During Thursday's Award Luncheon, Dick Sprague with
HDR read a poem welcoming Laurie Batchelder Adams as SWANA's president.
Ode to Laurie Batchelder Adams
By The Colorado Rocky Mountain Chapter
There once was a lady from Colorado named Laurie
About whom we all can tell quite an amazing story.
In solid waste, she entered our state like a nor’easter
And for a dozen years, proved that it is hard to resist ‘er.
Of companies large and small, she was a member
And onto our chapter board she breezed one September.
She soon volunteered to join a strange group called the IB
Which led to her enshrinement in the hallowed halls of ivy.
For many years, she served as our board’s tie to the mother ship
And helped us better serve and educate our membership.
She often brought news of recent solid waste trends nationwide
Which helped our chapter become more widely diversified.
Her election as President, has made us so proud
That we cannot but hold in our collective shout aloud.
You have been a creative gift to our chapter
And we have a gift for your Presidential hereafter.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
CEM- Using Partnerships to Effectively Reach Citizens
Those attendees willing to stick it out past lunch on the last day were treated to a great set of environmental program PR hints and strategies, provided by Julie Berbiglia, of Metro Beatification & Environment Commission, Nashville, TN and Steve Thompson, Program Director with Curbside Value Partnership.
Julie’s program provides the environmental education and promotion for Metro Nashville Public Works recycling as well as other community beautification outreach. She detailed the use of student groups looking for projects to accomplish various community environmental projects such as litter collections, illegal flyer/sign removal, and flower plantings. In addition, student or community groups are given free usable paint, collected via Metro’s HHW program, for graffiti abatement painting projects. Neighborhood groups are able to adopt a road median, providing initial planting labor and continued upkeep, specified within the Metro agreement. Using local public access television, the Commission airs ready-made information on their various environmental issues in the form of slides, movies, or “commercials” highlighting each program. These are available for the station to use as time allows.
Thorough an “accidental” grass-roots movement, the Commission was able to obtain space for a public recycling drop-off site in a neighborhood currently underserved by the current recycling program. When a Commissioner was purchasing refreshments for a local recycling event, they got to talking to the local Wal-Mart Manager. The Manager offered to host a public recycling drop-off site in the store’s parking lot. During the opening of the site, other area Wal-Mart Managers attended and asked to host site at their stores as well!
Offering further free PR resources, Steve Thompson mentioned Curbside Value Partnership’s Bin Buzz newsletter and Recycling Education Tool Kit. The newsletter is made available, free of charge, via a mailing list. Free resources on the Tool Kit are downloadable from CVP’s website or you may request a CD be sent. CVP provides items such as general environmental and recycling articles and information, PSAs, and promotions formats.
Julie’s program provides the environmental education and promotion for Metro Nashville Public Works recycling as well as other community beautification outreach. She detailed the use of student groups looking for projects to accomplish various community environmental projects such as litter collections, illegal flyer/sign removal, and flower plantings. In addition, student or community groups are given free usable paint, collected via Metro’s HHW program, for graffiti abatement painting projects. Neighborhood groups are able to adopt a road median, providing initial planting labor and continued upkeep, specified within the Metro agreement. Using local public access television, the Commission airs ready-made information on their various environmental issues in the form of slides, movies, or “commercials” highlighting each program. These are available for the station to use as time allows.
Thorough an “accidental” grass-roots movement, the Commission was able to obtain space for a public recycling drop-off site in a neighborhood currently underserved by the current recycling program. When a Commissioner was purchasing refreshments for a local recycling event, they got to talking to the local Wal-Mart Manager. The Manager offered to host a public recycling drop-off site in the store’s parking lot. During the opening of the site, other area Wal-Mart Managers attended and asked to host site at their stores as well!
Offering further free PR resources, Steve Thompson mentioned Curbside Value Partnership’s Bin Buzz newsletter and Recycling Education Tool Kit. The newsletter is made available, free of charge, via a mailing list. Free resources on the Tool Kit are downloadable from CVP’s website or you may request a CD be sent. CVP provides items such as general environmental and recycling articles and information, PSAs, and promotions formats.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Using Partnerships to Effectivley Reach Citizens
This Thursday afternoon session really provided some great tips to improve recycling participation!
Steve Thompson with Curbside Value Partnership, stompson@recyclecurbside.org provided valuable information on curbside recycling participation. He said about half of citizens have access to recycling, but only half of those folks recycle. So, that said, only about one-fourth of citizens across the United States recycle through their curbside program. Let see if we can change that statistic.
His organization provides a free recycling communicator's tool box. Go to their Web site at www.recyclecurbside.org. Not only will you find the communicator's tool box, you'll also find free public service announcements in English and Spanish that can be modified with your city's contact information.
Also, any organization promoting curbside recycling must provide continuous public education. Steve estimates that $1 per household should be spent on recycling education. He also told conference attendees to spend $2 0r $3 per household on recycling education if the program has changed or improved dramatically! He added it was the most valuable money spent to increase recycling rates. Not only were more people recycling, but the volume in each bin also increased!
Steve Thompson with Curbside Value Partnership, stompson@recyclecurbside.org provided valuable information on curbside recycling participation. He said about half of citizens have access to recycling, but only half of those folks recycle. So, that said, only about one-fourth of citizens across the United States recycle through their curbside program. Let see if we can change that statistic.
His organization provides a free recycling communicator's tool box. Go to their Web site at www.recyclecurbside.org. Not only will you find the communicator's tool box, you'll also find free public service announcements in English and Spanish that can be modified with your city's contact information.
Also, any organization promoting curbside recycling must provide continuous public education. Steve estimates that $1 per household should be spent on recycling education. He also told conference attendees to spend $2 0r $3 per household on recycling education if the program has changed or improved dramatically! He added it was the most valuable money spent to increase recycling rates. Not only were more people recycling, but the volume in each bin also increased!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
CEM Tech Division Thoughts
Members and interested attendees gathered Wednesday afternoon to discuss the focus and direction of the Communication, Education, & Marketing Technical Division. The session was held in the back corner of the exhibit hall to allow more exposure to exhibitors while drawing attendees into networking opportunities.
CEM members expressed interest in SWANA creating a database of CEM program information including types of CEM information each program uses as well as demographics on the community served. Members felt this could be used as a resource when looking for information on other's in similar communities, position titles, programs, or to compare types of CEM outreach used and effects.
While CEM does maintain a listserv for information exchange, like the other SWANA Technical Divisions, some members expressed the need for a static directory of CEM member information to be used by others as reference.
CEM members expressed interest in SWANA creating a database of CEM program information including types of CEM information each program uses as well as demographics on the community served. Members felt this could be used as a resource when looking for information on other's in similar communities, position titles, programs, or to compare types of CEM outreach used and effects.
While CEM does maintain a listserv for information exchange, like the other SWANA Technical Divisions, some members expressed the need for a static directory of CEM member information to be used by others as reference.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Engaging the Public: Marketing and Outreach Campaign
Here's a quick glance at the Wendnesday session: Engaging the Public: Marketing and Outreach Campaign
Three speakers provided their municipalities’ success stories when reaching out to improve recycling programs. Effective recycling programs require proper planning, outreach and marketing. All the speakers agreed that doing their homework helped them learn how to effectively communicate their message through an education campaign.
Heather Merchant with the city of Plano in Texas helped kick off a public awareness campaign called Living it Green in Plano. She had the desire to build support and increase participation with green practices among residents.
After securing grant funds, Heather started with market research and analysis, then a public awareness campaign, and an environmental expo to build awareness in Plano.
She found the best way to communicate her city’s message was getting to know the target audience through focus groups and phone surveys. She also discovered that the most difficult thing for residents to answer is the definition of sustainability. Most residents couldn’t name sustainable practices other than recycling.
Heather also discussed how she found success by campaigning a full year with several events, with the premiere event being a family-friendly expo with games, food and fun to promote their environmental message. The event also held workshops, sold native plants and compost, provided giveaways and incentives to expo attendees. About 7,500 folks attended the expo! Repeating a multi-media messages proved to be one of the most effective ways that the city of Plano continued to reach households.
Branding is also a way to make sure you build awareness. The more someone can recognize your logo, the more they will use the concept.
Another speaker, Dennis Guy from Hamilton Ontario shared his marketing success in a higher population city with more than 500,000 residents and approximately 165,000 households. He suggested not getting caught up in how the marketing looks, but more about making sure that the message it expressed.
In my opinion, the best message for municipalities during the session was using a multi-year media campaign because many cities have a small budget for marketing and this method allows the city to spread out their advertising dollars. By showing the media outlet that they'll have repeat business, they're more willing to work with the municipality to get their message out.
Three speakers provided their municipalities’ success stories when reaching out to improve recycling programs. Effective recycling programs require proper planning, outreach and marketing. All the speakers agreed that doing their homework helped them learn how to effectively communicate their message through an education campaign.
Heather Merchant with the city of Plano in Texas helped kick off a public awareness campaign called Living it Green in Plano. She had the desire to build support and increase participation with green practices among residents.
After securing grant funds, Heather started with market research and analysis, then a public awareness campaign, and an environmental expo to build awareness in Plano.
She found the best way to communicate her city’s message was getting to know the target audience through focus groups and phone surveys. She also discovered that the most difficult thing for residents to answer is the definition of sustainability. Most residents couldn’t name sustainable practices other than recycling.
Heather also discussed how she found success by campaigning a full year with several events, with the premiere event being a family-friendly expo with games, food and fun to promote their environmental message. The event also held workshops, sold native plants and compost, provided giveaways and incentives to expo attendees. About 7,500 folks attended the expo! Repeating a multi-media messages proved to be one of the most effective ways that the city of Plano continued to reach households.
Branding is also a way to make sure you build awareness. The more someone can recognize your logo, the more they will use the concept.
Another speaker, Dennis Guy from Hamilton Ontario shared his marketing success in a higher population city with more than 500,000 residents and approximately 165,000 households. He suggested not getting caught up in how the marketing looks, but more about making sure that the message it expressed.
In my opinion, the best message for municipalities during the session was using a multi-year media campaign because many cities have a small budget for marketing and this method allows the city to spread out their advertising dollars. By showing the media outlet that they'll have repeat business, they're more willing to work with the municipality to get their message out.
Nobody Notices Normal
What a great start Tuesday morning with opening breakfast speaker Scott Ginsberg, "The Name Tag Guy." He's not just any name tag sporting chap. Scott has committed to wearing a name tag 24-hours a day, seven days-a week!After leaving the guest speaker breakfast, several folks walked throughout the Solid Waste Exhibit Hall displaying Scott's business card on their name badge, as Scott's new friend. I'm happy to say that, I too, am Scott's new friend. I think he showed us how we can all benefit from practicing approachability skills.I decided to name this blog after something Scott said that truly seemed vital to any new relationship you build. Nobody notices normal. I think we all strive to be unique, but not so unique that we're different. So, by being unique we're making a name for ourselves, so others won't do it for us. Great message, Scott.I may never truly commit wearing a name tag as Scott, but kudos on his vision of doing something that is being noticed!Edwin Duncan of Surprise, Ariz. believes he will make better relationships in his city as the new university solid waste/recycling supervisor. Edwin is working to establish relationships within his city to improve curbside recycling for Surprise's 150,000 residents. The city has a recycling participation rate of approximately 25 percent. He plans to use Scott's approachability tips to get his recycling message out to residents.Scott, 27, told us during the opening breakfast that he has worn a name tag, each day, for the past 2,539 days. And that being said, Scott made a wonderful point that we should all use in our daily lives: Consistency is far better than rare moments of greatness!
posted by Serina at 7:55 PM on Oct 16, 2007
posted by Serina at 7:55 PM on Oct 16, 2007
Opening Reception
Hello fellow trash lovers! First, I would love to say that I had a wonderful time at the Opening Reception of SWANA's WASTECON 2007 tonight. I feel such synergy when talking to others about waste reduction, recycling and sustainability! Not only did I chat with folks from the United States, I spoke with attendees and trainers from Canada and Central America. It truly makes me believe that we are all in this together. The highlight of the evening was talking with four gentlemen from Central America. They're interested in learning how North America manages their trash and recycling. Costa Rica and Honduras are both very ecologically conscious countries, their big challenge is to find efficient ways to manage garbage and recycling. Milton Fonseca with Waste Placement Professionals wants to improve waste treatment and recycling, become a part of the carbon trade and help make his country more sustainable. Costa Rica wants to become one of the first carbon nuetral countries. And, as you all know, carbon dioxide is a very hot topic - for everyone. Randall Cerdas Corella, also of Costa Rica is training while at WASTCON to ensure that his country is at the forefront of proper trash management. During a landfill tour Monday, he learned that his landfill is much different than other landfills in Nevada. His country receives more than 200 inches of rain, while Nevada receives less than 5 inches. That is an amazing difference! Corella explained that his landfill required a leachate collection system because of the high amount of rain. Another difference is the lining system. His landfill in San Pedro requires a liner. Another attendee, David McCary of SanAntonio, Texas also discussed some really interesting issues facing his area. McCary started in the solid waste business 30 years ago as a trash collector. Today, he is the director of the solid waste management department. His division is looking at more than just taking trash off the street, they're also looking at renewable energy. His city is rolling out 15 trucks with alternative fuel. The alternative fuel is compressed natural gas. According to McCary, it runs 90 percent cleaner. He added that he wanted to start using the technology before it was mandated in 2010. I hope you enjoyed hearing from a few of the conference attendees. I hope you enjoy the conference and please come back to read more of our conference coverage!
So Many Exhibits; Bring Back Gifts!
The Exhibit Hall opened Tuesday with a flurry of activity. Many rows of booths displaying equipment and services met the attendee. It was great to see so many new products and companies as well as the tried and true SWANA regulars and their competition. What a great opportunity for attendees to "shop" for what they need in the way of solid waste services, equipment, and products. Where else can you go to one room and see or touch the types of equipment you are considering for your program; where else can you talk to multiple individuals providing diverse services which you may not have even known existed!
A number of events drew attendees to the exhibit hall such as drawings for prizes and offering of snacks to get us through before the long afternoon of sessions. Of course there are the usual knick knacks we can pick up from each booth, including candy and giveaways displaying each vendor's name or logo, not allowing us to forget who we may wish to contact for more information later.
One tip for attendees: You may have all the knick knacks, neat pens, notepads, and such that you could use, but don't forget your staff who were not able to attend WasteCon with you- bringing back small "souvenirs" for them reminds them they were not forgotten during your trip and appreciates the work they did in your absence to keep the program running. I have often seen that "special pen" being used for months after by someone who's assistance is invaluable to the organization. Besides, don't forget the kids either; they love this stuff!
A number of events drew attendees to the exhibit hall such as drawings for prizes and offering of snacks to get us through before the long afternoon of sessions. Of course there are the usual knick knacks we can pick up from each booth, including candy and giveaways displaying each vendor's name or logo, not allowing us to forget who we may wish to contact for more information later.
One tip for attendees: You may have all the knick knacks, neat pens, notepads, and such that you could use, but don't forget your staff who were not able to attend WasteCon with you- bringing back small "souvenirs" for them reminds them they were not forgotten during your trip and appreciates the work they did in your absence to keep the program running. I have often seen that "special pen" being used for months after by someone who's assistance is invaluable to the organization. Besides, don't forget the kids either; they love this stuff!
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