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Business Extra, May 15

Marisa Ware

Published May 14, 2008 at 7:58 p.m.
Updated May 14, 2008 at 11:54 p.m.

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Photo by Lindsey R. Wohlman

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Eco-Products

* Biodegradable cups, lids, cutlery and more

Price: depends on product and quantity

Where you can get it: online

Business owner: Steve Savage

Location: Boulder

Tidbits: While climbing 14,000-foot Longs Peak over a decade ago, Savage and his father, a former chairman of the board for Eco-Cycle, came up with an idea for Eco-Products, an environmental company that truly walks its talk.

"My family has a long history of environmental awareness," said Savage, whose ancestor William Kent donated 295 acres of California forest to the federal government in 1907. The land later became a national monument called Muir Woods.

Eco-Products is leading an effort to replace conventional food service products with biodegradable or compostable options, such as its corn cups, made from 100 percent U.S.-grown corn.

The cups look and feel just like the real thing but, unlike plastic, they can biodegrade in 45 to 60 days.

Savage also is developing a retail line for stores such as Wal-Mart and Costco, and his products will be used at the Democratic National Convention in August.

Eco-Products also has a zero-waste facility fueled by one of the largest solar-power systems in Boulder. The facility's carbon emissions are offset, and its fleet of trucks use either clean-burning natural gas or biodiesel.

"There's an opportunity here to build a successful company, but it's more about making a difference, making an impact," Savage said.

For more information: ecoproducts.com

Play Green

* Recycling for events

Price: sliding scale

Where you can get it: anywhere in Colorado

Business owner: Mark Reece

Location: Denver

Tidbits: If you were at the recent MS Walk, , you might have noticed it was a little greener than usual. Thanks to Reece and his green and white bins, events all over Colorado are experiencing similar results.

Reece is owner and founder of Play Green, a company that aims to make recycling at all kinds of events so effortless and affordable that they will become a no-brainer.

"I'll do any type of event - walks, runs, rides, corporate functions, catered parties - inside or outside, it doesn't matter," he said.

An avid disc golf player, Reece began noticing the need for recycling bins on most courses.

He founded Play Green to meet that need and later expanded his services to include other sporting areas such as soccer and softball fields and events.

Reece hopes that Play Green will continue to broaden its focus, and he has plans for a program to teach elementary school students about recycling and environmentalism in a hands-on manner.

"For me, sitting back and doing nothing wasn't good enough," Reece said.

"There's just a ton of events out there that aren't getting recycled, and I think their budgets could allow it. I want to make it easy and inexpensive for them to do the right thing."

For more information: playgreen.net