Amy first discovered Eco-Cycle last summer at the E-Town Green Rocks concert at Red Rocks. Once she discovered what Eco-Cycle was all about-including planning the first recycling system at a Red Rocks concert-Amy couldn't resist the urge to get involved and volunteer.
By answering telephones in its offices, educating people on recycling, and coordinating green out-reach programs, Amy is fully dedicated to Eco-Cycle's ultimate goal of building a zero waste community.
"The phones ring all day," Amy says excitedly. Amy recalls that one man called her on Eco-Cycle's hotline to ask how he should recycle a waterbed bladder. "I'm amazed at all of the people who are concerned with what they are throwing away, and who want to make our community better," Amy adds.
Whenever Amy gets an unusual recycling question-such as the waterbed bladder-she regularly turns to Eco-Cycle's Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials, or "CHaRM." At CHaRM, they will recycle everything from porcelain toilets to fire extinguishers. And if CHaRM isn't able to recycle it for you, they likely know an organization that can.
In addition to answering questions over the telephone, Amy also volunteers for Eco-Cycle at the Boulder Farmers' Market. There, Amy informs and educates market patrons about Eco-Cycle's zero waste process.
"It's a lot of fun. We use corn-based cups and potato-based cutlery, and, of course, I help people make sure they hit the right bin with their recyclables. People at the Boulder Farmers' Market already commit to making it a zero waste event, so it's a great venue to spread our message," says Amy.
It's that message of zero waste that keeps Amy going. "My goal is to be sustainable in my professional and personal life, and in my community," says Amy. "By making connections with people through my work and volunteerism, I hope to help others live a more sustainable, green lifestyle."
Amy also recommends visiting www.storyofstuff.com for a fun and short documentary on the extraction, use and disposal of products that we use everyday.
