The AWFS (Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers) Fair’s recycling program—a cooperative effort involving WEIMA, the Las Vegas Convention Center and Freeman, the association’s show general contractor—reduced bulk waste from exhibitors once sent to landfill by a 6:1 ratio. The program also shredded wood scrap into ground cover for Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary, a Las Vegas-based nonprofit organization that provides a safe haven for animals that live in the wild.
An exhibitor at the fair, WEIMA America, a company that manufactures shredding, grinding and briquetting equipment, provided the show with a shredding system that was in constant operation during show hours, grinding all of the demonstration wood scrap, as well as discarded shipping or packing materials used by exhibitors.
“Everyone really got behind the program this year,” said Angelo Gangone, EVP, AWFS. “As an industry, we are committed to reducing waste, and the recycling program at the show gives us a way to help deserving nonprofits as well.”
“Destroy Responsibly” billboards were located throughout the convention center during the show. Attendees could view the shredder in action outside the freight doors in the Central Machinery Hall. “WEIMA was pleased to participate in a program where our equipment could have a positive impact on the environment,” said Madison Burt, VP of sales, WEIMA America.
