Job Responsibilities:

• Assist communications project manager in regular correspondence with client about project tasks.
• Assist with development of content for communications materials including website, promotional materials, social media, and other materials as needed.
• Assist with proofing materials for brand consistency and grammar.
• Prepare memos and reports.
• Assist with onsite clients and meetings.
• General office tasks and administrative duties as needed

Key Qualifications

• Organized, self-motivated, ability to set work priorities and complete work with minimal supervision.
• Experience with marketing and communications of environmental programs to different audiences (business to business; public; etc)
• Experience with social marketing tools in educational campaigns (e.g. Facebook and Twitter)
• Proven experience working on multiple projects and clients tasks
• Effective verbal and written communications.
• Proficiency in MS Office
• Proficiency with basic office functions (copier use, Fax machine)
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign) preferred, but not necessary.

Education Requirements

• A minimum of three years of higher education is required in the field of marketing, public relations, education, communications, or natural resources.

Pay Range: $15 to $20/hour depending on experience and qualifications

Location: Ann Arbor, MI

To Apply:  Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of references. Cover letters should address the candidate’s personal goals and interests, ability to meet key and minimal qualifications (as described above) as well as their experience and interest in solid waste and recycling consulting.  Please submit all materials to Liz Hughes at Resource Recycling Systems by September 17, 2010.

Resource Recycling Systems

Attn: Liz Hughes

416 Longshore Drive

Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105

734-996-1361 x221

ehughes@recycle.com

Emmet County, MI — Emmet County has opened a new recycling center facility and it’s brought with it several new jobs and the potential for dozens more.

Simply taking the time to throw something in the blue recycling bin isn’t just saving the environment, it’s stimulating the economy.

In today’s day and age, it’s tough to ask people to take time out of their day…especially to separate plastics from metal.  But a four million dollar project in Emmet County will make recycling easier.  The state-of-the-art facility is streamlined, making it so you don’t have to separate your recyclables…all you have to do, is recycle.

“By going to this new dual system facility, we’re asking people to recycle more by sorting less, we expect to increase our volumes,” said Lindsey Walker of the Emmet County Recycling Outreach.

The latest numbers show 80% of Emmet County residents take part in some type of recycling.  In the past, the county could only accept seven different types of recyclables.  Not anymore.  And those plastic grocery bags, throw those in the recycling bin.

“Into the leading programs we feel in the state, if not the nation, and with the new recycling building, we’re going to be able to recycle over 50 products,” said Emmet County Controller Lyn Johnson.

Recycling things like milk jugs or glass bottles, it not only helps save the environment, it also creates new jobs.  For every 10,000 pounds of waste that goes into a landfill, that creates one job.  For every 10,000 pounds of recyclables, that creates 10 jobs.”

“The products themselves that will be reused and recycled will have a tremendous impact on the workforce base,” said Johnson.

It’s not just jobs in the facility itself, it’s widespread, from the men and women that sort, to those that transport, and to private corporations.

“Their soup can is coming to our facility, it’s being sorted out from all of the other materials that you see here, it’s being baled, and sent to East Jordan Iron Works, where it’s being melted down and made into utility covers, fire hydrants, things of that nature that are going all over the world,” said Walker.  “There’s an economy in recycling, and it’s a valuable part of our local economy.”

Since the facility opened, 10 new jobs have been created.

Flint, MI — A group of about 15 city, state business and civic leaders involved with a new Flint green energy coalition are headed to Sweden for an international summit.

They’re on a mission to create some green — alternative energy and paying jobs.

The group traveling to Linkoping, Sweden, includes leaders such as Flint Mayor Dayne Walling and representatives from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Career Alliance Inc., Mass Transportation Authority and Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce.

There, they’ll meet with Swedish Biogas International Inc. representatives and tour several alternative energy plants and see how a “green economy” is creating jobs, said Tom Guise, chief executive officer of SBI in Flint.

The biogas plant is a partnership among the city, state, Kettering University and SBI, is one example in Flint of an alternative energy project that could lead to job growth. Granholm and Gustaf visited in September 2008 for a ceremonial ground breaking of the facility.

A $75,000 Mott Foundation grant, gifted to the GRCC’s nonprofit fundraising arm, is helping in part to fund expenses for members of the coalition who are traveling, said Carol D. Rugg, vice president of communication for the Mott Foundation.

The foundation is a sponsor of the 5th Global YES Summit, “Rework the World,” in Leksand, Sweden, where Walling is slated to give a presentation titled “Zero-Waste as an Engine for Development.”

“The conference is a great opportunity to put Flint on the world stage,” Walling said. “It’s vital that this city rebuilds relationships with companies and innovators all across the globe. It’s a very unique opportunity to go to the home of Swedish Biogas International and see what that community has done with alternative energy for decades.”

The June 2-5 conference focuses on jobs for youth and concentrates on energy, water, land, cities and people. It’s expected to draw some 2,000 people including local and global leaders in politics and business.

Walling, who said he expects to return with new ideas on how to save money and create jobs, said no taxpayer dollars will be used to fund the trip for him, City Council President Delrico Loyd and Steve Montle, the city’s green initiatives coordinator.

“This is being funded by C.S. Mott Foundation and other contributors,” Walling said.

Walling is expected to talk about the city’s loss of General Motors jobs and population over the years and its efforts to reinvent the economy through projects such as the biogas plant and redeveloping brownfield sites.

The zero-waste vision involves job creation through recycling, education and improving the environment, according to online conference materials.

“The more we recycle and use what we already have, the more we can reduce our costs and create new industries,” Walling said. “(The) Swedish Biogas International local project will transform our sewer waste into electricity and fuel and we need to find ways to turn our garbage into energy and to reduce our use of electricity and petroleum-based fuels.”

Construction on the first phase of the $4 million to $5 million biogas plant includes building a tank and pipes outside the city’s wastewater treatment plant in Flint Township.

The hope is to have that up and operational in early 2011, Guise said.

“Everything’s going according to plan,” he said. “Some things take a little longer. You have to get all the permits.”

Guise said the second phase, where the biogas produced will be upgraded to biomethane that can fuel vehicles, will be done concurrently with the first phase. He said SBI is looking to order equipment to build the gas upgrade unit for the second phase, which is expected to cost $2 million to $3 million.

“We haven’t decided yet whose going to use the gas,” he said, adding they have been in discussions with the MTA. “We’re working on sourcing that right now.”

In Linkoping, leaders from the coalition also will discuss with SBI officials about who will use the biomethane, Guise said.

“I think we’re just looking for the best advantage out of the product,” said Guise, who also is going on the trip.

Flint’s green energy coalition got its start in the fall when the Flint Area Reinvestment Office asked Ann Arbor-based Resource Recycling Systems for help in applying for an energy improvement grant, said Martin Seaman, principal and senior consultant for the environmental and engineering firm.

The group, which includes as many as 70 people and has included representatives from universities, hospitals and MTA has continued to meet in some form, even though it didn’t get the grant, Seaman of Grand Blanc Township said.

Collectively the group hopes to help the city capitalize on alternative energy opportunities, he said.

“Ultimately the hope is there is the ability to drive economic development,” said Seaman, who also is going on the trip next week and whose company is paying his way.

Although the Declaration was signed by most delegates on July 2, 1976, the Declaration of Independence was officially approved in a closed session of Congress on July 4^th and has since been celebrated on this day. . This Declaration formed the United States of America and marked our county’s independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

RRS would like to wish all of our families, friends and clients (current and future) a Happy Independence Day! During your celebrations this weekend, please check out the following tips on how to have a “green” fourth of July.

• Ditch the Disposables – Instead of using disposable, use your normal tableware and cloth napkins for your festivities this weekend.  If you must use disposable, buy a higher quality, wash and reuse it for future events.
• Use Propane – Propane is much more efficient in both production and cooking than charcoal.
• Greener Fireworks – Instead of purchasing fireworks for your home, go to a local fireworks display.  If you do choose to buy your own, use fireworks rich in nitrogen (a little more expensive, but put out less smoke).
• Avoid Water Bottles – Instead of purchasing individual water bottles for your party guests, use large refillable and reusable containers for water (or other drinks).  Provide your normal cups/glasses.
• Green the Menu – Instead of grilling hot dogs and hamburgers, buy free range and organic meats (like chicken and ribs).  Go even greener by using local and organic fruits and vegetables.
• Recycle, of course – Please remember to recycle all your cans, bottles, papers and glass.

Have a great holiday weekend!

The Colorado Association for Recycling just hosted their 21^st conference and is the leading independent, non-profit organization helping to promote and encourage recycling in all sectors.  The focus of this year’s conference focused on new key issues like electronics recycling, product stewardship and zero waste.

The Summit offered recycling professionals in Colorado an opportunity to network, attend breakout sessions, and mingle with vendors in the exhibit hall.  Amongst the exhibitors the Carton Council and Resource Recycling Systems combined their efforts at this year’s event to spread the word on recycling aseptic packaging.

In addition to working at the Carton Council/RRS booth, Aaron Burman and Jim Frey  both had the opportunity to present during breakout sessions.  Aaron, RRS Project Engineer, spoke on “Using Waste Composition Studies as a Tool for Expanding Your Recycling Program”.Jim, RRS’s CEO,  participated in a panel discussion on “Community Recycling: Single Stream Collection Systems and Education”.  Jim spoke specifically on implementing single stream recycling in rural areas.

For more information, contact the Colorado Association of Recyclers at http://www.cafr.org.

On Friday June 25^, 2010, the County will celebrate the completion of the MRF expansion with a Grand Opening and 20^th Anniversary Party held at 7363 Pleasantview Road in Harbor Springs, Michigan.  The celebration will include a tour of the facility, food, and entertainment. Festivities kick off at 10:00am and run to 3:00pm.  The event is open and free to the general public.

RRS has had the proud distinction to work with Emmet County on not only this MRF expansion project but for many years as they have developed and expanded their recycling program.  RRS would like to say thank you and congrats for all your hard work. 

For more information check out www.EmmetRecycling.org or call  (231) 348-0640 .

With the first day of summer quickly approaching, many families are planning their vacations.  Vacations are a great time to relax with your family but, if you aren’t careful, can be detrimental to the environment.  Many people want to get away and explore a new place.  This can mean an increase in fuel consumption, water usage, and waste.  However, there are ways to holiday this summer without increasing your carbon footprint. 

First consider staying home.  When was the last time you played tourist in your own community?  Explore the local museum you’ve been meaning to take the kids to or hike the nature trail you drive by every day.  It is amazing what exciting adventures you can discover in your own backyard.

If you choose to travel, consider camping or staying at a hotel that offers green hospitality for guests. This means they give you the option of reusing your towels and bed linens to cut down on water usage, air conditioning that doesn’t come on until you check in, and other eco friendly features.  Many bed and breakfasts offer local and organic food.

Another way to minimize your environmental impact this summer is to ride your bike or walk to work.  Consider public transportation to reach your destination and try reusable, biodegradable, or compostable dishes for picnics and barbeques.  Remember to recycle soda cans and bottles and invest in a reusable water bottle.  Only use your air conditioning on really hot days and turn it up at night. Remember, even the littlest thing can make an impact.

There are many great websites available that can help you plan an eco friendly vacation this season, here are some to consider:

• http://www.brighthub.com/environment/green-living/articles/68457.aspx. 
• http://www.travelchannel.com/Places_Trips/Travel_Ideas/Outdoors_And_Adventure/Eco_Friendly_And_Hiking
• http://www.orbitz.com/App/PerformMDLPDealsContent?deal_id=eco-vacations&cnt=OVI

Whether you choose a staycation, a campout, or dancing at dawn, you can be eco friendly!  Happy Summer!

First conceived by Mrs. John B. Dodd in 1909 to honor her own father William Smart, a civil war veteran and father who raised his six children alone on a rural farm in eastern Washington State after his wife died during childbirth.  Mrs. Dodd’s vision did not become a reality until 1966, when President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3^rd Sunday of June as Father’s Day.

Today, a hundred years after the first Father’s Day was observed in Spokane, WA, more than 50 countries around the world celebrate dads on the 3^rd Sunday in June.

RRS would like to wish all Father’s a happy and green Father’s Day!

RRS consultants Anna Collinson and Katy Duggan-Haas were stationed at the RRS/Carton Council booths where attendees learned about adding aseptic packaging to their program, had an opportunity to win a basket of goodies, and completed the  State of Illinois Recycling Opportunities Survey 2010.

The  State of Illinois Recycling Opportunities Survey 2010 is a joint project with the Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) designed to help analyze the scope and direction of their future recycling related initiatives.  The data will be used as a tool for local recycling officials to more accurately respond to recycling opportunities in the State.  Ms. Collinson also be shared what had been collected so far during a breakout session on Wednesday June 9^th.

Collinson says “the survey is an important step in determining recycling opportunities in the State.  I encourage anyone who works in the recycling industry in Illinois, whether you are a government official, hauler or processor, to fill out the survey.”

On Tuesday June 8^th at 10am Anna also presented on ReTRAC during the “Measuring Waste Generation” break out session.  ReTRAC is an online tool for municipalities to track their waste generation and is a part of the Emerge tracking products.

RRS was the “carbon sponsor” helping to make this event carbon neutral.

World Environment Day beginning on June 5, 1972, became a day where the United Nations could stimulate worldwide awareness of the environment to encourage political attention and action.  It also was able to give a human face to environmental issues and allow people to realize that it was their responsibility and in their power to become agents of change in support of sustainable and equitable development around the world.  This year the theme “Many Species. One Planet. One Future” challenges us to consider carefully the actions each of us must take to help with the common task of preserving and conserving all life on Earth.

The worldwide celebration last week paved the way for some of the following highlights:

• Schoolchildren and villagers across Rwanda will be receiving solar power
• $85,000 went for gorilla conservation in Rwanda
• City of Genoa (Italy) joined with Climate Neutral Network with a climate neutral commitment
• The government of Azerbaijan pledged to plant 30 million trees

World Ocean Day, originally celebrated since 1992, became an official recognized day by the United Nations in 2008.  This year’s theme focuses on the ocean’s great diversity of life and how our conservation efforts protect this diversity.  The Ocean Project, original supporter of the day, reminds us:

• Each of us relies on a healthy ocean with a rich diversity of life to provide most of the oxygen we breathe, much of the food we eat, as well as medicines and other essentials that we need to survive.

• The ocean provides for millions of jobs and endless opportunities for inspiration and recreation such as diving, snorkeling, fishing, and boating.

• The greater the diversity of life in the ocean the better job the ocean will do in helping maintain the planet’s normal climate conditions and in adjusting to a changing climate.

Take a small step to protect the remarkable biodiversity our planet holds– go to The UN World Environment Day identify which activities you can personally do to reduce your impact on the planet.  The Ocean Project has a national inventory of events celebrating today.

The staff at Resource Recycling Systems takes pride in our daily efforts as we help to establish recycling programs, design compost facilities, find woody waste sources for biomass energy production and develop carbon neutral strategies.

Do your part to protect our planet – use less and act more.