The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently recognized the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and Chumash Casino Resort for their efforts to cut down on waste. They acknowledged the casino and its tribal affiliation for their recycling efforts as well as their involvement in food recovery.

In a statement by the regional administrator for the EPA Pacific Southwest Michael Stoker, he specifically addressed the efforts by the Chumash Casino and Resort during the most recent ‘America Recycles Week’:

“The Chumash Casino Resort’s Zero Waste initiatives are making a real difference for the environment,” explained the regional administrator. “By diverting more than 90 percent of their total waste stream from landfills and sharing their expertise with other tribes, they are true recycling champions.”

The Santa Ynez tribe and its casino were proud of the honor they received. Explained Kenneth Kahn, the chairman of the Chumash Indians in the area, “By forming local partnerships and participating in innovative programs, our Chumash Casino Resort’s Facilities Department has taken our recycling efforts to new height. We are proud of our team’s ongoing campaign to further reduce our waste stream and its ability to be an industry leader for recycling in California Indian Gaming.”