As ongoing efforts work to double Michigan’s recycling rate, the local forum focusing on such issues is rolling out a special luncheon to provide an update and address critical issues for those interested in joining the movement toward sustainability across the region next week.
Michigan’s Great Southwest Sustainable Business Forum will host a networking and education luncheon for local professionals interested in recycling and composting on Wednesday, January 24 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Berrien County Conference Center.
Matt Flechter is a Recycling Market Development Specialist with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and he will share updates on efforts to double Michigan’s recycling rate, which is a recent goal of the Snyder Administration. Fletcher will describe the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s work to grow recycling markets, develop a statewide recycling education campaign, expand recycling opportunities at all state facilities so that the government is leading by example, modernize Michigan’s solid waste laws, and establish a sustainable funding mechanism to accomplish Michigan’s recycling goals. Fletcher will be joined by Katie Venechuk, the MDEQ Recycling and Waste Minimization Specialist for Michigan’s Great Southwest.
Also on the agenda is Kate Binder, Sustainability Specialist for Bell’s Brewery, who will speak on the steps the Kalamazoo brewery took to establish composting service in a community with no commercially available compost operations. That is something local folks have to deal with, as well, inasmuch as the current situation in Michigan’s Great Southwest provides for no local waste haulers currently offering such a service.
Jill Martin is Environmental Property Manager for Berrien County Parks & Recreation Department, and she will share the county’s latest efforts to promote recycling, including the expected outcomes of their recent Recycling Education Grant.
Learn more online at the link below where you can also register to attend the luncheon next week. Cost of the lunch is $15 for members and $20 for non-members if paid in advance. Here’s the link for more:
