Joel Andrade received his certificate and badge to become the newest Porter County Certified Master Recycler.
The Valparaiso resident was recognized at the recent board of directors meeting of the Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County. He completed 30 volunteer hours, thereby fulfilling all requirements of the Porter County Master Recycler Program, sponsored by the district.
Andrade fulfilled his educational requirement by attending classes last spring, featuring experts who talked about recycling processes, landfills, household hazardous waste, vermicomposting, backyard composting, electronics recycling and more. The program also included field trips.
"Joel is the eighth person to complete all of the program requirements since the program start in 2014,” said Donna Stuckert, district public education coordinator. "Not only did he help out at a couple of collections and help educate people at a Valpo Farmers Market booth, but Joel completely translated our services brochure to Spanish, so now we can reach a new segment of the population with our message.”
The purpose of the Porter County Master Recycler Program is to create a volunteer pool of knowledgeable residents who help to educate and inspire others in the community to reduce waste at home and work. Master Recycler Programs originated in the Pacific Northwest, and many have sprouted up throughout the United States.
The next Master Recycler class is scheduled to begin in September at Woodland Park in Portage. Anyone who lives or works in Porter County can register for the next class 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.