Now that fall's arrived, we look back at the fun we had this summer, find three reasons to save wasted food, and do something about all those old tires cluttering our lives.

Early Fall 2017 e-news summer review
Washington County Fair 2017
 
Washington County Solid Waste & Recycling staff and Master Recycler volunteers shared waste reduction and recycling tips with 1,608 people at the Washington County Fair this summer. Over the four fun-filled days of the fair, their table received visits from 902 adults and 706 children. 

Garbage and Recycling Day
Fair-goers came to the booth not only to ask questions about topics like green cleaning, household hazard waste, and curbside recycling, but also to find out about the  Garbage and Recycling Day app.  Garbage and Recycling Day allows users to not only get their waste and recycling collection calendars on their desktop computer or mobile device, but also search where to recycle items that can't be recycled curbside, get notifications for local cleanup events and reminders when it's their collection day. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Over 7,500 Washington County residents have already done so!

Visitors also could play a recycling sorting game or spin the trivia wheel for small prizes. Staff and volunteers had a great time and hope you stop by and visit their table next year!
Three reasons to save wasted food

Eat Smart, Waste Less challenge: A win-win recipe

What does food mean to you? Some people might say energy, good health, passion, community, family... or life itself! Despite the different reasons its importance, 40 percent of the food produced in the U.S. is wasted. The average U.S. household never eats 20 percent of the food they bring home. The numbers are alarming, but you can help change them!

Imagine a 1.3 million tons pile of wasted food sent by Portland area residents and businesses to the landfill each year. Hold that image in your mind. Now read the three reasons why taking the Eat Smart, Waste Less challenge can help you save food and get more of the following in life:

1) Health:  Plan a weekly menu, including a variety of nutritious meals, and shop with a list to prevent impulse purchases. Bring home only what you need and choose fresh products, preferably from the bulk section to control quantity and quality. Serve the right portions to avoid waste and to support a healthy diet , decreasing the risk of chronic diseases.  Request a meal planner .  
 
2) Money: Make sure what you buy is eaten so every penny you spend on food is worth it. Cook making the most of each ingredient and create new recipes with your leftovers. Keep produce fresh by storing it where it will last longer. Learn the truth about food labels and use first the ingredients or meals that are about to go bad. Measure the amount of wasted food at home to see how much money you could be saving and using for something useful. Email us to request a "Measurement Container" and "Fruit and Vegetable Storage Guide  magnet.
  3) Love:  Rejoice in making small changes that add up to big benefits for the community and for the environment. Forty two million people live in food insecure households, while at the same time every two people throw away enough food to feed a third person. Less decomposing food in the landfill would significantly reduce methane emissions that contribute to climate change.  We use earth's land, energy, water and other natural resources to grow food, but when that food is not eaten, those resources are wasted as well. Request a "Eat This First" decal .

From farm to table, we all waste food (more or less), but together we can help solve the problem. More than 2,000 Washington County families are already in action to make a difference and you can too. Take the Eat Smart Waste Less challenge and win prizes, but most of all, enjoy the benefits of wasting less. Because food is life, not garbage.
 
TAKE THE CHALLENGE
Sick and tired of old tires? Here's what you can do!

Tired out by the stack of tires stashed in the yard or garden shed? If you plan to keep them, make sure to store them in a dry place. When water accumulates and pools inside the tire, it becomes ideal habitat for mosquito larvae to grow. For those looking to rid themselves of the tires for good, the facilities below accept tires for recycling. Fees may apply. Contact the facility for details.
  • Tualatin Valley Waste Recovery, 3205 SE Minter Bridge Rd.,Hillsboro ( 503) 640-9427
  • RB Recycling, 9945 N Burgard Way, Portland                                   (503) 283-2261
  • Tire Disposal and Recycling, 9333 N Harborgate St., Portland        
    (503) 240-1919
Find local drop-off recycling centers for tires and other items using the What to Recycle Where tool on the Washington County Solid Waste & Recycling website or on the Garbage & Recycling Day app.  Get the app from the Google Play or App Store.