The Towards Zero Waste Apple Blossom project began in 2023 when local Rotarians wanted to try to bring recycling and composting to the Festival. Reducing our GHG emissions helps promote the stable climate upon which our orchard industry depends. Reducing food waste has been identified as one the most impactful actions we can take to reduce those emissions.
Rotarians teamed up with local commercial composter, Winton Mfg., and the Festival’s garbage contractor, WM, as well as fellow non-profits Sustainable NCW and Waste Loop. Young Life is in charge of garbage collection during the Festival and their leadership joined the team as well.
München Haus and Icicle Brewing stepped up to sponsor the purchase of compostable cups for the beer garden. Empty bottles were collected and transported to Chelan Rotary’s 911 Glass Rescue for repurposing. All vendors were asked to recycle cardboard, and volunteers collected mixed recycling and organic waste on Youth Day.
The group’s initial attempt at diverting reusable and recyclable materials from the landfill resulted in a 50% drop in garbage volume from the previous year, and received the Washington Festival and Events Association Pacific NW Green Program Award.
This year the group hopes to do even more. Food fair vendors will have the opportunity to compost their organic waste, and volunteers will staff composting/recycling stations on multiple days. München Haus has once again stepped up to sponsor compostable cups and this year will be joined by Umpqua Bank. We are grateful for the sponsorship of Winton Mfg. Compost Works and WM as well.
Thank you for your help in working Towards a Zero Waste Apple Blossom to help assure we always have apple blossoms to celebrate!
