| July 2008 Monthly Meeting Minutes | | Print | |
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West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum Member Meeting Minutes July 14, 2008
Introductions:
12:15 Marylu Dykstra- Thank You and Welcome
The group introduced themselves in a roundtable format. Thank You to Craig, the representative from the Days Hotel, for today’s meeting
Executive Director Report:
q Renewable Portfolio Standard Energy Bill o Set standard at 7% which most of the Environmental Community feels is substantially low, aiming for 10% q Please take action in trying to increase this RPS q Project Light Change q August 9th- Dune Days Adventure 11-2:30ish @ Muskegon State Park
Presentation
Rick Menken, GM of Spurt Ind., presented on the S.O.R.T. Composting Program. Resulting from an outcry among many of area restaurants and business for the development of a recycling system to deal with much of the recyclables that are being throwing out (i.e. Cardboard, ). We felt there is a void that needed to be filled Offers full circle recycling, from Business to Spurt’s recycling program. First step is a “waste stream audit”, Spurt is trying to implant new recycling techniques to continue to be able to recycle more waste. Example, Spitfire Industries contacted Spurt to recycle of the Rothbury Music Festival. The efforts produced 77% recycling for the entire Rothbury Festival.
Any University Affiliation? In contact with Cornerstone U. and GRCC
Are there Drop Off sites? Not currently, however development is in process for one. Individual Loads are accepted currently at any Spurt location. Since March 13th over 150 tons have been diverted from Incinerator. Goal is to double incoming materials by next spring. Example, if you were to make all silverware, plates, napkins, cups in a cafeteria Biodegradable then EVERYTHING that goes in the trash programs like SORT can recycle. Obstacles: q Infrastructure at collection Site- cost. Participation could be a problem q When waste removal is included in rent no incentive to increase amount paid q Education/Training q Community- Free drop off q Tenants vs. Landlord responsibility/ Management in a multi-tenant bldg. q Awareness
Best Practice:
Craig Bilski, Days Hotel, presented on the process for the transformation from the Days Inn to the Days Hotel. Craig discussed the aspects of the renovation process that were green, including the waste recycling programs, introduction of sustainable technologies within the rooms, green cleaning products. Seeking LEED EB certification.
Q&A What is the best way to promote Green Hospitality Businesses in West Michigan?
Announcements:
5th Annual Wine and Roses for Cystic Fibrosis October 17th Green Marketplace- way for local businesses to showoff their items, businesses only need to donate one item to the auction How can we as an association help other associations?
SWMSBF- Hosting Annual SB conference, “Energizing Michigan’s Energy Future”, November 13th @ Western Michigan University www.swmsbf.org
Annual Golf Outing- August 11th, is a fundraiser for WMSBF Scholarships, @ Quail Ridge Golf Course, looking for donations, sponsorships,
Great Lakes Green Conference- Michigan Assoc of Homebuilders, put on to teach homebuilders how to renovate and build green homes. It is expanding from a Building expo to a Green Living Expo. Looking for Businesses seeking to have an Exhibit
State of Michigan- 2nd Annual International Creative City conference in Detroit in October.
1:45 Move to Adjourn
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