Hey everyone! Long time no bloggin’. Saving the world takes up a lot of time!

I wanted to check in and share the good vibes that were received from the Iowa Recycling Associations 2013 Conference and Trade Show at the Mid-American Center. (Check out the cool art piece displayed at the front door.)

This was my first time attending and I was very pleased with the results and returned to Des Moines inspired, re-energized and ready to continue the fight towards bigger and better recycling and waste diversion strategies.

I had the joy of presenting on Zero-Waste and showing how easy it is to throw events that don’t create loads of waste, keeping your event classy and not trashy as we like to say.

The main thing I want to share is how many multiple organizations are out there helping RecycleMe Iowa in our fight for a cleaner and greener world. Those people should be recognized and if you ever see them make sure you give them a high-five and say ‘Thanks’ for all their hard work. The following are just a few of those people (I could list them all but I want you to read the entire post):

1. Jen Jordan with Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center – She is amazing and plays a critical role in encouraging progressive solutions.
2. Bonnie Haas with Kettle Creek Corp. – An individual who has a strong passion on protecting our natural resources for our children through responsible business choices.
3. Matt Krug with hibu (Yellowbook) – Did you know Yellowbook is doing awesome things for our recycling world?! Me either! Check them out and their proactive decisions to help reduce everyone’s waste.
4. Rob Bell with FOCUS Consulting – The keynote speaker did an excellent job speaking about good customer service and general positive outlooks in life and business. Fun fact: he was extremely shy when he was young.
5. Adam Hammes with Kum & Go – Kum & Go is making sure they consider the triple bottom line with it comes to sustainability (People, Planet, Profit) and implementing that in all of their decisions. Stay updated on social media for more fun things RecycleMe Iowa and Kum & Go are doing to better our recycling community in the Des Moines metro area.
6. Alicia Presto with Iowa Waste Exchange – She is helping divert waste and keep the recycling world inspired and hopeful.
7. Joe Hummel with City Carton Recycling – Another proud panther doing his part in Iowa to reduce landfills and divert waste. Go Joe go! Rarrr!
8. Dan Nickey and Diane Albertson with Iowa Waste Reduction Center – Both are providing responsible education on waste diversion and helping small businesses protect the environment among many other things. Check out their Food Waste Reduction workshop in Des Moines on Oct. 30th. They WANT to hear your voice and your ideas on food waste. Plus, RecycleMe Iowa will be there making the event be zero-waste!
9. Teresa Kurtz and the rest of the Iowa Recycling Association crew – Thanks for putting on a stellar event!
10. Dixie Quick’s – I have to give a shout out to one of the best restaurants in Council Bluffs. Brilliant food, service and decor. It was featured on Diners, Dives and Drive-ins and has an art gallery connected to it which had an exhibit featuring recycled art. Um…Saweet! Please check them out if you are ever near the Omaha/Council Bluffs area.

The list could go on but I need to put my superhero cape back on and get back to work. Enjoy the photos and we’ll see you at the Oct 30th Food Waste Reduction workshop in Des Moines.
Keep calm and recycle on folks.
Cheers!