To commemorate the occasion, the Mariposa County Public Works Department invites the public to their 3rd Annual Earth Day Open House on Sat., April 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mariposa County Landfill, Compost Facility and Recycling Center, 5593 Hwy. 49N in Mariposa.
Many positive changes have taken place at the Facility during the past year. These will be pointed out during facility tours, when visitors will be given an inside view of day-to-day operations. This is also a good time to ask questions about the solid waste management system. Tours will be given at 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m.
The Solid Waste and Recycling Division encourages individuals and businesses to reduce waste whenever and however they can, including reusing materials to create practical or artistic items. Imagination and ingenuity are key words when it comes to transforming trash into treasures. Local metal sculptor Scott McGrath has plenty of both. At past Earth Day events he has created a giant bug from surveyors’ tripods and an automobile muffler, a spinning globe from iron rods and plastic detergent bottles, and several abstract pieces. Some of these works are on permanent display at the Facility. What fanciful form will he dream up this year? That remains a mystery to everyone until the day of the event.
Lorna Pollock adds a note of sheer whimsy to the event with her comical characters fabricated from tin cans and other recycling bin “finds.” Lorna has won numerous awards at the Mariposa County Fair for her clever artistry and will work on a new creation throughout the day.
Shredded waste paper can be put to good re-use as a component in Papercrete, an alternative building material, as members of the Chrysalis Institute will demonstrate. The Institute assisted with the pouring of a Papercrete track at Mariposa High School and is seeking ways to make its production and use commercially viable locally.
The Friday Night Live teens from Mariposa Safe Families will show some simple techniques for creating a safer environment in the home using inexpensive “green” cleaning products such as baking soda and vinegar and Dave Raboy will have his electric truck on display. There will also be recycled games for kids to play and crafts to make and a student recycled art show that will include sculptures made by the Mariposa High School art class.
Stop by to enjoy a piece of Earth Day cake and other delicious refreshments while discovering new ways to Go Green. Admission is free.
For more information, call (209) 966-5165 or go to www.mariposacounty.org/solid waste