DENVER—April 15, 2008—When EarthWorks Expo(www.earthworks2008.com) returns to the Denver Merchandise Mart on June 21-22, it will again “walk the talk” and be a Zero-Waste event.  

Zero-Waste is the recycling of all materials back into nature or the marketplace to protect human health and the environment.  Last year, EarthWorks Expo, Denver’s largest green-living event of the year, was able to recycle or compost 97 percent of the waste from its 117 exhibitors and several thousand attendees--leaving only 65 lbs. of trash for the entire three-day event. The recycled materials included 1290 lbs. of office paper, 165 lbs. of commingled recyclables (bottles, cans, etc.), 115 lbs. of cardboard and 645 lbs. of materials sent off to be composted.

This year, EarthWorks Expo is working with Eco-Products, Waste-Not Recycling and the Denver Merchandise Mart to achieve the Zero-Waste goal.  Most of the disposable products, such as compostable hot and cold cups, eating utensils and 100 percent recycled paper towels and toilet tissue, have been supplied by Boulder-based Eco-Products (www.ecoproducts.com).  These items also are free of inks, dyes and fragrances.
 
Waste-Not Recycling of Loveland (www.waste-not.com) is overseeing the management of resource conservation of EarthWorks Expo by ensuring that items, normally sent to the landfill, are rescued and sent for recycling or composting.  The independent, regional company has been providing education, training, waste analysis, equipment and collection services for waste reduction and recycling for more than 19 years.

“Recycling and composting ‘waste’ reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the need for new landfills,” explains Michael Lindemann, Expo Director. “In addition, EarthWorks Expo offsets nearly 100 percent of its carbon emissions with wind energy credits, including emissions associated with travel, venue emissions from electricity and natural gas consumed during the event, and a large portion of anticipated emissions from cars driven to the Expo by attendees,” Lindemann says.  “We want to set a green example for other large meetings and conventions in the Denver area.”

Electronics recycling also will be offered both days of EarthWorks Expo, and will be hosted by G&S Mountain Recyclers (www.mountainrecyclers.com) of Longmont. Attendees may bring in their unwanted household or office equipment containing electronic components, including old computers, TVs, VCRs, Fax machines, etc.  G&S Mountain Recyclers follows all state, federal and EPA regulations for proper disposal of electronic scrap.  Some fees to attendees will apply for recycling of their items.  

The Denver Merchandise Mart is conveniently located at I-25 and E. 58th Ave.  Times for EarthWorks Expo are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 21 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 22.  Tickets will go on sale May 5, with daily admission only $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for youth.  Children age 12 and younger are free when accompanied by an adult.  Discounts for two-day admissions also will be available.