Press Release: ZeroLandfill NE Ohio returns to downtown Cleveland, receives COSE Innovation Award

Cleveland, Ohio  ZeroLandfill NE Ohio, a region wide beneficial reuse project now entering it’s third year returns to downtown Cleveland beginning Friday, June 6th, 2008 and runs through the summer. Designed to divert from local landfills specification waste generated by architecture and interior design firms, ZeroLandfill collects and repurposes expired evaluation samples such as carpet tiles, upholstery swatches, wall covering books, and three ring binders. Local artists, arts educators, and recyclers are invited to receive the materials and reuse the items as art supplies or feedstock items. This year’s summer long event is hosted by the Kids in Need Resource Center in Mid Town Cleveland located at 3631 Perkins Avenue and E. 36th Street.

On Thursday, May 15th ZeroLandfill NE Ohio was honored by the COSE Arts Network as the co-recipient of the Arts, Business, and Innovation Award in the Business Patron Category for the collaborative partnership established with the local arts community. The Business Patron Award was shared with the environmental design firm Studio Graphique. “We are honored to join our colleagues at Studio Graphique in receiving this recognition from the business and arts community” says ZeroLandfill co-facilitator Michael Dungan. “Supporting local artists and arts educators in an environmentally responsible manner strengthens and enriches our community and demonstrates wise action on the part of the region’s interior design and architectural firms.”

About ZeroLandfill NE Ohio

Since 2006 ZeroLandfill NE Ohio has identified and diverted nearly 50,000 pounds of specification waste generated by the construction, interior design, and architectural industry. Product samples such as carpet tile, upholstery swatches, wall covering books, and brick samples at the end of their useful service life are collected, sorted, and distributed back into the community to various audiences who find value in the materials. As a beneficial reuse program, the work of ZeroLandfill NE Ohio is focused on extending the life of commodity items by connecting them to new constituencies rather than traditional disposal via the waste stream. ZeroLandfill NE Ohio has inspired affiliate projects to take root in other communities in 2008 including Boston MA, Louisville KY, and Cincinnati OH. Further information, volunteer opportunities, and material collection and distribution updates can be found at the project website www.zerolandfill.net.