Tue, Oct 7th, 2014
Kathleen Temple-Miller, director of sustainability for the college, reports hard-working volunteers and vendors made great strides this year to reduce Hocktoberfest landfill waste! While this year's event did not meet the requirements for a Zero Waste event by diverting 90 percent of the waste into recycling and composting, the event is on the path to success.
This year, 71 percent of our waste was diverted, which is a terrific first-year attempt. Specifically, the festival was able to divert 224 pounds of compostable materials and 66 pounds of recyclables. The attendees played a huge part in helping the zero waste team by sorting their waste before placing it in a Resource Recovery Station.
Zero Waste practices not only benefit the environment but also the local economy through recycling. Perhaps the most significant outcome is creating awareness. Simple changes to everyday practices can make a big impact. Just imagine if everyone made strides everyday to live a Zero Waste lifestyle.
The vendors make all the difference in a Zero Waste Initiative by ensuring that all of their items are compostable. The team sincerely appreciates all efforts that were made this year and they are making plans to reduce our waste in the years to come.
The Hocking College Office of Sustainability would like to thank Rural Action, the Ohio University Office of Recycling & Refuse, the Athens-Hocking Recycling Center, and the Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District for their infrastructure and support.
