Above: Jeannette Boner, the executive director for Teton Valley Community Recycling, poses (front, peach shirt) with other non profit leaders at an event hosted by the Teton Springs Foundation.

The gift that will keep on giving

What a way to usher in the holidays! Teton Valley Community Recycling was honored to receive a $5,000 grant from the Teton Spring Foundation in December that will be used toward the purchase of a new tire rim remover at the Teton County Transfer Station.

I know, I know. It’s not the sexiest thing we could have applied for — but consider this: With a sustainable recycling program, our waste diversion rate has increased from less than 13% in 2011 to 28% in 2015. In 2015, Teton County diverted 342.87 tons of metal out the waste stream at a cost savings to Teton County taxpayers of $26,058.12 and an earned revenue of $27,355.60. Amazing.

A tire rim remover will continue to increase the waste diversion rate while increasing revenue and decreasing costs to Teton County taxpayers by recycling the metal rims. 

Pretty cool, uh? 

Thanks to the our partnership with Teton County Solid Waste who is adding $1,600 to the over all purchase and their enthusiasm, we can hope to see more progress like this at the Transfer Station in the name of waste diversion! 

The Teton Springs Foundation awarded $37,206 to local non profits in December. This marks 15 years that the Foundation has assisted area non profits in their efforts to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors to Teton Valley.  Since 2001 more than 39 organizations have received funds from the Foundation totaling in excess of $992.000.  

These awards have enabled local charities to provide area residents with enhanced services in the following areas: health and human services, education, the environment, art and culture, and sports and recreation. 

“This grant cycle the Teton Springs Foundation received a record number of applications, all very thoughtful proposals intended to make Teton Valley a better place to live, recreate and visit.  All submissions reflect the incredible level of professionalism and worthy projects in the works by our non-profit community,” said Doug Gemmel, Chair of the Teton Springs Foundation Board.