I work with the best golf superintendent in the world. Well, you may ask...what makes this county golf boss the best golf superintendent in the world?
Even though Josh Heptig is responsible for the course conditions on three municipal courses in different microclimate zones, he doesn't sweat it because, coincidentally, we also have the best greenskeepers in the world maintaining the courses in pristine conditions year round.
But seriously, what makes these guys the best at what they do? They are on the cutting edge of the greatest change to the environmental profile of the golf industry in the history of the game. Don't make me bore you with a long list of details, but it's clear to us already that our zero waste golf park project is gaining real traction with the new breed of environmentally aware golf professionals worldwide. Zero waste just fits golf course operations like a glove...and because of the leadership of Heptig and greens crew at Dairy Creek, it's suddenly the obvious answer to local actions that benefit the environment and the bottom line.
Josh often tells people that the greatest surprise revealed as a result of establishing the zero waste park at Dairy Creek is how the zero waste initiative has attracted diverse partners within the community to come together on golf course grounds to promote environmental education and awareness in the community at large. What a great way to reach out to the community's non golfers who may just need a nudge to become our future golfers and paying customers.
These guys don't have a fat budget or a lot of employees with which to operate San Luis Obispo county golf courses. At Dairy Creek, only 5 guys do it all, seven days a week. They don't have membership money like private clubs do, or an opportunity for freewheeling entrepreneurial risk taking. It's the tightest budget conditions you can imagine, and yet these guys are changing the face of modern golf course management on a shoestring. If these guys can afford to operate a zero waste operation on their government budget, then it's obvious that every other golf course in the world can't afford not to.
Josh Heptig is the best golf superintendent in the world because he has inspired his staff and community associates to pioneer the new global standard for golf environmentalism.
If your golf superintendent can compete for "best superintendent in the world" honors, speak now or forever hold your peace.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Zero Waste Webinar coming soon
We have decided it's time to produce our first zero waste webinar. We'll explain our process in detail for those of you who may be interested.
We'll make some instructional videos regarding the vessel composting, worm farming, and compost tea brewing. We'll also show how we transport the food wastes from kitchen to composter.
It's so simple it's a joke. But zero waste is no joke, really... Most important from my perspective is the food and green waste composting. We diverted and composted approximately one ton of food and green wastes per month last year. That means that we prevented approximately 6000 cubic meters of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere each month.
That's right, one metric ton of food waste, when landfilled, produces 300 cubic meters of methane gas which is 20 times more harmful to the atmosphere than is CO2. Do the math...300X20=6000.
If we divert one ton of food waste per month from our small food concession, think about how much food and green waste you are producing at your course, restaurant or home. Save our environment and start composting!
We'll make some instructional videos regarding the vessel composting, worm farming, and compost tea brewing. We'll also show how we transport the food wastes from kitchen to composter.
It's so simple it's a joke. But zero waste is no joke, really... Most important from my perspective is the food and green waste composting. We diverted and composted approximately one ton of food and green wastes per month last year. That means that we prevented approximately 6000 cubic meters of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere each month.
That's right, one metric ton of food waste, when landfilled, produces 300 cubic meters of methane gas which is 20 times more harmful to the atmosphere than is CO2. Do the math...300X20=6000.
If we divert one ton of food waste per month from our small food concession, think about how much food and green waste you are producing at your course, restaurant or home. Save our environment and start composting!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
So this is environmental leadership?
We hear so much lip service about "sustainability, ecological awareness and environmental protection", but where is the real leadership? Leadership is not a sport of restating the obvious while the problems remain unchanged. No, leadership is about inspiring change.
One thing about the Zero Waste Park at Dairy Creek Golf Course is that it is inspiring real change in our county. The greatest change that we see is a growth in the awareness of zero waste as a principle for action in our everyday lives. The term "Zero Waste" trumps all other environmental catch phrases. Every environmental protection action possible falls under the umbrella of zero waste.
In the past 2 years since we began promoting zero waste in our county, there have been several local groups that have formed specifically to help raise zero waste awareness. A group of Rotarians in Morro Bay have pioneered an Eco-Rotary group whose members volunteer to process the trash at almost every large festival or event. They set up and host waste sorting stations around the events and then the hosts discuss zero waste strategies with the event goers as they present their party wastes for sorting. As a result of Eco-Rotarian actions, more and more local event planners are prioritizing zero waste as a signature part of their environmental stance.
The zero waste park is located at a county municipal golf facility, which many of you know. One thing that the county has realized through their partnership in the project is the value of doubling up on the utility of facilities that are already in place. We don't need a new piece of land upon which to provide services to our constituents. We can use a place we already own and maintain. Along this line, our golf superintendent Josh Heptig, has offered what is basically free land at Dairy Creek upon which to construct a permanent facility for junior golf and environmental awareness at Dairy Creek. The First Tee and Autobon International as well as our local integrated waste management authority are already making commitments to participate.
I could go on, but you get the picture.
This is environmental leadership.
One thing about the Zero Waste Park at Dairy Creek Golf Course is that it is inspiring real change in our county. The greatest change that we see is a growth in the awareness of zero waste as a principle for action in our everyday lives. The term "Zero Waste" trumps all other environmental catch phrases. Every environmental protection action possible falls under the umbrella of zero waste.
In the past 2 years since we began promoting zero waste in our county, there have been several local groups that have formed specifically to help raise zero waste awareness. A group of Rotarians in Morro Bay have pioneered an Eco-Rotary group whose members volunteer to process the trash at almost every large festival or event. They set up and host waste sorting stations around the events and then the hosts discuss zero waste strategies with the event goers as they present their party wastes for sorting. As a result of Eco-Rotarian actions, more and more local event planners are prioritizing zero waste as a signature part of their environmental stance.
The zero waste park is located at a county municipal golf facility, which many of you know. One thing that the county has realized through their partnership in the project is the value of doubling up on the utility of facilities that are already in place. We don't need a new piece of land upon which to provide services to our constituents. We can use a place we already own and maintain. Along this line, our golf superintendent Josh Heptig, has offered what is basically free land at Dairy Creek upon which to construct a permanent facility for junior golf and environmental awareness at Dairy Creek. The First Tee and Autobon International as well as our local integrated waste management authority are already making commitments to participate.
I could go on, but you get the picture.
This is environmental leadership.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Zero Waste partners are coming together
Dairy Creek's zero waste park is running smoothly. We compost all the restaurant food wastes, grass clippings, cardboard and wood chips on a daily basis. We're brewing compost tea every week and testing the tea for optimal microbial population with Cal Poly University and the Soil Food Web Institute and with funding from USGA. We're teaming up with First Tee and our county waste management authority to apply for some grants to build a permanent demonstration facility to introduce school students to zero waste strategies for school and home. Oh, and while they're on site, we'll put clubs in their hands and give them some basic golf instruction.
See, we think we can grow the game of golf and payable rounds when we introduce children to the fun of the game. We believe the kids will come back to the course and bring a parent with them. We also believe that the best way to change the way we handle trash and wastes is to educate the next generation.
All in all, it's the local partnerships as well as support from the golf industry that really get our engines running. When so many good people and organizations are this eager to join the effort, that's got to be a good sign for the future of zero waste golf...don't you agree?
See, we think we can grow the game of golf and payable rounds when we introduce children to the fun of the game. We believe the kids will come back to the course and bring a parent with them. We also believe that the best way to change the way we handle trash and wastes is to educate the next generation.
All in all, it's the local partnerships as well as support from the golf industry that really get our engines running. When so many good people and organizations are this eager to join the effort, that's got to be a good sign for the future of zero waste golf...don't you agree?
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Looking back on the first year of zero waste golf
This is the year zero waste golf was born. It started out as idea being tossed around by a few buddies. Nurtured by optimists, luckily presented to an interested and capable decision maker, joined by enthusiastic associates, adopted by government agencies and opened to the public at Dairy Creek Golf Course in San Luis Obispo California.
This is a year to remember. As zero waste becomes the norm at golf courses worldwide in the next few years, remember this blogspot as the beginning of a global movement using golf courses as community environmental and educational assets. It's just not cool to trash the environment any more, and businesses that promote zero waste next year are going to be the next generation of environmental leaders.
Zero waste is a concept reserved for leaders. Anyone promoting zero waste in their community IS a leader, and then those who are adopt zero waste become the next generation of leaders, and so on. The funny thing about zero waste is that it's hard to define in it's entirety. Zero waste is huge. Zero waste is almost too big to be defined, but yet, it is applicable to most every action and transaction. Heck, zero waste is applicable to future actions. As example, BEFORE you buy products, if you're a zero waster, you'll think about the impact of the product or its packaging will eventually impact the waste stream...precycling.
Once we start defining zero waste for ourselves, we find ourselves sharing the definition with others. Next thing you know they are repeating their versions of the zero waste concept to their friends and coworkers...and then the idea goes viral on social media...and then the world is changed forever. In future years, when all golf courses adopt zero waste protocols as every day best management practices, I will always remember that 2011 was the first year of zero waste golf.
This is a year to remember. As zero waste becomes the norm at golf courses worldwide in the next few years, remember this blogspot as the beginning of a global movement using golf courses as community environmental and educational assets. It's just not cool to trash the environment any more, and businesses that promote zero waste next year are going to be the next generation of environmental leaders.
Zero waste is a concept reserved for leaders. Anyone promoting zero waste in their community IS a leader, and then those who are adopt zero waste become the next generation of leaders, and so on. The funny thing about zero waste is that it's hard to define in it's entirety. Zero waste is huge. Zero waste is almost too big to be defined, but yet, it is applicable to most every action and transaction. Heck, zero waste is applicable to future actions. As example, BEFORE you buy products, if you're a zero waster, you'll think about the impact of the product or its packaging will eventually impact the waste stream...precycling.
Once we start defining zero waste for ourselves, we find ourselves sharing the definition with others. Next thing you know they are repeating their versions of the zero waste concept to their friends and coworkers...and then the idea goes viral on social media...and then the world is changed forever. In future years, when all golf courses adopt zero waste protocols as every day best management practices, I will always remember that 2011 was the first year of zero waste golf.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
When I die put my ashes inside one of those exploding golf balls
I love Dairy Creek Golf Course / Zero Waste Park. It's unbelievably beautiful, nestled among the raptor flown grasslands, ocean breezes and ancient volcanos. I told my golf partner that when I die I want my ashes spread on the course. But I was thinking that I could multitask by playing a prank if my ashes were stuffed into an exploding golf ball. Maybe my remains could be stuffed down the shaft of my buddy's driver, then I could hack and shank my way into the afterlife.
But seriously, when I die I plan to leave some of my assets to support Dairy Creek and the important environmental leadership that is taking place there. I imagine that there are a lot of golfers that could help save the planet for their grandchildren by supporting environmental improvements at their local golf course. Whatever we care about, whether it's golf, football, fishing...whatever, think about giving support to those in that sport or industry that are using their facility or visibility to promote environmental best management practices.
That money isn't going to do you any good when you're dead and gone, so why not not call the lawyer and change your will today, before you forget about it. For that matter, you probably have too much money even now, so why not make a charitable donation to your course or environmental non-profit before years end. Your donation could start a whole environmental movement within your course and community.
But seriously, when I die I plan to leave some of my assets to support Dairy Creek and the important environmental leadership that is taking place there. I imagine that there are a lot of golfers that could help save the planet for their grandchildren by supporting environmental improvements at their local golf course. Whatever we care about, whether it's golf, football, fishing...whatever, think about giving support to those in that sport or industry that are using their facility or visibility to promote environmental best management practices.
That money isn't going to do you any good when you're dead and gone, so why not not call the lawyer and change your will today, before you forget about it. For that matter, you probably have too much money even now, so why not make a charitable donation to your course or environmental non-profit before years end. Your donation could start a whole environmental movement within your course and community.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Leadership is always risky for cowards...but who's scared now?
Surfers have a mantra..."No Fear", because when you look down the face of a huge ocean wave, you either chicken out or drop in for fun. You can't have the surfing experience if you don't overcome the fear of being crushed by tons of water if you screw up.
Overcoming the fear of failure is the secret to success, and that's the same whether you're dropping in on a wave or taking a leadership position in the highly controlled and conservative golf industry. Try to change golf's direction in almost any area and you risk being crushed by the weight of tradition and global corporations that "control" golf, golf apparel, golf equipment, golf ideas ...you get the idea. Anybody with any brains at all would walk away from the challenge of changing golf's environmental protocols.
Dude, surfers aren't brain surgeons when they drop in on 20 footers, but they are very brave. It's the same with zero wasters at the golf course. We may not be geniuses, but we're not afraid to challenge the industry to make fundamental changes that all other modern industries are being forced to make to save potable water, to reduce the use of poisons, and to reduce landfilled waste. In fact, we're enboldened by the positive response from our community, from our local integrated waste management authorities, county supervisors and other interested environmental groups, our club members and the public at large..
For me, this golf environmental leadership thing is all new, and in the beginning it seemed like the golf industry was a looming wave waiting to crush us under it's enormous weight...but you know, once we just threw fear aside and just dropped in on zero waste golf , we found ourselves on one of the most exciting, thrilling and fun rides ever.
Overcoming the fear of failure is the secret to success, and that's the same whether you're dropping in on a wave or taking a leadership position in the highly controlled and conservative golf industry. Try to change golf's direction in almost any area and you risk being crushed by the weight of tradition and global corporations that "control" golf, golf apparel, golf equipment, golf ideas ...you get the idea. Anybody with any brains at all would walk away from the challenge of changing golf's environmental protocols.
Dude, surfers aren't brain surgeons when they drop in on 20 footers, but they are very brave. It's the same with zero wasters at the golf course. We may not be geniuses, but we're not afraid to challenge the industry to make fundamental changes that all other modern industries are being forced to make to save potable water, to reduce the use of poisons, and to reduce landfilled waste. In fact, we're enboldened by the positive response from our community, from our local integrated waste management authorities, county supervisors and other interested environmental groups, our club members and the public at large..
For me, this golf environmental leadership thing is all new, and in the beginning it seemed like the golf industry was a looming wave waiting to crush us under it's enormous weight...but you know, once we just threw fear aside and just dropped in on zero waste golf , we found ourselves on one of the most exciting, thrilling and fun rides ever.
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