Brief History
Late 1992 -late 1993
RAM forms and organizes itself into a full-functioning group.
Late 1993-1996
RAM starts and develops work on a large number of issues, including compost regulations, incinerator closure, and ash treatment.
1997-2000
American Ash Recycling Corp. et al lawsuits dominate the waste issue for RAM -- limiting efforts on other waste matters.
2001-2002
Final pushes score wins on incinerator closure and ash treatment. Pennsylvanians then request help on both of those issues.
2002-2004
Multiple media profiles lead to Cliff Vaughn/Red Clay Pictures documentary Immaterial John shown at Nashville Film Festival.
2005-2010
Climate change, Iraq war, economic collapse, and health care, all draw public attention away from improving material recovery methods.
2011-2016
With several new members, RAM's efforts to improve material recovery in Davidson County resume, but ultimately only get money allocated for an expensive new plan.
2015-2016
Six RAM members meet with legislators to draft and then successfully pass legislation allowing Davidson County to assess for all costs incurred as a result of disposal.
2016
John tries to use Tennessee Environmental Council to manage an independent assessment of Davidson County's full disposal costs. TEC fails, managerially. Good work by Urgan Cruise Ship's Michael Goff is discounted, and bad work by Freeman Applegate isn't fixed.
2017-2019
Davidson County citizens get Board commitment for a zero-waste plan, which is then neutered by disposal-favoring staff and consultants.
2020-2022
Urban Cruise Ship, founded by RAM's Michael Goff and John van der Harst in late 2014 to focus on energy solutions, fully converts to a broad scope format, with Waste being one of 9 sites.
2023
Urban Cruise Ship, realizing RAM's value, creates and builds a website for RAM.