COVID-19 UPDATE

Like all of you, we have been closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 to ensure the safety of you as a "team member" and the greater Indianapolis community at large. We would like to share the following information regarding our operations, scrap collection and "team safety".

As always feel free to reach out via email or talk to us if you have any questions or concerns.

COLLECTION SCHEDULE & PROCESSES

Our scrap collection route is operating as normal. To reduce to possibility of contamination we ask that you keep your bin cleaned and lined with compostable bag liners. As an added precaution, spray the bin, especially the exterior with a disinfectant spray. We wear rubber gloves, but let's be extra safe, okay?

Don't be offended. We have put in a policy of 'no physical contact' with customers and community members. Meaning no shaking hands. 

COVID-19 AND IMPACT ON WASTE & COMPOSTING

The National Waste and Recycling Association released this guidance in the form of a FAQ sheet for companies operating in the waste and recycling industry. The virus does not spread through food and can easily be killed by detergents and disinfectants at regular temperatures used for washing. Our compost batches routinely reach temperatures upwards of 130 degrees Fahrenheit and stay there for at least 7 days. We are confident that our process complies with industry best practices and meets the requirements for pathogen elimination. You might take a look at this list that includes products that meet the EPA’s criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19. 

SCRAP COLLECTION & DROPOFF

1. Please continue your normal scrap collection practice inside your kitchens.

2. Monthly subscribers, please freeze your scraps if we have to suspend our collections operations. 

3. Consider using gloves and/or wipe or spray down the bucket and handles with disinfectant.

EVENTS AND CLASSES AS PER SCHEDULE

At this time all events have been cancelled until further notice. Visit our FB page for details.

As a team member, maintain a healthy spirit and positive attitude and we will get through this crisis collectively. While we feel great about our own immunity, we want to limit the possibility of being carriers and putting those with vulnerable immune systems at risk. Let's stay safe, rational and continue building topsoil for a healthy biosphere!

Onward and upward,

Greg F. Walton

Green With Indy, LLC

Did you know...

• Indiana is home to the largest landfill operation in the country. Other states dump their garbage here because our landfill fees are so low.

• As stated above, that cardboard is compostable! Check out our list of what is and is not compostable and add that to the bin.

• You are our best form of advertising, Refer...refer...refer! Send someone who eats this link: http://www.greenwithindy.com.

Food Waste Composting in Indianapolis! Do You Service My Neighborhood?

Do you service my neighborhood?

We get this question often. And, we encourage it due to not wanting to limit growth into new areas. But, being a small company, we can’t do it alone. We need and request your help, dear reader. Here’s how you can help.

To establish a new route we need 50 residential customers, per subdivision, apartment/condo or neighborhood. Because we get these request often, we ask those who are interested to consider becoming a green ambassador to bring composting into their community.

You might consider becoming an ambassador for developing a “ground up” movement for the service in your community. Here are nine things to consider that are built on a common theme… 

Organize youth advocates is key to changing the community

1. Begin with your street. Put green boots on the ground and knock on some doors. Select the neighbor that recycles and speak with them about composting. Be bold and say hello. If he/she responds, that’s your opening. Ask them about recycling, then bring up composting as part of a complete recycling household. Education is key. Visit our FAQ page for talking points.

2. If not yours, find kids on the block who would be willing to knock on doors. We can provide education materials.

3. Reach out to youth organizations in schools, Scouts or Boys and Girls Clubs. We can help with information and training. 

4. Find church based organizations for youth ministries or environmental groups to contact with the message of being stewards of the earth. 

5. Contact your local HOA or condo board. Recyclable rollout bins will identify those who might be receptive to composting. Again, we can help with educational materials. 

6. Contact apartment property managers of multi-unit complexes 

7. Contact local small businesses via local business and trade associations.

8. Ask local restaurants to compost. Ask if they compost waste? If no, ask them what would it take for them to compost? Ask if they would consider it? And, if they say no, go "Greta Thunberg" on them and say “How Dare You!”:) Dumping their straws and redirecting that budget will pay for the cost of composting. Again, we can help with all educational materials.

9. Contact local, small farmers(they may have compostable materials to collect or be beneficiaries of compost material) and gardening clubs for their help. 

Signs

Signs

Signs

He stands looking unfocused, head down yet not comprehending the words.  Befuddled, sweat beads on his upper lip. His eyes glaze over, shifting from one sign to the next.

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign.

Shaky hands fumble to distinguish plastic from paper from foil. What to do???

A fog of desperation descends upon him as unwilling to break the code of ignorance and fearing to ask for help, he bolts, opting for the “no look” pass into the wrong bin…again. Oh, the humanity!

Blockin' out the scenery, breakin' my mind.

But, it’s a landscape of ignorance about recycling and composting that inhibits his efforts to do the right thing. The complexity of what is compostable, vs. its first cousin biodegradable, could be routine as it is in other parts of the country, helped by municipal support.

Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?

What’s stumping those who wish to be more environmentally involved? It’s not knowing what is or is not trash, recyclable or for that matter, compostable. After all, he knows trash. It’s really not his fault. It is both complex and confusing, clouded by products e.g., “to go” containers that are not tested and certified as recyclable or compostable.

The lyrics of Sign by the Five Man Electric Band seem apropos since most of my time spent at the market has been getting people, especially men, to read.

Now, hey you, mister, can't you read?

But, that’s why we are here. Our simple color scheme system helps identify what goes into which bin.

Green = Compostables: food, soiled paper (including straws), dining ware, paper cups, certified utensils and wooden toothpicks

Blue = Recyclables: Plastics #1-6, glass, metal, aluminum foil, paper, cardboard

Black = Trash: Styrofoam, dirty aluminum foil, plastic straws and wrap, waxed paper

But, let’s ask for help from vendors and distributers of  “to go” containers, cups, etc., everywhere, not just here at the market…

“Are your “to go” supplies recyclable or compostable?”

If they answer no to either, you will have to decide…

when they passed around the plate at the end of it all
I didn't have a penny to pay.

Do you get the pun and point? They will only change if you ask them to.

Greg F. Walton
Green with Indy, LLC
Curbside Food and Compostable Waste Haulers
Serving Central Indiana Since 2009
Visit www.greenwithindy.com

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Next:
Compost, What…Why?
An overview about introducing composting at farmers markets.

Apr 19, 2017