Clean Air Fleet, a Wisconsin based business, has been leading organizations all over the world to reduce harmful emissions and increase their bottom line savings.  Just this weekend as part of Earth Day activities, Representative Jennifer Shilling on behalf of Congressman Ron Kind recognized several counties and small businesses that are utilizing technology to voluntarily reduce carbon emissions of their vehicle fleet, while saving money.  

Special thanks and recognition were provided to Dennis Osgood of the La Crosse County Highway Department.  Also recognized were the Highway Departments of Crawford, Dunn and Buffalo Counties and several private businesses: B&K Trucking, Hughes Transport and Hotline Freight System Inc.

Utilizing Green Fleet Technologies (such as: Centron Fuel Saver & ECO Systems reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions while increasing efficiency) lowers overall carbon output. The Clean Air Fleet mission is to balance Energy, Environment, and Economy with a customized program that will reduce carbon emissions and increase the bottom line.

Clean Air Fleet feels it is important for any Wisconsin organization, whether public or private to make an effort to improve the environment we live in.  For more information about Clean Air Fleet green technologies visit; www.cleanairfleet.com or www.etieco.com   

The following video footage from the 2010 LaCrosse Earth Fair highlights the Congressional Recognition for Voluntarily Saving Fuel and Reducing Emissions:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsRbX5iOPQ8   (video)

Mississippi River Clean-up 18 years of success

The 18^th Mississippi River clean up was held on Saturday April 24th.  The Solid Waste Department has sponsored this wonderful event for the past 18 years.  The Department has supported the Mississippi River cleanup by providing dumpsters, delivery, pickup, and disposal of the waste collected at these events. Through last year, over 133 tons of debris has been collected by hundreds of volunteers and removed from the River. Over 79 tons of metal recycled, 1691 plastic barrels removed and recycled, 1428 tires disposed of, along with miscellaneous appliances, batteries, mattresses, lumber, and other assorted flotsam and jetsam, including  hazardous waste.

Hank Koch and his wife Mel worked with Department of Natural Resources Warden Wilson who manages the Annual River Cleanup in setting up the disposal of material from the project. Hank also provided his own boat to help with the event. Hank and Mel concentrated on working around the area occupied by the French Island Waste to Energy Plant. Since the Solid Waste Department works closely with Xcel Energy in the reuse and disposal of the solid waste within the region this seemed like a natural fit. “I choose to work this area of the river because of our relationship with XCEL.”

Hank and the entire Solid Waste Department feel that is important to support programs like these that mean we can enjoy a cleaner and more vibrant local environment. In fact, the Department has a policy of helping out other nonprofit organizations, volunteer groups, and the local community in similar efforts. If you have a program or project that is looking for some limited support feel free to contact Hank at the Solid Waste Office at 608-785-9572

Hank and Mel brought in a myriad of material including a 55 gallon plastic drum, an inflatable swimming pool that had seen better days, and an assortment of plastic bags full of styrofoam, bottles, cans and lumber. “Yes that’s my fishing boat and I have never had a catch like that!” Hank said as he was unloading his boat. Even though the day was not very spring like, with a little cold rain, Hank couldn’t have had a bigger smile on his face at the end.  “This was a great event and one we can be proud that the county participated in.”

Finally, a noon thank you lunch with door prizes was provided for the volunteers with stories of what was found and what kind of condition the areas were left in for the better.  New friends made and the thought of doing something good that makes a difference not only to us humans, but to all the flora and fauna that call the Mississippi River Valley home. Of course after a day’s event like this one a quick run home to a hot shower and a warm home is always welcomed along with the satisfaction of a job well done.

Thank you, Steve Doyle and Steve O'Malley