October 28, the League hosted - with generous sponsorship from the MDEQ Office of Environmental Assistance - approximately 60 leaders from state and local government and non-profit organizations in Lansing for the 2nd Michigan Green Communities conference. As with the first Green Communities conference in 2010, the focus was on sharing local solutions for environmental sustainability. We were once again blown away by the enthusiasm of people working on these issues as well as by the quality of the local projects discussed. There were a couple notable changes from the first conference, however.

The first difference was the list of topics covered has grown more diverse. Presenters educated their peers on a range of issues, including:

• Economic Gardening
• Global Economic Competitiveness
• Local Food Networks
• Water Conservation and Management
• Curbside Recycling
• Joint Planning Commissions
• Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing
• Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
• Complete Streets

Videos and slides from the presenters, as well as notes from the discussion groups, are now available at http://www.mml.org/resources/educenter/2011-green_communities_conference.html.

The other major change from 2010 is that the network of Green Communities in Michigan is larger and stronger. We have a new email newsletter and will continue our series of monthly conference calls. Also in 2012 we are expanding our partnerships with the state-funded Energy Demonstration Centers, which will include regional workshops and training sessions. If you're not already on our email list, contact lmatson@a2gov.org. And please continue to share your thoughts on how to help community leaders across the state connect and learn from one another.

Luke Forrest is a Project Coordinator with the Michigan Municipal League. Contact him at lforrest@mml.org, www.twitter.com/l4est or 734-669-6323.

The Materials and Recycling Management (MRM) Training Series is a 3-part comprehensive learning experience.  Participants will gain the knowledge and resources necessary to support successful materials and recycling management programs. Upon satisfactory completion of all 3 sections, participants will be issued a training certificate. This training is applicable to programs in both the private and public sector.  The training series will provide anyone involved in making recycling work, with the knowledge base and practical tools to support a sustainable recycling program.  While ideal for those new to the industry, the practised professional will also learn new approaches, gain new perspectives and have the opportunity to share their experience through the interactive format.

The new training series replaces the MRC's previous Master Business Recycler training to cover a wider variety of programs with a greater depth of information.  Choose to attend all three trainings over the six-week period and receieve a certificate of completion or simply attend the training section of your choice as outlined below.

REGISTER HERE or contact the MRC office for more detail, 517-974-3672.

Section 1 - Fundamentals of the Materials and Recycling Management Industry

Thursday, September 29, 9 a.m. - 4p.m.

Highlights

• Fundamentals of the industry
• Fiscal and environmental benefits
• Product Stewardship

Section 2 - Waste Assessments

Thursday, October 13, 9 a.m. - 4p.m.

Highlights

• Waste stream assessment how-to
• Analyzing the waste stream assessment
• Determining Next Steps

Section 3 - Sustainable Program Implementation and Management

Thursday, October 27, 9 a.m. - 4p.m.

Highlights

• Key components of implementing a sustainable program
• Considerations for managing waste stream materials
• Overcoming Barriers to Participation

Trainers:  Sarah Archer, Iris Waste Diversion Specialists, Inc. and Tracy Purrenhage, Eco-size Me

Cost:

Members $100 per section             Complete Series $270

Non-Members $175 per section      Complete Series $475

Location: MSU Recycling Education Center, 223 Surplus and Recycling Center, East Lansing, MI 48224-1238