User:Kathymann4601/Bob Peterson - founder of waste wood product recycling

Bob Peterson - Founder of Waste Wood Product Recycling ...

K.Robert "Bob" Peterson worked as an engineer, college professor, and devoted conservationist. In 2007, Bob received the Mason Tree Commission Arbor Day Award and was recognized for his research and development of ways to use wood products and for his efforts in the area of recycling waste trees. His research and significant contributions to the animal bedding, landscaping, and waste tree management business is internationally recognized.

While driving home from the college where he worked, Bob saw the huge fire as the city was burning its waste trees. He drove toward the fire and felt inspired to find new ways to use the waste wood instead of destroying it. In 1968 Bob founded the business Peterson Wood Chips, in Lansing, Michigan and worked with the City of Lansing to research and produce a variety of wood products from the waste trees.

Bob tested his animal bedding theories at Michigan State University's livestock barns using different textures and varieties of wood, including types of mulches and sawdust. Prior to his research most animals were bedded with straw.

Bob developed many landscaping techniques using waste wood that transformed the industry. His research with what he called wood rounds (used in pathways similar to stepping stones) contributed to preservation techniques. His studies of wood types, their warping and spliting tendencies, and methods for dipping and treating the wood influenced landscaping practices.

Prior to Bob's research waste trees were incinerated and destroyed. Today, these trees are recycled in a variety of ways that promote conservation of natural resources.