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| Uncommon Sense Graduates - Madison Arm Resort |
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UnCommon Sense Program Graduates 2009
MADISON ARM RESORT
RV Resort and Campground, West Yellowstone, Montana
REASONS FOR PARTICIPATION
Madison Arm Resort owner Jack Clarkson has always been concerned about
the environment on a personal level, and through various renovations
over the last 30 years has incorporated energy saving elements into the
Madison Arm Resort and Campground. But as one of the first business
members of the Yellowstone Business Partnership, he saw the merits of
what UnCommon Sense provides its participants. Timing was the only
reason he wasn’t in the pilot class, and he brought an
enthusiastic spirit to learning about sustainable operations and
passing that information on to others.
BENEFITS RECEIVED
Because the staff consists of only himself, his wife and six seasonal
employees, Clarkson put everyone on a newly formed Green Team. He found
the most resistance came from his wife, who viewed the impending
changes from a traditional bottom line view of the costs of
implementation in terms of dollars and employee time. Clarkson
convinced her to stick it out for the long-term returns.
The team set a goal of reducing square yards of waste by 10%, which
translates into eight dumpster loads fewer than normal. They
implemented a recycling program to achieve this and immediately came
upon their first major obstacle: finding bear-proof recycling bins.
Through some fortuitous relationship building, not only did Clarkson
find a manufacturer, he also got the Forest Service enthused, which
prompted them to unearth a grant program administered through Fish,
Wildlife and Parks. In the end, Clarkson received $1,600 worth of
bear-proof bins for free; something that got his wife more enthused as
well. The next obstacle for the team was their inability to recycle
glass, a problem Clarkson solved by buying his own glass crusher. While
he hasn’t figured out what he’s going to do with
the
crushed glass yet, the Madison Arm Resort was able to get very close to
reaching their goal: during the 2008 season, they reduced their solid
waste by 8.6% or a total of six dumpster loads.
The team also audited all 11 buildings at the resort, making changes
such as putting in CFL light bulbs, installing tankless hot water
heaters and becoming diligent about turning equipment and lights off
when not in use. The changes resulted in a decrease in the electricity
bill by $400 after the first year and by $4,000 in the second. While
Clarkson points out that the second year included one month of very
little business and electricity use due to a dam break, the significant
drop in costs cannot be attributed solely to the reduction in business.
More significantly, Clarkson’s participation in UnCommon
Sense
has resulted in his ability to influence change within the local
business community of West Yellowstone and the state of Montana. As the
Chamber of Commerce President, Clarkson started a program called
“Green Up West Yellowstone” to educate the public
on the
proper disposal of hazardous materials. He also had an UnCommon Sense
facilitator and a graduate of the program give a presentation to the
Chamber, and then held a West Yellowstone Green Conference to educate
more on sustainability. As a result, town employees have instituted
initiatives within their offices, without any direction from the town
council. Grocery stores now carry cloth bags for their customers.
Clarkson’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Clarkson
and
Heather Burdette, Sustainability Programs Manager for YBP, have been
invited to present at the 2008 Montana Governor’s Conference
on
Recreation and Tourism.
BOTTOM LINE RESULTS
- Reduced solid waste by 8.6% in 2008
- Reduced electricity costs each year
- Influenced cultural change in West Yellowstone
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