Mountain View Art & Wine Festival –
An Eco-friendly Event
Citizen-Led Advocacy Group “Green Mountain View” to Manage Recycling Effort
The Chamber of Commerce Mountain View has teamed up with Foothill Disposal Company, Inc., Green Mountain View and the City of Mountain View to promote and encourage recycling at the popular Mountain View Art & Wine Festival, September 11-12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Castro Street. “We’re absolutely committed to making the festival as green and sustainable as possible –– it’s a priority for us and something we diligently plan for and try to improve every year,” said Oscar Garcia, President/CEO of the Chamber of Commerce.
 Green Mountain View, the city’s community-based environmental group, was recruited by the Chamber of Commerce to enhance the recycling effort this year. They’ll be on the street monitoring recycling bins, encouraging visitors to recycle, sort and dispose of waste in appropriate bins and transporting material to larger collection containers behind the scenes. “The dedicated team of Green Mountain View volunteers is going to have a huge impact on the efficiency of our recycling operation … we’re delighted they’re on-board,” said Dave Stevens, programs and events manager at the Chamber of Commerce.
The festival has taken steps to make it easier than ever for festivalgoers and vendors to conserve resources by conscientiously recycling and composting. Festival food vendors are required to use recyclable food ware. Beer and margaritas will be served in recyclable plastic cups (as well as in festival glassware). Free-standing containers will be positioned throughout the festival route for recycling glass, plastic and aluminum. Additionally, there will be large recycling containers for cardboard and mixed paper as well as glass, plastic and aluminum in strategic locations for event staff, vendors and sponsors. “It’s our goal to make sure we’re doing everything possible to maximize recycling and minimize trash,” said Garcia. The festival will recycle some 3,000 bottles of wine and margarita mix.
The festival is also encouraging the use of public transportation, bicycles and car pools to minimize carbon emissions and reduce vehicular traffic. Downtown Mountain View is served by VTA Light Rail and Bus service as well as Caltrain. The transit center drops riders off at the festival “doorstep”. Bicycle valet parking will be offered at Castro and Church Streets.
“We’re pleased to partner again with the Chamber of Commerce and appreciate the concerted effort they’ve made to refine and improve recycling operations,” said Pamela Martello, Foothill Disposal General Manager. “It fits in with our efforts to create a sustainable community, will help to promote recycling and will reduce the amount of garbage placed in landfills.”
Foothill Disposal Company, Inc. is a leading integrated solid waste management company offering debris box, recycling and garbage services for residential and commercial customers in Mountain View. For additional information, please go to http://www.foothilldisposal.com.
 "Green Mountain View"
Mountain View community members have formed a new citizen-led group to educate community members how to live more sustainably, and through research and advocacy work to encourage the City Council to take appropriate actions. Green Mountain View meets on the first Monday of each month. For more information, visit http://www.greenmountainview.org. |
