We knew Hoffman York drank a lot of coffee. In fact, we estimated that our Milwaukee office, alone, drank an estimated 180 pots per month. That’s what made recycling our coffee grounds such a logical move.

What we didn’t realize was how much ground coffee it takes to make 180 pots per month. Our coffee grounds receptacle filled up—fast. Faster than we could recycle the grounds. We’d talked about establishing a relationship with an organization to which we could donate our grounds–so people outside of our agency could benefit from our recycling efforts. We didn’t realize that establishing a partnership would be such an immediate need.

To the Internet!

I quickly found a thriving, eco-friendly community, right here in Milwaukee, including an entire network of community gardens. I got in touch with the folks at Milwaukee Urban Gardens who were quick to respond with a list of garden leaders who might be interested in our coffee grounds. That’s how I connected with Off the Grid Milwaukee, a self-described “family of friends” working together to make the change they want to see in the world. It sounds like they’re interested in an ongoing donation; and we’re in the process of working out the logistics.

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I was recently in Las Vegas. Even though it was technically vacation, I couldn’t help but view the city through my “green microscopic” goggles. As I walked from casino to casino in the city of excess, I noticed that there were no recycling bins. I was shocked!

However, when I returned home, I did my due diligence and researched recycling within the hospitality industry in Las Vegas and was surprised at what I found out.

According to the Nevada Environmental Protection Agency, the hotel recycling happens internally, behind the scenes without patrons even being aware. Many hospitality organizations are contracting with waste management companies to sort and recycle on a daily basis.

In my research, I also discovered that Planet Hollywood, located in the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Palace, has one of the most comprehensive restaurant recycling programs in Las Vegas. And it has been in place since 1994!

Planet Hollywood began recycling because food was over 84 percent of the its overall waste. To address the situation, management installed a separate garbage compactor on the restaurant’s receiving dock. The ability to separately control and monitor its own garbage has been integral to the success of Planet Hollywood’s recycling program.

After feeling better about recycling in the Las Vegas hospitality industry, I looked at the overall recycling of Las Vegas and according to a news report from Fox 5 Vegas on August 24, 2009, as a whole the city is ranked second to last.

However, looking at the glass half full and a 2008 study done by SustainLane, Las Vegas is ranked seventh in the nation for Energy and Climate Change policy. So clearly measures are being taken on behalf of the city and state of Nevada after all.

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Another year. Another fine Irish Fest! We had beautiful weather, talented dancers and musicians and lots of great activities for kids–including Greenwish Village.

Coordinated by Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful, Greenwish Village teaches kids about caring for our environment through a series of interactive booths and games. Manned by volunteers from Milwaukee organizations such as Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful, Wehr Nature Center, The Department of Natural Resources and Milwaukee Recycles, kids got to learn about the emerald ash borer, recycling, energy efficiency and more. To encourage them to visit every booth, kids were given a bag with a bingo card on its side. They received a bingo marker for each booth they visited–with each valid bingo redeemable for a prize. What a great way to motivate kids to learn about the environment.

Greenwish Bingo Bag

I decided the only way to be able to responsibly report on Greenwish was to experience it for myself. Andrea, a volunteer from UPS, set me up with a bingo card, and off I went.

Light bulb panel.

When it became apparent that I was competing with kids for the activities, I decided to take a step back and let the little ones do the learning. Though the activities were intended for a younger crowd, I actually learned a lot…about composting, the ash borer, recycling. Just imagine how much the kids learned.

Learning about recycling.

Greenwish Village is an educational outreach effort that, I’m sure, will have long-lasting effects for the kids. It could also do the same for your company. If your organization believes in eco-awareness, sponsoring something like Greenwish or encouraging your employees is a great way to show your support, help non-profits like Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful get the word out and build a positive reputation for your company in the process.

According to Emily Brown, Education Program Manager for Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful, Greenwish Village has been an important part of Milwaukee Irish Fest for several years now. And from the interest I saw at Irish Fest 2009, Greenwish is bound to be around for many more.

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Milwaukee Irish Fest is Thursday, August 13 through Sunday, August 16. While you’re wearin’ the green, Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful will be sharin’ the green at the Greenwish Village. Located on the south end of the grounds, Greenwish Village serves up fun games, arts and crafts—all with a green twist—environmentally speaking. Greenwish Village will be open from noon on Friday through 1 p.m. on Sunday.

What a fun way to learn about the goin’ o’ the green! I know I’ll be there, getting both my Irish and my eco on. Check back for pics and details on the Greenwish Village at Irish Fest ’09.

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