Golden Eagle Log Homes: Saving 90,000 pounds of landfill waste annually with new recycling initiative

[Wisconsin Rapids, WI, March 2010] – Leading log home manufacturer, Golden Eagle Log Homes is known for their exceptional log homes and outstanding environmentally conscious product. They’ve recently taken this dedication to the next level, with the launch of a new in-house recycling initiative that has proven so successful, in the first year alone approximately 90,000 pounds of waste from their facility will be recycled instead of taken to landfills, resulting in a 70% savings in waste-removal costs.

Prior to the launch of this aggressive pilot recycling initiative, Golden Eagle Log Homes was using a 40 yard dumpster to hold approximately 1080 cubic feet of waste. All scrap from the log home company’s mill went into this dumpster (with the exception of wood shavings, which is used for bedding live stock); the facility produced enough waste to fill a dumpster 1-2 times per month.

Recognizing the significant impact this was having on the environment, Golden Eagle Log Homes’ management established an employee-run committee to reduce waste and recycle more efficiently. Employees throughout the company identified opportunity areas, and implemented the necessary changes with full support from the company owners, Jay and Tod Parmeter.

“Our mill has gone from a 40 yard dumpster to a 6 yard one, and our wood waste is now bought by a local wood chip manufacturer to be turned in to wood mulch for landscaping homes,” says Jay Parmeter. “All metal banding for lumber is separated and sold to a local scrap yard. Even in the corporate office, all internal printing is done on both sides of the paper, cutting paper usage and waste in half. It’s really a great feeling to not only provide a service to neighboring businesses, but to help the environment as well. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure – it goes to show that recycling can really benefit us all.”

“Golden Eagle’s sustainability practices are designed to help lessen our impact on the environment,” says Mike Bronk, head of HR and Facilitator of the recycling initiative. “Recycling and sustainability have been a priority at Golden Eagle Log Homes since our company was founded 44 years ago, that’s why we place so much emphasis on recovering and recycling items wherever possible.”

Golden Eagle Log Homes also helps consumers make energy-efficient choices when designing their own homes. “In addition to manufacturing energy-efficient homes,” says Bronk, “We’re dedicated to promoting an appreciation for the value of energy efficient products that go into our client’s homes. It starts here at our facility, and carries all the way through to the homes we create.”

About Golden Eagle Log Homes: Golden Eagle Log Homes has recently expanded their facilities significantly at their Wisconsin Rapids, WI mill. The facility also includes a home design center, which provides customers with deluxe materials options for doors, windows, hardware, kitchen and bath supplies. In addition to the countless custom home plans that Golden Eagle can create, they also offer a variety of existing floor plans ranging from 1,200 square feet to 7,000 square feet. To learn more about Golden Eagle Log Homes and their recycling initiative, please visit them online at http://www.goldeneagleloghomes.com, or call 800-270-5025.