Twelve Porter County residents recently completed their coursework to graduate as interns from the Porter County Master Recycler Program, sponsored by the Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County.
The spring class, the third time the class was offered, included residents from Chesterton: Vessa Julovich; and from Valparaiso: Pam S. Williams, Joel Andrade, Lynn Poe, Danielle and Mark Popovich, Arlene Lynch, Elizabeth Schenck, Richard Bender, Barbara and Rudy Kunshek, and James Tyll.
The new interns must fulfill a requirement of 30 volunteer Payback Hours in order to receive their Master Recycler certifications.
The purpose of the program is to create a volunteer pool of knowledgeable residents who inspire and educate others in their communities to reduce waste in the home and at work. Master Recycler programs originated in the Pacific Northwest, with a few sprinkled around the rest of the United States. Porter County’s program is the first in the state of Indiana.
“The multi-week program provides a comprehensive approach to waste reduction in Porter County, versus a one day workshop,” said Donna Stuckert, public education coordinator. “Not only are there classes, but there are field trips, and students can get their questions answered directly by the experts. It's great for anyone who is interested in learning how to make a difference in the environment and who wants to help others learn more."
The fall class will soon be scheduled. Anyone who lives or works in Porter County and may be interested in the fall class can register interest on the district's website, www.ItMeansTheWorld.org. For more information, call 465-3819.
The Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County is an agency dedicated to improving the environment and quality of life by providing services and educational programs which help residents reduce, reuse, and recycle.