Hollister green business saves $18000 through recycling and organics program

During a recent special meeting of the San Benito County Integrated Waste Management (IWM) Regional Agency Local Task Force, discussions centered on enhancing community understanding of environmental impacts related to waste management programs. A key point raised was the need for clearer communication about the benefits of recycling and waste diversion efforts, particularly in terms of their environmental footprint.

One participant emphasized the importance of translating complex environmental metrics into language that the average resident can easily grasp. They suggested that the agency should find ways to express the impact of recycling and waste reduction in relatable terms, such as carbon footprint savings. Currently, the agency focuses primarily on waste diversion metrics, but there is a recognized gap in communicating these successes to the public.

The meeting also highlighted the success of the green business program, which has shown tangible benefits for local businesses. For instance, Technova, a business in Hollister, reported annual savings of $18,000 after increasing their recycling efforts and incorporating organic waste management. This example underscores the potential for financial and environmental benefits when businesses engage with waste reduction initiatives.

Additionally, the task force discussed their involvement in the upcoming STEAM Expo, which promotes science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The agency will participate by sponsoring a poster contest, integrating arts into the event and fostering community engagement.

As the meeting concluded, members expressed a desire for clearer communication strategies to better inform the public about the environmental benefits of local waste management programs. This focus on community understanding aligns with broader goals of promoting sustainability and encouraging active participation in environmental initiatives throughout San Benito County.