Another Generation Working on Shorewood Environmentalism

The Village's Conservation Committee is busy preparing for its largest spring event, aimed at getting people to clean out their houses and dispose of items in a responsible way. 

It's just one of the events the village has planned to make it easier for residents to be environmentally responsible.

“We try to hit the season before people say, 'oh, shoot I should be composting,'” said Roy Anderson, chairman of the village's Conservation Committee. “Early spring, people are just starting to get itchy about getting outside.”

The upcoming Conservation Fair & Green Clean Event is the committee’s last and largest spring event.

“Last year we had 155 vehicles come with things to be processed,” said Anderson. “Motivation behind the fair is to get the community together to keep landfills clear.” 

Items that will be collected will range from working appliances, home decor, books, electronic items, to laptops and more. The only items that will not be collected are types involving hazardous waste, such as chemicals and flammables. 

Aside from the committee, a variety of local, environmental and safety groups will be in attendance. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Committee, Bird City Wisconsin and the Shorewood Water Project are just a few who will be providing information on sustainability. 

The Department of Public Works will have recycling bins for sale, and have staff on hand to answer questions about waste disposal and recycling. DPW will also be selling Butterfly Weed, Shorewood’s native plant, at a special price.

“This gives people the chance to clean out their house, garage and medicine cabinets,” said Anderson. “ The police will be there too, to collect unwanted and unused prescription drugs. This prevents people from flushing unused medications and helps keep our groundwater clean.”

The event, taking place Saturday, May 4, will be held in Atwater School parking lot from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

A history of environmentalism and conservation in Shorewood

Shorewood has called itself home to two separate Conservation Committees within the last two decades. The original committee first came together in the 1990s. 

“Its purpose was to start a recycling program in the village, which at that time was in need of one,” said Anderson.

Anderson is one of the 13 members on the board today. He and his wife, Dawn, have lived in the village for 27 years. Both grew up around Whitefish Bay, and were intrigued by the area. 

“We liked the diverse lifestyle,” said Anderson. “Shorewood is a walkable community, and we wanted a place where our kids could walk to school and we could do things, like walk to the library.” 

After the recycling program was successfully launched, the original committee disbanded. The Village Board sought to reconstitute the committee in 2007. However, Anderson admits that initially it was a bit disjointed. 

“We weren’t sure with what we wanted to accomplish,” said Anderson. “In the last three or four years, it seems we have shaken it out and attained a structure.” 

Shorewood was first recognized for its environmental efforts in 1996 when the village was designated a Tree City by the National Arbor Foundation. The most recent version of the Conservation Committee took the village’s commitment to the improvement of the environment a step further, as members worked to make Shorewood a Bird City.

In becoming a Bird City, a community must meet seven of 22 conservation criteria that are spread across five categories. Some criteria consist of being acknowledged as a Tree City by Tree City USA, park planning and seeking to provide additional bird habitats and making sure the community is in compliance with Wisconsin’s “Smart Growth” law for land use and planning and resource management. The village is now one of 66 communities around the state of Wisconsin to be recognized as a Bird City since December of 2010. 

Anderson is most proud of strides the committee has made in building relationships with the Village Board. 

“In the last few years, the conservation committee has worked with the village on a sustainability plan,” said Anderson proudly. “We are guide-lining sustainability action items for short-term, midterm and long-term priorities. It is really exciting”

The committee has also created opportunity for the involvement of local youth, reserving a seat for a Shorewood High School Student. 

“Having students involved is great,” said Anderson. “I mean one of our primary functions is education and outreach.” 

Story Sandy, a senior at SHS, has occupied the seat since 2011.

When asked why he thought conservation was important, Sandy quoted Robert Redford. 

“This sums up my beliefs,” said Sandy. “I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend?”

“The seat is typically filled by an upper class student,” said Anderson. “Sophomores can fill the seat too, just so there is a continuum.” 

SHS Principal, Matthew Joynt, finds student involvement in the committee to be a great opportunity. 

“I am excited for a village committee to have student representation,” said Joynt. “I think it is important to have a student voice in things the community does.”

More information about the Conservation Committee and events can be found on the village website.