| A Clean Sweep
Western land-grant
university scientists and extension educators are finding practical
and creative ways to clean up the West and stem the flow of consumer
waste to landfills.
It was a tire-less experience in Klickitat
County. Washington State Extension worked with volunteer
agencies to remove from Rock Creek approximately 150,000 pounds of
tires, which threatened human as well as environmental health. California
Extension researched ways to divert yard waste to agricultural
use. Extension efforts help divert 1.2 million tons of green waste
from landfills annually.
Idaho Extension teamed with the
Southern Idaho Solid Waste District to boost neighborhood recycling
and extend the life of a regional landfill. Recyclable materials
increased from 20 to 73 tons a month in six counties.  Colorado
State Extension developed a program to reduce space-hogging green
waste going to local landfills through improved lawn-mowing practices.
Yard waste from homeowners was reduced 48 percent at the largest
waste-handling company in Pueblo, Colorado.
Montana State Extension’s
“EcoStar” program encourages business owners to save money and
the environment by reducing waste. An automotive salvage company saved
$100,000 by switching to ultrasonic parts cleaners, and a dry cleaner
kept 2,000 pounds of hangers from going to the landfill. Montana’s
pollution prevention experts also are encouraging development of
cleaner, quieter snowmobiles. Winning sleds in a design competition
reduced emissions by up to 97 percent and were 75 percent quieter.
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