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Opinion: Recycling would expand in Denver under ballot measure 306

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Opinion: Recycling would expand in Denver under ballot measure 306


Are you able to think about with the ability to recycle and compost at each residence constructing and enterprise throughout Denver? Together with your assist, this type of recycling coverage citywide can change into a actuality.

On Nov. 8, Denverites will vote on a poll measure, Initiated Ordinance 306 which, if handed, would require Denver’s companies, residences, development websites, permitted occasions and extra to part in recycling and composting providers. Based on the town’s 2022 Sustainable Useful resource Administration Plan, 82% of Denver’s waste comes from these areas, but there may be presently no coverage to require recycling and composting at these websites.

Poll measure 306 is championed by the citizen-led grassroots environmental group Waste No Extra Denver, which believes each Denver resident ought to have the choice of recycling or composting irrespective of the place they stay, work or play. The group collected 11,000 signatures in order that Denverites can vote on the way forward for sustainable waste administration this fall. 

Together with the requirement to offer recycling and composting providers, the “accountable events” outlined within the ordinance will present bilingual waste diversion data and directions to staff and tenets. The ordinance will even require accountable events to finish an Annual Diversion Plan, which will probably be created by and submitted to Denver’s Division of Transportation and Infrastructure.

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In 2020, almost 1 million tons of Denver’s waste from properties, business properties, and development websites was buried in a landfill. Nevertheless, most of Denver’s waste just isn’t trash; it’s principally recyclable and compostable supplies that would have been recirculated into the native financial system. 

Having sturdy insurance policies like poll measure 306 in place will assist Denver preserve these sources in circulation, create new jobs, guarantee an area provide chain, preserve pure sources, and curb local weather impacts.

A few of the advantages of recycling and composting embody:

• Conserving power, water, and lowering the demand for the extraction of pure sources;

• Creating many extra jobs in comparison with burying our sources in landfills; 

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• Making a extra resilient home provide of uncooked supplies to make new merchandise;

• Avoiding methane emissions, that are generated when meals scraps and yard waste break down with out oxygen at a landfill. Methane is a greenhouse fuel that over time is 84 instances as highly effective in warming the environment as carbon dioxide; 

• Constructing wholesome soils by making use of compost to soil. This retains extra water, grows extra nutritious crops, and pulls carbon out of the environment, lowering local weather impacts.

Waste diversion percentages usually are not summary numbers; they immediately symbolize the environmental advantages listed above. If Denver desires to get critical about local weather motion, guaranteeing entry to recycling and composting providers for all residents and companies citywide is a confirmed technique to cut back greenhouse fuel emissions. 

As somebody who works in Zero Waste outreach, probably the most frequent feedback I hear from Denverites embody, “Why doesn’t my residence constructing have a recycling bin?” and “Why is Denver’s recycling charge so low? I believed we have been a inexperienced metropolis.”

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Some residence buildings do recycle and compost, however by requiring all business properties to offer accountable waste administration programs, poll measure 306 ranges the enjoying subject for companies which have already chosen to do the correct factor by paying for these providers.

When the Metropolis of Boulder adopted an identical coverage, their waste diversion charge skyrocketed from 39% to 57%! Though the prices of recycling and composting have been an extra expense for companies, the funding in a extra round waste administration system resulted in considerably extra recovered sources. Related insurance policies are in place alongside the West Coast and in Austin, Texas, so chain shops have already got expertise complying with comparable insurance policies. 

You might be considering, “Wait, didn’t the Denver Metropolis Council simply go one thing about recycling and composting?” Sure, it did – however the Expanded Waste Companies coverage, accepted by the council in July 2022, solely applies to waste administration programs for single-family properties and residence buildings with seven or fewer models. The Waste No Extra poll initiative addresses waste from companies, residence buildings and development websites. The poll initiative will even require recycling and composting at public occasions.

Denver is presently behind on sustainable waste administration in comparison with equally sized cities resembling Seattle and Austin, but poll measure 306 immediately aligns with a number of of the town’s local weather and waste-related targets. 

Voting sure on 306 and getting concerned within the Waste No Extra Denver marketing campaign is a chance so that you can assist Denver transfer in a extra sustainable route.

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Ryan J. Name of Denver is the Denver campaigns coordinator for Eco-Cycle Inc. He earned a grasp of science diploma from the College of Denver with a deal with Zero Waste coverage.



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Denver, CO

A local’s guide to Colorado restaurants, breweries and coffee shops at Denver International Airport

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A local’s guide to Colorado restaurants, breweries and coffee shops at Denver International Airport


Sure, you can hit up a Dunkin Donuts, a Starbucks or a McDonald’s at Denver International Airport — and sometimes it’s traveling that gives us license to be bad like that — but a better option is to try some of Denver’s homegrown food and beverages from local businesses.

While these restaurants, coffee shops and breweries don’t actually own or run their airport branches — that is done by large concessionaires — many of them do take an active role in maintaining the quality and consistency of their offerings. Here’s a rundown of where to go.

Travelers line up to get food and drinks at the to-go counter at Mercantile in Concourse A at Denver International Airport in Denver on Feb. 28, 2024. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

CONCOURSE A

Breckenridge Brewery

This brewery was founded in the little ski town of the same name way back in 1990. The airport location serves the company’s beer and offers a full bar. Near gate A71. More info.

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Dazbog Coffee

This chain was founded in Denver in 1992. Located near Gate A48. More info.

Denver Central Market

Similar to its location in the River North Art District, Denver Central Market at the airport offers upscale grab-and-go items in food hall fashion. There’s a breakfast spot, meats and cheeses, Sushi Rama and Vero Italian, with pizza and pasta. Located near Gate A48. More info.

Denver Chophouse

This longtime eatery and pub near Coors Field was started by the Colorado family that also created the Rock Bottom and Old Chicago chains. The DIA spot is focused on steaks, burgers and the like. Located near the train escalators. More info.

Mercantile Dining & Provision

An outlet of longtime Denver chef Alex Seidel’s Union Station staple. Breakfast, sandwiches and restaurant-quality dinners. Located near the escalators to the train. More info.

Novo Coffee

Small, upscale Denver coffee chain and roasting company founded in 2002. Located near the escalators to the train. More info.

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Snarf’s Sandwiches

The much-loved sandwich chain was started in Boulder in 1996 by Jimmy “Snarf” Seidel and now has many locations throughout Colorado, Missouri and Texas. Near Gate A73. More info.

A traveler passes Elway's restaurant at DIA.
A traveler passes Elway’s restaurant at DIA.

CONCOURSE B

Elway’s

Former Hall-of-Fame Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway started his own steakhouse back in 2004, and the DIA location has been around since 2013, serving steaks, seafood, salads and more. Located near the escalators to the train. More info.

Etai’s Bakery Cafe

One of several artisan bakery concepts begun by Denver’s Baron family, Etai’s serves up hot and cold sandwiches and paninis. There is also a full bar. Near Gate B23. More info.

Heidi’s Brooklyn Deli

Heidi’s began in the early ’90s in Denver’s Highland Square and later expanded to multiple locations. It serves sandwiches, wraps, salads and smoothies. Near Gate B87. More info.

Modern Market

Originally founded in Boulder, this chain of healthy eateries serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner and includes gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. Near the train escalators. More info.

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New Belgium Brewing

Known for its ubiquitous Fat Tire, New Belgium is one of Colorado’s first craft breweries. Its DIA operation serves plenty of New Belgium beers, along with breakfast burritos, sandwiches, burgers, salads and some beer-infused items. Near Gate B30. More info.

Salt & Grinder

This New Jersey-style deli from renowned Denver restaurateur Frank Bonanno serves breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Located near the train escalators. More info.

Smashburger & Bar

Although Smashburger is now a national chain, it was founded in Denver with a single location. The menu consists of gourmet burgers, chicken sandwiches and veggie burgers, plus craft beer. Near Gate B44. More info.

Snooze: An A.M. Eatery

Wildly popular Colorado-founded breakfast spot with multiple locations around the country. The DIA outlet serves all day. Located near the train escalators. More info.

Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs

It doesn’t get more “small business” than Steve’s, which operates out of a stand on East Colfax Avenue. Gourmet hot dogs and local craft beers. Near Gate B24. More info.

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The Great Divide Brewhouse and Kitchen in Denver International Airport's C Concourse. (Provided by Great Divide)
The Great Divide Brewhouse and Kitchen in Denver International Airport’s C Concourse. (Provided by Great Divide)

CONCOURSE C

Dazbog Coffee

This chain was founded in Denver in 1992. Located near Gate C47. More info.

Great Divide Brewing

One of Denver’s first craft breweries, Great Divide serves its wide variety of award-winning beers, along with breakfast, lunch and dinner classics Near Gate C32. More info.

La Casita

A true Denver original, La Casita was founded by the family of the late longtime local politician Paul Sandoval. While it specializes in tamales, you’ll also find burritos, green chili, quesadillas and other Mexican food. Located near the train escalators. More info.

Little Man Ice Cream

One of Denver’s favorite locally-owned ice cream shops, Little Man offers its signature sweet treats, as well as boozy shakes (including one called the Illuminati Shake, which is an ode to the conspiracy theories surrounding the airport). Near Gate C27. More info.

Modern Market

Originally founded in Boulder, this chain of healthy eateries serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner and includes gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options. Near the train escalators. More info.

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Root Down

Justin Cucci’s eclectic farm-to-table restaurant is a must-stop for many frequent travelers through DIA, and a longtime staple at the airport. Serving upscale seasonal dishes, with a full bar. Located near the escalators to the train. More info.

Smashburger & Bar

Although Smashburger is now a national chain, it was founded in Denver with a single location. The menu consists of gourmet burgers, chicken sandwiches and veggie burgers, plus craft beer. Near gate C51. More info.

Superfruit Republic

A Denver-based fast-casual chain primarily serving acai bowls as well as juices and grab-and-go items. Near the escalators to the train. More info.

Subscribe to our new food newsletter, Stuffed, to get Denver food and drink news sent straight to your inbox.



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Rep. Leslie Herod claims vindication after Denver judge states sexual assault claims 'defied common sense'

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Rep. Leslie Herod claims vindication after Denver judge states sexual assault claims 'defied common sense'


DENVER — Colorado State Rep. Leslie Herod says she feels vindicated after a Denver County Court judge stated that sexual assault allegations made against her “defied common sense,” during a hearing last month.

During that Feb. 12 hearing, Judge Clarisse Gonzales granted Herod (D-Denver) a protection order against her accuser, Sheena Kadi, while denying Kadi’s request for a permanent order against Herod.

“This experience has been extremely traumatizing, but it’s also been extremely disheartening, you know, to have these types of allegations lobbed at you out of the blue. It’s shocking,” Herod told Denver7 Investigates. “But I’m proud that we did get that vindication.”

These allegations became public last year, when Kadi posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Herod had sexually assaulted her. In a post from Dec. 14, 2023, Kadi names Herod as her assailant and said she’s been doxxed, hacked, threatened, harassed and received death threats.

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She also stated Herod “simply won’t own up to her sexual misconduct,” in her now-deleted post.

Kadi is the public information officer for the state’s Officer of the Treasurer and vice chair of public relations and marketing for the Colorado Democratic Party.

Denver7 does not typically name victims of sexual assault, but is making an exception because Kadi made her accusations public.

Kadi claimed Herod assaulted her in December 2019 in her home and that subsequent meetings included unwanted advances and threats.

Judge Gonzales called Kadi’s testimony regarding the sexual assault “incredible by this court, not only because the nature of her testimony just simply defies common sense in so many instances, but also because the other exhibits, directly the reliable evidence proves this to be simply not consistent,” according to the court transcript obtained by Denver7 Investigates.

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The judge noted that text messages showed Kadi had made it known that she wished to see Herod again romantically after the December 2019 meeting. Third-party witnesses also testified that Kadi bragged about having a “make-out” session with Herod, never suggesting that it was a sexual assault.

Gonzales also said the subsequent allegations of threats or unwanted advances were unsubstantiated and said during the hearing that “most of these are nothing more than somebody perhaps just ignoring you … or maybe, at most, being a little hurt.”

Rep. Leslie Herod claims vindication after Denver judge states sexual assault claims ‘defied common sense’

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“When the judge made her ruling, she was very clear 100% of the allegations were not credible,” Herod said. “And clearly, this person had been obsessed with me and put these allegations out there for her own personal reasons.”

The protection order states that Kadi must stay 100 feet away from Herod, except at the State Capitol where she must stay 25 feet away.

“I’m happy she’s been vindicated. I’m happy that these false allegations have been vanquished,” Herod’s attorney Harvey Steinberg said.

As a result of the ruling, Colorado Democratic Party Chairman Shad Murib called on Kadi to resign her position with the organization.

“The court’s ruling couldn’t be clearer. Ms. Kadi’s regular attacks against Democrats is a violation of the Colorado Democratic Party’s code of conduct, and is made worse by the fact that the court discredited this specific and serious attack against Rep. Herod on “100 percent of the facts,” and says that it “defies common sense.’ I think it’s appropriate that Ms. Kadi resign from her official role in the Democratic Party,” Murib said in a statement.

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Herod said she agrees that Kadi should step down.

“It is the right thing to do. It was the right thing for the party to request her resignation. And it’s the right thing for her to step down,” she said.

The Colorado Department of the Treasury, in a statement, wrote that, “Ms. Kadi has been a member of the department for close to two and a half years. This issue is something she’s addressing in her personal capacity and it’s not something we can discuss beyond that. We remain focused on the important work we’re doing at Treasury.”

Denver7 Investigates reached Kadi by text message on Monday. She said she was out of the country and unavailable for an interview. She stated that she was unaware of any requests for her to resign her role with the state’s Democratic Party.


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Use the form below to send us a comment or story idea you’d like the Denver7 Investigates team to check out. You can also email investigates@Denver7.com or call our newsroom at 303-832-0200.





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Keeler: Deion Sanders’ new offensive line coach wants CU Buffs to “build a fence” that stops top Colorado recruits from leaving. Can we get a hallelujah?

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Keeler: Deion Sanders’ new offensive line coach wants CU Buffs to “build a fence” that stops top Colorado recruits from leaving. Can we get a hallelujah?


BOULDER — Godzilla wouldn’t throw down with Phil Loadholt. Unless the King of the Monsters wants a place of honor among Deion Sanders’ luggage, best swing that mighty tail ’round the other direction and run, son.

If the Buffs’ new offensive line coach is ever cornered in a dark alley by a bear, Yogi’s as good as a rug. At 6-foot-8, 340-ish pounds, when Loadholt rises and stretches at the dawn of a new day, the man blots out the sun.

“It’s like (an) eclipse walked outta here,” CU’s wide receivers coach Jason Phillips cracked Monday as he replaced Loadholt on a makeshift podium across the hall from The Buff Team Store.

Like tugging on Superman’s cape, spitting into the wind and pulling the mask off that old Lone Ranger, you mess around with Phil at your peril.

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“We want to recruit the top talent, as you’ve seen with Jordan (Seaton) coming in,” Loadholt said when I asked him about his philosophy and lodestar. “And then hopefully keep the guys that are in-state (in Colorado), keep them here.”

(Sound of a record scratching, then silence.)

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Go on.

“I know we’ve got some good linemen (from Colorado) that are at other places right now,” Loadholt continued. “And we hopefully can build a fence around that and keep those guys here so that we don’t have look at other places, you know what I mean? So hopefully, we can start building that relationship around the state.”

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Priority for you?

“One-hundred percent. One-hundred percent.”

As Loadholt spoke, off in the distance, I could almost hear ex-CU big man Matt McChesney scream out a “hallelujah” from halfway across town.

The first step toward addressing a problem? Admitting you have one in the first place. Since 2017, per 247Sports.com’s database, Colorado high schools have produced seven offensive line prospects who rated as four stars or higher, or an average of one per recruiting cycle. The Buffs wound up signing … one of them.

And while Coach Prime is more of a “let’s portal them in as free agents when they’re juniors or seniors” sort than a developmental, Kirk Ferentz, Barry Alvarez, Bill Snyder kind of guy, talent is talent. And baby steps forward are still steps. Especially when they’re trending in the right direction.

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“Being a good player doesn’t make you a good coach,” the first-time offensive line boss noted. “I understand that as well. But I definitely lean on my experience.”

At 38, Loadholt is a blocker who’s been around the block a bit. A star in football, basketball and track for Fountain-Fort Carson, his frame and pedigree blossomed at Garden City (Kan.) Community College, then at the University of Oklahoma. The Minnesota Vikings plucked him in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft, and he proved to be a mainstay up front in the Great White North until injuries hastened his retirement in the summer of 2016. The coaching bug bit, and stops on the staffs at UCF, Mississippi and Oklahoma led Coach Prime to make Loadholt his offensive line guru this past offseason.

“(The hiring process) was surreal, man,” Loadholt recalled. “It was full circle for me, obviously, being (from) about an hour and 45 minutes down the road. So being able to come back to my hometown, spend time with my parents and my sister, who still live here … it’s great.”

We learned a lot about Sanders last year, for better or worse. The only quicker way into Coach Prime’s doghouse than becoming a sports columnist is being CU’s offensive line coach after Shedeur Sanders just spent three hours running for his life on national television.

“No, he made that clear,” Loadholt said with a grin. “He made that very clear. But the interview process was real. I went and (saw) him, went down to his house and (saw) him and spent some time with him down there and let him know my philosophy and how I want to take care of things.

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“And that point (about Shedeur) was definitely made, that it’s important to keep the quarterback up. So I’m excited to have that chance to do that.”

According to 247, the top in-state prep prospect for the Class of ’25 is another top-shelf lineman, Cherry Creek tackle Soren Shinofield. The Buffs haven’t offered yet, reportedly. But if Loadholt is serious about building a fence, he can start with the garden out back.

Want more sports news? Sign up for the Sports Omelette to get all our analysis on Denver’s teams.





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