Conference Sessions by Days

KEYNOTE:Re-energizing Recycling Progress - Dr. Skumatz will discuss the four steps communities can take to 'jump-start' stalled recycling and do so cost-effectively. She will discuss progress that can be made by refining existing programs and incentives, optimizing public outreach, addressing the commercial sector, leveraging strategies with multiple actors, and other approaches. The work is based on analysis of successful programs in the United States (U.S.) and internationally. Dr. Lisa Skumatz is a 'hands-on' economist with the research and consulting firm Skumatz Economic Research Associates (SERA). For more than 15 years, Dr. Skumatz has helped communities across the U.S. on practical economic and policy issues in solid waste. Her work concentrates on rates/funding, program evaluation/benchmarking, and cost-effectiveness for recycling, yard waste, source reduction, hazardous waste, and public outreach programs. She has published extensively, and is best known for her work in incentive-based rates (Pay as you Throw and 'Garbage by the Pound').

ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems: A Public Sector Environmental Management Experience - An environmental management system (EMS) is a set of management processes and problem-identification/solving tools that allow organizations to analyze, control, and reduce the environmental impact of activities, products, and services, and operate with greater efficiency and control. The various elements of the EMS work together to provide opportunities to continually improve the management of environmental impacts. It addresses the needs of a broad range of interested parties and the evolving needs of society for environmental protection and encourages an organization to continuously improve its environmental performance. The EMS integrates the environment into everyday operations, with environmental stewardship becoming part of daily responsibilities across the entire organization. The most commonly used framework for an EMS is the one developed by the International Organization for Standardization for the ISO 14001 Standard. The Resource Recovery and Recycling Authority of Southwest Oakland County (RRRASOC) recently implemented an ISO 14001 conforming EMS for its Household Hazardous Waste and Used Computer Collection Program. This session will present an overview of the ISO 14001 Standard, the basis for its implementation by the RRRASOC, and the results of the RRRASOCÕs implementation experience.
Mr. Michael J. Csapo has been the General Manager of the RRRASOC since 1994. Prior to that he worked as a planner at the municipal and regional levels and served in the U.S. Army. Mr. Csapo holds a Master of Public Administration degree and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, both from the University of Michigan, and is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Economics. He is a member of the American Society for Public Administration, the International City/County Management Association, the American Planning Association, the American Public Works Association, and the Solid Waste Association of North America. Mr. Csapo has published several papers and articles on a variety of planning and public administration topics and has made numerous presentations to governmental, civic, and professional organizations. Past work includes presentations to the Michigan Recycling Coalition; the Michigan Chapter of the American Public Works Association; the Michigan Society of Planning Officials; the Michigan Academy of Arts, Science and Letters; and the Solid Waste Association of North America.

Paying for the Program: Funding Your Community Collection Program - Overview of program recycling and solid waste program funding tools in Michigan; which funding approach fits what type of community; how to effectively develop a funding strategy for your community; special considerations for funding multi-government projects (County/DPW; Authority); are there ways to improve what Michigan communities can do to fund recycling and solid waste programs?
Mr. James Frey is the founder and CEO of Resource Recycling Systems, Inc. (RRSI), an environmental consulting and engineering firm specializing in waste resource management. Mr. Frey brings a long track record of success in providing cost-effective and environmentally responsible waste management and recycling solutions to RRSIÕs clients Ð including hundreds of municipalities, institutions, and corporations over the last two decades. Mr. FreyÕs areas of specialization include strategic planning, economic analysis, program and service design, operations management consulting, and system procurement. Mr. Frey holds an MBA with High Distinction from the University of Michigan, with a concentration in Strategic Planning, Business Economics, and Public Policy. He has also had additional coursework in environmental quality at the University of Michigan at the Rackham School of Graduate Studies, and a BPh from Grand Valley State University.

Making Effective Presentations: Teaching the Adult Learner - See how to design your presentation to meet all of the adult learning principles, plus learn how to camouflage nervousness, gain audience attention and keep it, be creative in presentation patterns, handle the unexpected, and effectively manage audience questions. This is the first half of the session. This two-part session will teach the educator how to communicate effectively with adults and children. This session provides good information for the beginner and new ideas for the advanced instructor when teaching adults.
Ms. Ann Nieuwenhuis has over 28 years of significant contribution in community education. She has a comprehensive background in program development, implementation, management, and evaluation for county and statewide educational programs. Ann is also an effective administrator who excels in public relations and has successful marketing skills.

Composting Teas: Get Acquainted with the 'New Kid on the Block' - Compost tea is an extract of good compost that contains millions of microorganisms allowed to reproduce in an oxygenated, nutrient-rich environment. Good compost is produced aerobically, has gone through a heating stage to kill weed seeds and kill human pathogens, and has high populations of diverse organisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes. Photographs of these microorganisms that make up the soil food web will acquaint the audience with this microscopic world so unfamiliar to most of us. Good compost as a source of microorganisms to make compost teas, differences between aerobic and anaerobic conditions, the benefits of compost teas, and real-world examples of how compost teas can reduce or eliminate the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in gardens, on turf, and in agriculture will be discussed.
Ms. Mary Appelhof has over 30 yearsÕ experience composting garbage with worms. She wrote what is considered to be the definitive guide to vermicomposting, Worms Eat My Garbage, which has sold over 150,000 copies to date. She is a popular and knowledgeable speaker, both nationally and internationally. Recent engagements have included an international earthworm symposium in Wales, Bioneers in California, a Best Management Practices in Vermicomposting seminar in Portland, and a special convocation in Skagit County, Washington.

ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems: A Quick How-To for Businesses - Strong business performance and effective environmental management are integral partners in today's competitive world. Creating a sustainable society through voluntary partnerships and environmental incentive programs is emerging as a viable alternative to the "command and control" regulatory regimes of the past. Michigan leads the nation in ISO 14001 certified Environmental Management Systems (EMS). Come hear some success stories.
Ms. Kelie Bond is currently Project Manager for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Clean Corporate Citizen (C3) and Environmental Management System Programs. She is also the statewide expert for EMS for the Department. She is trained as an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 Lead Auditor and an EPA EMS auditor. Ms. Bond has been in the environmental field for over 20 years with experience in Air, Water, and Land permitting programs. Prior to joining state service, Ms. Bond worked as a high school environmental and earth science teacher, freelance writer, and an assistant refuge manager at the Alaska Peninsula/Becharof Wildlife Refuges. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University with bachelorsÕ degrees in environmental science, secondary education, and English. Postgraduate studies include watershed management, public administration, and environmental compliance.

Improving the Program - Using information from more than 1,000 communities across North America, Dr. Skumatz analyzed programs to identify those specific program design elements that increase diversion and reduce costs. The analysis covered recycling, yard waste, and incentive programs, and also included an analysis of single stream programs. By using statistical analysis techniques, the information is transferable across communities, and eliminates demographics and other confounding impacts that canÕt be separated using Òcase studies.Ó The work has been used to help cities, counties, and statesÑincluding Oregon, Massachusetts, California, and IowaÑdevelop the best set of strategies for the Ònext generationÓ of programs. The research also provides practical numbers that can help in program and budget planning at the community level.
Dr. Lisa Skumatz is a Òhands-onÓ economist with the research and consulting firm Skumatz Economic Research Associates (SERA). For more than 15 years, Dr. Skumatz has helped communities across the U.S. on practical economic and policy issues in solid waste. Her work concentrates on rates/funding, program evaluation/benchmarking, and cost-effectiveness for recycling, yard waste, source reduction, hazardous waste, and public outreach programs. She has published extensively, and is best known for her work in incentive-based rates (Pay as you Throw and ÒGarbage by the PoundÓ).

Effective Presentations: Engaging Students with ÔOff-the-ShelfÕ Recycling Presentations - Grabbing the attention of school children with interesting, entertaining, and effective presentation is a challenge for the best of us. At this session, you will learn some tricks and tips on providing educational programming that is both interesting and fun. Find out ways to involve children in hands-on activities that require little or no prep time. Improve your understanding of how children learn and explore ways to tap into those abilities. Get information and tips on how to ÒcanÓ your education program. Get on the trail of environmental education resources and teacher activities. What do teachers expect from a guest presenter, and what you should expect from teachers and their classrooms when you visit? This is the second half of the session to Effective Presentations: Teaching the Adult Learner. These sessions offer something for everyone. We hope to provide a great start for the beginner, as well as new stuff for the advanced presenter.
Ms. Beth Clawson (a.k.a. Bag Lady Beth) is the Resource Recovery Agent for Van Buren County and an Extension Educator. She has given presentations to over 1,200 school children annually in the classroom and to local clubs and groups on recycling and natural resource topics. Beth has over 20 years of experience working with students and youth groups as an educator and leader.

Mid-scale Vermicomposting in Schools - Vermicomposting can be done at most any school with relatively little time and money. Ms. Miller will share how the City of Lansing has successfully developed projects in Lansing schools, including a PowerPoint presentation of Woodcreek Elementary SchoolÕs program. The focus will be on how students can participate and the benefits that result (education, waste reduction, student pride, etc.)
Ms. Lori Miller has been the Assistant Recycling Coordinator for the City of Lansing since 1996. She is involved with the CityÕs curbside recycling, yard waste, and volume-based trash collections; she conducts educational presentations and coordinates activities for schools and community groups. She has worked for Woldumar Nature Center and Michigan State University in recycling positions. Ms. Miller has a BS in Resource Development from Michigan State University and an Associates from Davenport College of Business. Her membership in professional recycling organizations includes the Michigan Recycling Coalition and LansingÕs Creation Station, where she served on both Boards. She was the recipient of the 2001 MRC Recycler of the Year for her work in education and outreach.