Contact Information:
Carrie Hakencamp
www.wastecapne.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2008
Nebraska Businesses Save by Going Green
Lincoln, NE - As many businesses join the current “green” marketing trend, seven Nebraska businesses are showing their commitment to the environment by expanding their waste reduction and recycling efforts through the US Environmental Protection Agency’s voluntary WasteWise program. The businesses joined as part of a statewide challenge issued by WasteCap Nebraska running from January 1st through April 15th. Businesses pledging their support for increasing waste reduction and recycling activities throughout Nebraska include Cornhusker Bank, FBG Service Corporation, New Dimensions, Northern Natural Gas, Shred Monster, the Community Blood Bank of Lincoln and Cartridge World of Lincoln. Their participation in the WasteWise program and partnership with WasteCap Nebraska show these businesses really understand the environmental and economic savings businesses can create through their waste management practices.
WasteCap Nebraska, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping businesses reduce waste while increasing their bottom line, issued the challenge as part of their Endorser program to bring more Nebraska businesses into the WasteWise program. According to Carrie Hakenkamp, Executive Director of WasteCap “WasteWise is a perfect opportunity for businesses to get the recognition they deserve for their innovative waste reduction and recycling programs. Waste reduction makes good business sense because it can save organizations money through reduced purchasing and waste disposal costs”. WasteWise and WasteCap Nebraska provide free technical assistance to help you develop, implement, and measure your waste reduction activities. WasteWise offers publicity to organizations that are successful in reducing waste through EPA publications, case studies, and national and regional events. These events also provide networking opportunities for organizations to share waste reduction ideas and success stories. In addition, WasteWise provides businesses with tools such as a climate change profile to use in marketing their reductions in environmental impacts. The profile converts their efforts into real-life carbon reduction equivalencies such as number of cars taken off the road.
On a local level, WasteCap Nebraska recognizes businesses in the WasteWise program at their annual membership meeting and through other events. There is no fee for membership in WasteWise. EPA designed WasteWise to be a free, voluntary, flexible program. The amount of time and money you invest is up to the individual business who is free to set goals that are the most feasible and cost-effective for their organization.
To further expand the benefits of WasteWise partnerships to Nebraska businesses and to recognize a current WasteWise partner, WasteCap Nebraska and the US EPA WasteWise program are sponsoring a Talk & Tour at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha on Wednesday May 21st at 9:30 a.m. UNMC has been “going green” for about two decades with a strong reduce, reuse and recycle program. Participants will learn how UNMC has successfully recycled over 16.5 million pounds of fiber since opening their recycling center in April 1993. UNMC representatives will also discuss their successful strategies for reducing red bag and biohazard waste, purchasing sustainable supplies, mercury elimination, LEED design in hospitals, energy conservation and reducing food services waste. Anyone interested in attending the free event should RSVP to WasteCap Nebraska at 402-434-7376 no later than May 16th. Space may be limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis.
For more information about the many benefits of membership in WasteWise or WasteCap Nebraska, visit www.epa.gov/wastewise and www.wastecapne.org.