Nursing staff (who make regular visits to homebound seniors) were trained to identify hazardous materials and inform the program directors to organize the proper disposal of them. Sixty home inspections for hazardous waste were conducted at the homes of potential and current senior clients. Junk mail reduction cards and information concerning the importance of household hazardous waste identification and disposal were presented at a dozen community events, including senior apartment resident associations, The North End Business Club monthly meeting, and District One Safety Camp. A four-page insert on HHW reduction and proper disposal was published in the North End News, which has a circulation of 26,000.

In 2007-08, the project reached 523 senior citizens with information about reducing junk mail, proper disposal of household hazardous waste, and non-toxic cleaning. Follow up surveys showed that over 80% had made at least three behavior changes due to the project. They also conducted training for 60 staff of other senior-serving organizations, such as those who provide cleaning services in seniors’ homes. The training was so well received that they will provide a refresher course again next year. Two full-page newspaper articles on waste reduction ran in the neighborhood newspaper with a circulation of 11,000. The project will be sustained now that staff are trained and are committed to continue sharing the information with new seniors in the neighborhood. In September 2008, the leaders of this project made a presentation about their project at the annual statewide meeting of block nurse programs.

 

Chris Langer's Contact Information:

727 Front Ave. #118, Saint Paul, MN 55103
651-487-5135, nescbnp@mtn.org