Here at the Press Publications office we have worked to continuously improve in a variety of ways, from growing our audience to our use of gas and electricity. The effort to be more efficient, reduce waste and recycle stems from a community initiative that was a collaboration between Ramsey County, the White Bear Chamber of Commerce, and the White Bear business community. Years ago, we reduced our energy use by implementing practices like turning off equipment at night, installing automatic lights, and turning down the electric hot water heaters, to name a few. This year we finished converting 100% of our building to LED lights. We are excited to announce that our in-house recycling and printing plant recycling will be over hauled by a new vendor that keeps everything here in Minnesota. We all know that newsprint is a practical, renewable resource and that for every tree harvested for pulp, more than two trees are planted. So, what is so special about our new recycling vendor? Foremost is that 100% of our recycling will be linked to jobs here in Minnesota. Unlike plastic waste, where recycling makes up less than 10%, our recycled waste actually becomes something else. Every bit of newsprint, copy paper and cardboard from our office will be recycled and used right here in our state. If you were to follow our recycling bin, it will be shipped to one or two paper mills in Minnesota. If it goes to Cloquet, it will most likely be used to make ceiling tiles for commercial use. The second mill is Lester Prairie where the recycled material is used to create insulation. What is really fun is many of these products can be found on the shelves of local retailers. It’s pretty amazing to think a retailer like Menards, who buys advertising from many of the newspapers in the state, is also selling products on its shelves that were made from recycled fibers that came from some of those very same newspapers they use to promote their sales.
The new sport sweeping our nation is pickleball. Unlike other athletic fads, it looks like it is here to stay. Tennis rackets have been swapped for pickleball paddles and tennis courts have been converted to pickleball courts. Over spring break, I witnessed a few mishaps on the pickleball court. One super fit, middle-age mother got so into the game that she dove for the ball and hurt her shoulder. I guess this is a common occurrence in this sport. My sister, Julie, and her husband have been pickleballing for years and I think it led to an orthopedic visit. My niece and her husband are not only avid golfers but they have become champions on the pickleball courts in Palm Desert, California. If you’re looking to meet new friends or perhaps rekindle your marriage, consider giving pickleball a try. There are many courts in our area. Just remember like the spring-break mom with her arm in a sling, you don’t need to be a weekend warrior. Take it easy and play at 60-70% of your ability, as it not worth pushing yourself to the limit. It’s just a game and the summer is ahead of you and it okay to stay out of the orthopedic office.
This time of year I get excited to get out in the yard early and start messing around. One area of contention is trying to get the salt and sand left by the snowplows off the boulevards. It’s harder than it looks because you have to pick up all the debris and it’s heavy. But doing this helps keep it out of lake, ponds and streams. It is also required to keep the street gutters clean in some communities.
Pet owners know that this time of year the backyard looks like a minefield. This winter was hard to keep up with puppy waste. It’s crucial we prevent pet waste from going into our lakes and streams, as it can be toxic to fish by depleting the oxygen level and raise ammonia levels. Yard clean-up has countless tools to help - shovels, claws, rakes, grabbers and unique double lined bags. I like putting a pair of disposable mechanics gloves on for added protection when I pick up pet waste.
I always have mixed feelings about collecting this waste and putting it in the garbage. Although it has nutrients, it is not to be mixed with your organic matter, according to most cities and counties. The proper thing to do with dog and pet waste is put it in the trash.
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