We strive to create a healthy, safe environment for all people to live, work and play. Find out what Ramsey County is doing to go green inside and out!
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Reducing Children’s Exposure to Lead
A new grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will enable the County to continue partnerships with community development agencies to keep children healthy by replacing deteriorated windows in older homes.
For a number of years, Saint Paul-Ramsey County Public Health has received Lead Hazard Control grants from HUD to reduce children’s exposure to lead in homes. The continued federal funding is recognition by HUD of the effectiveness of County efforts to address lead in housing. Staff in the County program have also been asked over the years to provide training and consultation services to other projects across the country, another sign that HUD, the Center for Disease Control, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency view Ramsey County as one of the leading lead hazard reduction programs in the United States.
“LESS” a Success
Have you printed your box of “LESS “yet? To promote waste reduction, the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board developed the LESS campaign, which includes a lighthearted informercial, encouraging people to get less. Both the Get LESS Facebook page and website are driving traffic to the Rethink Recycling website, which offers additional information on how to reduce, reuse and recycle. Since the launch of Get LESS last October, nearly 10,000 people have been reached with messages on Facebook. Many of these followers have also become Rethink Recycling followers, which has increased nearly 44 percent. The campaign has also produced nearly 10.5 million impressions through public relations, TV advertising and online advertising. Visit the website and find out how you can get LESS today!
Environmental Health in the Press
Saint Paul-Ramsey County Public Health Educator, Tara Roffler, was interviewed by Minnesota Parent and Minnesota Good Age magazines about reducing toxins in the home. Minnesota Parent is geared toward parents of young children and Minnesota Good Age is for seniors. Last year, Roffler offered five free workshops for Ramsey County residents on reducing toxins in the home. Her two key messages are to read labels of products you use, and keep harmful products out of reach of young children. The online versions of the articles offer a different twist for each audience. Minnesota Parent | Minnesota Good Age
Solar Power Shines on Saint Paul
The City of Saint Paul is leading the way in sustainability with a combination of new improvements to the Saint Paul RiverCentre (SPRC) ramp that save energy and money. Topping things off, literally, the City and its partners unveiled an 82 kilowatt (kWh) solar photovoltaic installation on the SPRC parking ramp roof last October. With the help of both federal and state grants, the SPRC parking ramp features 348 American-made solar photovoltaic panels that will generate 100,000 kWh of energy annually. That is enough energy to power nine homes for a year. This project is one of six solar projects in Saint Paul; all of which are funded with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant dollars. The ramp is now also Electric Vehicle (EV)-ready with the installation of two charging stations.
Medicine Collection Program Reaches 1,000 Pounds
People are making use of Ramsey County's new medicine collection program, which began last September. During the first 12 weeks of operation, the program collected nearly 1,000 pounds of medicines from 482 visitors. This year-round collection program is designed to prevent crime and protect the environment. Ramsey County residents can drop off unwanted medicines for free Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. -4 p.m. at the Law Enforcement Center in Saint Paul (map) or the Sheriff's Patrol Station in Arden Hills (map). Learn more online or call 651.633.EASY (3279).
Solid Waste Master Plan Update
Ramsey County is planning beyond the garbage can by encouraging everyone to reduce waste, increase recycling, separate organic wastes, increase processing and reduce landfilling. The waste management system is complex. Minnesota has taken a systems approach operated by a combination of private and public sector participants to manage waste in a way intended to prevent pollution, conserve resources, protect health and the environment, and to not pass costs onto future generations. Ramsey County has a recycling rate of 54% with yard waste and source reduction credits, but we can and want to recycle more.
To reach a higher goal everyone will have to participate by recycling more items, including food waste, and more often at home, school and work, and away from home. We have also been a national leader in efforts to reduce the toxicity of the waste stream through our salvage yard, health care waste and demolition debris programs but there is still work to do. We strive to achieve the highest and best use for waste that is created. Check out our plan and the supporting documentation and then tell us what you think about planning beyond the garbage can.
Recycling on the go
The International Bottled Water Association has launched its twentieth YouTube video, "Every Bottle Counts,"
which highlights the importance of recycling receptacles in public places. Look for recycling bins in all Ramsey County parks.
Green Alternatives Newsletters
A newsletter focusing on the purchase and use of environmentally preferable products in Ramsey County and City of Saint Paul facilities.
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