EarthWorks Expo Zero Waste Program

EarthWorks Expo 2008 is proud to be a ZERO WASTE event.

What is Zero Waste?
Zero Waste is the recycling of all materials back into nature or the marketplace in a manner that protects human health and the environment.  Zero Waste means designing and managing products and processes to reduce the volume and toxicity of waste and materials, conserve and recover all resources, and not burn or bury them. 

EarthWorks Expo has partnered with Waste-Not Recycling and the Denver Merchandise Mart to achieve our Zero Waste goal. Waste-Not Recycling is overseeing the management of resource conservation of the event by ensuring that items normally sent to the landfill are rescued and sent for recycling or composting. The Denver Merchandise Mart enthusiastically supported our Zero Waste initiative last year and continues to do so this year. 

Here are the Recovery statistics from our 2007 Expo:
1,290 lbs of office paper recycled
165 lbs of commingled recyclables (bottles, cans, etc.)
115 lbs of cardboard recycled
645 lbs of material sent off to be composted

There was only 65 lbs of trash for the entire 3 day event.  The diversion rate of our event was 97%!

Why Zero Waste?
For every garbage can placed at the curb, there are 71 cans of waste created in the extractive and industrial processes used to convert raw materials into finished products and packaging.  Recycling and composting “waste” reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the need for new landfills.

Making consumer goods from recycled material instead of raw natural resources is much more energy and water-efficient.  For example, recycled paper uses 60-70% less energy than virgin pulp and 55% less water. 

By conserving the dwindling supply of Earth’s resources and protecting the few remaining undamaged ecosystems left on Earth, we are preserving them for future generations.

How You Can Help
Everyone who attends EarthWorks Expo 2008 can play a critical role in helping us achieve our Zero Waste goal.

1. The first step is to reduce and conserve whenever possible.  Simple steps like bringing your own reusable water bottle, and only using one paper towel to dry your hands, can go a long way.
2. Secondly, if you do need to use a “disposable” product during the event, please place it in the appropriate receptacle when you are finished with it. 

Zero Waste Volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions you might have.

Thanks to everyone for doing your part to ensure this will be a successful Zero Waste event!