Local Girl Leads A Green Path

PALM DESERT – Zero waste, that’s California’s goal. Recycling and reusing not only helps the environment, it also saves money. This weekend the California Resource Recovery Association launched a three day conference to educate businesses on how to become more environmentally and financially aware.

One of the many speakers at the conference was 11 year old, Olivia Bernheimer. The young girl is dedicated to helping the environment. She even wrote a letter to the President of Ninetindo confronting him about the company’s excessive packaging.

“I asked them if all of the packaging is necessary,” says Bernheimer, Indian Wells resident. ” I was asking them to reduce the packing size.”

Bernheimer is one example–of how consumers can make a difference, but at the conference the focus is larger. Speakers encourage businesses and government leaders to follow a greener path.

“We’d like to work with manufacturers to encourage them to reduce waste and create products that can be re-used and recycled,” says Heidi Sanborn, Executive Director of California Product Stewardship Council.

One of the main themes of the conference is the idea of “cradle to cradle.” This basically means re-using materials over and over, leaving behind virtually no waste.

“All of the products we use can go back into the industrial system,” says Sanborn.

Speakers say these methods don’t only save the environment, they also save money.

“The less materials we buy in the future, the more we will save money in the long run,” says Kim Matsoukas, Sustainability Manager of Bentley Prince Street, Inc.

To reach California’s goal of zero waste, everyone must pitch in and not pitch out so much waste.

“I know I’m just 11 years old, but I want to make a difference,” says Bernheimer.