1. Zero Waste Initiatives
Title Slide
Zero Waste Initiatives
Karl Huemiller, Division Coordinator Division of Recreation, Education, and Natural Resources

2. Mission
To promote environmental stewardship through recreation and education in a natural resources-based park system.

3. 2012 Sustainability Plan Waste Reduction Goals 15% by 2015 30% by 2025

4. Waste and Park Usage

5. Changes Needed Waste Composition Waste Diversion Compostable
Recyclables
Waste Diversion
Organics Collection
Recycling Education

6. Composition of Waste stream
2011
2016

7. Waste and Park Usage

8. Implementation Facility Policies Vendor Contracts
Provide Compostable Alternatives
Guest Communications

9. Facility Policies

10. Vendor Contracts
4a.   Follow the Green Gatherings initiative. The Park District is committed to lessening their impact on the environment by reducing the amount of waste generated at events by implementing a Green Gatherings initiative. All approved caterers and guests are asked to follow the subsequent Green Gatherings practices:
The use of washable dinnerware, cutlery, glassware, linens and linen napkins. [AND/OR]The use or compostable paper products, cutlery, drink ware, and compostable tables covering and napkins.
The use of carafes, pitchers, fountains, etc., for water or other beverages in lieu of single-serving containers of plastic and Styrofoam. Beverages cannot be served in plastic bottles,  plastic cups, Styrofoam cups, or any other products/materials that are not compostable.
In addition, caterers are expected to:
Sort compostable products and food waste into the appropriate on-site compost bins provided and by recycling all glass, aluminum, cardboard, beverage cartons, and unsoiled paper products.
Provide single-serving meals or boxed lunches in paper packaging or materials that can otherwise be composted. Single-serving food portions cannot be served in plastic clamshells, Styrofoam clamshells, or any other products/materials that are not compostable.

11. Compostable Alternatives
Three Rivers Sells
Caterers Sell
Guests can find their own

12. Guest Communication Literature
Silverwood is designated as a Zero Waste facility.
Three Rivers Park District is committed to lessening our impact on the environment by reducing the amount of waste generated at events. The following Zero Waste practices will be required for your event:
Use of washable dinnerware, cutlery, glassware, linens, and linen napkins OR compostable paper products, cutlery, drink ware, table coverings, and napkins.
No single-serving beverages or single-serving water served in plastic bottles.
Food may not be served in plastic containers.
Communicate with guests that you are having a sustainable event and ensure they understand how to sort their waste into the correct bins.
Contact your Park District approved caterer or call the Guest Services at for more information.

13. Guest Communication Contract/ Terms and Conditions
ZERO WASTE EVENTS: Gale Woods is designated as a Zero Waste facility. Three Rivers Park District is committed to lessening our impact on the environment by reducing the amount of waste generated events. The following Zero Waste practices will be required for your event: Use of washable dinnerware, cutlery, glassware, linens, and linen napkins or compostable paper products, cutlery, drink ware, table coverings, and napkins. No beverages served in plastic bottles.
___ (initial) Contact your Park District approved caterer or call the Reservations Office at for more information.

14. Guest Communication

15. Karl Huemiller, Division Coordinator
Questions?
Karl Huemiller, Division Coordinator
End Slide