Volunteer Driver Frank White
Frank White is one of the Council’s wonderful volunteers! He volunteers to drive international visitors to and from their professional appointments while they are here in the region. It is a great way to meet people from all over the world and learn about something new! Read about his experience below.
The International Visitor
Taking a tour at the Solid Waste District
On June 4, Ms. Naoko Moritani arrived for two days of local professional visits. She is the Deputy Director of the Office of Waste Disposal Management, Ministry of the Environment, in Japan. She was invited to the United States under the auspices of the Department of State’s Visitor Leadership Program
Professional Appointments – Day One
Our first visit was to the Shepherd Chemical Company, for a tour of their plant facility, and meeting two heads of chemical companies, paired in the Alliance for Chemical Safety. This alliance promotes public understanding and involvement in chemical risk management.
This was followed by a meeting in Cincinnati’s City Hall with Cincinnati’s Recycling Coordinator, and Hamilton County’s Solid Waste District Manager.
Meeting with Cincinnati’s Recycling Coordinator
The afternoon session were with the leaders, then a large group of representatives, of the non-profit Green Umbrella organization. Its members facilitate collaboration of over 200 area organizations focused on the environmental aspects of sustainability.
A social event followed with opportunity to meet with leaders of other organizations associated with the Green Umbrella.
Professional Appointments – Day Two
Naoko at Rumpke Recycling
The second day began with a fascinating tour of the nationally renowned Rumpke Sanitary Landfill operation. The tour emphasized the importance of conserving landfill space and natural resources by recycling. A visit to the Rumpke Recycling Plant followed. This is the largest recycling plant in North America, serving 4.5 million people by processing 55 tons of recycling per hour.
This was followed by a presentation at the University of Cincinnati, regarding the Green Partnership of Cincinnati- five of Cincinnati’s largest public institutions working together to collectively improve green practices and address climate change commitments. This includes The University of Cincinnati, the City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Public Schools, Hamilton County Government, and Duke Energy Company.
Finally, the last sessions were at the Environmental Protection Agency, with the Directors of the Water Supply
Naoko at Rumpke Recycling
and Resources Division, and the Land Mediation and Pollution Control Division. As EPA’s premiere National Risk Management Research Laboratory, these scientists focus on environmental problem-solving issues across the United States.
Local Global Experiences
At the conclusion of these profitable sessions, Ms. Moritani was invited to join a host family for leisurely activities during the balance of the weekend, before flying onto her next tour assignments in Chicago.
It was a privilege to play a part in touring with this dedicated public servant.
