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Corcoran Neighborhood Organization

Corcoran Neighborhood Organization

The Corcoran Neighborhood integrated waste reduction education and action into their existing annual events. They conducted two Green Sweeps with 298 homes participating. As a result of their education efforts, there was an increase in the number of items recycled and donated for reuse at the Green Sweeps, and a reduction in the amount of garbage collected -- from 17,660 to 13,320 tons. They offered Reuse information at their Housing Fair and turned an annual volunteer dinner for 100 into a low waste event. They also started a weekly e-newsletter offering at least one waste reduction message each month for 372 resident subscribers. Waste reduction information is also put in each monthly print issue of the Corcoran News reaching 4,228 people. They hired an illustrator to create waste reduction comic strips called “Acorn Logic” for their e-newsletter and newspaper.

In 2007-08, CNO continued events from their first project including their Green Sweep. Additionally, over 500 residents were reached waste issues and CNO’s Living Green Block Talks program through their monthly print and electronic newsletters and promotion at the Midtown Public Farmer’s Market. Six backyard presentations were conducted by residents. Ten residents participated in the ”green rewards” program offering $50 for small improvements such as installing a compost bin or eliminating fertilizer use on lawns. Two murals on composting were created by over 45 youth and adults, and a Green Guardian mailbox next to the mural displayed SWMCB’s  “Good Clean Dirt” brochures. 

Counties of Activity:
Hennepin
Grant Project Year:
2006, 2007

Contact Information

Eric Gustafson, Coordinator, Housing and Land Use
612-724-7457

Corcoran Neighborhood Organization

3451 Cedar Ave. So.
Minneapolis MN 55407
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Additional Resources

For state, county, Rethink Recycling, and grantee tools, visit Grantee Resources.