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In support of the Union Pacific Railroad’s commitment to our environment, one of the principle goals of ‘Rail Fest 2008’ will be to educate participants and visitors about the importance and the ease of using alternative sources of disposable products that promote social responsibility. ‘Rail Fest 2008’ will be a near ‘Zero Waste Event’.

The goal at a Zero Waste event is to plan ahead and distribute only products that are biodegradable, compostable or are made from recycled fibers (not any materials that will be land filled). There will be a limited number of trash cans at the event. Instead ‘Zero Waste Stations’ for recycling and composting collection will be available at several locations. Food vendors attending ‘Rail Fest 2008’ are required to hand out only biodegradable or compostable foodservice materials.

The Original Town Association intends to provide the means and the direction for educating consumers and our children about the quality and durability of natural, biodegradable products. We have determined to focus on biodegradable, compostable and recycled disposables as a way to move away from virgin paper products, the use of petroleum based products and a dependence on foreign oil.

To that end we have implemented the following initiatives.

1) MAKE RAIL FEST 2008 A NEAR-ZERO WASTE EVENT

Producing a near ‘Zero Waste’ event is a challenging task, and the Original Town Association is among the first to tackle a ‘green’ program of this magnitude in the State of Nebraska. This also presents us with a terrific opportunity to push the envelope, and go a little further than anyone has before. Volunteering to help with the Rail Fest ‘Zero Waste’ event is a real commitment, but it is incredibly rewarding work.

2) SUPPORT THOSE COMPANIES SUPPORTING THE SOLUTIONS

When purchasing or even renting an item for Rail Fest 2008, we ask ourselves three questions:

1.                    Where is this coming from?

2.                    How was it made?

3.                    Where might it end up?  

3) MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ELIMINATE TRASH

Rail Fest 2008 is committed to eliminating trash. If trash can be replaced with a more sustainable option, such as a reusable, it will be. If an item is going to end up in a landfill, we are going to make our best efforts to not use it in the first place. Additionally, our food vendors have contractually agreed not to hand out anything that is not compostable or recyclable.

4) REPLACE DISPOSABLES WITH COMPOSTABLES

Instead of standard ‘trash items’ like plastic cups, plates and utensils, Rail Fest 2008 will use compostable products made from renewable plant sources. Examples include plates made of sugarcane (called Bagasse), and cups, straws, and trash bags made of corn (called PLA Bioplastic). The Original Town Association strongly encourages all visitors to bring their compostable items to one of the manned recycling stations that will be set up in Cody Park.

5) PROVIDE EASY TO USE RECYCLING STATIONS

For those items that are not compostable, like bottles and cans, Rail Fest 2008 will provide easy to use recycling stations. You will rarely see a trash can without a recycling can along side it All recycling can be mixed except paper and cardboard. That means plastic bottles, glass bottles and aluminum cans may all go into the same bin. Anywhere you see a trash can, you will also see recycle cans. Each will be labeled clearly, so please be sure to pause, read the label, and then select accordingly.

6) PROVIDE A ‘PLANET RAIL FEST TEAM’

Not sure if an item is compost, recycling, or trash? When in doubt, just ask one of the “Planet Rail Fest” volunteers. These volunteers will be on hand to assist with questions, sorting and managing the ‘Zero Waste’ effort. Want to volunteer? Check out the details at our website @ www.railtownusa.org.

7) GIVE BACK TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Our community is a reflection of its citizens. The Original Town Association is committed to giving back to the community to further increase awareness and involvement. Through local clean-ups and education we can work towards reaching a level of sustainability within our own community. Whenever possible, the Original Town Association buys local, hires local, and supports local. Additionally, the Original Town Association will be donating all usable products remaining after the celebration to local charities, schools and community centers.