Small Steps: Sustainable Salida and Salida Businesses that Care

Sustainability is at the forefront of many community members’ minds. Recently, the City of Salida and Chaffee County have taken steps to ensure sustainable progress for a green future. As part of the Small Steps series, Ark Valley Voice spoke with volunteer Michael Kunkel of Sustainable Salida to get a background on the work they do to help make the community more environmentally conscious.

Sustainable Salida, spearheaded by the Salida Chamber, Salida Business Alliance, and volunteers help recognize businesses for the steps they take to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Sustainable Salida also puts on events for the community. An example is the ever-popular Electronic Waste event series. One of these was hosted in Salida in May, 2021 where 67,500 pounds of appliances and electronics were recycled. The second event was held in September at the fairgrounds where they recycled 23,000 pounds. In the future, organizers will host more E-Waste events.

Courtesy image.

“In 2020 we recycled 9,000 pounds of electronics. In May of this year, 67,500 pounds were collected (which included appliances too) but even the September event was 23,000 pounds. It just shows the sheer amount of volume, so every year you need to have two electronic events just to keep up,” explained Michael Kunkel, a volunteer for Sustainable Salida. Kunkel has been involved with sustainability awareness and programs within the community for more than 30 years.

Executive Director of the Salida Chamber, Lori Roberts explained “Everything from the get-go with Sustainable Salida and the Salida Businesses that Care has been a culmination of Michael’s passion for Sustainability for our County.”

“Together with the SBA, and support of County and City of Salida, the various E-Waste Drives have been highly successful. What started out as a reusable bag campaign for our downtown shopkeepers (between the SBA and Salida Chamber), became several years later, a combination of support.”

Salida Businesses that Care highlights local businesses that are working towards sustainability. With a focus on recycling, reduction, and reuse, the first list a year ago featured 70 businesses and now features more than 100.

E-waste-pile courtesy of Wikipedia.

“It’s as simple as: if a business is recycling, they’re on the list. Or it could be someone who’s put in all new LED lighting. Say a business just composts, in addition to recycling. Say a business wants to go solar, that’s how we make the determination,” explained Kunkel. Essentially, Salida Businesses that Care highlights any business trying to be some form of sustainable. The list is updated quarterly, typically after an event. To get involved or have your business acknowledged, email SustainableSalida@gmail.com.

Salida Businesses that Care include: