It pays to be green

Green Earth Recycling is Kimberley's only curbside recycling business, and owner Katie Tersmette has been recognized

Katie Tersmette is the 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year in Kimberley. — Steve Tersmette photo

Katie Tersmette, owner of Green Earth Recycling in Kimberley, was the recipient of the 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year Award, presented by the Kimberley Chamber of Commerce. Enterprising Tersmette, in her 20s and mother of a 10-month-old baby, said receiving the award was a total surprise.

“To even be nominated was a shock,” she said. “It is what I love to do—having my own business. It's a pat on the back to know that the community wants it and likes it.”

Green Earth Recycling has been up and running since August 2009. When Tersmette moved to Kimberley from Calgary five years ago, she searched for a recycling service similar to what she had used in the city. When none was to be found, she was motivated to start one herself.

“Why wait for someone else to do it?” she said, and the very next day she began her research.

Within a few months, Green Earth Recycling was launched, complete with branded trailer and bins. Tersmette said that she has had a great response from the beginning. Her clients, both residential and commercial, receive a full recycling service weekly. Tersmette will also take electronics and is looking into recycling paints and batteries. 
 
“Recycling in general is a good idea; anything to divert from garbage is good,” said Tersmette. “I'm an advocate for recycling, whether it is done through me or not. The business allows for people who can't recycle but want to, and it makes the community greener.”

Community involvement

Tersmette likes to give back to the community when she can.

“I am happy to be able to donate to them,” she said. “I give half of my earnings from refundable recycling back to the community—the Food Bank, Healthy Moms and Healthy Babies and the Early Learning Centre in Kimberley.”

Tersmette is currently helping the Earling Learning Centre raise funds for an art project, donating 100 per cent of the centre's recycling earnings back to it.

Tersmette encourages entrepreneurs to persevere with their business ideas.

“Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it, and be organized,” she said. “Just keep going, no matter how hard it gets.”