by Marlene Farrell
In its eleventh year, Rails & Ales is a festive event with a freestyle ski and snowboard competition in the heart of downtown Wenatchee. Each year it has evolved and grown, and this year’s update to be TZW speaks to Visit Wenatchee’s valuing of place and community beyond the joy and entertainment that Rails & Ales brings.
Rails & Ales will be buzzing with activity from noon until 10pm on March 8th, with competitors from all over the Pacific Northwest flaunting their tricks and style, four bands performing throughout the day, and spectators enjoying the offerings of three beer gardens and thirteen food trucks. From noon to 3pm, family fun abounds, with ski, snowboard and snowshoe demos in Centennial Park thanks to Mission Ridge and Wenatchee River Institute, and some pick up street hockey with Wenatchee Wild.
So, what does TZW mean anyway? Visit Wenatchee has committed to have the event produce as close to zero trash as possible. For comparison, last year’s waste amounted to about half a ton.
To make a huge reduction in waste possible, the Chamber had to recruit expert planning help–in stepped volunteers from local Rotary Clubs (Confluence and Wenatchee) and Sustainable NCW–and had to communicate requirements to the food vendors and breweries that all packaging would be compostable. That way, all food and serving ware would be separated as organics bound for Winton Manufacturing Compost Works, leaving minimal to be recycled–some plastic bottles and aluminum cans–and even less to throw away–think bottle lids and condiment packets.
When asked why Visit Wenatchee chose to go TZW, Jill Sheets, Marketing Coordinator, said simply, “It was the right thing to do.”
Planning is key, and the team determined four strategically placed TZW stations were necessary. Rotary and SNCW relied on their network of volunteers to staff shifts at each TZW station, and made a plan for the logistics of getting full bags to each hauler’s dumpster. “It’s been easy,” Sheets said about coordinating with SNCW and Rotary. “Once you say you want to be zero waste, they take over and tell you what to do and who to call to order what you need.”
In terms of vendor response, Sheets said, “For the most part everyone has been supportive. The breweries especially; all four of them agreed that it was the right thing to do. The vendors are doing the best that they can. We are providing some of the compostable materials that they will need, but they are ultimately responsible for getting the rest and staying zero waste.”
Vendors can, if they want, get all of their compostable serving ware from Weinstein Beverage Co., which now carries a full line. “Working with Weinstein is great because I know they have the right kind of compostable items,” said Sheets. “I don’t have to guess about whether or not Winton can process it.”
Everyone involved in this effort is motivated because the Wenatchee Valley is a special place with a unique and fragile environment that needs thoughtful stewardship. “This natural playground attracts outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. However, this popularity brings forth a critical need for a comprehensive strategy to address the consequences of the human impact on our land,” said Sheets. “We believe that when we share our values with the outside world, we’re going to draw visitors who will care for this place just like we do.”
Separating organics from other waste makes environmental and economic sense as it is converted to compost, a valuable soil amendment, rather than be tossed in the landfill. Wenatchee Confluence Rotary Environmental Sustainability Chair and Rotary District 5060 Environmental Action Team Co-chair, Kris Cameron, added, “Food and organic waste in landfills is a huge source of pollution that destabilizes our climate. If it were a country, it would be the third largest greenhouse gas emitter behind China and the US.
“By hosting a zero waste event, Visit Wenatchee is truly living its motto, ‘Show love for this place.’ Wenatchee Confluence Rotary is grateful to have the opportunity to partner with them and Sustainable NCW on this important initiative.“
Rails & Ales is setting a great example for other events that celebrate regional arts and culture while fully committing to zero waste practices, environmental stewardship and care for the community, which includes future generations.
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