Entrepreneurs! Have a business idea that will build the zero waste economy? If so, Join us!

Do you look at trash and see treasure? Want to start or grow your business? If so, Join us on December 5th in The Plains to network and learn about resources for building a zero waste economy in southeast Ohio.  

During the gathering, a panel of experts will discuss strategies for business planning, securing capital, assessing demand, network building, and creative marketing.  Following the panel, attendees will have time to share their ideas, discuss resources they need, and network with interested parties.  

Normally muddy Sunday Creek Americorps looks clean, strikes up feel good conversation!

How Shannon sometimes looks while doing her evening shopping.

Shannon Stewart is an Americorps member for Rural Action's Sunday Creek Watershed Group. She spends a lot of time wading through creeks, working with the Zero Waste Initiative to remove trash from illegal dumpsites, and maintaining the adopted Sunday Creek portion of the Buckeye Trail along with the Buckeye Trail Association's Americorps members. 

Apparently, she often visits the Trimble Kroger in muddy clothes or her noticeable chest-high waders. Last Friday, as she laid her vegetables and cheese curls on the check-out belt, the following conversation occurred:

Associate: You look clean today!

Shannon: Uh...

Associate: I always tell everyone, "She must have a dirty job", because you usually come in looking pretty dirty!

Shannon: I do! I spend most of my time in the creek or in the woods.

Associate: Are you cleaning up the creeks or something?

Shannon: Yeah, we test the health of the water and develop treatment systems to get everything back on track.

Associate: Well, it's working, because you can really tell a difference.

Shannon left the store with a big feeling of elation. She couldn't believe that such a quick conversation could make her day, she left knowing this: It's working. Let's keep it up!

"Gear up" for the holidays! Local forestry business offers holiday discounts for Rural Action members.

Light on the Land Services LLC, an Athens-based provider of low impact forestry services and products, is offering discounts on chainsaw chaps, other forest work supplies and log winches.

Orders are being accepted through December 2nd.

Coming to Rural Action's open house December 7th? Light on the Land's Scott Bagley will be on hand to distribute orders. Other pick-up and delivery options are also available.

A portion of proceeds will be donated to Rural Action.This is a great way to save a few bucks, get outfitted for safe and efficient forest work, and support Rural Action.

To see the list of available products, visit here 

Students from Columbus do good work in New Straitsville!

Opportunities to get active!

We received these updates recently from the USDA and Friends of Rural America. We thought they were important to share with you!

#MyFarmBill social media campaign is ramping back up, and they want to hear from you!  The USDA is asking agriculture and rural stakeholders from across the nation to continue sharing stories on how #MyFarmBill impacts you - using Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other tools. Your input will build on the incredible response they've already seen.

The Center for Rural Strategies also got in touch with Rural Action about encouraging our friends and members to sign on at 10,000 friends of Rural America.

Social media experts tell 10,000 friends of rual America that 5,000 individuals speaking together can get national attention on policy and investment issues. They're trying to get 10,000 Friends of Rural America to make sure rural voices are heard advocating for rural people and places. 

There are 60 million rural Americans and thousands of rural organizations. Already, The National Rural Assembly has signed up 110 Friends. PathStone in upstate New York has recruited 80. They would like you to share this with family, friends and co-workers, in the country and city.

Just visit 10000friends.ruralamerica.org/assembly, watch the video and join. It's free and takes just a couple of minutes. Then speak to your family and friends and co-workers. 

People power still works. With your help it can work for Rural America. 

Consider giving a local recycled gift this holiday season.

Check out Rural Action's list of shops and artisans in southeast Ohio selling recycled goods.  If you know of someone who should be added to the list, let us know! Click here for the list.