In today’s society where the ‘green initiative’ is becoming more prevalent, we seek to set a new standard for an industry that is responsible for a substantial portion of today’s recyclable waste.

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DWB desires to bring about an awareness and call to action for the community through the businesses that implement the ideals of an eco-friendly community, thereby creating an active ‘go green’ network. DWB will advocate recycling by the lounges, bar and nightclubs. Part of the education and advocacy outreach will be “green marketing” and recognition by DWB of those businesses who recycle their waste—in particular glass, which has the most connection to the patrons of these businesses. Drinkwhereitsgreen.org will dedicate a web page to each business involved with this social ecological change and provide statistics and updates on their recycling efforts for the community to view. Based on a report from the 2008 Environmental Protection Agency RCC Workshop, liquor, wine and beer beverage containers accounted for nearly 70% of the US glass packaging industry’s shipments, but only 15% of wine and liquor bottles were recycled in 2006. A bar can average about 2 tons of glass in their recycling efforts. According to the 2008 EPA RCC, over a ton of natural resources is saved for every ton of glass recycled. The report also stated that for every six tons of recycled container glass used, one ton of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is reduced. This community can have a major impact on the environment around us if all the bars, lounges and nightclubs in Dallas recycled.

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The key to recycling requires removal, pickup and delivery of the materials, which requires labor and resources. DWB will act as an eco-coordinator by providing a cooperative of the industry with recycling services. We hope this will foster a relationship between the service and recycling industry for the benefit of both. DWB will promote and reward businesses that implement a recycling program by offering free marketing and public awareness in the form of print, web and social gatherings all geared towards a greener community. Drinkwhereitsgreen.org will dedicate a web page to each business involved with this social ecological change and provide statistics and updates on their recycling efforts. DWB has also partnered with various organizations to offer a rewards package to DWB certified businesses.

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Like New York City, San Diego, Seattle and Pittsburgh (who are all mandatory recycling cities), Dallas should be one of the leaders in setting the bar for other cities to admire and follow. The House version of the $819 billion stimulus package has appropriated funding in the amount of $3.5 billion for “Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants” that were authorized by the Energy Security Act of 2007. These funds may be used for activities to increase participation and efficiency rates for material conservation programs, including source reduction, recycling, and recycled content procurement programs that lead to increases in energy efficiency. As leaders of the community this is an opportunity to get involved and endorse a progressive initiative with local businesses to support a global green standard.

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