Podcasts about eco cycle

Journalist Mélissa Cornet and photographer Kiana Hayeri documented the daily lives of more than 100 Afghan girls and women in an attempt to reveal what they have called the "different shades of oppression" under Taliban rule. Then, Suzanne Jones runs Eco-Cycle, a recycling center in Boulder, Colorado that specializes in hard-to-recycle materials. It finds new uses for products like books, toilets, bikes, foam, fire extinguishers and mattresses. And chef Kathy Gunst offers tips for New Year's Eve entertaining.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Conservative States & Provinces group—a subgroup of the Reuse Solutions Network— brings together advocates from areas where it is harder to pass policy so they can share and troubleshoot ways to advance reuse despite the obstacles. And one major barrier folks living in conservative states often face is preemption, aka “bans on bans.” If a town wants to pass a Skip the Stuff ordinance, for instance, a state with certain pre-emption laws could override it. This is a reality that impacts many living in more conservative jurisdictions and directly hinders the ability to pass local policy on plastics and packaging. This discussion from a recent meeting of the Conservative States & Provinces subgroup covers preemption more broadly and its implications for reuse policy; how it looks in different states; strategies for challenging it; and lessons learned from experienced panelists: Randy Moorman of Eco-Cycle in Colorado, Emma Haydocy of Surfrider in Florida, and Jeremy Drake of MT Plastic Free Missoula in Montana. Resources: Reuse Solutions NetworkEco-cycleSurfrider FloridaMT Plastic Free MissoulaUpstream's Policy TrackerReuse Coalitions & Groups

This week on How on Earth Beth speaks with Mattie Matsch, deputy director of Boulder's Eco-Cycle. We spoke about the challenges of recycling plastics. As consumers, it's vital to be aware of these challenges and the limitations they impose on the types of plastic we can toss in the barrel for pickup. Executive Producer: Joel … Continue reading "Myths and Facts about Plastic Recycling"

What's the law on plastic bags and polystyrene cups and take-out containers? What other legislation is in effect or potentially coming soon to move the state toward zero waste? How can you receive funding to support your organizational efforts? How can we all take part in moving to reduce this kind of waste? Find out in this update from Rachel Setzke of Eco-Cycle. In Colorado, restaurants have experienced as much as a 90% reduction in use (and costs) of single use items like straws, ketchup packets, etc. when they don't automatically provide them, but first ask if a customer wants them. Get this and other useful bits of information in this episode! Eco-Cycle is one of the oldest mission-based recyclers and Zero Waste organizations in the US, and an innovator in resource conservation. They operate the Boulder County Recycling Center, provide Zero Waste business services, and created the nation's first Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM). They also run the Green Star Schools program, Community Carbon Farming program, a recycling helpline (303-444-6634), created the A–Z Recycling Guide, and advance Zero Waste policies at the local, state, and national levels.  MORE INFORMATION: Presenter's Slideshttps://studio809podcasts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Colorado-legislation-wins-for-recycling-composting-and-waste-reduction-for-Co-Springs-group.pdf Front Range Waste Diversion Enterprise Fund programs informationhttps://www.coloradofrwd.org/ https://ecocycle.org/harmful-plastics Producer Responsibility Acthttps://www.recyclingforallcoloradans.org/ https://www.plasticfreerestaurants.org/ https://www.chefannfoundation.org/ Bag Fee, Ban Materials & Resourceshttps://ecocycle.org/PPRA Thanks to Studio 809 Podcasts sponsor KJS Auto Hail Repair. Save $100: Mention that you were referred by Studio 809 when you call, or on the contact form at https://kjsautohailrepair.com/ This episode was recorded at the Sustainability in Progress  (SIP) virtual event on January 17, 2024. Sustainability in Progress is a monthly program of the Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future. Join us (free) the third Wednesday of every month. Register for the February Sustainability in Progress: COS Sustainability and Strategic Doing February 21, 2024, 12 noon MST https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsc-GhpjorHNR7orAohu2U6jUEq2Nrz2fy The mission of Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future is to promote regional sustainability and advance the Pikes Peak region's sustainability plan (PPR2030) through regional collaboration and outreach. Connect with us at peakalliance.org The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region. Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://www.peakalliance.co/ Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/ GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode:      

Recycling: Obstacles and Progress (start time: 4:35): This week's How On Earth focuses on the state of recycling and composting in Colorado and well beyond. A newly published report by Eco-Cycle and CoPIRG shows that Colorado ranks well below the national average, and below its own goals, on recycling and composting. But the report also … Continue reading "Recycling: Obstacles and Progress"

You're a pineapple but you're also table.

Heidi Helfand joins me on this episode of the Xagility™ podcast to discuss her wonderful book: Dynamic Reteaming as well as her five patterns for dynamic reteaming. Packed with anecdotes and over two decades of experience, this episode is guaranteed to make you laugh, think and learn. Heidi Helfand is a software engineering leader with 20+ years of experience helping fast-growing companies double and triple in size. Her book, Dynamic Reteaming, details people-focused patterns and tactics to help companies thrive through hypergrowth. Heidi is currently VP of Engineering Growth at Kin, an insurance tech company that offers affordable coverage to homeowners in catastrophe-prone regions. Heidi is based in Southern California. CPCC, ICF PCC. Heidi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidihelfand/ John Coleman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncolemanagilitychef --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/xagility/message

Show #1395 Good morning, good afternoon and good evening wherever you are in the world, welcome to EV News Daily, you trusted source of information. It's Sunday 6th March, it's Martyn Lee here and I go through every EV story so you don't have to. Welcome to a new PATREON PRODUCER PT. If you get any value from this podcast please consider supporting my work on Patreon. Plus all Patreon supporters get their own unique ad-free podcast feed. SONY AND HONDA PLAN TO MAKE ELECTRIC VEHICLES TOGETHER - Sony and Honda are planning to form a new company to design and sell electric vehicles together. The venture hasn't been finalized just yet, but the two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding that states their intent. The as-yet unnamed new company is expected to be formed this year, with sales of the first EV model planned for 2025. - The partnership is intended to combine Honda's expertise in making and marketing cars with Sony's capabilities in image sensors, telecommunications, and entertainment. - Sony has signaled its intentions to enter the automotive world for a while, but this marks its first concrete move into the commercial industry. At CES 2020, Sony showed off an electric concept car called the Vision-S, and followed it up at CES 2022 with the Vision-S 02. At that time Sony announced plans to establish an operating company called Sony Mobility by the spring of 2022; it would appear that the new Honda partnership has rendered that idea moot. Original Source : https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/4/22961207/sony-honda-electric-car-new-company-2025-date HUAWEI'S COMPETITOR TO TESLA ELECTRIC CARS TO BEGIN DELIVERIES IN CHINA - The first electric car with Huawei's HarmonyOS operating system is set to begin deliveries at a ceremony on Saturday in Shanghai, according to an announcement on social media. - Huawei's consumer business group CEO Richard Yu spent an hour at a winter product launch event promoting the car, the Aito M5. But the Chinese telecommunications company has emphasized it will not make cars on its own, rather working with auto manufacturers on autonomous driving and other technology. - Seres is the automaker behind the Aito M5. The company is also known as SF Motors and is a Silicon Valley-based subsidiary of automaker Sokon - id-sized SUV costs 249,800 yuan ($39,651), after subsidies Original Source : https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/04/huaweis-competitor-to-tesla-electric-cars-to-begin-deliveries-in-china.html GREATER GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTIONS FOR PICKUP TRUCK ELECTRIFICATION THAN FOR OTHER LIGHT-DUTY VEHICLES - Light-duty vehicles, including sedans, SUVs and pickup trucks, are currently responsible for 58% of U.S. transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions. Pickup trucks accounted for 14% of light-duty vehicle sales in the United States in 2020, and the market share of both pickups and SUVs has grown in recent years. - But what does pickup truck electrification mean for the decarbonization of the transportation industry? - University of Michigan and Ford Motor Co. researchers addressed this question in a new study and evaluated the savings in greenhouse gas emissions relative to gasoline-powered pickup trucks. - They found that for sedans, SUVs and pickup trucks, battery-electric vehicles have approximately 64% lower cradle-to-grave life cycle greenhouse gas emissions than internal-combustion-engine vehicles on average across the United States. - Researchers, for instance, found that replacing an internal-combustion-engine vehicle with a battery-electric vehicle results in greater total tonnage of greenhouse gas emissions reductions as the vehicle size increases, due to the greater fuel consumption of larger vehicles. - The researchers also found that battery-electric vehicles have larger greenhouse gas emissions in their manufacturing than internal-combustion-engine vehicles, due to battery production, but this impact is offset by savings in their operation. For battery-electric vehicles and internal-combustion-engine vehicles, the break-even time is 1.2 to 1.3 years for sedans, 1.4 to 1.6 years for SUVs and 1.3 years for pickup trucks, based on the average U.S. grid and vehicle miles traveled. Original Source : https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/03/220304112018.htm KIA CONFIRMS EV9 FLAGSHIP SUV COMING IN 2023 - The Kia EV9 is promised to offer a range of approximately 540 km (336 miles) on a single charge, but the battery capacity has not been disclosed. Despite its size, the EV9 will be quick with a target acceleration of 0-60 mph in 5.x seconds. - Kia highlights also fast charging capability, saying that it will be possible to replenish 100 km (62 miles) of range in 6 minutes (at a high-power DC fast charger). For reference, the Kia Concept EV9 info said that it will recharge from 10% to 80% of state-of-charge in about 20-30 minutes. - The EV9 will bring a few new features for the Kia brand, including OTA (Over the Air) software updates and FoD (Feature on Demand) services, as well as the new AutoMode autonomous driving technology. - The Kia EV9 will be based on the Hyundai Motor Group's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), already used in the Kia EV6 (and a few other models from the group). Original Source : https://insideevs.com/news/571397/kia-ev9-flagship-suv-2023/ ALMOST 80% OF CANADIANS OPEN TO OWNING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE - Most Canadians (63%) would prefer to see electric cars become the majority of cars consumers drive. Fully 80% think it is likely that electric vehicles will reach that level of acceptance. Half of those surveyed think this will happen within the next 15 years. - Personal interest in purchasing an electric vehicle remains robust with 58% indicating that they are certain, inclined or likely to make their next car electric.  Majorities think electric vehicles are better for the environment and offer lower fueling costs, while combustion engines are cheaper to own or lease and more convenient for refueling. Opinion is divided on maintenance costs. - Seventy two percent (72%) think Canada should take steps to attract manufacturers of electric vehicles here, which is up five points since November 2020. And three out of four people support the use of government subsidies to help encourage consumers to buy electric vehicles. Original Source : https://abacusdata.ca/canadians-open-to-electric-vehicles COLORADO LAUNCHES CLEAN TRUCK STRATEGY - As electric cars become an increasingly common sight on Colorado's roads, the state is ready to target a chunk of the transportation sector that has thus far largely escaped electrification — the thousands of buses, trucks and delivery vehicles that belch greenhouse gases into the air daily and exacerbate ground-level ozone. - Colorado's Clean Truck Strategy, a draft version of which was unveiled this week, targets medium and heavy-duty vehicles — from school buses to 18-wheel diesel-fueled tractor-trailer rigs — that the state claims contribute 22% of the transportation sector's greenhouse gas emissions in the state. - electric medium and heavy-duty vehicles are “in various stages of product availability,” with buses and delivery vans leading the way. Just last month, officials in Boulder revealed the first electric compost collection truck in the country, a Mack LR Electric operated by Eco-Cycle. - last April, according to a story from the Colorado Sun, the first Amazon deliveries using new Rivian electric vans were made in Denver, one of 16 U.S. locations the online retailer planned to deploy electric vehicles on its routes Original Source : https://www.denverpost.com/2022/03/04/colorado-electric-vehicles-trucks-heavy-duty-pollution/ WHY CHINA'S ELECTRIC VEHICLES ARE ALL OVER EUROPE Original Source : https://supchina.com/2022/03/04/why-chinas-electric-vehicles-are-all-over-europe/ ALIBABA-BACKED ELECTRIC VEHICLE CRUISES INTO A BOOMING MARKET   · Original Source : https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3169267/alibaba-backed-electric-vehicle-cruises-booming-market-crowded-tesla QUESTION OF THE WEEK WITH EMOBILITYNORWAY.COM What's the best looking EV on the market right now? Email me any feedback to: hello@evnewsdaily.com It would mean a lot if you could take 2mins to leave a quick review on whichever platform you download the podcast. And  if you have an Amazon Echo, download our Alexa Skill, search for EV News Daily and add it as a flash briefing. Come and say hi on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter just search EV News Daily, have a wonderful day, I'll catch you tomorrow and remember…there's no such thing as a self-charging hybrid. PREMIUM PARTNERS PHIL ROBERTS / ELECTRIC FUTURE BRAD CROSBY PORSCHE OF THE VILLAGE CINCINNATI AUDI CINCINNATI EAST VOLVO CARS CINCINNATI EAST NATIONAL CAR CHARGING ON THE US MAINLAND AND ALOHA CHARGE IN HAWAII DEREK REILLY FROM THE EV REVIEW IRELAND YOUTUBE CHANNEL RICHARD AT RSEV.CO.UK – FOR BUYING AND SELLING EVS IN THE UK EMOBILITYNORWAY.COM/ 

TODAY'S GUEST   Eric Lombardi has been working at the cutting-edge of the Zero Waste and Social Enterprise Movements across the world since the mid-90's. His working mission has been to transform the waste management industry into a “resource management” industry.   Eric was a national spokesperson for the first Zero Waste organization in the U.S.A. (1997), and was a co-founder of the Zero Waste International Alliance (2002). Eric was invited to the Clinton White House in 1998 as one of the Top 100 USA Recyclers and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Colorado Association For Recycling.   From 1989-2014, he grew Eco-Cycle, a small nonprofit, into the largest zero waste social enterprise in the U.S.A. Eric is now the President of Buy Social USA and an Associate of the Social Enterprise World Forum.   After 24 years of building the largest Zero Waste Social Enterprise in the U.S.A., Eric has recently re-focused his efforts to helping to grow the global Social Enterprise Movement.   EPISODE SUMMARY   In this conversation we talk about: His journey into the Zero Waste Movement Hope vs. Despair in promoting for the environment Individual behaviors vs. Systemic change Why he calls Capitalism “a beautiful beast”, and how can we point it in safe directions? New and exciting environmentally responsible innovations in government, business, and NGOs, And his involvement with the Buy Social Movement   This conversation with Eric Lombardi is one of dozens of hopeful, inspiring conversations we've got lined up for you with leading designers, thinkers, makers, activists, and scientists who are reimagining and remaking our world today.   To make sure you don't miss them - simply follow this show on your favorite podcast player.   And now, let's jump right in with Eric Lombardi.   TIMESTAMP CHAPTERS   [3:07] Life During Covid [4:37] Early Driving Forces [6:23] A Spiritual Psychedelic Journey [10:18] Europe Travels and an Awakening [14:12] The Oil Embargoes [16:15] Technology and Human Affairs [18:26] A Career Trajectory [25:35] Scaling the Vision [33:05] The Three Z's to Z Squared [35:30] A Beautiful Beast [38:06] A True Social Enterprise [46:06] Impact Investing [53:39] The Water Bucket [54:40] Fair Profit vs Maximum Profit Industry [59:25] A Business Strategy [1:02:54] A Sermon for Changemakers    EPISODE LINKS Eric's Links ♻️ Eco-Cycle ♻️ Zero Waste Strategies

Our host Steve Alexander is joined this week by Kate Bailey, Policy and Research Director of Eco-Cycle, to discuss her work advocating for a zero waste future, her insights on the packaging crisis, and the challenges she sees for the future of recycling and potential paths forward.

Recycling seems easy enough, but there’s still a lot of confusion about how to go about it correctly in order to better the planet. Today’s guests, Rosie Briggs and Kylie Byrd of Eco-Cycle, discuss why we should think about the three R's differently, exactly what happens to materials once they leave your home, and the ins and outs of composting. For show notes and more, visit https://brightly.eco/podcast  

What happens to all of our recyclable materials?Step 1: collection & deliveryStep 2: sortingStep 3: sell to become raw materialsThe raw materials are then made into something new. This is "true recycling."Aluminum and steel are infinitely recyclable, meaning they can be made into something new over and over and over again, making them part of a closed loop system."Dead end" recyclables are materials like plastic that can only be made into something new 1 or 2 times. For example they might become a picture frame and that frame then will go in the trash. It is a dead end. End markets are a huge topic as that is the point when raw materials are turned into something new. This is crucial for the business of recycling to even exist and we are working to create more end markets in our local areas. This will bring the cost of recycling down too. Common things products that can be recycled:Glass, cans, paper & cardboard. Glass includes glass bottles but not glass dishware.Cans includes aluminum cans, steel is also recyclable, but not scrap metal. Plastics are remembered by their shape: bottles, tubs, jugs, and jars. This does not include clamshells, chip bags, or plastic bags. Paper & cardboard is obvious but needs to be flattened before arriving to the site. This does not include grease soaked cardboard. Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle (or Compost)Lastly, it's always important to contact your local recycling facility to ask them what they do and do not accept in their single stream recycling. This is partly determined by the sorting machines they have and partly by what they can sell off. Links I used for this information:Plastic Wars (full film) from Frontline with Laura SullivanEco Cycle's webinar How China Broke the World's Recycling or as one commenter put it "How China stopped being the world's trash can"Millennium RecyclingTREXHopkins Dermatology Board Certified Dermatology practice for 26 years. Located in Monroe, LA and soon in Dallas, TX.

Suzanne Jones is the executive director of Eco-Cycle a non-profit organization based in boulder dedicated to building zero waste communities. She served on the Boulder City Council from 2011-2019 spending the last 4 years as the of Mayor of the city of Boulder.

Episode 3: Tim puts his old bed on the free section of Craigslist to avoid giving it to raccoons or taking it to an Eco Cycle, also known as a "Special Waste Place." In doing so, he meets a man with an interesting definition of "a truck."~If it came down to it, I could've just left the bed out on the curb by the trash. Hopefully the trash folks would've picked it up. If they hadn't, however, racoons likely would've used my old bed for a relaxation station of sorts. That last fact solidified my decision to dispose of my mattress some other way. I did not want my previous belongings falling into the hands of sewer dwellers. Raccoons are disgusting creatures who mooch off of other people's hard work. “If you're so interested in garbage,” I'd say to them, “make some of your own that you can then eat. And what are those chattering noises you make, you rodent? This here is America. We speak American. It makes me feel stupid when I don't understand what you're saying, since it reminds me that I cannot learn another language no matter how hard I try. And rather than put in more effort on myself, I'm getting mad at you.” Also, I hear racoons are sexist. I can't remember where I heard it, but I don't need any evidence to believe it. And now I'm angry, which feels good.Anywho, I put my unwanted bed on the free section of craigslist a couple days before moving. As someone who would himself be wary of taking ownership of such an intimate piece of furniture that someone else isn't asking money for, I thought there would be a few stragglers who would voice interest, but who would then disappear into the abyss of the internet from whence they came. And I would be left to take my bed to the special waste place and hand over my hard-earned 80 dollars to keep my trash away from those sly racoons.I was wrong. I fielded many responses that voiced much interest. Though many emails, upon examination, turned out to be racoons trying their best to pass as humans, the slimy bastards. Many wrote eloquent emails that used perfect grammar, too perfect of grammar. That perfect grammar alone might not have set me off if each did not also include the request that I just leave the mattress out by the dumpster, as they would be swimming in said dumpster later and could take the mattress with them on their way back to the sewers.~For other resources, visit timdrugan.com.

The global nutraceutical and broader wellness industry has a reputation for being mindful of its impact on health, the environment and social change. However, for many brands, packaging is a later consideration during the product development process; packaging is critical to product safety and integrity, but there are many options that could fit the bill. Looking holistically at the packaging—from its alignment with the brand promise to investing in sustainable packaging for the long-term benefits to the ecosystem—means making active choices from the start of any project. In this Vitafoods Insights podcast, Kate Bailey, policy and research director at Eco-Cycle (ecocycle.org), offers thoughts for CPG brands to consider around packaging, including design, recyclability and more. Eco-Cycle is one of the largest non-profit recycling and Zero Waste organizations in the United States with an international reputation as a pioneer and innovator in resource conservation. In this podcast, Bailey and Informa's Heather Granato discuss: • Consumers' growing awareness of and interest in packaging solutions that are better for the environment, whether via recyclability, materials selection or Zero Waste options. • Issues that manufacturers are facing when making materials choices for packaging. • Opportunities to consider packaging from a whole-life or circular perspective.

Tune in for my interview with Jasmin Barco of Eco-Cycle to hear about a video series to help answer your burning questions about recycling and composting. You'll also hear how you can make a difference by tackling a waste reduction project in your community! Reducing waste seems like it should be easy, but let's face it. It's complicated! That's why Eco-Cycle, a zero waste nonprofit in Colorado, has developed a new series of videos to cut through the confusion.  The series is a collaboration between COPIRG, Environment Colorado, Sierra Club, NRDC, and Denver Compost Challenge. The videos include both English and Spanish versions specifically for Denver.  The videos cover everything from where our stuff comes from, to details of why and how to recycle and compost, and the problems with plastics.  In the podcast, Jasmin also highlighted the Denver Recycling Directory. This is a handy resource is you want to know where to recycle anything from aerosol cans and action figures, to yard waste and yoga mats.  Start a Zero Waste Initiative or Team! Are you ready to start a zero waste initiative? Join the Eco-Cycle Eco-Leaders to find out how to be a zero waste champion.  Or, volunteer with the Denver Compost Challenge or start a compost initiative in your city!  Get your team together and launch your initiative as part of the 2020 Climate Action Challenge. Eco-Cycle and Denver Eco-Leaders will be on hand to mentor you along the way.    More Resources: www.GreenTeamAcademy.com

Adam and Kate had an interview that aired live on Facebook and the Ms. Frizzle of Recycling brought the heat! She's an incredible resource for all things packaging recycling. I think you'll agree, she needs to be a regular guest for sure! Connect with Kate on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateechristian/ Eco-cycle - http://ecocycle.org/ Adam Peek - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adampeek/

The guys discuss Wind Chimes and who owns them. Apparently Eric owns three, though he's not sure he knows. In the Buzz around town, they discuss the Union Pointe Apartments, closure of Bin 46, AveXis, and Poppy Salon.In the Deep Dive, the guys get up close with recycling and reuse. If you need to get rid of something, check out some great resources from the City of Longmont, Eco-Cycle and Resource Central. Waste Diversion ResourcesCity of Longmont Waste DiversionEco-Cycle CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials)Resource CentralHousehold Hazardous WasteEco-Cycle Resource GuideBusiness mentions In this episodeEco-CycleResource CentralWestern DisposalPeaceful Poppy SalonUnion Pointe ApartmentsAveXisEventsHandPan - check out this video to get an idea of Hand Pan Playing. Someone is providing instructions on this but the guys don't remember the name or contact. Check out Luna Cafe for a flyer on the subjectAdult Spelling Bee at 300 SunsMusicThanks to Andy Eppler for "Nothing but the Rain" as our IntroMusic of the week by Clandestine Amigo. Give a listen here to more of their music Check out Andy at his Instagram feed @andotheartist or his etsy shop

Eric Lombardi of Eco-Cycle shares his experience in leading the globe’s zero waste movement, providing insights into government partnerships, financial survival and what social enterprise isn’t.

It's summertime and that means outdoor festivals, food and fun... and more often than not, a ton of waste! Tune in to this episode to hear from long-time event coordinator, Becky Migas of B Green Events about how to plan and execute epic zero waste events! Don't freak out... Your first step is to try it. Learn and do better next time! Zero Waste Tips from Becky Migas, B Green Events Becky has years of experience in event coordination, working with the 80/35 Music Festival and a historic theater in Des Moines, Iowa. In 2014, Becky moved to Denver and began working with an event coordination company, helping with hundreds of events each year across the country.  Seeing the amount of waste generated by events was so unsettling, Becky decided to make a change. She started her own company, B Green Events, to help people hold events that were good for people and for the planet.  One issue is that people during events are so distracted, the last thing on their minds are what to do with your trash. Some events now use "bioplastics", that is, plastic materials that are made from corn, sugarcane or other plant. Because bioplastic cups and forks look and feel like plastic, people often think they can't be compostable. If they can be composted, it will say "compostable" on the cup.  Sometimes the compost Becky says, "I'm the party planner that's a party pooper, some days." One of the big mistakes is waiting until the end of the event. If you just come in at the end, many of the important decisions will already have been made.  "A lot of people come in two days before their event and want to divert their waste. It tends to be an afterthought, rather than forethought," said Becky. You can have the biggest impact through decisions made in the planning stage. The first thing is to work with food vendors. Ensure that all vendors are using compostable-compliant materials. Confirm that they are certified by Biodegradable Products Institute and Manufacturers Compost Alliance. Don't get caught by greenwashing. Ensure that the products you choose can actually break down in industrial composting facilities. Water bottles are another big source of waste. Look at alternatives such as water stations with compostable cups.  With other beverages, again, look at compostable cups or using cans instead.  Composting is still a single-use approach, so it's better to eliminate the products entirely wherever possible.  How do you handle pushback when you recommend that people stop selling water bottles, that might be a good moneymaker?  Yes, we need to incorporate event sustainability, in the same way that we now have Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).  There are companies out there that want to support events that are sustainable. So, even if there is an additional cost, it may be offset because a sustainable festival can attract more sponsors. It can also create savings streams when you can reuse things year to year.  Other ideas from Joan from Youth of the Earth Festival: Purchase used t-shirts from the thrift store Purchase reusable water bottles from the thrift store Coordinated with Boulder Food Rescue to use rescued food, served on real plates What is the price difference going to compostable products compared to the ubiquitous "red plastic cups"?  The prices are coming down as compostable products are now starting to be available in grocery stores, Costco, and directly from suppliers such as Eco-Products or World-Centric. In addition to sponsors, you can also look at grants, such as: Can'd Aid, Oskar Blues Foundation Strengthening Neighborhoods Grant from Denver Foundation Additional cost areas may include: Compostable products Water stations Staffing zero waste stations  Signage for zero waste stations Paying for compost hauling Zero Waste management services to help you coordinate the event Make sure you plan to measure your results! Becky uses a system for weighing the waste as you go, and keep track of it on a piece of reused cardboard. In addition, your hauler can weigh and report so you have a way to double-check. Then, take the time to report your results.  Becky sees that over the next few years, as people get more used to doing zero waste events, this will become automatic. Start slow. The more you do, the more you realize you can do.  Even if you don't have a budget to hire a sustainability consultant or coordinator for your event, reach out to B Green Events. Your consultant may be able to help you identify sponsors or grants to fund your zero waste initiative.  "Try to do something small today to make a bigger difference tomorrow." - Becky Migas, B Green Events Case Study: East High School After Prom In 1978, I graduated from East High School. And I don't think we even had an after prom! Boy, have times changed! Nowadays, dozens of parents work to create a safe and entertaining event for 800 to 900 students, running from midnight to 4:00 am after the dance has ended.  After seeing the amount of waste generated last year, East High School parent of Sustainable Three decided that they could do better. Becky Migas joined the sustainability committee for the event.  The committee took numerous steps to reduce waste: During the planning process, Liz and Becky worked with the different committees, especially food and decorations to help them devise a plan to divert as much waste from the landfill as possible. Instead of giving out water bottles as was done in the previous years, they set up water stations. The water was provided in 5-gallon jugs at a discounted price from Rocky Mountain Bottled Water, with compostable cups. They turned the zero waste station into a game called "Think, Thank, Dunk". Staffed by parent volunteer "referees", the kids had to stop and think before they dunked their "trash" into the bins. They were amazed when they learned that most items were compostable.  Final Numbers: Collected 900 pounds of compost and delivered it to Eco-Cycle in Boulder to be composted in an industrial composter. Collected 1,100 pounds of recycling waste sent to Alpine Waste & Recycling through the Denver Recycles program. As in previous years, 80% of decorations from this year were either recycled, donated or placed into storage to be used for next year's After Prom. A large carload full of decorations from this year were donated to George Washington High Schoool for their prom the next weekend.  Visit the B Green Events blog for more photos and details. Resources: City of Lakewood Sustainability: Zero Waste Event Guide Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA)  Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)  Sustainable Three  Eco Products  World Centric

I talked with Rosie Briggs about what Zero Waste really means, good waste diversion practices, and the controversy you may have heard around recycling. Zero Waste can be confusing. As always, with this episode we hope to help bring clarity and practical steps to your journey as you take action for the planet. Find out […]

In this episode, we look at the complicated landscape of waste management in the West with Kate Bailey of Eco-Cycle in Boulder, Colo. and environmental justice advocate Ms. Margaret Gordon in West Oakland to hear how bad things are, and what we can do to up-cycle toward better future.

Why Compost? (start time: 7:01) Many of us may feel a little less guilty letting fruits and vegetables go bad, because we figure that this waste, thanks to curbside compost pickup, will be turned into nutritious food for crops, lawns or grasslands down the road. And landfills will spew less methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. The story of food waste and reuse is a complicated one. Our two guests are working on getting composting right -- and ultimately on how to make our food-production and consumption systems more sustainable, starting here on the Front Range.  Dan Matsch directs the compost department for Eco-Cycle, the nonprofit recycler that works with cities along the Front Range. He also directs Eco-Cycle’s Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHaRM). Mark Easter is an ecologist at Colorado State University's Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory.  Matsch and Easter discuss with host Susan Moran the journey of a rotten zucchini, how composting is tied to the emerging practice of carbon farming, and how we all do our part. Calendar advisory: Join KGNU and Eco-Cycle on Thursday, January 31, at the Longmont Museum (6:30 to 8:00 P.M) for a special community conversation on plastic waste--challenges and solutions. The event will include representatives from Eco-Cycle, the Inland Ocean Coalition, and local business and sustainability leaders. For more info, go to this website. Hosts: Susan Moran, Chip Grandits Producer: Susan Moran Engineer: Chip Grandits Executive Producer: Beth Bennett Additional contributions: Beth Bennett Listen to the show here:  

Colorado’s recycling rate hasn’t improved and the amount of trash produced by Coloradans hit a record of 9.3 million tons in 2017. The statistics in the Eco-Cycle report are from 2017 data collected by the state Hazardous Materials & Waste Management Division. The numbers are based on weight of household trash that goes to landfills or gets redirected to a recycler. http://ecocycle.org/take-action/zerowastecolorado Denver International Airport travelers can now check their bags and print their boarding passes at two of its shuttle parking areas

The best thing about organizing a team in your community is that you can have one-to-one conversations. In today’s episode we learn about the Belonging Revolution in Longmont, Colorado. In an interview with Dan Benavidez, we hear how he and Director of Public Safety, Mike Butler, are building community by walking neighborhoods with the simple message: You belong.   Dan Benavidez is a long time Longmont resident who has served his community in many capacities. From Mayor Pro-tem to board member of Teaching Peace, Eco-Cycle, Longmont Community Justice Partnership and many other organizations he has represented the Latino community with heart and commitment. These days Dan is literally walking his talk about building strong, cohesive communities by walking Longmont neighborhoods with Director of Public Safety, Mike Butler as they venture to grow “The Belonging Revolution”.   Mike has served Longmont for two decades as Chief of Police and now Director of Public Safety. He makes a habit of engaging innovative strategies for connecting “public” and “safety”. His latest innovation is to be an ambassador for Belonging in Longmont. The city’s slogan is, “You belong in Longmont”, and these two are bringing that notion to life.   Longmont, Colorado: Population 100,000 Approximately 30% Latino population, many foreign-born Mexicans Many come from places where the police and politicians are corrupt.   July 2014: Mike Butler reached out and asked Dan Benavidez to take a walk in the neighborhood.   Now, Dan and Mike go out and walk neighborhoods in Longmont most Sundays.     Typical interaction: Residents are out working in the yard or on their cars, Dan says in Spanish, Hello, This is the Chief of Police and he’d like to meet you. Then Mike says the same in English and gives them his card. He tells them they belong in Longmont and asks how they feel. He then asks them if they would volunteer. A conversation ensues. Sometimes, they’ll be invited for a bite to eat. Dan takes a picture so they have something to share with their friends and family, showing that they know the Chief of Police.   Have walked over 200 neighborhoods. Talked individually with 2,000-3,000 people. Over 1,000 have signed up to volunteer.   Commitment: Dan and Mike, nearly every Sunday.   Longmont: Lowest crime rate in the state of Colorado. Five years ago there was quite a number of gangs. Virtually no gangs now.   This didn’t happen because of Ferguson. It took off before that.   Spreading across the U.S…. so they really are starting  a revolution.   They are taking the power right down to the people, where they are. They’re not asking people to come to a City Council meeting. Instead, they’re going where the people already are.   In addition to Mike and Dan, sometimes others will join them: Mayor, City Councilperson, Congressmen, County Commissioner. But the rule is, no politics. The goal is to bring the power to the people.   Mike asks, Have you ever had any interactions with the police? Has anyone ever stopped you? Tell me about it.   Another question that the Mayor might ask, Do you like the way we’re running the city?   Advice to others who want to start a similar effort, around public safety or environment: Go to the people. You don’t say come to an event out of the neighborhood. Go where they’re at. Don’t make them come to you.   Example: Did an initiative with Eco-Cycle. Had an event in the community, with the Mayor, food and information. Did not ask people to sign up. Results: Recycling increased 130%   Simple agenda: You belong here. How’s it going? Having a conversation.   This demonstrates that having one-to-one conversations makes those deep connections.   Resources: The Belonging Revolution The Belonging Revolution Goes to Torn Neighborhoods, Restorative Justice Colorado Mike Butler: A Thousand to One… Belonging Revolution, Daily Times-Call, January 2017 To be notified of the walks or to read the notes from the walks, contact Dan Benavidez.   We’d love to hear your thoughts on this over in the Podcast Discussion Group. Get access through the Green Team Essentials at www.GreenTeamAcademy.com.   If you like what you're hearing, please subscribe, rate and review!   The time for action is now because there is no Planet B!

In this episode of the Tech News, here are the stories we cover:   Tesla launched their electric semi, who can potentially impact how we move goods between hubs https://www.theverge.com/2017/11/17/16655800/tesla-electric-semi-truck-roadster-recap-elon-musk   Cool video of meteorite :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNixNC_mAk8   Eco Cycle storage concept https://vimeo.com/175506712   For the First Time, a Robot Passed a Medical Licensing Exam https://futurism.com/first-time-robot-passed-medical-licensing-exam/   Net Neutrality may be taken away by FCC https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/nov/21/net-neutrality-rules-to-be-ditched-as-expected-fcc-decision-sparks-protests   Google collects Android users’ locations even when location services are disabled https://qz.com/1131515/google-collects-android-users-locations-even-when-location-services-are-disabled/   Startup Corner: PinDrop https://www.pindrop.com/solutions/anti-fraud/   You can contact us through Twitter @shulfie or Instagram @digimorphs.