Catherine Gingrich received her certificate and badge to become the newest Certified Master Recycler.
The Valparaiso resident was recognized at the Dec. 11 Porter County Recycling & Waste Reduction board meeting. She completed 30 volunteer hours, thereby achieving all requirements of the Porter County Master Recycler Program, sponsored by the district.
Gingrich fulfilled her educational requirement by attending classes, featuring experts who talked about recycling processes, landfills, household hazardous waste, vermicomposting, backyard composting, and more. The program also included field trips.
"Catherine is the 30th person to complete all of the program requirements since the program began in 2014,” said Donna Stuckert, district public education coordinator. "She played an essential role in this agency’s educational goals by volunteering at events to help residents learn about recycling guidelines and waste reduction programs.”
The purpose of the Porter County Master Recycler Program is to create a volunteer pool of knowledgeable residents who help to educate and inspire others in the community to reduce waste at home and work. Master Recycler Programs originated in the Pacific Northwest, and many have sprouted up throughout the United States.
The Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County is an agency dedicated to improving the environment and quality of life by providing services and educational programs which help residents reduce, reuse, and recycle.