Simple actions inspire change

As a direct result of our efforts in developing the world's first zero waste golf course. we are seeing positive change in our local community.

When I first pitched zero waste to our golf superintendent, Josh Heptig, I pointed out that there were no recycle containers on the entire golf course property. Josh explained to me how the maintenance staff sorted the waste stream behind the scenes. Seemed reasonable, and we went on to other topics of zero waste discussion.

One of our first major zero waste partners, Bill Worrell of San Luis Obispo County's Integrated Waste Management Authority, who donated our two vessel composters, looked around the county and realized that NONE of the other golf courses had adequate recycle containers. So, Bill Worrell applied for a $220,000 grant from CalRecycle, got the money and is purchasing all new containers for every course in the county. That's 200,000 examples of how simple actions inspire change.

When my two friends and I started our environmental club, our first project was to host the waste management at Morro Bay's 2008 Harbor Festival. We promoted zero waste by sorting out compostables, reusables and  recyclables from the festival waste stream. We constructed ZerO Waste Stations constructing plywood panels into three sided towers which gave us signage opportunities around which to place the various containers. We hosted the stations to offer information and assistance with the festival crowds. Today, almost every major event in the county utilizes similar hosted zero waste stations. A local Eco-Rotary club has adopted zero waste event management as a pillar of their club constitution, and do dozens of events every year since they chartered their club.

Simple actions inspire change.

Every step along the way of developing the ZerO Waste Park at Dairy Creek has been a very easy one. We never really did much, except a little politicing, a little carpentry, a little digging, etc....but the results or our efforts are beginning to show themselves as greater than that which inspired them. It's very satisfying to see that ones simple local actions can really inspire greater change in our global community.