GREEN FOCUS: Cool Things That Are Green

Last year 99% of the material discarded at The Bite of Oregon presented by Amica Insurance was diverted from landfills. For 2012 the festival has set the goal of 100% of all waste being recycled. To achieve this mark The Bite will work closely with Allied Waste Services - a national leader in transforming recyclable materials into an environmental supply chain. With a 29 year legacy of showcasing the best of Oregon, the festival will demonstrate the state's commitment to sustainability.

During its August 10th through 12th Waterfront Park run The Bite of Oregon presented by Amica Insurance is expected to attract nearly 50,000 attendees. If an event this size didn’t have a waste initiative, it could generate mountains of trash. But The Bite is working with vendors on creative ways to keep serving materials and leftover food from going into the garbage. And festival goers will be asked to do their part by recycling and taking public transportation to and from the event.
To achieve Zero Waste the event is launching several initiatives. All restaurants and wineries have been asked to use compostable food and service wear. To collect these eco-friendly items recycle stations will be set-up throughout the festival area. Attendees will be able to recycle all food scraps and food related materials like napkins, soiled cardboard and beverage cups.

The restaurant grease will be captured and collected by Oregon Biofuels. They will recycle it into a biofuel commodity, which will power vehicles for weeks after the event. The Bite has also formed a partnership with TriMet to encourage public the use of public transportation by attendees.

Allied Waste Services has been proud to serve many cities and counties in Oregon for more than 50 years.    As an integrated member in their communities, Allied continuously strives to provide reliable, responsible, and sustainable solid waste and recycling services for every customer.

Their leadership in developing innovative recycling programs for all of their customers has been integral in the success of recycling programs in Oregon.
Allied Waste Services, a Republic Services Company, is a leading provider of environmental services including solid waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling in the United States and Puerto Rico. The company’s various operating units, including collection operations, transfer stations, recycling centers and landfills are focused on providing reliable environmental services and solutions for commercial, industrial, municipal and residential customers.

The 2012 Bite promises to build on popular new additions that were a hit at last summer’s event: Sysco’s Oregon Chef’s Stage, Portland Food Cart Cuisine, Gerry Frank’s Oregon Chef’s Table presented by The Oregonian, and family popular Kids Fair. Important mainstay features return including Iron Chef Oregon competitions presented by NW Natural, the always popular Oregon Craft Beer Gardens, two live music stage, and one of the largest Oregon wine tastings in the state taking place in the MIX Wine Pavilion.

The Bite of Oregon, burst onto the Portland event scene in 1984, and has introduced hundreds of the latest dishes from new and well-known restaurants, helped establish the popularity of the Oregon wine industry, and, most importantly, has raised needed dollars for Special Olympics Oregon. This year, Special Olympics Oregon encourages food, beverage and fun lovers to come and enjoy this always-innovating Oregon summer tradition!

Written for GreenPosting