Celebrate the awesomeness of Jim Parker by making a donation to the IRC in his honor. Your tax-deductible contribution will help the IRC reach its 30th Anniversary fundraising campaign goal and helps fund our education and advocacy projects – and more.
Even after four decades of professional work, Jim Parker is still building a healthy environment. His legacy spans across archeological management, local government, and non-profit volunteer groups.
He first leaped into the deep end when he wrote environmental impact statements for archeology sites. He later became the first president of Brown County’s Solid Waste Management District. In 1994, the Indiana Recycling Coalition was blessed to include Parker in the Board of Directors. For 17 years he helped the IRC evolve into the organization it is today, particularly during his four years as president.
“The IRC has come a long way and so many people have put forward a lot of effort in Indiana, a not very environmentally progressive state at first,” Parker said. “[The IRC] has significantly increased environmental consciousness throughout all corners of the State.”
Now he serves as President of Nu Genesis Recycling Services, based in Moorseville, Indiana.
Nu Genesis became one of the Midwest’s largest appliance and household hazardous waste recycling companies in 2004. The company specializes in a variety of skills. They reclaim metal products from appliances. Nu Genesis also captured over twenty types of gases from air conditioners, medical equipment, dehumidifiers, and other devices. Every year, their workers fill about 15 high-pressure tanks. Each tank represents the lingering gas extracted from thousands of appliances. This gas can then be processed and reused.
The legacy Parker is most proud of is partnering with Barry Goldsmith, Julie Rhodes, and Carey Hamilton to develop the E-cycle program through state legislation. The law protects electronic waste from improper disposal. This legislation created a culture of responsible recycling choices from consumers. In the ten years since this program began, hundreds of millions of pounds of electronics have been recycled, keeping many heavy metals from hurting the environment.
Parker’s work teaches every Hoosier about the opportunities they have to make an impact. He has explored recycling in Indiana since the beginning. Now he uses his experience to light the path for others.
Written by David Johnson
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