IRIS Waste Diversion Specialists

2011 Happenings

January 5th, 2012

2011 was a very busy year for Iris Waste Diversion Specialists.  Not only did we continue to work on programming, research, marketing and events for Mid Michigan Waste Authority but we also took on several new projects.

• Iris was chosen to work on coordinating recycling efforts in Manistee County through 2013 provided funding is available.
• Iris worked in conjunction with Tracy Purrenhage of Eco-Size me to create and present training for Michigan Recycling Coalition on Materials and Recycling Management.
• Iris coordinated with City of Saginaw to present Worm Workshops to adults and children interested in learning about vermicomposting.
• Iris facilitated Resource Recovery Educators of Michigan (RREM) meetings, tours and presentations.
• Iris worked with City of Lansing on branding and marketing the new single stream recycling curb cart service and a pilot public area recycling project.
• Iris worked closely with Midland Volunteers for Recycling, Inc. to create their new, comprehensive, professional, website.
• As well as a host of presentations, research projects, websites and much more throughout the year.

New staff was also added to the Iris family.  We welcomed Sandy Cottle, who initially worked as an administrative sub-contractor to Iris and was hired as a regular Iris employee in April of 2011.

Lisa Lafferty McGill, former Resource Recovery Coordinator for Eaton County, came on board in September bringing over 12 years of environmental experience in the areas of resource recovery, hazardous materials management and water protection.

During our annual Revitalization meeting, where we reflect on the previous year, set company and personal goals for the coming year and discuss potential growth, we realize the positive impact we’ve had on the environment through the clients we have served throughout the state.  Thank you to all of our clients for making 2011 a successful business year and an environmentally impactful year!

Iris CEO to MC 29th Annual MRC Conference

April 5th, 2011

Michigan’s only statewide recycling association, the Michigan Recycling Coalition, will host its 29th Annual Conference & Trade Show, May 10-12, at MSU’s Kellogg Center in East Lansing.

Programming will focus on a variety of recycling topics including construction and demolition recycling, reuse programs, and composting in the university setting, and using social marketing to promote recycling.  The three-day event boasts a variety of tours, training and networking events for anyone interested in learning more about recycling in Michigan.

Sarah Archer, Iris Waste Diversion Specialists, CEO will serve as the conference Master of Ceremonies and will also facilitate a half-day workshop, Creative Funding Options. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 10 from 1-5pm.

Iris Waste Diversion Recognized for Contributions

June 8th, 2010

LANSING, MICHIGAN (June 08, 2010) – At its 28th Annual Conference in Detroit, the Michigan Recycling Coalition recognized several companies and one individual for their contributions to recycling in Michigan.

Sarah Archer, founder and director of Iris Waste Diversion Specialists received the Chair’s Choice Award from the MRC Chair of the Board for her years of work with the Coalition. Sarah has provided leadership on a number of initiatives undertaken by the MRC over the past fifteen years and continues to be a leader in her field.

As MC for the 2010 Conference, Sarah was busily focused on what was following the awards portion of the program. As the Chair continued his description of his choice for the award it became apparent to the crowd who was being recognized. “What a wonderful surprise this was,” said Sarah as she accepted this award with great honor.

Compost – Let Worms Do The Work

April 15th, 2009

It just makes a lot of sense, says waste disposal educator Sarah Archer. You can put the materials back into the Earth rather than dump them in a landfill. Worms have been eating her garbage for the past 15 years, converting it into compost for garden use. A couple of bins in her basement handle all her fruit and vegetable scraps.

The Value of Green – at MLive

July 12th, 2008

Starting a go-green effort in the workplace could prove as easy as replacing the waste baskets at each co-worker’s desk with a recycling bin.

Worm Composting – Washtenaw Voice

April 23rd, 2007

On Thursday, April 19, the Washtenaw Community College student center building was over run with environmentalists of all types in recognition of WCC’s annual Earth Day Festival.