Milwaukee Environmental Collaboration Office - ECO

01/26/2023

Winter Salting Guide

Once you put salt down, it doesn’t go away. Instead, it travels into our waterways, putting our aquatic life at risk and endangering our freshwater resources.

Chloride levels are rising in many lakes and rivers in Wisconsin. Every year, more than 525,000 tons of salt is dumped into our state’s surfaces, enough to pollute over 400 billion gallons of our water.

This , learn more with the Guide created by WI Salt Wise and University of Wisconsin-Madison. ⬇️

In the winter, we apply salt to surfaces such as parking lots, roads, sidewalks. That salt dissolves in water, and runs into storm sewers and directly into o...

01/25/2023

Snow is falling in Milwaukee today. What can you do to help limit in our waterways while still being safe?

❄️ Shovel: Use a scraper, shovel or broom to clear walkways before the snow turns to ice. The more snow you can remove manually, the less salt you will have to use and the more effective it will be.

❄️ Scatter: Scatter salt so that there is space between grains. A hand spreader can help. A 12 oz. cup of salt is enough to treat a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares.

❄️ Switch: Regular salt won’t work when temperatures drop below 15 degrees. Use sand for traction or a different deicer that works at colder temperatures.

❄️ Sweep: Sweep up excess salt after ice has melted so it doesn’t wash into storm drains and into our local waterways.
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01/24/2023

The largest contributor of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions is from transportation. Consider driving less. You will pay less for ongoing operating costs like oil changes and repairs, gas, and parking fees.

The State provides alternate transportation for state and non-state employees who frequently commute to Madison with vanpooling. All riders share in the expense of commuting through a biweekly fee to cover maintenance, insurance, and gas for the vans. The program is self-insured regarding collision and comprehensive insurance.

Suggest neighbors join an existing pool or form their own. Identify a driver, coordinator, and riders. By Wisconsin Statues, the only requirement is that there be a state employee on board. You determine your own time schedule and route.

Learn more: doa.wi.gov/Pages/StateEmployees/JoinAVanPool.aspx

01/23/2023

Take part in with WI Salt Wise ⬇️

THIS WEEK is !

Join our friends at WI Salt Wise daily to learn about the impacts of on our lakes, streams, & drinking water, & how govts, businesses, & individuals can do their part to

Learn more > https://buff.ly/393tFSz

01/20/2023

Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate! The City of Milwaukee wishes you all luck, health, and prosperity in the Year of the Rabbit.

01/19/2023

Check out this opportunity ⬇️

01/19/2023

Spotlight on the : Paliafito Eco-Arts Park

The primary goal of the Arts At Large Eco-Arts Learning Center is to engage students, families, educators, neighborhood residents, and the broader community in hands-on, project-based environmental and arts learning. Regular community programming is held in the park, including the "Music Under the Stars" concert series and festivals held on Friday nights in the summer.

The community supported the design and installation of all aspects of the park. Each year, raised bed gardens are planted by students from Escuela Vieau for the community. Veggies and herbs are free to harvest for everyone. All water is captured from the performance stage in the park with a 7,000-gallon rain catchment cistern underneath. In 2016, over 50 community members and Walker’s Point residents assisted with the construction and assembly of the cistern.
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💧 Read more: milwaukee.gov/WCC

01/18/2023

Interested in financing green improvements on your commercial property?

The Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing program supports:

✅ Water efficiency
✅ Renewable energy
✅ Electric vehicle infrastructure
✅ Energy reliability
✅ Stormwater controls/green infrastructure
✅ Other resiliency upgrades

This public-private partnership leverages private capital to supply upfront funding for the improvements and collects payments through a voluntary municipal special charge. The special charge is attached to the property, not the owner, and is paid back through a direct billing system over time. Projects are designed so that the annual energy and other savings pay for the special charge, providing a net positive cash flow over the life of the upgrades.

Find webinar recordings here ➡️ milwaukee.gov/PACEwebinars

01/17/2023

Sherman Park Community Association's ECO team is striving to make its neighborhood the greenest community in Southeastern Wisconsin!

Join in this Thursday, January 19 from 6-7:30 p.m. for an online resource fair where you'll learn about sustainable practices and resources being adopted in Sherman Park and around Milwaukee.

♻️ Register in Advance: shermanpark.org/event/eco-webinar-an-online-resource-fair-for-sherman-park-green-neighbors

01/13/2023

Most City of Milwaukee offices will be closed on Monday, January 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and will return to regular hours on Tuesday, January 17. Request City services at milwaukee.gov/Click4Action, use the MKE Mobile app, or call 414-286-CITY.

01/13/2023

Check out programming at Milwaukee Public Library ⬇️

01/12/2023

01/11/2023

Vote- Best Riverwalk Nominees: 2023 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards

Cast your vote! ⬇️

Voting for the Best Riverwalk is open! Cast your vote daily to help pick the 2023 10Best Readers' Choice Award for Best Riverwalk.

01/11/2023

Spotlight on the : Boone & Crockett

Across the river from this stop is Jones Island, home to Wisconsin’s largest water reclamation facility. It helps protect public health for 1.1 million people by filtering contamination from entering our drinking water through the use of microbes, which eat organic material in the water.

The plant is managed by Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District - MMSD and cleans wastewater that comes from industrial facilities, surface runoff, and anything people send down their drains. A fertilizer called Milorganite has been produced through the treatment process since 1926, and is recognized as one of the nation’s oldest recycling efforts.

On this side of the river there are also food, entertainment, and activities that create connection to the water. People can take advantage of zero emissions electric boats, kayaks, paddle boards, and pedal taverns.
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💧 Read more: milwaukee.gov/WCC
📸 Kayakers: VISIT Milwaukee
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01/10/2023

Check out these upcoming events:

January, 12 - 6PM: Listen to pediatrician & toxicologist Dr. Landrigan with Beyond Plastics share research on the impacts of plastics to our health.

➡️ Register: beyondplastics.org/events/plastics-human-health-1-12-23?fbclid=IwAR2kLkcW8tu8kxc-JITaEtCM-wtwTal9uru2dnJ7pCePVgcCL1Vbn4_MrOA

January, 18 - 5:30PM: Join Plastic Free MKE for a follow-up Q&A discussion with the Medical College of Wisconsin about the Beyond Plastics webinar.

➡️ Register: forms.gle/F9Wj3DJSD6HwE8zZA

01/09/2023

Focus on Energy Assessments

Did You Know? 🤨 Homeowners who have had their home inspected, insulated, and air sealed through the Milwaukee Energy Efficiency Program (Me2) have averaged a 30% reduction in energy use!

A good way to begin your home energy efficiency improvements is with an assessment of your space. Then, contact a participating Me2 contractor based on the type of work you need done.

Me2 contractors hire local workers and are Trade Allies in the Focus on Energy Program, which means they can help you get your rebates on qualifying projects.

Get Started Today ➡️ milwaukee.gov/Me2

Where should you start when you want to maximize energy efficiency in your home?Lighting?Insulation?Heating and Cooling?Start with a Focus on Energy Trade Al...

01/05/2023

Spotlight on the : Confluence Point

A confluence occurs wherever two or more rivers flow together and form a single channel, creating a new ecosystem distinct from each river on its own. The Milwaukee and Menomonee Rivers merge into a confluence, then join the Kinnickinnic River (another confluence), before the rivers empty into Lake Michigan.

A confluence creates a blending of energy, species, chemistry, and habitats that allows biodiversity to thrive. The Milwaukee RiverWalk brings three unique neighborhoods together: Milwaukee Downtown, the Historic Third Ward, and Beerline B. Similar to the confluence, the RiverWalk blends together arts, restaurants, shops, and activities, and makes Milwaukee a thriving ecosystem of cultural diversity. The RiverWalk System is a world-class public amenity that draws hundreds of thousands of people to the shores of the rivers each year.

The confluence also offers access to the Milwaukee Urban Water Trail, designed by Milwaukee Riverkeeper. The trail helps the community gain safe and legal access to the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers. It includes access points, portages, hazards, and resting sites, plus information on historic, cultural, ecological, and scenic points of interest along the way.
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💧 Read more: milwaukee.gov/WCC
🗺️ Milwaukee Urban Water Trail: milwaukeeriverkeeper.org/connect/milwaukee-urban-water-trail/
📸 1872 Map: Library of Congress, Geography & Map Division
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01/04/2023

Wondering how to reduce your environmental impact on your commute? The State of Wisconsin offers a FREE Rideshare program. You can ride, drive, or bike. Rideshare serves all of Wisconsin and bordering counties in neighboring states. You DO NOT need to drive or have a car to participate.

Here's How it Works:
1⃣ After you register, run a match list and contact matches to find 2 or more carpool buddies.
2⃣ Start your carpool!
3⃣ Use the Commute Calendar to run a report to compute your cost savings, pollution & greenhouse gas reductions.

Ridesharing can take place outside of the program as well. Encourage neighbors who commute to the same area, work at the same organization, or take children to the same schools to set up a carpool or bike riding schedule.

🚘 Register: wisconsindot.gov/Pages/travel/road/rideshare/default.aspx

01/03/2023

Our 🌊 website has gotten a refresh for the new year!

Discover how Milwaukee recognizes the importance of water as essential to a sustainable and resilient future with 7 Key Principles:

1) Water Research & Policy 🔬
2) Arts, Talent, Culture & Education 🎨
3) Fishable, Swimmable Water 🎣
4) Green Infrastructure 🌱
5) Sustainable & Healthy Water Supply 🚰
6) Water Leadership 🏆
7) Water Technology ⌨️

Plus, get connected to the Water Centric Framework & Checklist and read about Milwaukee's Water Story with the Water Current Tour.

💧 milwaukee.gov/WCC

12/29/2022

Have a Happy New Year! A reminder that most City of Milwaukee offices are closed for the holiday from Friday, December 30 through Monday, January 2. Request City services at milwaukee.gov/Click4Action, use the MKEmobile app or call 414-286-CITY.

12/29/2022

🎉 Create less waste this holiday season! Composting is an easy, inexpensive alternative to landfills that puts organic waste to use to help create healthy soil. Try hot and cold composting, vermicomposting (worms!), or grasscycling.

You can compost in the following ways:

1⃣ Use individual compost bins in your home
2⃣ Use a curbside organics collection service
3⃣ Take waste to a City Drop Off Center

Plus, don't forget to swap out purchases for compostable items when possible!

✨ More Tips: milwaukee.gov/Waste

12/27/2022

Happy Kwanzaa to all who celebrate!

is observed from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. The seven candles (Mishumaa Saba) represent the seven principles of Kwanzaa— unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

12/22/2022

Merry and happy holidays! A reminder that most City of Milwaukee offices are closed for the holiday from Friday, December 23 through Monday, December 26. Request City services at milwaukee.gov/Click4Action, use the MKEmobile app or call 414-286-CITY.

12/22/2022

Did you know that you can bring a live tree to the City of Milwaukee Drop Off Centers to be mulched? 🎄

Centers are located at 3879 W. Lincoln Ave. and 6660 N. Industrial Rd. and are open Tuesday - Saturday from 7 AM - 3 PM. Check for holiday closures.

➡️ More details at milwaukee.gov/dropoff

12/21/2022

Wondering what you should do with your holiday lights after the holiday season? 💡

Here's a great tip from Milwaukee Recycles (Recycle For Good, Milwaukee!): Donate your lights or recycle them through HolidayLEDs.com/free-light-recycling.

12/20/2022

Are you ready for snow this week? Help us protect our waterways from pollution with SMART salting:

1⃣ SHOVEL before snow turns to ice. The more snow you remove manually, the less salt you will have to use.

2⃣ SCATTER your salt and use sparingly. A 12 oz. cup of salt can treat a 20-foot driveway or 10 sidewalk squares.

3⃣ SWITCH to sand for traction or a different deicer that works at colder temperatures. Regular salt won’t work below 15 degrees.

4⃣ SWEEP up excess salt after ice has melted so that it does not wash into storm drains and into our local waterways.

❄️ More details: milwaukee.gov/winter
❄️ Source: WI Salt Wise

12/19/2022

🎉 Create less waste this holiday season!

Recycling is the law in Wisconsin. It allows new products to be made from the old through reprocessing and remanufacturing. It's good for the environment, supports local jobs, and saves the City money that covers the costs associated with disposal.

Unsure about an item? Look to guidance from Milwaukee Recycles (Recycle For Good, Milwaukee!). Take plastic bags and film to grocery stores. Bring scrap metal, appliances, antifreeze, car batteries, used motor oil, tires, electronics, cooking oil, and more to the City's Drop Off Centers.

❄️ More Tips: milwaukee.gov/GreenEvents

12/16/2022

Happy Hanukkah! 🕎 Wishing all who celebrate a festival filled with hope, peace, and joy.

begins Sunday evening, December 18 and ends on Monday evening, December 26. Often called the Festival of Lights, it's celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games, and gifts.

12/15/2022

Focus on Air Sealing

Make your home warmer this winter! 🌡

Take part in the Milwaukee Energy Efficiency Program for rebates on energy efficiency improvements to reduce your heating bill.

Here's how much you could save with Focus on Energy rebates:

✅ Air Sealing: Up to $750
✅ Insulation: Up to $450
✅ Furnace: Up to $550
✅ Boiler: Up to $700
✅ Heat Pump: Up to $750

Plus, receive financing up to $15,000 with Summit Credit Union.

🏡 Get started at milwaukee.gov/Me2.

Make sure you are comfortable in your home year-round. Air leakage in your home accounts for 15% of your energy bill.Focus on Air Sealing with Focus on Energ...

12/14/2022

Spotlight on the : Rockwell Automation, Inc. Headquarters

Rockwell’s commitment to environmental sustainability enabled a partnership with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District - MMSD to install a 49,000-square-foot green roof on the 8th floor of the westernmost building in 2010.

The green roof is a layer of vegetation, like a big garden, planted over a waterproofing system that is installed on top of the flat roof. With more than a dozen varieties of sedum and native perennial plants, it has a range of environmental and health benefits, including improved stormwater retention, water and air quality, planting, heat and energy regulation, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions and heat island effect.

While it is beautiful, the green roof more importantly absorbs stormwater, preventing untreated water from flowing into our region’s waterways, and preventing local sewer overflows caused by downpours. Rockwell’s green roof captures hundreds of thousands of gallons of water each year.

In order for the plants to grow, there must be pollination, and for pollination we need bees. Since bees don’t typically venture to the heights of Rockwell’s green roof, a beekeeper has brought in beehives. With hives in place, the bees multiply, pollinate, and make honey from plant sources throughout the Walker’s Point neighborhood.

The honey produced on Rockwell’s green roof has a unique taste and color, thanks to the specific nectar from the area’s plants. The honey is collected from the hives in the summer and sold at local farmers markets and businesses.

💧 Read more at milwaukee.gov/WCC

12/13/2022

🎉 Create less waste this holiday season!

Think about how you can swap out single-use items for items that can be used over and over again. Switch to a reusable water bottle or shopping bags in place of plastic options.

Instead of buying something new, consider if a neighbor, family member, or local store might have something gently used you can try instead. Reusing items keeps them out of the landfill and saves you money. Part of reusing involves making repairs where necessary.

❄️ Learn more: milwaukee.gov/waste

12/12/2022

On Saturday, ECO joined Common Council members and Greater Milwaukee organizations at North Division High School for the 12th Annual Housing Resource Fair.

We spoke to Milwaukee residents about the Milwaukee Energy Efficiency Program and other opportunities to finance energy efficiency improvements in their homes.

More information, including the ECO Home Energy Efficiency Resource Flyer, can be found at milwaukee.gov/me2.
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12/07/2022

The Milwaukee City-County Annual is requesting donations for young people at Running Rebels Community Organization and Journey House.

Bring requested items to the following drop off locations by THIS Monday, December 12.

More details at mkeholidaydrive.org.

12/06/2022

The 2022 Housing Resource Fair takes place this Saturday, Dec. 10 from 10 am-2 pm at North Division High School.

Stop by the ECO table to get connected to resources! We have residential programs on energy efficiency and solar, and resources on making your home greener and healthier.

12/06/2022

Looking for winter resources? Get helpful cold weather & winter storm tips from various departments on:

❄️ Safely keeping warm
❄️ Finding shelter
❄️ Parking during snow emergencies
❄️ Snow clearing
❄️ Salting
❄️ Preventing frozen water pipes

Be prepared and stay aware: milwaukee.gov/coldweather

12/05/2022

National Christmas Lights Day is sure to get everyone in the holiday spirit!🎄 With such popularity, light pollution and energy use reaches its peak this time of year. To do your part, opt for LED Christmas lights, which use up to 90% less energy. There are even solar or rechargeable battery light options! In addition, set your lights on a timer, so they do not waste excess energy. Think sustainably, the holidays can still be merry and bright!