Podcast Interview: Justin Alvarado
Updated: Mar 1
In this episode of The Deschutes Current Podcast, we hear from Justin, the Sustainability Manager for Bend's Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater. We pull back the curtains and peek at what it really takes to run a major concert venue with sustainability initiatives at the forefront. From waste reduction systems to product sourcing initiatives, his team has built a model that proves large-scale entertainment and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
Our conversation hit an array of topics and responsibilities that Hayden Homes takes seriously when it comes to waste. The most impressive, Justin's team diverted a whomping 93.5% of the waste generated at concerts, and the remaining waste was properly disposed of. That kind of diversion rate doesn't happen by accident; it's the result of intentional planning, strong partnerships, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
The venue sits just ashore of the Deschutes River, and the work being done in and around the Amphitheater centers on environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic viability. Justin's work expands the continued work to revitalize and conserve the precious land and water the community loves each day. His work reducing waste, educating, and engaging with the community has demonstrated that sustainable practices can be operationally smart and financially sound.
In a time when climate impacts are accelerating, this type of leadership and action matters. Whether you manage a widely known venue, a small business, a nonprofit, or a household, sustainability isn't a niche concern; it's a shared responsibility. Justin explains how the Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater are showing that no matter the industry, climate-conscious decision-making should be woven into the fabric of how we operate.
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