Who are you!?

Who is Go Green OC?

Go Green OC is a dynamic nonprofit organization headquartered in the picturesque coastal town of Ocean City, Maryland. Our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability is at the heart of our mission, and our primary focus is on achieving zero waste goals, particularly through innovative composting initiatives. Since our inception, we have made remarkable strides in reducing waste and promoting eco-consciousness in our beloved community.

One of our proudest achievements is the introduction of the first citywide compost program on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, which has successfully diverted over 650,000 pounds of waste from waste incineration. This transformative initiative not only benefits our local environment but also serves as a model for responsible waste management.

In addition to pioneering composting efforts, we've taken up the mantle of recycling with gusto. For instance, we spearheaded the transformation of OC Bikefest into a recycling powerhouse, responsibly processing approximately 110,000 aluminum cans since 2019. These actions signify our dedication to making a tangible and lasting difference in our town's sustainability efforts.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our incredible team of over 20 passionate volunteers who generously donate their time and energy to help us achieve our goals. Their commitment to our cause is the driving force behind our successes.

We are proud to be official partners with the Town of Ocean City and the OC Chamber of Commerce, working together to bring about positive change for our community and the environment. Our ultimate aspiration is to make Ocean City the first zero waste resort town in the United States, setting a shining example for sustainable tourism and demonstrating that small changes can make a significant impact.

Join us on our journey to transform Ocean City into a beacon of environmental responsibility, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future. Together, we can turn our dreams of a zero waste town into a reality.

Founder & Executive Director - Josh Chamberlain
Josh Chamberlain is the visionary founder of Go Green OC, an environmental non-profit committed to transforming Ocean City, Maryland into the first zero waste resort town in the United States. Armed with a background in marketing, Josh has always harbored a deep passion for environmental preservation and a profound dedication to safeguarding the planet for future generations.

In 2018, driven by their unwavering commitment, Josh transformed this passion into a compelling mission by establishing Go Green OC. Under Josh's leadership, the organization has achieved remarkable milestones in the quest for a cleaner, healthier planet. This includes spearheading a citywide compost program that has diverted over 650,000 pounds of food waste. Furthermore, Go Green OC has successfully reinstated recycling at large-scale events such as OC Bikefest. In 2023, they celebrated a monumental achievement, having recycled an astounding 110,000 aluminum cans since their inception in 2019.

Beyond their work with Go Green OC, Josh Chamberlain is a sought-after speaker at conferences and events, where he shares invaluable insights on pressing environmental issues. When not immersed in their mission to save the planet, Josh enjoys unwinding through fishing, hanging out on the beach, and cherishing moments with his family.

Director of Compost Operations - Garvey Heiderman
Garvey, a proud native of Ocean City, has had a lifelong connection to the area. From his early years, he embarked on an eco-conscious journey alongside his mother, embracing recycling as a way of life. His unwavering passion for the environment has led him to a pivotal role as the owner of The Hobbit Restaurant, where he sees an opportunity to lead the charge in advancing composting practices not only in Ocean City but in resort towns far and wide.

As the proprietor of The Hobbit Restaurant, Garvey envisions his establishment as a pioneering proving ground for the practice of composting. His goal is ambitious but deeply rooted in the belief that with dedication and collaborative effort, Ocean City can transition to comprehensive island-wide composting. In this endeavor, he not only seeks to safeguard the environment but also to make a substantial positive impact on the town's finances by diverting significant volumes of material away from the waste stream.

Garvey's dedication is so unwavering that he took a concrete step toward change by founding Ocean Compost. In partnership with Go Green OC, this initiative has successfully redirected hundreds of thousands of pounds of food waste, further illustrating his commitment to transforming the waste landscape of Ocean City. His fervor for a greener future in Ocean City is not just talk; it's a tangible and impactful endeavor.

Beach Clean-Up Coordinator - Mandi Wells
Mandi boasts a remarkable tenure of 21 years at Stephen Decatur High School. During her time there, she's not only been an educator, teaching science, and a mentor as a coach for field hockey and softball, but she has also taken on the crucial role of Curriculum Resource Teacher at SDHS.

In January 2018, Mandi embarked on a journey of environmental advocacy by co-founding the Stephen Decatur Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. As a passionate advocate for our oceans and coastline, she serves as the vital link between the students of her school and the Ocean City chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. In this capacity, Mandi diligently coordinates youth volunteer efforts, especially for vital initiatives like beach cleanups, and various other conservation projects.

It was through these endeavors that Mandi found her way to Go Green OC. Eager to amplify her contribution to the quest for a Zero Waste environment, she leverages her influential role at the high school to align with Go Green OC's mission and support their initiatives.

Director / Treasurer - Brian Roberts
Meet Brian Roberts, the dedicated Treasurer of our organization. Nestled in the scenic Ocean Pines community, Brian is more than just a numbers guru; he's the financial backbone of our mission.

Professionally, Brian leads a thriving tax accounting business, ensuring individuals and businesses navigate the complex world of finance with ease and precision. His financial acumen is the cornerstone of our organization's fiscal health.

But there's more to Brian than spreadsheets and ledgers. As the mastermind behind one of Ocean City's largest fishing tournaments, the Big Fish Classic, he seamlessly combines his love for angling with his passion for conservation. The Big Fish Classic isn't just a fishing competition; it's a testament to Brian's dedication to protecting the marine environment and promoting sustainable fishing practices.

When Brian isn't meticulously managing the financial aspects of our mission or casting lines into the vast ocean, he generously donates his time to various non-profit organizations. He's a steward of the Earth in every sense of the word, ensuring that the values he holds dear are translated into impactful action. It's this commitment, both on the balance sheets and in the great outdoors, that makes Brian a cherished and invaluable member of our board.