Event Recovery and Master Recyclers

Event Recovery and Master Recyclers

Big or small, community gatherings can generate a good deal of waste and consume large quantities of natural resources. Event organizers may know a lot about organizing a marathon, but not what materials can be recycled, how to create clear signage, and how to order containers for recycling.

Here are a couple of case studies of projects where Master Recyclers have planned, implemented and evaluated recovery at events. In 2010, Master Recyclers offered their expertise in waste recover to help over 15 community organizations green their events, helping recover thousands of pounds of waste and offering public education to almost 11,000 participants. 

Radiant and Resourceful

Radiant and Resourceful

Congratulations to Lane’ Bigsby, née Richards (Class 39), on a super sustainable wedding. There are few places more appropriate then a wedding to pause and reflect on values.

Lane’ showed that being resourceful in wedding planning can have stunningly beautiful results, be sustainable and refocus energy where it is important. Each detail (from the dress to the dishes) had a life and purpose before and after the wedding. She gathered gently used materials to repurpose for the celebration and then ensured that there was a plan for each item after the wedding. This approach is nicely symbolic of how two people came together with their own histories for a wedding celebration and then plan to sustain the relationship long after that day.

Master Recyclers Dig Hanging with the Worms at PCC Rock Creek

Master Recyclers Dig Hanging with the Worms at PCC Rock Creek

On May Day, 2010, a lucky dozen Master Recyclers toured PCC Rock Creek Campus’ vermicomposting closed-loop system. Hosted by Erin Stanforth, PCC Rock Creek Sustainability Coordinator, Master Recyclers learned about the innovative efforts employed at the school. Later this year, 200 gallons of weekly post-consumer waste from the school will become feedstock as part of an innovative UK-developed composting effort on campus. Kelly Bryan (Class 35) Wrote about what they learned.

10 Avenues to a Climate Friendly Kitchen

10 Avenues to a Climate Friendly Kitchen

Local government, businesses, communities and households will all need to take part in tackling climate change. People are finding that making changes can be a positive experience. Folks are shifting their priorities – elevating experiences over things –enjoying better memories, healthier lifestyles, and stronger relationships. The kitchen is a very satisfying place to get started. 

Here are 10 actions Portlanders are taking to Get More of the Good Stuff in the kitchen. They are ranked based on their environmental impacts - starting with the highest climate change impact to the lowest. 

Serving the Portland metro region in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties.