Our efforts of making the 2023 ROAD-EO National Championship our most sustainable event yet are bearing fruit (no pun intended!). When designing this year’s event, Sr. Graphic Designer Valerie H. made it her personal mission to make the ROAD-EO as sustainable as possible. That meant having waste, recycling, and composting containers on site, signage made from corrugated cardboard which looked great and is 100% recyclable and donating materials that would otherwise end up in the landfill.
After the event, nearly 275 sheets of scrim, a strong, coarse fabric mainly used for heavy-duty lining, was collected and delivered to the TigerMountain Foundation’s Garden of Tomorrow in Central Phoenix. The local non-profit focuses on working the land and producing sustainable foods for the local economy, while also creating a sense of community.
Located next to a senior living facility, the TigerMountain Foundation’s Garden of Tomorrow provides fresh produce to the community in what is referred to as a “food desert,” meaning there is little access to nutritious and healthier food options.
Republic’s donation of scrim will be used in a variety of ways. From using the material as a garden bed liner to retain moisture and reduce water usage, to shade for the upcoming hot summer months, and even frost cover later this year, the donated scrim will have a very purposeful second life.
“I’m so happy this scrim can have a second purpose and not end up in the landfill. We worked so hard on the branding for the 2023 ROAD-EO National Championship to make it as sustainable as possible, and I’m happy it can be used to grow fruits and vegetables that will feed our local community,” Valerie said.
“This garden brings a lot of people from all walks of life together. It generates interest and is a bright light in the area,” said Claire Farley, who works for the Foundation.