Coordinator Update: Summer 2001

by Diana Rivera 

The brief time that I have worked as the CalMAX Coordinator has been a whirlwind of activity. I had the opportunity to attend The Recycled Products Trade Show in Sacramento. Those attending included recycled-content suppliers and manufacturers. This was an excellent event through which I met many of the folks from all over the state who work daily in reuse activity and environmental issues.

I was invited to attend a meeting by the Grass Valley Group in the Nevada County. The participants consisted of local business and government folks all working to develop closer ties to their community with a large environmental focus.

In Grass Valley I met Sharyn Cleary, Director of Neighborhood Center of the Arts, a place "where the hands of the artist set the spirit free." The Neighborhood Center is a school for developmentally disabled adults. The nonprofit center utilizes the simple concept of taking reuse material such as textiles or paper and using these as material for art projects. With these the students are able to express themselves through art.

I have spoken with countless folks over the phone. Many were curious about the CalMAX program and more were placing new ads or renewing old ones. It's great to know that there is so much interest in the CalMAX program and that so many of you are continuing to spread the word about us. We certainly appreciate all your effort and support.  Feel free to telephone or e-mail me if you have suggestions to enhance the program.

Connection of the Year

Congratulations to The Los Angeles Children's Museum and Gold Mine Natural Foods. The California Integrated Waste Management Board selected these two companies as the 2001 CalMAX "Connection of the Year" recipients. The goal of the annual "Connection of the Year" award is to promote successful material exchanges, market CalMAX to new users, and express appreciation to the recipients for their examples in setting material management practices.

The Children's Museum of Los Angeles has placed a listing with CalMAX since 1997. Helen Marish, manager of recycling and product development, says, "A lot of materials were discovered through CalMAX, and in the past we've gotten many calls from businesses wanting to donate excess because of CalMAX." The museum uses items such as paper and card stock for use by children to make unique and fun art projects. The Children's Museum has diverted more than 15 tons of paper, wood, plastics, and other art material from landfills. 

Gold Mine Natural Food of San Diego is a mail order company. The company ships packages throughout the world. Gold Mine specializes in macrobiotics; a way of living that is in harmony with the natural order of the universe based on the ancient concept of Tao. Among the products offered are organic foods, macrobiotic specialty items, top-quality kitchenware, and natural personal products. Jean Richardson, owner and founder of the company, believes in promoting health and conducting business in an environmentally responsible manner. 

These two organizations will receive a formal certificate from the California Integrated Waste Management Board in ceremonies scheduled in the next few months.

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Last updated: December 30, 2008