The Iowa State Fair is Getting Greener

Tons of Trash
Along with anticipation, fun and excitement of the Iowa State Fair, comes a truly remarkable amount of trash. For the third straight year, Waste Management (our Curb It! hauler) is partnering with the Fair to expand recycling opportunities. “We increased total recycling at the event by more than 350 percent in 2011, and our goal is to exceed that in 2012 to keep even more waste out of Iowa’s landfills” said Stephanie Regagnon, Waste Management spokesperson.

“Green” Efforts at the 2012 Fair

• 300 recycling containers are provided throughout the Fairgrounds (100
  more than in 2011).
• Recycling containers are also located in the campgrounds.
• Keep Iowa Beautiful works to maintain litter-free grounds.
• MidAmerican Energy Wind Turbine and Wind Education Center, located on
  Expo Hill, is a prime example of sustainable energy practices.
• Recycling containers for cardboard are placed near storage areas for food
  vendors and merchants.
• Cardboard is collected twice a day from concessionaires throughout the
  grounds.
• A program is in place for recycling plastic cups during overnight grounds
  clean-up.
• The Fair uses environmentally-friendly cleaning products.

The Fair is Doing Its Part and So Can You

• Bring your own reusable water bottle. Refill it at the many drinking fountains located on the grounds instead of buying a bottle of water each
  time you are thirsty.
• Put recyclables in a recycling container, not the trash. You may have to walk
  further, but with 300 receptacles on the grounds, it won’t be that far.
• Carpool and take the shuttle with friends to go to the fair. You will reduce
  your carbon footprint (and save on gas and parking costs, too).
• Pick up litter. If you see trash or recycling on the ground, pick it up and put
  it in one of the provided containers.

For more information on recycling at the Fair, visit http://www.iowastatefair.org/about-us/green-initiatives/.

Have a great time at the 2012 Iowa State Fair!