Reduce
Instead of using paper cups for distributing water during the work day, youth and supervisors were issued reusable bottles. This eliminated the waste generated from thousands of paper cups used only one time then discarded.

The reusable water bottles were donated by the MPRB Events Division. The estimated cost savings was $1,500 for the cups and $500 for the donated bottles.

Reuse
The large plastic bags used to collect trash, clippings, weeds and invasive plants were reused for as long as they were in good condition. Crews emptied trash bags into dumpsters and organic materials were brought to compost sites. 

During training, employees learned about the need to reuse the bags to not only benefit the environment, but as a cost savings for the program as well. 

Water Quality Improvement
Youth worked with the MPRB Environmental Division to clean storm drains located in and around the parks. The clean-up became part of the daily work schedule at each worksite.

Teens learned about the adverse affects of trash that flows through the drains and into lakes and other bodies of water to the water quality and health of wildlife and vegetation.