Sagebrush 2011 Works with Local Agencies to Attain a Zero Waste Event

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Popular Central Oregon charity fundraising event commits to recycling, composting and more to achieve zero waste.

Bend, Oregon, May 27, 2011 (PressReleasePoint) -- Sagebrush 2011 announced today that it is working toward “zero waste” with extensive recycling and composting at this year’s event series. A zero waste event is one in which event organizers plan ahead to reduce solid waste from the event, reuse various event supplies and set up sustainable practices for disposal. Sagebrush is working with The Environmental Center and Cascade Disposal, which recently began offering a composting program, to achieve its goals.

Katy Bryce of The Environmental Center said, “Events like Sagebrush are so important here in Central Oregon!  They really are part of our culture and allow us to come together as a community.  Moving toward zero waste at events like this one is the right direction because there is the potential for large amounts of waste to be diverted. We hope that this initiative by Sagebrush will help to educate even more people about zero waste as whole in our community.”

Sagebrush staff is utilizing The Environmental Center’s educational programs for event organizers, which help provide resources that assist in waste reduction. In addition, staff is working with Cascade Disposal, which offers comprehensive recycling and disposal services, as well as composting.

“This event will set the bar for future events to follow, and give people some touch points on how to achieve zero waste,” said Tom Leland of Cascade Disposal. “We try to make this process as easy as possible for our customers and work toward a higher standard of recycling and waste management.”

Sagebrush will be utilizing 100 percent compostable utensils, plates, cups and the like, which can all be recycled together by Cascade Disposal. Because many of the Sagebrush charity events for Sagebrush are food-focused, Sagebrush will take advantage of the company’s new composting program, which turns food scraps into garden mulch.

Deschutes Brewery created the Sagebrush events 23 years ago. Mike Cooper, food and beverage director for the brewery, who has headed up Sagebrush for the last decade said, “Deschutes Brewery has been actively moving towards sustainable waste management for years. We're excited to have the Environmental Center leading the charge and truly appreciate the commitment of our local disposal companies.”

The Bend, Oregon Sagebrush Launch Party, held in February, was the first zero waste event for Sagebrush. Creating zero waste for Sagebrush has been a long-term goal, and by working more closely with these local agencies this year they were able to make this goal a reality in 2011.

About Sagebrush:
The Sagebrush Classic, now simply called Sagebrush, has been benefiting the Central Oregon community for 22 years; raising more than $2 million for nonprofits through its popular golf tournament and feast. In 2011, the event has expanded from a single weekend to a week-long series of events that will benefit more than 100 area nonprofits. Sagebrush 2011 events include: July 9, Sagebrush Community Challenge/ Scramble; July 13, the Sagebrush Street Fare street festival; July 14, the Sagebrush Private Dinners will take place in private homes around Central Oregon; July 15, Sagebrush Classic golf tournament; and July 16, the famous Sagebrush Feast at Broken Top. For specific dates, times and cost of each event, visit www.sagebrush.org or contact Aimee Baillargeon, Executive Director at 541-408-6341 or aimee@sagebrush.org. http://www.facebook.com/sagebrush.classic

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