News Release of June 9, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Laurie W. Anderson, Anderson & Associates Public Relations, Inc.,
303-758-1118

EarthWorks Expo Continues to Set Zero-Waste Example; Will Offer Electronics Recycling

DENVER—June 9, 2009—It’s easy to imagine the amount of trash that could be generated with an event attended by thousands of people.  However, when EarthWorks Expo (www.earthworks2009.com) returns for the third year to the Denver Merchandise Mart (Aug. 22-23), it will again “walk the talk” with its Resource Recovery Program.

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 most informative and empowering green-living event of the year, was able to recycle or compost 74 percent of the waste from its 150 exhibitors and thousands of attendees--leaving only 155 lbs. of trash for the entire two-day event. The recycled materials included 85 lbs. of office paper, 45 lbs. of commingled recyclables (bottles, cans, etc.), 85 lbs. of cardboard and 220 lbs. of materials sent off to be composted.

This year, EarthWorks Expo is again working with Waste-Not Recycling and the Denver Merchandise Mart to achieve the Zero-Waste goal.  The Merchandise Mart has proactively adopted compostable hot and cold cups, plates, napkins and eating utensils for its food service.  For the public bathrooms, EarthWorks has arranged for 100 percent recycled paper towels and toilet tissue supplies by Boulder-based Eco-Products (www.ecoproducts.com).  These items also are free of inks, dyes and fragrances.

Waste-Not Recycling of Loveland (www.waste-not.com) is overseeing the management of resource recovery at EarthWorks Expo by ensuring that items, normally sent to the landfill, are rescued and sent for recycling or composting.  The independent, regional company has been providing education, training, waste analysis, equipment and collection services for waste reduction and recycling for more than 20 years.

“Recycling and composting ‘waste’ reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the need for new landfills,” explains Michael Lindemann, Expo Director.  “For 2009, we are committed to diverting more than 90 percent of all disposable waste from the Expo.

“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,” Lindemann says.  “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 (www.mountainrecyclers.com) of Longmont. Attendees may bring in their unwanted household or office equipment containing electronic components, including old computers, TVs, VCRs, Fax machines, etc.  G&S Mountain Recyclers follows all state, federal and EPA regulations for proper disposal of electronic scrap.  All data is secured, all equipment is dismantled and all recycling is fully processed within the U.S.  Some fees to attendees will apply for recycling of their items. 

Sponsors for EarthWorks Expo 2009 include Xcel Energy, the Denver Newspaper Agency, 99.5 The Mountain, ReDirect Guide, Natural Awakenings magazine, Anderson & Associates Public Relations, Inc., Westword, Boulder Weekly, High Country News, Independent Power Systems, SolaRover, KUNC Radio, Livewire Urban Radio and Waste-Not Recycling.

The Denver Merchandise Mart is conveniently located at I-25 and E. 58th Ave.  Times for EarthWorks Expo are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23.  Daily admission at the door is only $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and youth.  Children age 12 and younger are free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is always free.

For information about sponsorship or exhibiting at EarthWorks Expo, visit www.earthworks2009.com or call Michael Lindemann at 970-416-8700.