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Coulee Partners for Sustainability

Summer Newsletter 2010

Living respectfully, responsibly and reverently with one another and with Earth.

YEA!! Plastic Recycling in La CrosseEffective June 1, 2010, the City of La Crosse will recycle plastic #1 and #2. Recycling is mandatory as per Wisconsin Statues and City Ordinance. Recycled bottles help to make hundreds of everyday products include fleece jackets, carpeting, lumber for outdoor decks, kayaks--even yo-yos!

Plastics We Recycle

#1 PETE - Polyethylene Terephthalate

Common forms: bottles for soft drinks, water, juice, sports drinks, mouthwash, ketchup, and salad dressing; food jars for peanut butter, jelly, jam, and pickles

#2 HDPE - High Density Polyethylene

Common forms: bottles for milk, water, juice, cosmetics, shampoo, dish soap, laundry detergents, and household cleaners

How to Prepare Plastics for RecyclingRemove lids (they are a different form of plastic than 1 PETE and 2 HDPE). Rinse and crush plastic containers. Crushing the plastics helps create more space within your recycling container. How do I prepare other recyclables? »

Place plastic recyclables in your regular green recycling bin. Plastics are picked up every other week at the same time as your other recyclable items.

I Need Another Recycling BinYou can obtain additional recycling bins for $8.00 each at two convenient locations:

• Public Works Dept.; City Hall, 5th Floor; Mon. - Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.• Recycling Dept.; 2000 Marco Dr., Mon. - Fri., 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Download BrochureDownload our handy Plastics Recycling brochure for even more information.

• Plastics Recycling Brochure

Questions?If you have any questions, contact the Recycling Dept. at (608) 789-7508.

Thank You!

To each and everyone that made phone calls, attended

meetings, talked to neighbors and council members.

You made the difference!

Now get ready for “Zero Waste”

in La Crosse

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Square Foot GardeningIn this method, the garden space is divided into beds that are easily accessed from every side. A 4' x 4', 16 sq ft or 120 cm x 120 cm, 1.4 m2 garden is recommended for the first garden, and a path wide enough to comfortably work from should be made on each side of the bed, if possible, or if the bed must be accessed by reaching across it, a narrower one should be used so that no discomfort results from tending the garden. Each of the beds is divided into approximately one square foot units and marked out with sticks, twine, or sturdy slats to ensure that the square foot units remain visible as the garden matures.

Different seeds are planted in each square, to ensure a rational amount of each type of crop is grown, and to conserve seeds instead of overplanting, crowding and thinning plants. Common spacing is one plant per square for larger plants (broccoli, basil, etc.), four plants per square for medium large plants like lettuce, nine plants per square for medium-small plants like spinach, and sixteen per square for small plants such as onions and carrots. Plants that normally take up yards of space as runners, such as squash or cucumbers, are grown vertically on sturdy frames that are hung with netting or string to support the developing crops. Ones that grow deep underground, such as potatoes or carrots, are grown in a square foot section that has foot tall sides and a planting surface above the ground, so that a foot or more of framed soil depth is provided above the garden surface rather than below it.

The beds are weeded and watered from the pathways, so the garden soil is never stepped on or compacted. Because a new soil mixture is used to create the garden, and a few handfuls of compost are added with each harvest to maintain soil fertility over time, the state of the site's underlying soil is irrelevant. This gardening method has been employed successfully in every region, including in deserts, on high arid mountain plateaus, in cramped urban locations, and in areas with polluted or high salinity soils. It is equally useful for growing flowers, vegetables, herbs and some fruits in containers, raised beds, on tabletops or at ground level, in only 4 to 6 inches (150 mm) of soil. A few seeds per square foot, the ability to make compost, to water by hand, and to set up the initial garden in a sunny position or where a container, table or platform garden may be moved on wheels to receive light is all that is needed to set up a square foot garden.

Benefits of Square Foot Gardening

• Much less work. Conventional gardening requires heavy tools to loosen the soil, whereas in this method, the soil is never compacted and it remains loose and loamy. Weeding takes only seconds to minutes, due to the light soil, raised beds, and easily accessed plants. Harvests per foot of garden are increased due to the rich soil mixture, well-spaced plants, and lack of weeds produced when following Mel Bartholomew's method.

• Water Savings. The soil mixture that is advised has water-holding capacities, so that the garden needs water less frequently, and in much smaller quantities than when using other gardening methods. Water is also spared by hand-watering directly at the plant roots, so that there is very little waste and tender young plants and seedlings are preserved.

• Very little weeding. One benefit of this close planting is that the vegetables form a living mulch, and shade out many weed seeds before they have a chance to germinate.

• Pesticide / Herbicide Free. Natural insect repellent methods like companion planting (i.e. planting marigolds or other naturally pest-repelling plants) become very efficient in a close space and thus, pesticides are not necessary. The large variety of crops in a small space also prevents plant diseases from spreading easily.

• Accessibility. A plywood bottom can be attached to the bottom of a box, which can then be placed on a tabletop or raised platform for those who wish to garden without bending or squatting, or to make gardening easy for wheelchair, cane or walker users.

My attempt at Square Foot Gardening! An updated book published by Mel Bartholomew in February 2006.

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Think About Organic Lawns

1.) Safety, for humans, animals, insects       and the planet 

2.) Better Health, for humans, animals,       the lawns and the planet

3.) Water Conservation & Preservation,       since water does not often become       contaminated in organic systems,       which also require less water than      synthetic programs

5.) Pest Reduction, since insects tend to      be more attracted to out‐of‐balance       synthetic systems

6.) Resource Conservation, since       synthetic fertilizers are derived from       fossil fuels and organic systems       encourage recycling, and because      organic systems emphasize less       mowing

7.) Financial Savings through time, since organic systems become more independent as the soil is improved

8.) Environmental Preservation, including a reduction in greenhouse gases and global warming

9.) Noise Reduction from decreased reliance on power equipment

10.) Environmental Awareness from the organic practioners, who don’t rely on “four-step plans” and instead tend to become stewards of the land.

Each summer the MREA (Midwest Renewable Energy Association), located in Custer, Wisconsin (near Stevens Point), hosts the Energy Fair. This event is the world’s largest and longest running educational event of its kind, featuring exhibits and workshops on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living. Annually, over 20,000 people from all over the country come to this three-day event.

The Energy Fair bus trip is sponsored by the People’s Food Co-op, Coulee Partners for Sustainability, and the Coulee Region Sierra Club.

The Energy Fair features:• Over 275 exhibitors - sustainable living and energy products• Over 200 workshops - from introductory level to advanced hands-on education• Clean Energy Car Show - demonstration vehicles and workshops• Green Home Pavilion - focused on building and remodeling in a sustainable way• Green Building Demso - see sustainable building techniques in action• Sustainable Tables - workshops, chef demos, and a farmers' market bringing sustainability to your dinner table

This year's keynote speaker is Bill McKibbon, environmentalist, activist, author and founder of 350.org, an international climate campaign.

There will be Energy Fair booklets available at the PFC with details on the exhibits, workshops and keynote speaker - or go to www.the-mrea.org website.

Cost of the bus trip: $15

Admission to the Energy Fair ($5 off for bus riders!): Event Schedule:Adults (18-64) $15 7:00 a.m. - Depart PFC parking lotSenior (65+) $10 9:30 a.m. - ArriveYouth (13-17) $10 6:15 p.m. - DepartChildren under 12 are free 8:45 p.m. - Arrive PFC parking lot

If interested in attending the Energy Fair on Saturday, June 19th, please contact the People’s Food Co-op by June 18. Sign up at the customer service counter or over the phone—payment for the bus trip will be taken at that time ($15).

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“So long as the human species inhabits the Earth, proper management of its resources will be the most fundamental issue we face. Our very survival will depend upon whether or not we are able to preserve, protect and defend our environment.”

Gaylord NelsonWisconsin Environmental Pioneer &

Founder of Earth Day

April 22, 2010 – 40th Anniversary of Earth DayForty years ago, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson responded to widespread environmental degradation by calling for an environmental teach-in, or Earth Day, to be held on April 22, 1970. Over 20 million people participated that year, and Earth Day is now observed each year on April 22 by more than 500 million people and national governments in 175 countries.

In 2007, both the City and County of La Crosse became an eco-municipality, based on “The Natural Step” (TNS) Framework developed in Sweden in 1983. Also in 2007, Coulee Partners for Sustainability (CPS) formed out of a group of area residents who are interested in promoting lifestyles that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially just that also supports the use of Natural Step Framework. From those area residents grew another group of public, private and non-profit organizations working together to improve the quality of the environment in the Upper Mississippi River Valley known as the La Crosse Earth Week Coalition (LEWC - pronounced “Luke”).

In the fall of 2008 LEWC joined forces with UW La Crosse Environmental Council students who had been organizing Earth Day events in Cameron Park for several years and in April of 2009 LEWC put together “Earth Week” activities to coincide with Earth Day. With April 22, 2010 being the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, LEWC felt a celebration was in order and “Earth Week” became “Earth Month”.

2010 Earth Month“LEWCʼs core group consists of 18 members and includes representatives from both public and private sectors of our community. Although the core group is a hard-working and dedicated group, putting on month-long events requires a huge commitment in time and in money. That is where the other part of the “Coalition” in LEWC comes in as 2010 Earth Month “Partners” and “Sponsors”.

Earth Month Partners are non-profit organizations and institutions that help host various 2010 Earth Month activities and/or promote Earth Month activities through their websites, newsletters, and other communications. Partners are also encouraged to have their members join a committee and/or help out at events. Thirty-two non-profit organizations and institutions participated in 2010 Earth Month. Many Partners also held their own events during Earth Month.

Earth Month Sponsors provide financial and/or in-kind support at various sponsorship levels to ensure that the Earth Month events are possible and successful. Twenty-nine businesses made that commitment.A listing of 2010 Earth Month Sponsors and Partners is listed in GreenLaCrosse.com.

LEWC was honored to receive a Certificate of Commendation from Governor Jim Doyle and 95th Assembly District Representative Jennifer Shilling, presented to LEWC Co-chairs Rebecca Brown and Vicki Miller at the Earth Fair on Saturday, April 24 at Three Rivers Waldorf School.

2010 Earth MonthLa Crosse Area celebrates

“40 Years of Going Green Together”

!

Thanks Three Rivers Waldorf for opening your school for us. Green Expo held at Western Tech’s Lunda Center

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2010 Earth Month THANK YOU!

Bill Miller concert and talk at Viterbo. Will Allen speaks at UW-La Crosse & visits Franklin Elementary

Greens, Eggs and Cheese Gala provided by: Hackberry's Bistro, Nell's City Grill & Catering, Root Note & Schmidty's

"Green" Homes Tour:  Roald Gundersen and Amelia Baxter home (pictured above) and Guy & Joan Wolf home.

Thanks to workshop presenters.Hans Mayer concert

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A Big Thanks to Earth Month Sponsors & Partners

Need a Rain Barrel?If anyone would like to purchase a rain barrel, they can contact Randy Magno at (608) 784-2377 or send an email to rmmagno@centurytel.net with their phone number.

A finished barrel is $35.00 and an unfinished barrel if they want to make their own is $10.00. They come in blue & white and are 55 gallons. We appreciate your efforts helping us conserve run-off.

To find out more go to: GreenLaCrosse.com

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Become a Member of:

Coulee Partners for SustainabilityLiving respectfully, responsibly and reverently with one another and with Earth.

NAME: ______________________________________

ADDRESS: ______________________________ City: ________________ STATE: ______ ZIP: _______________

PHONE: _______- _______- _____________

EMAIL ADDRESS: _________________________________

_______$15 Individual _______$25 Family _______$100 Business/Institution _______$10 Student

Would you like to get involved in CPS sustainable projects? (please check all that apply)

_____Occasionally for specific projects ______Planning or Administration

Study Circle Facilitating: _____The Natural Step _____Northwest Earth Institute_____Film/Other Books

Join a Committee: _____ Local Foods & Sustainable Agriculture (LASA)

_____ Neighborhoods/Housing Task Force

_____ Business/Green Economy Task Force

Suggestions for CPS: ____________________________________________________________________________

Send to: CPS, c/o Glen Jenkins, 2642 Hackberry Lane, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601

CPS is a 501-C3 non-profit, organization. All contributions are tax deductible.

Purpose: Promote sustainable practices in the Coulee Region.

Business: Advocate Natural Step Principles:• Educate• Foster and showcase sustainable practices• Facilitate “Green Group” networking

With the realization that human welfare is directly dependent on the health of the planet and that our welfare cannot be achieved at the expense of the planet. Coulee Partners for Sustainability will work with individuals, environmental organizations, educational institutions, businesses and governmental bodies to educate and create environmentally sustainable practices.