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One of the most important aspects of Green Infrastructure that is often overlooked is the impact of individual efforts within the community. Like any big project, each small piece must work together to function efficiently. You can contribute to Ashland’s overall sustainability and water consciousness by volunteering your time, energy, and resources to any of our projects.
Actions for anyone to take, anywhere.
Rain barrels hold back excess rain/stormwater for later use!
For those with social outlets or who just want to help spread the word.
Clean up a street near you to help keep pollution out of the lake.
Clean up a storm drain near you to help keep pollution out of the lake.
Other volunteer opportunities in Ashland include:
The Brick The Chequamegon Humane Association (CHA) Bargain Hut/The Enrichment Center
American Red Cross Citizens Climate Lobby Northland College Volunteering
Volunteer Voices
Volunteer Voices
If you have a story you'd like to share, contact the Green Infrastructure Volunteer Coordinators to be featured here on our website and elsewhere!
Trash in the Streets, Tired in the Sheets
Trash in the Streets, Tired in the Sheets
3/8/2020
"After a long and mentally-exhausting winter, the first beautiful 50 degree day coaxed me outside. On a walk through town, I was enjoying the sunshine and slight breeze when a plastic bag tumbled across the sidewalk in front of me. The snowbanks along the street were still high enough to catch it, so I snatched it up on my way by -- gee, that was easy! That also meant I had a plastic bag to carry until I found a trash bin, so I thought...why not put it to use?
Once I started thinking about picking up all of the litter I saw on my walk, I started realizing just how much there was! From pieces of candy wrappers, to soda cans, to car parts -- there wasn't nearly enough room for it all in this single plastic bag. Once the bag was full, I broken-heartedly walked past all of the trash I was still noticing all over the sides of the street. How could this happen?
I stopped by a store and, although I had my backpack to carry my goods like I usually do, my items got bagged into yet another plastic bag (two, in fact -- ouch). This only made me think...now I can pick up more trash! Since I generally walk everywhere, I decided to use any plastic bag I take just for picking up litter. It takes work, but sustainable community habits are achievable!"
- Coal Gass, GI Volunteer Coordinator
Ashland Mayor Resolves to Reduce Plastic Use in 2020
Ashland Mayor Resolves to Reduce Plastic Use in 2020
3/5/2020
"Honestly, until recently I was one of those who really didn’t think about my mindless small daily choices and how they affect our environment. It can be overwhelming to think about changing and the lure of convenience can easily overcome twinges of guilt over buying a soft drink on the road in a plastic container with a plastic lid and a plastic straw to satisfy my thirst and an hour later stopping at the next gas station and adding my contribution to the overflowing trash receptacle. It never occurred to me to consider the cumulative effect of all the times I did that. Even when I did allow myself to think about it, I always had endless reasons to justify it: “I’m too busy to plan ahead,” “It’s okay as long as I recycle,” “I’m only one person in a sea of society, and the bother it would cause me to act differently in this one little things would not make any difference anyway,” “We are past the point where individual action will make any difference.” Then I came across the attached handout that opened my eyes to the reality that I can no longer ignore. And I learned that even the best recyclers are stockpiling recycled plastic due to low demand. My habits still matter. Helping with this problem can be empowering.
Sometime during the New Year’s break of 2020, I resolved to look at the use of plastics in my household that I use on a regular basis and try to find non plastic alternatives that are still convenient. My goal for the year is to try to find ways to reduce my individual contribution to the trash cycle. Here is a partial list of plastic items that I identified: soft drink and water bottles, straws, grocery bags, storage bags, laundry detergent “jugs”, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, soap, take out containers, trash bags and cups, plates and cutlery. I have to admit that what started out as an overwhelming chore has now become a fun and enjoyable hobby that has stoked my creative side. "
- Mayor Deb Lewis
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