EarthWorks Expo shoots for zero-waste

When EarthWorks Expo returns to the Denver Merchandise Mart on June 21-22, it will again “walk the talk” and be a zero-waste event.

Zero-waste is the recycling of all materials back into nature or the marketplace to protect human health and the environment. Last year, EarthWorks Expo, Denver’s largest green-living event of the year, was able to recycle or compost 97 percent of the waste from its 117 exhibitors and several thousand attendees – leaving only 65 pounds of trash for the entire three-day event. The recycled materials included 1,290 pounds of office paper, 165 pounds of commingled recyclables (bottles, cans, etc.), 115 pounds of cardboard and 645 pounds of materials sent off to be composted.

This year, EarthWorks Expo is working with Eco-Products, Waste-Not Recycling and the Denver Merchandise Mart to achieve the zero-waste goal. Most of the disposable products, such as compostable hot and cold cups, eating utensils and 100 percent recycled paper towels and toilet tissue, have been supplied by Boulder-based Eco-Products. These items also are free of inks, dyes and fragrances.
Waste-Not Recycling of Loveland is overseeing the management of resource conservation of Earth Works Expo by ensuring that items, normally sent to the landfill are rescued and sent for recycling or composting.
“In addition, EarthWorks Expo offsets nearly 100 percent of its carbon emissions with wind energy credits, including emissions associated with travel, venue emissions from electricity and natural gas consumed during the event, and a large portion of anticipated emissions from cars driven to the Expo by attendees,” says Michael Lindemann, Expo director. “We want to set a green example for other large meetings and conventions in the Denver area.”

Electronics recycling also will be offered both days of EarthWorks Expo, and will be hosted by G&S Mountain Recyclers of Longmont. Attendees may bring in their unwanted household or office equipment containing electronic components, fax machines, etc. G&S Mountain Recyclers follows all state, federal and EPA regulations for proper disposal of electronic scrap. Some fees to attendees will apply for recycling of their items.