The Michigan-based Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians recently announced the “Skebgyak Zhetthken—Do It Green” campaign, expressing the tribe’s commitment to recycling and conservation. The campaign includes several green initiatives at the tribe’s four Four Winds casinos and their hotels and restaurants, as well as Pokagon Band government offices.
Tribal Chairman Matt Wesaw explained, “The Skebgyak Zhetthken–Do It Green in the Potawatomi language–campaign signifies a commitment to our Mother Earth. As of March 1, we eliminated Styrofoam and single-use plastics like straws, cups and cutlery in our Pokagon offices. On April 1, we eliminated plastic water bottles, individual coffee creamers and disposable k-cups. Plastic straws and coffee stirrers have been replaced with a biodegradable 100 percent vegetable fiber product and all employees are encouraged to carry a reusable cup and mug.”
Four Winds Casinos Chief Operating Officer Frank Freedman said the casinos, hotels and restaurants participate in extensive recycling and reuse efforts. He explained within two weeks at the four properties, all straws will be replaced with biodegradable straws and by early summer, all cups will be converted to biodegradable product. In the employee dining room, all cups will be replaced with reusable cups.
Other recycled waste from the kitchens include cardboard, aluminum and clear glass bottles. Meat and fat are picked up by companies who use the product for animal feed and residual fats from grease traps is recycled for the production of biofuel, Freedman said.
He noted Four Winds restaurants support Meals for Michiana, which partners with local food suppliers to gather edible food that would otherwise go to waste and distribute it to local food banks, pantries and emergency food programs. Since September 2018, Four Winds has donated more than 10,300 pounds of food to the organization.
In addition, Four Winds recycles rather than discards used soaps, shampoos, body washes and plastic packaging. “We pay an annual fee for a company to recycle and regenerate these products. It’s that important to us as an organization,” Freedman said. Since 2014, Four Winds has recycled more than 12,000 pounds of waste which has been used to create more than 40,000 bars of soap and nearly 10,000 bottles used in hygiene kits for those in need, Freedman said.
“All of these initiatives underscore just how important it is to us that we protect and honor this planet. We are well aware of how precious this land is and our responsibility to it. We also know the ways in which our businesses can affect it and in all that we do, we are committed to being good stewards of this gift,” Wesaw said.
