Vancouver, Wash. – American household waste increases by more than 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, contributing an additional 1 million tons per week to landfills.

But by taking a few simple steps to reduce, reuse and recycle, you can make the holiday season a little greener without losing any holiday cheer.

Before the holiday parties and gift-giving begins:

• Send holiday e-cards rather than mailing paper cards. Or make sure the paper cards you buy have recycled content and are recyclable. Recycle holiday cards you receive.
• Give… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Give thanks this holiday season, not foodborne illness.

Every year, one in six Americans is sickened by contaminated food or beverages, often from food that’s not prepared safely. Proper food storage and preparation are important in order to prevent illness.

Don’t take any chances with the health of your family and friends this holiday season. Follow these tips as you prepare for holiday gatherings, and visit the Clark County Public Health Facebook page for more food safety tips throughout the month.… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Council is seeking applicants for a volunteer position on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission.

The position represents Clark County at-large. The three-year term begins Jan. 1, 2019.

The commission advises the county council on solid waste issues, such as recycling, garbage collection, landfills, transfer stations and waste-reduction programs.

The commission meets at 6 pm on the first Thursday of February, May, August and November. Meetings are at the Center for Community Health, 1601 E Fourth Plain Blvd.

Members of the… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s Green Business program will hold the last Morning Blend networking event of the year from 8-9 am Thursday, Nov. 15 at the Tod and Maxine McClaskey Culinary Institute at Clark College, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way.

Morning Blend is an opportunity for business representatives to network and discuss green business efforts in an informal setting. The monthly event is held at different local businesses on the third Thursday.

During this month’s event, attendees will have the opportunity to network and learn about waste reduction and recycling… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Flu viruses are beginning to circulate in the community, making now the perfect time to get a seasonal flu shot if you haven’t already been immunized this year. Flu shots are the best method to prevent flu, hospitalization and missed days of school or work.

Flu can occur in any month, but transmission primarily occurs October through May. Getting immunized now ensures you’re protected once flu activity intensifies.

“It can take up to two weeks for protection to kick in, so you don’t want to wait until flu is widely circulating before you get your shot,”… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health learned Thursday that a company selling septic additives is calling residents, claiming there is an alert about failing septic systems and offering products to clean systems. Public Health has not issued an alert regarding failing septic systems and encourages residents to research products before using them in septic systems.

Additives are commercial products sold under the claim that their use will improve the performance or aesthetics of an on-site sewage treatment system. However, most additives do not have a positive effect on the… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is looking for its next class of sustainability ambassadors. The Master Composter Recycler program is now accepting applications for a no-cost 10-week training program that begins in January.

Master Composter Recyclers educate the community about easy ways to reduce waste and recycle right. Program volunteers host backyard composting workshops, share their knowledge at community events, and operate composting demonstration sites.

Those who are interested in becoming a Master Composter Recycler can register for the 10-week… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health has added Lacamas Lake to the blue-green algae advisory issued Tuesday afternoon for nearby Round Lake.

The public should avoid direct contact with water at Round Lake and Lacamas Lake in Camas due to cyanobacteria blooms, also known as blue-green algae. Blue-green algae produce toxins that can be harmful to people and deadly for small pets that drink the water.

A citizen reported a bloom at Round Lake earlier this week. Public Health collected water samples from Round Lake on Tuesday afternoon and posted caution signs at the… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – The Clark County Board of Health is requesting applications for a volunteer position on the Mosquito Control District Board of Trustees.

The position represents residents living in east Clark County. Applicants must live within the Position 2 boundaries, which include portions of east Vancouver, the cities of Camas and Washougal, and unincorporated areas of east Clark County. For a map of position boundaries, visit the Board of Trustees website.

The position term… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County Public Health is advising the public to avoid direct contact with water at Round Lake in Camas due to a cyanobacteria bloom, also known as blue-green algae.

Blue-green algae produce toxins that can be harmful to people and deadly for small pets that drink the water. Public Health collected water samples from Round Lake on Tuesday afternoon and is awaiting results to determine if toxins are in the water.

Health officials are recommending:

• No water contact for people in areas of scum.
• Keep pets away from lake water.… Read More