First-ever investment forum at Rutgers to focus on growing market
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.– Financial analysts have warned that we cannot expect a return to the "old normal," and that those who wish to succeed in the new reality must look for new – perhaps once in a lifetime – opportunities that will enable them to continue to prosper financially. Food waste recycling as a new "green industry" presents unparalleled financial opportunities for post-recession growth, particularly in the heavily populated and food waste dense State of New Jersey and the immediate surrounding region.
Food waste recycling is becoming a national trend, eagerly embraced by those businesses that generate food waste. Walmart, the largest retailer in the world, is planning to roll out a 50- state food waste recycling program for its stores sometime later this year. Competition for the "green" business advantage will drive other businesses, large and small, to follow suit.
The products which can be made from food waste represent everyday, necessary products—fuel and energy products and soil amendments/fertilizers. Unlike other types of consumer goods, however, these products will continue to be essentials for everyday quality of living, powering and heating our buildings, fueling our cars and trucks, and providing soil productivity for crops and landscape. All of these products can be made locally, reducing our need to be "rescued" by emerging economies with lower production costs such as China or India.
Food waste recycling businesses present the opportunity for private or public investors to make money both on the incoming feedstock and the outgoing products. For generators, food waste recycling represents the opportunity to reduce the trash bill in tight times.
What is becoming evident for this growing green industry is that successful food waste recycling depends on having a range of local facilities to assure food waste generators of a destination for the food waste that they separate. The investment forum allows us all to begin shaping this vital and growing green industry. SWRRG has already completed forums that have introduced each New Jersey county to food waste recycling, beginning to create a climate for the success of new recycling facilities which will be developed in our food garden state.
The Investment Forum is being supported by a variety of institutional sponsors, including PSEG, the New Jersey Wastewise Business Network, the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions, the Municipal Land Use Center at The College of New Jersey, Sustainable Jersey, the New Jersey League of Municipalities, the New Jersey Technology Council, Green Jobs Jersey Energy & Development Group, and Edison Wetlands Association, Inc. Financial sponsors include the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the United States Composting Council, The Davis Family of Hamilton New Jersey ("Stewards of God’s Creation"), and Organic Recycling Solutions, LLC. Additional sponsors are currently being sought.
Sponsorship opportunities start at $100. Registration is $40 for one person, and $25 additional from the same organization; $25 for non-profit or government. For registration or sponsorship information, go to http://www.swrrg.rutgers.edu/InvestForum.html, call 732-932-9155, ext. 233, or email Priscilla Hayes at hayes@aesop.rutgers.edu.
About the Rutgers Solid Waste Resource Renewal Group
For over 10 years, the SWRRG at the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station has provided leadership and coordination in innovative waste reduction, green purchasing and recycling of food waste, computers, fluorescent light bulbs, mercury-containing devices and waste paint. Through the only New Jersey-wide food residuals recycling initiative, SWRRG has brought together waste generators, recyclers and local government to find optimal ways of diverting food waste away from landfills and into the production of energy and soil amendments, which are vitally needed in the state and adjoining region. The group has provided research and outreach to entrepreneurs, generators and other stakeholders. SWRRG was awarded a 2009 Environmental Quality Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2.
Media Contact: Priscilla Hayes
732-932-9155, ext. 233
E-mail: hayes@aesop.rugers.edu