The City of Staples Green Committee was formed in October of 2008 to coordinate locally focused green activities and initiatives to foster awareness of environmental issues.

Community members currently serving on the committee are: Chair, Nicole Scheler; Vice Chair, Rob Jasmer; Secretary, JoEllen Einerwold, Chris Etzler, Katie Williams, Jessica Buck and Charlene Sauer.

City Administrator Nate Mathews also collaborates with the committee. As individuals, we offer valuable resources along with dedication for improving our local environment. As a group, we have transformed our dedication into ideas that will help create a more sustainable environment.

Recently, we have formed three sub-committees to achieve our goals in a more efficient way. The following sub-committees represent the priorities of the committee; Financial/ Fundraising, Marketing/ Outreach/Education and Recycling. Currently these teams are working on projects such as implementing better recycling prac- tices throughout the community and educa- tion prog rams for youth and

adults.

The "Green

Living" class, held at The Stomping Grounds on Earth Day spiked community interest for more education. In the future we would like to hold an educational workshop.

Your input would be greatly appreciated in order to gear these classes towards the interests of the community. We are currently organizing a workshop for which we need spray bottles. If you have old spray bottles we will reuse them for you. Bottles may be dropped off at the Stomping Grounds or the library. If you are interested in joining our eco-efforts or learning from them, we encourage you to call the City of Staples for more information at 894-2550. Look for the Green Committee at upcoming local events around town and watch for advertisements regarding future green living classes and workshops.

Here is a sampling of green living practices we have implemented in our own homes and lives. Charlene reminds us to unplug our cell phones when the charger is not in use. Failing to do so will result in wasted energy as well as money. JoEllen, as well as all members of the committee, carry cloth bags in our cars or purses for shopping trips.

Katie's favorite way to help the environment as well as the local economy is to utilize thrift stores and buy local whenever possible. All of these tips lead to what may be the most effective way to keep the earth clean for future generations, reduce and reuse before you recycle.