Three Valparaiso residents recently received their certificates and badges to become the newest Porter County Certified Master Recyclers.
Kathy Sipple, Robert Klett and Gloria Potter were recognized at the quarterly board of directors meeting of the Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County. Each one completed 30 volunteer hours, thereby fulfilling all requirements of the Porter County Master Recycler Program, sponsored by the district.
Volunteer hours can consist of either educating the public on waste reduction or creating recycling programs.
All three of them fulfilled their educational requirements by attending classes last spring, the first program ever held in the state of Indiana. The classes consisted of guest speakers who talked about recycling processes, landfills, household hazardous waste, vermicomposting, backyard composting, electronics recycling and more. The program also included field trips.
The purpose of the Porter County Master Recycler Program is to create a volunteer pool of knowledgeable residents who help to educate and inspire others in the community to reduce waste at home and work. Master Recycler Programs originated in the Pacific Northwest, and there are a few sprinkled around the rest of the United States.
"The class provides a comprehensive approach to waste reduction in Porter County," said Donna Stuckert, district public education coordinator. "It's great for anyone who is interested in learning how they can make a difference in the environment and who wants to help others to learn more."
The next Master Recycler class is scheduled to begin in March. Anyone who lives or works in Porter County can register for the next class on the district's website, www.ItMeansTheWorld.org. For more information, call 465-3819.
The Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County is an agency dedicated to improving the environment and quality of life by providing services and educational programs which help residents reduce, reuse, and recycle.
