|
Boulder County Fair goes zero-waste
For the first time in its history, the Boulder
County Fair will be a zero-waste event in 2006. The Boulder County
Resource Conservation Division, with help from dozens of
volunteers, county staff and senior tax workers, will provide
zero-waste stations at various locations throughout the
fairgrounds to cut back on the amount of trash generated at the
fair.
The Exhibit Hall, Beer Garden and Indoor Arena
will become zero-waste zones where everything available for
consumption is served in compostable or recyclable containers. All
food scraps and corn-based containers (including the bowls,
plates, forks and cups) will be composted. All trash cans will be
replaced by zero waste stations manned by volunteers and staff,
who will help visitors identify which products can be composted
and which can be recycled.
Stacy Lambright, Education and Outreach
Coordinator for the Resource Conservation Division, said the
addition of recycling bins alone at last year’s fair diverted an
estimated two tons of trash from going to landfills. Ultimately,
Resource Conservation’s goal is to achieve a 90 percent diversion
rate at the Fair.
“It’s a huge effort, but the largest portion is
simply educating people how easy it is to reduce their waste
through composting and recycling. Once we raise awareness this
year, it will become easier and easier to be zero waste at every
County Fair,” Lambright said.
The zero-waste County Fair is just one piece of
Boulder County’s goal to become “zero waste - or darn near” by
2010 as part of a larger environmental sustainability initiative.
Launched in 2005, the County initiative aims to minimize waste,
prevent and reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,
conserve energy and attain efficient use of resources and energy.
“There are so many ways we can contribute on a
daily basis to a healthier, more balanced, sustainable
environment,” Commissioner Will Toor said. “It’s as simple as
composting foods, purchasing compostables and recyclables,
changing those light bulbs, turning off that engine - or getting
out of your car and walking and biking. We hope Boulder County can
set an example for everyday people to follow.”
The County Fair runs Wednesday, July 26 -
Saturday, August 5 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson
Rd., Longmont. For more information about the zero-waste stations,
call 720-564-2223.
Contact: Stacy Lambright, Resource Conservation
Education and Outreach Coordinator,
720-564-2223
-END- |
