Beaverstate Dental, a dental equipment manufacturer in Newberg, sends a message nearly every time they send their customers a package. It’s a small note informing the customers that their box was reused.
      The practice of reusing boxes, according to Aaron Britton, Beaverstate’s general manager, began because “We received so many boxes that were still in good condition, it seemed like a waste not to reuse them.” So the company designed a label to put over the outside of the boxes and a note to tuck inside. “We wanted the customers to know we were doing this as a recycling practice and not to be cheap.”
      This is just one of the many steps Beaverstate has taken to reduce its waste stream. Britton said they’ve never studied the economics of the practice, “because it’s more about the environment than saving money,” but he said if he calculated the cost of the program, he’s sure there is an economic savings as well.
      Beaverstate is among a growing group of businesses that have joined Yamhill County’s BROWN program–Businesses Reducing Our Waste Now. The program recognizes and rewards businesses that have adopted practices that promote the 3R's: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. YC BROWN businesses recycle regularly, implement programs in their business to reduce waste and share waste prevention information with customers. Businesses benefit by reducing costs and receiving recognition for their efforts. YC BROWN businesses benefit the community by becoming environmental stewards and role models.
      Ann Dolan of the Newberg Chamber said the Chamber got involved as soon as the new program was announced. “We believe in recycling,” she said. “And it’s not hard to do.” During a recent office move, Dolan reported that the files they were cleaning out were being placed in the recycling bin… not the trash bin.
      YC BROWN businesses are supported in their efforts by local hauler representatives. The representatives conduct free waste audits to help discover ways to reduce waste and cut costs.
      Britton encourages businesses not to wait too long to adopt recycling and reuse practices. He hopes businesses will begin implementing environmentally friendly practices today and not wait until they see an impact on their bottom line. “When our landfills are full, we’ll all end up paying more to transport our waste to landfills outside our area. Why not start now and extend the use of our local landfill for more years?” he asked.
      Sponsored by Yamhill County Solid Waste, Newberg Garbage & Recycling and Western Oregon Waste, YC BROWN annually recognizes outstanding environmental practices with a Waste Less Award. Beaverstate Dental was recognized in 2004 with the award, along with the Newberg Public Library.
      For more information on how your business can become a YC BROWN member, call your area hauler:

For Newberg & Dundee
Newberg Garbage & Recycling Service
PO Box 1000 • Newberg, OR 97132
Phone: 503.538.1398

For the remainder of Yamhill County
Western Oregon Waste
PO Box 509 • McMinnville, OR 97128
Phone: 503.474.4847

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