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Ideas for a “Less-Waste” Lifestyle in 2017 5 Many people have made resolutions to be better stewards of our environ- ment in 2017. Whether it’s composting or hosting green events, there are plenty of resources to help accomplish our green goals. One way to move in a greener direction is to try living a less-waste lifestyle. Less is more. Choose an item to reduce. Think about an item that you know you get too much of and hope to reduce, and consider the alternatives. Or maybe you have some- thing that commonly ends up in the garbage that you know shouldn’t. Create a plan to keep that item out of the garbage by reducing or recycling. Whatever you choose, make a plan and resolve to stick with it. An example of an item that many com- munities are trying to reduce or eliminate is the plastic shopping bag. They can’t go in the recycling bin because they cause problems at recycling sorting facilities. But there are recycling options available to keep them out of the garbage. Purchase some durable reusable bags and get rid of the need for plastic bags altogether. Buying from bulk bins is a great way to cut down on packaging waste. For the bags you do get, collect them sepa- rately and bring them to local retailers who accept them or check out PlasticFilmRecy- cling.com for drop-off sites. Fix-It Clinics Do you have a lamp that won’t light, an iron that won’t steam, or jeans that ripped? Bring them all to a Ramsey County Fix-It Clinic. • Saturday, February 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Shoreview Library, 4560 Victoria Street, Shoreview • Saturday, March 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Macalester College – Kagin Commons, 21 South Snelling Avenue, Saint Paul. Achieving your recycling goals To move toward your goals and make sure your efforts have an effect, here are some questions to consider: 1. What’s your target? – Will you elimi- nate a specific item or add more drop- off items? 2. What do you need? – Do you need any extra supplies or time set aside to ac- complish this? 3. How long do you need? –When do you expect to see results? 4. How will you evaluate your goal? – Results may be very visible. Consider before and after photos. Is your garbage can less full? 5. What if it works? – Be proud of your accomplishments and celebrate your achievements! Moving toward 75 percent The state of Minnesota has set a goal of 75 percent recycling by 2030. The current re- cycling rate is about 47 percent, so there’s more work to be done. Use your plan to reduce as a springboard into greening even more in your home. Get some tips on how to improve your recycling from Ramsey County by visiting RamseyRecycles.com. or zerowastehome.com. Approved to appoint Jonathan Wicklund as the Chair of the Joint Development Author- ity (3-1 Holden opposed and Wicklund abstained) January 9, 2017 Councilmembers Dave McClung and Steve Scott were sworn in. Approved Lift Station No. 11 Reconstruc- tion Payment #3 (4-0) Approved Ramsey Conservation District Shared Service Agreement (4-0) Approved Northeast Youth and Family Ser- vices 2017 Contract (4-0) Held a public hearing for consideration of Nutmeg Brewery. Council Approved issu- ing a license. (4-0) Benchmarks, continued from page 4 Ask the SheriffIf you have a compliment, concern or complaint (non-emergency) and would like to let the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office know about it, you can do so by visiting the Public Safety Resources page on the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office website., www.ramseycounty.us (You also will find a link to the website on the homepage of the City of Arden Hills site www.cityofardenhills.org.) Once you submit your commendation or complaint, the Sheriff’s office will for- ward your comment to the appropriate staff person. This is a great way to give the Sheriff’s office your feedback or to submit a concern. Want to learn more about the actions of the Arden Hills City Council? Go to www.cityofardenhills.org. First click on “Government” and then on “City Council.” Need more detail?