The Zero Waste Initiative (ZWI) acts as an educator, facilitator, and coordinator for large and small event providers to help the event leave as little impact on the environment and location. All Steamboat events that have “Gone Zero” are surprised at the immediate reduction in waste and the ZW team is always well received and complimented on their efforts by the event participants.
Step 1: Partners
It is imperative that you have local, industrial compost and recycling facilities. ZWI works with Twin Environ for composting and Waste Management for recycling pickups.
The food and compostable items are brought out to theindustrial compost facility immediately following the event to prohibit tampering with, contaminating, or luring wildlife to the compost bins. The compost is mixed with wood chips and existing dirt in a “starter pile.” They are then aerated, heated, and turned for 4-6 months.
All number plastics, aluminum, tin, glass, paper, and cardboard can and should be recycled. Typically after the local sorting, items are packaged by category (plastic #, glass, newspaper, etc) and tied in bundles, and then taken down to be sorted a second time. After which the by-products are then shipped to various facilities nationally and internationally to be made into new products.
Step 2: Education
In addition to composting and recycling, “Going Zero” can and should start with reducing waste in general. From purchasing reusable plates, cups, and cutlery (as opposed to plastics or compostable items), to eliminating PCs like ketchup packets, to eliminating the sale of bottled water, every aspect of waste should be considered.
To maximize the diversion percentages of compost and recycling, educators should be on hand at big events to help train volunteers and educate the participants and visitors on where the “waste” items go. Compost and recycling bin contamination should be kept to a minimum to keep any of the waste from being dumped into the landfill. When residential programs are enacted, educational collateral and online videos and support should replace live educators.
At ZWI’s local events, our ratio is typically 2 volunteers and two of each recycling and compost bins for every 500 participants.
Step 3: Involvement
Involve local groups to your cause! Focus on children’s organizations, outdoor and sporting events, and seek out other environmentally focused groups to help your cause. These like minded groups will help with volunteerism, education, and spreading the word. Query other groups such as the ZWI as to how they have created success to avoid “reinventing the wheel” and diversifying your involvement with the community.
Also interact frequently with your local media and encourage them to participate in your events.
Step 4: Close the Loop
The dirt must be tested by the EPA for nutrient and chemical quality before the dirt is sold locally; compost facilities operate under strict guidelines for setup, maintenance, and sale in order to protect its surrounding environment. The dirt can also be donated to local community gardens and school projects, sold individually or through landscape operators. It is advised to get your local gardening groups and Master Gardeners to offer testimonials to the quality of the dirt in order to encourage its sale. Creating new dirt is impractical without the use of it.
Step 5: Gather Statistics
The ZWI has been gathering statistics to show its success since its inception, and typical diversion rates range from 80-100% of the waste being kept out of the landfill and used as resources.
The Summer Concert Series reduced their trash from 2 dumpsters per event to 1 small trash bag for 2-5000 people and is now at a 95% diversion through their Zero Waste program’s composting and recycling. This program started in 2010.
The Saturday Market reduced their trash from 80-120 gallons of trash per event to less than 10 gallons of trash at just their first event in June 2011 and is already at a 90% diversion.
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