Vancouver, Wash. – During the holidays, Americans generate about 1 million extra tons of garbage each week. The waste is often gift packaging, wrapping paper and leftover food.

Fortunately, you can reduce, reuse and recycle during the holiday season without cutting back on holiday cheer, according to Sally Fisher, Outreach Program coordinator.

Follow these tips if you dream of a green Christmas:

• Take inventory of things you no longer use and donate old toys and clothing to a thrift store before you buy more. Even if the clothes can no longer be worn, thrift… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Thousands of Clark County residents soon will want to dispose of Christmas trees.

Waste Connections, Inc. will pick up trees with yard debris collection or regular garbage service. Trees taller than 5 feet must be cut into sections no longer than 5 feet, regardless of whether they will be collected with yard debris or garbage.

Before trees are put out, all lights, tinsel, wire, ornaments and other non-tree materials must be removed. Flocked and artificial trees must be put in the garbage; they cannot be recycled with yard debris.

To recycle trees… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – The flu positivity rate in Clark County has risen to 21 percent, well above the 10 percent threshold Public Health uses to mark high flu activity, according to Public Health’s Influenza Surveillance Update for the week Dec. 3. The positivity rate is based on data from local laboratories that test for flu.  

“Flu season is ramping up but it’s not too late to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Health Officer. “By getting vaccinated now, you’ll be more likely to celebrate the New Year in good health. It can take up to two weeks for the vaccine… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – With flu season likely to ramp up at any time, health officials are recommending flu shots for everyone 6 months and older. Flu shots are the best method to prevent flu, hospitalization, missed days of school or work and complications such as pneumonia.

Flu can occur in any month, but primarily from October through May. This contagious respiratory disease kills more people in the U.S. than any other vaccine-preventable disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that since 2010, flu-related deaths have ranged from 12,000 to 56,000 and… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – The county is accepting nominations for the Clark County Green Awards, a Public Health program that recognizes excellence in environmental sustainability.

The categories are:

• Green Business Award for a business with at least 26 employees
• Green Business Award for a business with fewer than 26 employees
• Green Apple Award for a local school district employee or volunteer who inspires environmental leadership in students

Online nomination forms can be found at… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Regional solid waste partners, including Clark County, city of Vancouver and Waste Connections, are closely monitoring the Chinese government’s proposed changes to the quality of recycled plastics and mixed paper it will accept. China will no longer accept bales of recyclables containing unwanted materials.

The proposed changes potentially could affect local and global recycling efforts. For years, the majority of the region’s curbside mixed paper and plastic recycling has been sold to markets in China. Waste Connections of Washington, Clark County’s local waste… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. - Clark County Public Health’s Green Business program will hold a free Morning Blend networking event from 8-9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at Corwin Beverage Co., 219 S. Timm Road, Ridgefield.

Corwin’s green team members will discuss their creative solutions to reduce the company’s environmental impact.

The event is open to anyone interested in networking and learning about green business practices.

Space is limited. Please register at https://www.clarkgreenbiz.com/336/97/… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County’s Green Neighbors Program is celebrating its fifth anniversary from 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, at the Water Resources Education Center, 4600 S.E. Columbia Way. Admission is free and light refreshments will be provided.

Featured speaker is John Prucich, a wildlife biologist, conservationist and licensed falconer known as The Falconer. He will explain the difference between nocturnal and diurnal animals and bring in live owls and other animals that hunt in the night. He will discuss their diets, ability to fly with barely a sound, and conservation… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – Applications are being accepted for the 2018 Master Composter/Recycler training program. The training provides information and resources on composting, recycling, green cleaning, green building, water quality and other aspects of sustainable living.

The 10-week class, sponsored by Public Health’s Solid Waste and Environmental Outreach, meets Wednesdays beginning Jan. 24 and running through March 28. Classes are 6–8:30 p.m.

The training is offered at no cost in exchange for 30 hours of local volunteer time.

As part of the training, participants… Read More

Vancouver, Wash. – In observance of national Septic Smart Week, Sept. 18-22, Clark County Public Health reminds 35,000 Clark County homes and businesses with septic systems to be sure they are effectively treating wastewater.

Good siting, design, installation and ongoing maintenance are essential for treating wastewater, protecting the property owner’s investment and safeguarding the county’s drinking water.

“Properly maintaining your well and septic system is crucial to preventing critical deficiencies,” said Chuck Harman, Public Health program manager. “Repairing or… Read More