First ever EnviroStars spring clean media blitz

trashbags-computer-1300px“Clean-up time? Got waste? Put it in the right place!” These are tag lines the Spokane River Forum and EnviroStars sponsors are using this spring to encourage residents and businesses to properly dispose of their waste. In the lingo of government world, it’s called “source control.” The principle is simple and we can all participate in making a difference. Almost every household or business has pesticides, cleaners, tires, CFLs, motor oil or other waste that can’t go in the garbage. The Spring Cleaning campaign asks people to use the Spokane Waste Directory, www.SpokaneWasteDirectory.org, to find out how and where to safely dispose of items from A-Z. Said Andy Dunau, the Forum’s Executive Director, “You’ll find over 200 types of waste on the site with links and maps to one or more vendors for proper disposal. You can also find options for using alternative products that are safer for your family’s health and our environment.” “People know the Spokane-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer is the sole source of drinking water for over 500,000 people,” said Tonilee Hanson, who directs the EnviroStars program. “And at different locations, the river feeds into the aquifer and the aquifer feeds into the river. So the best way to contribute to protecting both is to keep toxics out of them.” “Certified EnviroStars are leading the way by implementing business practices to keep toxins out our environment,” said Hanson. “And in a world where we hear ‘what do you want me to do about it,’ this campaign is all about giving everyone the opportunity to make a positive, straight forward contribution to keeping our water clean. ” The Spring Cleaning media blitz will run from April 1 through June 30. Here are some things to expect:

  • Listeners to KXLY 920 AM, KZZU 92.9 FM and Coyote Country 99.9 FM will hear 10, 30 and 60 second radio ads.
  • Drivers will see bus bench ads and billboards.
  • Facebook, eNews and Google Ads will be used to spread the word via social media.
  • KSPS will air public service announcements.
  • Posters are being hung at community buildings, stores and EnviroStars businesses.
  • Information will be available at Earth Day and other community events.

EnviroStars sponsors include the Spokane River Forum, Spokane Aquifer Joint Board, Spokane County, the City of Spokane, Spokane Riverkeeper, Spokane Regional Clean Air, Spokane Regional Health District and the Washington Department of Ecology. Said Dunau, “It’s been fun working with our partners to put this campaign together. We think it’s a nice blend of using traditional media and social media to get the word out.” This article and media campaign are partially funded through a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology.