Greener Vegas about to outgrow its good deeds

As I enter Starbucks on a particularly hot May afternoon in Las Vegas, I’m greeted with two weary but smiling faces, all but too happy to jump up and order me a cool and frothy whipped wonder. These faces are those of Greener Vegas founder and owner, Zach Delbex-Smith and chief information officer, Tim Stimple.

The understandably exhausted duo, along with their chief operating officer Cynthia Stimple and a small army of volunteers, have been on a relentless mission to demonstrate the importance of not only recycling, but repurposing, both of which they have shown can have a massive impact on the local community.

“In 2008, we saved and donated nearly 800,000 pounds of paper from the aftermath of both conventions and trade shows,” shares Tim Stimple. “And this year’s repurposing program has seen well over 10,000 square feet of fiberboard and more than 15,000 square feet of foam core board donated to 40 schools and other organizations in Clark County.”

The list of beneficiaries from the efforts of Greener Vegas is a long one—too long, in fact, which has created a complicated crossroads for the fledgling local charity.

“In one week, we had 15 teachers ask for donations—we were only able to service two of them,” said a visibly saddened Delbex-Smith.

In just under two years, the organization has grown from a good deed and a 20-foot flatbed truck, purchased with Delbex-Smith’s personal money, into a full-blown non-profit 501(c)3 organization operating out of a warehouse in North Las Vegas. However, it is not enough.

“We have more projects than people, and we have more material than we can possibly store,” said Delbex-Smith.

A good problem, with a currently unclear solution. But one thing is for sure: the idea is catching on. Greener Vegas’ ever-growing presence within the Las Vegas convention scene is creating a demand for its services that the group could never have imagined.

“With the rotation of conventions, we have seen the same companies multiple times. On their second and third times through town, they start to seek out our services, instead of us having to ask if we can recycle their leftovers,” said Delbex-Smith.

Being a non-profit 501(c)3 organization allows Greener Vegas to offer tax deductions on each donation. So, for companies who would otherwise throw away unused convention brochures and booth materials or have to bother with packing and shipping items back home, they would just as soon donate to a charity for a tax write-off.

Stimple refers to the “win-win-win” situation encompassing the companies who are able to donate; Greener Vegas who gains the material; and the end-users (other non-profits, schools and teachers) around Las Vegas.

“We have been asked if our services are available in Florida and other large convention markets,” said Delbex-Smith. “We know the need is there.”

But back to that pesky space and resources issue. With such a seemingly simple business model and highly beneficial end result, one would think the sky is the limit. What’s more, Greener Vegas’ services go much further than the convention industry.

In visiting the organization’s website, www.greenervegas.org one will find a host of intriguing green initiatives and ways to measure those efforts. For example, they offer “green consulting” for businesses looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Also, they utilize an “environmental impact calculator” which measures how many trees, how much water, etc. is saved as a result of green efforts.

The relentless ambition of this small but effective group is undeniable. It takes just one conversation to see and hear the passion they have for their organization and its mission. And hey, if they can make the desert green, who knows what’s next?

According to Delbex-Smith, “All we need is the ability to unleash our potential. We’re too big to fail.”

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Greener Vegas is actively seeking business partners and storage space donations from the community in an effort to sustain and expand their services. Please visit www.greenervegas.org for more information.