A new way of thinking about sustainability has been sweeping the country, and reuse is leading.  The “three R’s” (reduce, reuse and recycle) have been part of our conversation for many years, it is only now that reuse is getting the attention that it deserves. Businesses, industries and environmental agencies all agree that a sound method to sustain our communities and reduce waste is by getting the maximum use of products and services.

ReUSE Minnesota is a non-profit trade association focused on bringing visibility to the reuse, rental, and repair sector through networking, publicity, and events.  ReUSE Minnesota was incorporated in December 2012 with the mission to increase the visibility of Minnesota’s reuse sector, highlighting the environmental, social and economic benefits to businesses and consumers.  ReUSE Minnesota is supported through an Environmental Assistance grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Anoka County’s Integrated Waste Management encourages reuse through education and providing information to residents.  See the recent YouTube video about Reusing Household Items.  For more information contact Integrated Waste Management at 763-323-5730.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), an estimated one in three homes harbor high levels of radon that pose a considerable health risk of lung cancer over many years of exposure. Testing for the radioactive gas can make a homeowner or home buyer aware to take measures that reduce exposure to this hidden threat.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer (after smoking) in the United States, with more than 21,000 deaths attributable to radon each year. Yet radon exposure is largely preventable (see MDH Radon webpage).

A bill introduced in the legislature – the Minnesota Radon Awareness Act – would require that buyers in residential real estate transactions receive an MDH publication on radon and a radon warning statement. If passed, this bill is expected to raise radon awareness.

Homes with high radon levels are fixable, but first they must be tested. MDH has highlighted radon testing during National Public Health Week, April 1 through 7.  Testing for radon during the sale of a home is an opportune time:

• The seller can determine whether the radon level is an issue before a home inspection is performed.
• The buyer can ask that a test be done during the home inspection period.

If high levels of radon are present, mitigating it can be handled during the home sale similar to other required home repairs.

In addition, the bill would require the seller to provide full disclosure of radon on the property. This would include whether testing has been done; any test results; whether radon mitigation has been done, and records and reports associated with any testing and mitigation.

For more information on radon testing and mitigation visit the MDH Radon Testing webpage or call the MDH Indoor Air Unit at 651-201-4601 or 1-800-798-9050.

Anoka County Compost Sites are open to accept resident’s yard waste.  Locations, hours and a small fee is listed on the Compost Sites page.

For more information contact Integrated Waste at 763-323-5731.

National Wildlife Week (March 18th through the 24th) is designed around teaching and connecting kids to the awesome wonders of wildlife. The 2013 theme for National Wildlife Week is BRANCHING OUT FOR WILDLIFE (trees, bushes and their importance to wildlife and people).

IN MINNESOTA    The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources protects and manages our wildlife.  Recently, the DNR cancelled moose hunting season due to the unusual reduction of the population in Minnesota. To learn more about efforts to understand, manage, and preserve these magnificent animals see the YouTube report or visit the DNR Moose Research webpage.

IN ANOKA COUNTY    The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources oversees nearly twenty thousand acres (31 square miles) of land conserved within seven Wildlife Management Areas (WMA):

• Bearman WMA (Nowthen, 651-296-3450)
• Bethel WMA (Bethel, 651-296-3450)
• Carl E. Bonnell WMA (St. Francis, 651-296-3450)
• Robert and Marilyn Burman WMA (Oak Grove, 651-296-3450)
• Carlos Avery WMA (Area Office in Columbus, 651-296-5290)
• Gordie Mikkelson WMA (Linwood, 651-296-3450)
• Lamprey Pass WMA (Columbus, 651-296-3450)

For more information contact the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or email info.dnr@state.mn.us.

Wildlife Science Center (5463 Broadway Ave NE, Columbus, MN 55025) provides important services including: research by professionals answering questions about wildlife management and endangered species; hands-on training for wildlife students; getting children excited about science education; and participating in national and international efforts to conserve our natural resources.

WSC provides two guided educational tours every Saturday at 11am and 1pm ($6 for adults, $4 for children 4-12, and free for 3 and under).  Additional education programs include private programs/group tours; preschool programs; scout programs (WSC staff are certified badge counselors); wolf howl bonfires; and overnight programs.  For more information contact the WSC at  651-464-3993 (or email wscinfo@wildlifesciencecenter.org).

The Anoka Conservation District encourages property owners to “branch out for wildlife” through their tree and shrub sale.  Click on the on-line ordering and payment webpage to see the variety of plants available or call ACD at (763) 434-2030.