Composting, recycling, smart shopping, household hazardous waste, septic systems and sustainable living are the subjects of a consumer-education course to be offered in Freeland starting Tuesday, Sept. 30. The five-week course will be presented by Washington State University’s Extension Waste Wise program.

Classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Highway 525 and Woodard Road, Freeland. They will be taught by WSU staff and local experts including Janet Hall, WSU Island County Waste Wise coordinator. The classes are free of charge but applicants must pre-register by Friday, Sept. 19. For an application, e-mail Hall at halljn@wsu.edu or call her at 679-7391.

“These classes are for people who want to make a hands-on change in their own lives and a difference in the quality of life in Island County,” Hall said. Graduates of Waste Wise training give back to the community as volunteers, sharing their knowledge and experience with others.

“Most of us live on Whidbey Island not necessarily for the ‘convenience’ but because it is special,” Hall said. “We chose this place for the freedom, sense of safety and community, clean air and water, wildlife and natural beauty. Now, our challenge is to be good stewards — to live in a way that will help preserve these qualities.”

Adopting a lifestyle that is more environmentally friendly can actually help reduce the cost of living, Hall said. The trade-off is that it can take a little more time to recycle and look for products that are not packaged for convenience and disposability.

By learning and practicing sustainable living, people can break free of old consumer habits, simplify their lives and free the time to enjoy a richer quality of life. They can treat the earth and environment in ways that encourage, rather than hinder, the sustainability of the soil and water.