegQY5ulRrz6qf3d5m8Y=],
a 2-hour seminar by Happy Dancing Turtle, will cover the art and science of shoreline
planting, July 27, 6-8 p.m., Hunt Utilities Group Campus (Pine River).
Look for more events on the SEEK [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo70-sXcT0chW125xBaJ5oR1f6tHChd3EH6Gb4gQcGaaK2PX_F1N05L_--jtrFswQXRzNUun0BfAxEyHe7-FD2cIE8joXieMnlYJZp1cKaWw5ayvCpUcmNZImGVoK5fC1xzHs=]
and NextStep [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo70_hiBM1L_H0AVuq2P5KZoxQ0DG8xrP1RxhzngdjY2_5oW6Aa8cnnxD-mtrM05qMjMT41XM64sh75KSj6PaVuE10YdGu5hPS30HLkPS6eB_3CU8h7YomC5Z1jzakD0uGeas=]
calendars.
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[Quick links to other MPCA resources]
· The home of Living Green 365 on the web: livinggreen.org [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo709jROy4kn5kXJhVoziQWZF78YoGAWNdcah9K9sJp75WNO4i0D4ss7ZX4bTtUbkewZtgOL17eGUaeh8yPOemcMZrlyP_PKCbGdC-L3ABwd_2-A==]
· Our web site about reducing your trash: reduce.org [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo708DeG3uP5-CiVX8DQIcQJocAOKjyl3lL52oBIXApL5uZH5pkzaiL7ekHPLFXJvyrJNCob0nNlz_Gt93Q9p_reo1TNRrrcSNXe9qwIB9MvEOUQ==]
· Resources for people teaching about our environment: SEEK [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo70-sXcT0chW125xBaJ5oR1f6tHChd3EH6Gb4gQcGaaK2PX_F1N05L_--jtrFswQXRzNUun0BfAxEyHe7-FD2cIE8joXieMnlYJZp1cKaWw5ayvCpUcmNZImGVoK5fC1xzHs=]
· A clearinghouse for sustainability tools and initiatives: NextStep [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo70_hiBM1L_H0AVuq2P5KZoxQ0DG8xrP1RxhzngdjY2_5oW6Aa8cnnxD-mtrM05qMjMT41XM64sh75KSj6PaVuE10YdGu5hPS30HLkPS6eB_3CU8h7YomC5Z1jzakD0uGeas=]
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You can read past newsletters at livinggreen.org [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo70-Ih4jOMfNH09J6XMgjK7hQhUVx1OIkJiLIP0lmwNwjZF8uXGJgrF2-BkIVpQ-BvaoRZiTyaDneqj1xzhjQhH_HvcFY_Z048kD6pEaxlmXTgg==].
Send questions or comments about living green to the address below.
Sincerely,
Britt Carlson and the Living Green Team
livinggreen365.pca@state.mn.us [mailto:livinggreen365.pca@state.mn.us]
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103489172934&s=14296&e=001pCl82WIo70_wsDbLWs4zCXpw6ieFQX2gc7VZC8sITBzSaN3V4OomLH4rieyxu3h_mxpR77QV-7eNccJM-Bv2pkZSu5WdO9DO_Kjqd02Xjjj1ME5Mf_5C9g==]
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