On Wednesday, Marty Seaman will be joining a panel of speakers for the “Modern Markets” session at 9:00am. The session features 6 commodity market representatives to shed light on everything from compost to cartons. In addition to presenting at the panel, Carton Council will also be set up in the exhibit hall throughout the conference – be sure to stop by to meet with Marty and RRS’s Keefe Harrison.

Carton Council is a proud Bronze Sponsor of the 2012 VRA Conference.

To learn more about the VRA and this year’s conference, visit their website. Hope to see you there!

Article written by Tina Colatruglio

“The IRC’s annual conference and exhibition is Indiana’s premier waste reduction and recycling event, featuring exhibitors from around the country involved in all aspects of waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and composting.”

Kristina Kaar will be attending on behalf of RRS, and you can find her set up in the exhibit hall throughout the conference. Also attending for Carton Council is Jim Birmingham, who will be speaking on Thursday, May 10 at 11:00am. He will be giving an update on “2011 In Review” for the Carton Council, examining recent developments and successes on both a national and local scale.

RRS is a proud Bronze Sponsor of the IRC Conference. Carton Council is a proud Supporting Sponsor.

We look forward to our trip to Indianapolis and can’t wait to see everyone at the conference! Don’t forget to visit our booth for giveaways and conversation about all things recycling. See you there!

For more information on the IRC Conference, visit their website.

Article written by Tina Colatruglio

BJ was the first recycling coordinator of University of North Carolina Charlotte and has brought a comprehensive approach to Carolina’s recycling program. Currently, as the Manager of the Office of Waste Reduction and Management at UNC Chapel Hill, BJ oversees extensive solid waste management programs and has been instrumental in developing office databases which track schedules, contacts and service locations.  BJ continues to make waste reduction, recycling and composting work at UNC Chapel Hill.

As a waste management pioneer, BJ has shaped UNC Charlotte and Chapel Hill campuses and will impact forthcoming programs. Congrats BJ, we are so proud of you.  You are truly a recycling rockstar!

Article written by Audrey Jenkins

On Wednesday, May 9, Nicole Chardoul will be speaking on a Beaumont Hospital Food Waste Study at 11:00am. At 3:00pm, join Jim Frey as he discusses the City of Toledo’s Single Stream Pilot Program. The exhibit hall opens Wednesday from 1:00pm to 7:00pm, and Thursday from 11:00am to 2:00pm, so make sure you visit the RRS and Carton Council booth for great conversation and giveaways.

As long-time attendees of the annual MRC Conference, RRS is proud to be a Silver Sponsor of the conference. Carton Council is a proud Bronze Sponsor of the conference. We look forward to attending this year’s conference and meeting with friends old and new in Grand Rapids!

Click here for the conference program and information on the 2012 MRC Conference.

Article written by Tina Colatruglio

What does it take to inspire others to recycle, or to reduce and reuse? It seems a broad issue, and it is, but we believe that with progressive change and increased awareness around the United States, recycling can become second nature for more people every day. One of the ways we stay involved with the issue is to reach out to lawmakers, policy committees, and non-government organizations to provide information and support on the economic and environmental benefits of sound recycling initiatives. We focus much of our energy in this field for the Carton Council, where we are improving community recycling programs and building markets for post-consumer recycled cartons.

On Tuesday May 8, 2012, Marty Seaman traveled to Hartsfield, South Carolina for a meeting with the South Carolina Recycling Council (SCRC). The SCRC tracks the success and growth of the state’s recycling industry and makes policy and program recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly each year. Marty gave an update on the Carton Council’s work and progress to date across the country, highlighting recent successes in large cities as well as rural recycling program developments. Through meetings like this with the SCRC, Carton Council works to develop relationships with government officials that will lead to progressive actions on both a state and community level; the goal to increase carton recycling access for US households would not be feasible without these relationships. Carton Council works every day with policymakers, recycling professionals and educators to inspire residents to reconsider their waste in sustainably focused way. We were honored to be a part of this meeting with the SCRC and look forward to additional discussions on the future of recycling in South Carolina.

For more information on the South Carolina Recycling Council and their efforts, click here. You can connect with Marty Seaman on his LinkedIn page here.

Article written by Tina Colatruglio

Beth currently resides in Paris, France so I was unable to sit down with her but she was happy to provide the following information about herself.

1.  As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A writer

2.  What made you decide to pursue a career in resource management/sustainability?

Growing up, my parents were very environmentally conscious and incorporated that into our daily lives in many ways, whether it was installing a solar water system, biking around town, or eating vegetables from our organic garden. So sustainability has always been very important to me!

3. What has been your favorite project at RRS?

The national impact and positive results of the Carton Council project have made it one of my favorites.

4.  What do you feel is the next issue(s) on the forefront in our field of work?

Diverting organics from the landfill & Recycling e-waste in a socially and environmentally responsible way

5.  What do you do at home to maintain a “green” lifestyle?

Eating local and organic food, trying to maintain a short commute, buying used instead of new, and of course, recycling!

6.  What is the most critical resource management concern you have and what should we be doing about it?

Reducing carbon emissions – we should be making bigger investments in wind & solar energy to help fight global climate change and the devastating impacts of coal, oil and gas mining.

7.  What tips would you give someone wanting to pursue a career in resource management/sustainability?

Learn all you can about the issues and listen to people who really know how to communicate them to a wider audience

8.  Who is your favorite author and/or book?

James Baldwin

9.  What is your favorite snack (or junk food)?

Living in France right now, I’m missing peanut butter and cheddar cheese (not together!)

10.  Who has been an inspiration to you in your life?

My parents and my sisters

Well, we got to thinking: What if we could change that? What if we had a conference giveaway that would be memorable while also retaining our core business value that waste by any other name is still exactly that – waste. The solution was simple – turn it around and give back the green instead of giving it away.

Instead of a traditional giveaway, we have created “Give Back The Green” – a pledge program to plant a tree for every visitor we talk with at the RRS conference booth. At our booth, you will find a ballot box with a green sign on it – when we receive a business card or make a great connection over conversation, one tree, at the value of $1, is pledged towards a monthly contribution to American Forests. We are also accepting cash donations that we will match as part of the overall pledge. Our “green” giveaway has already received great reception and feedback from conferences since January, and we plan to continue the program throughout 2012 with quarterly updates on total donations made.

RRS builds waste-free solutions for our clients every day – it’s time to take a page from that book and apply it to our outreach initiatives. If you attend a conference with us, please make sure to visit our booth and plant a tree. You’ll get a sticker to show off on your badge and can still pick up a recycled-content pen to add to your collection.

The highlight of the conference will be on Wednesday, February 29 when Carton Council is hosting a Wine Tasting Social before the evening reception – join our team of Kris Kaar and Jim Birmingham for free wine tasting and socializing during this very special event. All wine will be served from recyclable cartons – try your taste buds at sipping, sniffing, and scoring 4 varieties of wine and see how they add up. Turn in your scorecard at the end of the tasting to enter to win our Carton Council gift basket – the winner will be announced at the Carton Council booth #47 on Thursday, March 1.

On Thursday, March 1^st, Jim Birmingham will be presenting “Carton Recycling: What’s New & Happening” during the Ways to Increase Recycling Track at 3:30pm. Join Jim as he discusses Carton Council’s success nationally as well as regionally in his home state of Wisconsin. RRS Principal David Stead will also be presenting during this track with “Increasing Commercial Recycling Efforts” – an RRS case study.

But wait, there’s more! On Friday March 2^nd, David Stead will present again during the Organics Management Track at 8:30am – this time on “Festival Food Waste Composting” – a case study on how Lansing, MI, pursued commercial composting at local festivals.

RRS is a Carbon Offset sponsor of the 2012 WIRM Conference – Carton Council is proudly sponsoring the wine tasting on Wednesday evening, and we are co-exhibiting at booth #47. We can’t wait for everything to get started today – be sure to come say hello if you’re at the conference!

Learn more about WIRMC 2012 here.

This is only one of many legends surrounding the roots of Valentine’s Day.  A day set aside to celebrate romance , love, and appreciation.  There is no wrong way to say “I love you!”, but this year strive to say it in a green way!

Here are a few ideas that show your affection and are still environmentally friendly:

• Love animals? How about a Farm Sanctuary Adopt A Farm Animal Program complete with a certificate of adoption and a VIP trip to meet your new farm friend.
• Smart phones are an amazing addition to our lives but their battery life leaves something to be desired. A portable solar charging system can help solved that problem and reduce your electricity usage.
• Who doesn’t love receiving flowers? Try a potted plant that can hang in your window and be a constant reminder of your love all year long.
• Looking for jewelry – free trade and sustainable jewelry is beautiful and affordable.
• Two words, baked goods!

Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day this February 14^th!