Ei Team Visits Newark for Zero Waste Education

Amy & Chris @ the Robert Treat Hotel

An Elemental Impact Team visited Newark in early October for a two-day series of zero waste meetings and a morning workshop hosted by the City of Newark, Office of Sustainability. Joining Ei founder Holly Elmore, Ei Partners Amy Moreland of Heritage Interactive Services and Chris Bradlee of BASF shared their zero waste expertise in the educational sessions.

Common ground for the Newark visit was the June U.S. Zero Waste Business Council conference in Costa Mesa, CA.  Holly, Chris and Kurt Wirgau of Heritage met Stephanie Greenwood, City of Newark director of sustainability, at the conference. The ZWA Bog post, U.S. Zero Waste Business Council hosts first-rate conference, is an overview of the conference.

Historic Newark City Hall -
over 100 years old!

The two-day Newark visit was introductory in nature and an opportunity to educate enthusiastic industry leaders and city staff members on zero waste initiative basics along with baseline assessment.  With approximately 400 manufacturers within Newark city limits, it was a natural to meet with Brian Conley of the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Most of the manufacturers are smaller operations so collaborative effort may be essential to benefit from economies of scale.

Dr. Kevin Lyons of Rutgers Business School joined a two-hour workshop-style meeting.  It was thrilling to learn about Kevin's work in the supply chain archaeology realm and how landfill mining is on the horizon.  With his procurement experience, Kevin's expertise is a valuable asset to Newark zero waste initiatives on many levels.

During an afternoon visit, Leroy Boone of Beth Israel Medical Center welcomed the Ei Team to the hospital.  Proactive, the hospital sends a portion of their food waste to an on-site digester, rather than its prior incinerator destination.  With a nearby urban garden, Leroy hopes to soon use the digester end product at the garden.  

Within the last couple of years the hospital embarked on an energy-saving program where light bulbs were replaced in the buildings and garage and storm windows installed - very important in a building whose original sectors are more than 100 years old.

Ei Partner Laura Keck of Kimberly-Clark joined the meeting via conference call to educate Leroy on the use of #5 plastic saline bottles as raw material in KC manufacturing processes. Action Point:  Laura and Leroy plan to explore a program to collect the saline bottles from Beth Israel along with other local hospitals for delivery to KC.

Newark Sustainability Commission
(names on FB album pic)

The first day ended with Amy and Holly presenting at the monthly Newark Environmental Commission meeting.  It was an excellent opportunity to understand the City's overall sustainability commitment and how zero waste initiatives interweave within many other programs.

Day two began with an one-on-one meeting with Holly and Elizabeth Reynoso, City of Newark Sustainability Office food policy director, an authentic, knowledgeable individual ready to take action on food policy issues.  The meeting ended with many open action points and excitement to move forward on some "easy wins" in the wasted food area.

Elizabeth "rides" her talk

After a recap lunch with Holly, Stephanie and Mahima Giri, Newark sustainability program manager, the group met with Michael Davidson, Greater Newark Convention & Visitors Bureau executive director.  With the airport Newark's biggest visitor draw, promoting cultural, entertainment and dining experiences to encourage time and dollars spent in Newark is a top priority. The organization is in the formation stage with abundant synergies; seeds for future collaboration were planted.

For a pictorial overview of the Ei's Newark trip, see the Ei FB album, Oct 02 & 03 Newark Zero Waste Visit.

Thank you Stephanie for your vision and commitment to building a sustainable future for Newark - the Ei Team looks forward to a long-term working relationship with Newark.  Thank you Mahima for planning the meeting series and your generous, hospitable spirit.  It was a fantastic visit!

Exemptions | Exclusions added to Atlanta Airport Info Packet

As the Sustainable Food Court Initiative Airport Pilot, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport works closely with the SFCI Team to bring sustainable operating practices to their operations, especially regarding food waste. In early 2012 the Atlanta Airport made a bold statement in the new concessionaire contract, the largest foodservice contract executed in North America. In the new contract, airport food vendors must meet the following provision:

“Concessionaire shall use compostable serviceware along with consumer facing packaging and source separate all food service wastes for direct transport to off airport composting facilities.”

For details on the Airport's contract provision along with the impressive 2011 Going Green Airport Award, visit the ZWA Blog posts, Atlanta Airport Makes a Bold Statement and Atlanta Airport SFCI Pilot Wins National Award.

The SFCI Sustainable Packaging Committee supports the airport and its concessionaires on understanding and meeting the contract provision. First on the agenda was preparation of the HJAIA Compostable Foodservice Ware Packet consisting of an introduction, fact sheet and frequently asked questions issued in April. The ZWA Blog post, Compostable Packaging Info Packet, announces the first rendition of the packet.

Over the summer the committee made several modifications to the packet to address product exemption and exclusions. The most significant additions to the Fact Sheet are underlined below:

Paper napkins are widely accepted as compostable and do not need to be third-party approved. Likewise, paper packets of salt & pepper and sweeteners do not need to be third-party approved as compostable.

Branded packaging used for food and beverage items manufactured by brand name food companies or by regional or national restaurant companies and supplied to restaurant locations operating at HJAIA are currently excluded from having to comply with the terms of this Compostable Foodservice Ware Packet. However, the excluded items relate solely to pre-packaging (e.g., beverage cans and bottles; snack food packaging such as nut, candy, and chip bags; and pre-packaged condiments). All other foodservice ware packaging/items must comply with this Compostable Foodservice Ware Packet. Exemptions issued by the City of Atlanta’s Department of Aviation may be granted, revoked, modified or suspended by DOA from time to time in their entirety or case-by-case basis. 

Excluded items require no action by the concessionaire. Exemption of specific items is provided by the City of Atlanta's Department of Aviation upon request on an annual basis. Working with the Airport, the committee will develop exemption forms for the concessionaires to submit.

Prepared as a flexible document, the packet is a valuable industry resource as compostable packaging becomes mainstream in food court operations. Future renditions are anticipated to address appropriate circumstances. Elemental Impact Partner HMSHost, the International Concourse concessionaire - the first airport foodservice under the new contract, works closely with the committee giving operator input for practical application.
The updated HJAIA Compostable Foodservice Ware Packet may be downloaded on the Ei site at this link and on the Institute for Local Self Reliance's site at this link.

Next on the committee action list is preparation of the Materials Usage forms concessionaires will complete to verify packaging meets the contract provision. Electronic versions are in process for a paperless completion option. HMSHost will be the first to complete the documents, giving the committee feedback to resolve tweaks prior to overall concessionaire distribution.

Thank you to the ILSR, specifically Brenda Platt, for the exceptional work on creating the documents and forms to support the Airport in their groundbreaking contract provision. Stay tuned for future updates on the journey.

Food Waste Donation: Everyone Wins!

Perry Kranias, steward of the
 amazing Tampa Airport program

Inspired by the successful food waste donation program at the Tampa Airport HMSHost operations, Brian Shetron - Concord Mills HMSHost general manager - decided to explore how a similar system would work in a food court scenario. 


At an airport, most of the donated food is "grab and go" meals that are pre-packaged with definitive shelf life. The ZWA Blog post, Reduce First, Donate Second, Compost Third, gives an overview of the Tampa Airport donation program started in September, 2010. To date, 41 airports joined Tampa's lead with a total year-to-date donation of over 500,000 pieces of food (e.g. sandwich, yogurt parfait).

Quality control and high standards by their nature result in food production overages. At HMSHost airport foodservice operations, the pre-packaged foods have a maximum 24-hour shelf life for customer sales.  Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen, a high-volume restaurant in Concord Mills, has a maximum 30-minute hold time once chicken is cooked. Working the balance of food overage and customer selection, the lean is on an overage to ensure customers are happy with menu availability.

Concord Mills staff freezing
food for doantion

At Concord Mills the majority of the food is eaten in the food court versus at an airport where most of the food is carried away. Thus, the mall food is generally in bulk versus pre-packaged in "grab and go" containers easily stacked for donation. For bulk donation items, the food is frozen as soon it passes the quality threshold for later thawing and heating at the shelters.

HMSHost contracts with the Food Donation Connection for their food waste donation programs. As part of their services, FDC assists the operator to determine what food waste generated meets the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act and identifies food bank or shelter programs complementary with the food donation. With an intricate tracking system, FDC works closely with the operator's accounting department to ensure the appropriate inventory donation tax deductions are taken.

one of the first donation collections
photo courtesy of HMSHost

In mid-September, Brian started Concord Mills food court donations to the local Second Harvest affiliate. Current estimates are 300 - 400 pounds of food donated per week from the HMSHost-operated food court for an annual 7.5 tons of food going to hungry bellies instead of composting.

The Concord Mills food waste program epitomizes how best practices create scenarios where all parties WIN:  

• Local shelters receive additional food for a hungry population.
• Simon Property Group, owner of Concord Mills, has reduced waste | recycling tipping fees. More importantly, SPG has a template to implement in their almost 400 malls nationwide.
• HMSHost receives an inventory donation tax deduction resulting in an improved bottom line. More importantly, a template is created for their shopping mall food court operations. Brian and his team know their efforts make a huge difference to their local community and beyond.

Kudos to Brian for taking the helm on the Concord Mills food waste donation program. The best part is Brian did not wait for the FDC green light for the tracking system, which begins in October. Stay tuned for more tales once the Concord Mills program is running full-steam.

Is Recycling Sexy?!!

Laura @ podium proclaiming:
"Recycling is Sexy!"

At a recent City of Atlanta press conference, Laura Turner Seydel announced "Recycling is Sexy!" Several subsequent  speakers were clear about their confusion with Laura's profound statement. QUESTION: Is Recycling Sexy?

According to most on-line definitions, sexy refers to highly appealing, attractive and interesting.  

The ZWA Blog post, Zero Waste is a Team Sport, establishes the consciousness shifts necessary to succeed in zero waste initiatives, including a "WE" focus.  In general, those embracing the "WE" instead of the "I" living mode of the recent past, are those who value their quality of life and health.  In addition to embracing recycling, these individuals tend to exercise, eat nutritious food and often live an interesting life style.  Hmmm.... sounds like "sexy folks!" These are points made my Laura at the press conference podium in her points on recycling is sexy.

Mayor Reed at the podium

The City of Atlanta, Office of Sustainability is embracing the power of "WE" with their September 18 announcement that 65,000 households will receive new 96-gallon recycling carts to replace the previous much smaller 18-gallon bins.  Beginning in mid-October, the carts will be delivered at a rate of 1,000 per day. With 30,000 Atlanta residents already using the 96-gallon carts, the entire 95,000 households serviced by the City's curbside recycling program will have the new, larger carts.

Working together, the City invested in the larger carts answering a collective call for increased recycling availability at the household level. In return, the City will reduce waste costs resulting in an overall WIN for the community - one of the premises of the "WE" consciousness.

Atlanta "WE" Team
honored at the press conference
(album gives names) 

During her podium time, City of Atlanta director of sustainability Denise Quarles honored the collective zero waste efforts in-place within the community with specific organization and individual mention. Atlanta Recycles, Keep Atlanta Beautiful, Elemental Impact, Georgia Recycling Coalition, Sustainable Atlanta and the U.S. EPA, Region IV were included in those recognized for past success and future collaboration with the City. Denise understands it is the "WE" consciousness that brings a community together for a common cause.

Denise and Laura shared podium time with Mayor Kasim Reed, Council Member Aaron Watson, City Chief Operating Office Duriya Farooqui, and City Deputy Commissioner of Public Works Dexter White. The stellar press conference team indicates the importance the City places on their recycling and sustainability commitment.

Sustainability All-Stars Lauren Dofort
& Tim Trefzer - looking "sexy"

Elemental Impact is honored to join the City's ":WE" team.  With the Sustainable Food Court Initiative and other programs, Ei's zero waste initiatives within the corporate community are a strong contributor to the City's overall sustainability goals. 

The Ei FB album, 09-18-12 City of ATL Recycling Press Conference, gives a pictorial recap of the "WE" consciousness evident among Atlanta's sustainability community.  

From Ei's perspective, recycling is highly appealing, attractive and interesting.  ANSWER: Yes, Recycling is sexy, very sexy!  Laura, thank you for pointing out the obvious in your press conference talk.  By the way, YOU are also sexy!

Zero Waste is a Team Sport

Zero waste initiatives require a consciousness shift on numerous levels. To achieve the accepted 90% diversion rate, organizations must replace common thought patterns with a holographic consciousness. In simplistic terms, the following are three initial shifts necessary for zero waste to replace landfill waste:

First, the "pay and forget" era is over; the consumer must take responsibility for the by-products generated from their activities and ensure materials are reused or recycled. The Elemental Impact Recycling Integrity page dives deeper into the holographic approach necessary to ensure integrity is maintained throughout the entire material management process.

manure-filled bedding awaiting
its next step in the perpetual life cycle

Second, waste management is replaced by materials / by-products management. In nature there is no "waste"; it is time to emulate nature's perpetual life cycle system.The ZWA Blog post, Perpetual Life Cycle System - Simplicity is Key, introduces PLCS using an on-farm anaerobic digester as an example of a system following nature's no-waste baseline.

Third, the "I" focus is replaced with the "WE" focus. The impact of our actions extends to the entire community and beyond; collective action accomplishes more profound results than singular effort. By working together, synergies are unlocked, unnecessary boundaries, including competitive barriers, disintegrate, and creative energies catapult possibilities into grounded realities.

Zero waste initiatives offer tangible opportunities to incorporate the consciousness shifts into standard operating practices. Once a company accepts the first two shifts, action is ready to begin with the third shift.

Doug Kunnemann, John Livengood,
Amy Moreland & Scott Lutocka

Integral to the "WE" consciousness is each component of the recycling value chain must make a reasonable profit for a sustainable, long-lasting system to develop. Example: with team effort, neighboring companies may create sufficient route density and quantities to justify the recycling company's transportation and labor costs.

On a recent Indianapolis Ei Industry Tour of Piazza Produce's zero waste distribution center, the group witnessed the powerful impact of superlative team effort. Facility manager Scott Lutocka uses amazing creativity to accomplish his zero waste goals and motivate others to join the team. Purchasing cool box cutters was the trigger point to generate enthusiasm for cardboard box break-down prior to baling.

Baled cardboard ready
for sale

Scott used a "big brother is watching" technique to break the habit of employees depositing cardboard in the trash compactor. With a facility-wide surveillance system, Scott could witness the culprits trashing valuable cardboard. It only took a few company-wide announcements "Excuse me, that cardboard is not trash" to establish a new habit of placing cardboard in the recycling bin.

Working within the "WE" context involves compromise and understanding others' perspectives. Once Scott scolded a tired, frustrated truck driver for not separating his recyclables. The driver's unrepeatable response was the catalyst for an on-site mini-MRF (materials recovery facility) where materials are separated by staff with specific recycling responsibilities.  

Once the valuable material is separated for recycling, the the remaining "trash" becomes the focal point.  As with most companies, Scott learned packaging was his biggest challenge.  Using team spirit and creativity, Scott works with his suppliers to shift packaging to reusable | returnable or recycling options.  

No more glue in the packaging

Upon Scott's request, an herb supplier stopped gluing the polystyrene liner to the cardboard box. When glued the entire packaging was trash, without the adhesive the polystyrene and cardboard are easily separated and recycled.  MULTIPLE WIN: the producer saves money by eliminating the gluing process!

Diligent, persistent effort brought Piazza close to the 90% zero waste diversion rate yet not over the threshold. Food waste collection for composting was the next big hurdle, requiring a community "WE" effort. Without a permitted composting site in the area nor a hauler equipped for handling food waste, Scott's relentless team leadership was imperative to success.

GreenCycle's mulching facility

John Repenning of GreenCycle, a local mulching and landscape product company, joined the team,  GreenCycle met the appropriate state regulations for food waste composting and accepted Piazza's food waste at one of their several Indy mulching facilities. A local waste hauler worked with Scott on a viable solution for food waste hauling to GreenCycle.

With food waste compost bound, Piazza Produce is officially zero waste!

Zero Waste Icon Scott
Lutocka on plastic film bale

Piazza Produce success is grounded in the required consciousness shifts. The "WE"  is Scott's natural operating mode and at the foundation for Piazza's zero waste leadership role.  Soon the industry will follow due to pure economics as Piazza has an impressive improved bottom line from turning waste cost into recycling revenue.

For details on Piazza's zero waste program, visit the Ei FB album, 09-24-12 Piazza Produce Zero Waste Tour, With his generous spirit, Scott provided additional details in the comment sections.  The Ei FB album, 09-24-12 GreenCycle Mulching Site Tour, gives a pictorial recap of the GreenCycle tour.

Astute business leaders realize the consciousness shift is imminent and are on the Zero Waste Team. Others are waiting until more secure paths are built. The Perpetual LIfe Cycle System Team is in the creation process - YOU are invited to join!

Perpetual Life Cycle System - Simplicity is Key

In nature "waste" does not exist, rather a perpetual life cycle rearranges molecular structures so the finished product for one use is the basis for its next life. Using modern technology, on-farm anaerobic digestion systems seem to emulate nature's integrated approach to resource management.

Doug Kunnemann, Amy Moreland
& Chris Pierce  during tour

Several Elemental Impact Partners spent an afternoon at Biotown Ag in Reynolds, IN visiting the on-farm anaerobic digestion (A.D.) system. Longtime Ei pal Chris Pierce of Organics Solutions Management gave a detailed tour of the system along with its farm and community integration points.  As managers of the farm A.D., OSM simplified the system processes to create a zero waste scenario where all end and by-products are valuable contributors to the farm and community.

An operating farm with 3,500 head of hormone and antibiotic-free cattle and 900 swine, manure management was the foundation for building the A.D. system. Manure is excellent A.D. feed stock, especially when combined with community "waste" - food, sludge and fats, oils & grease from grease traps. A.D. systems capture methane gas produced from organic decomposition in a controlled environment and generate two by-products: 1> nutrient-rich water and 2> digestate, the remaining solids.

Digestate ready for it next use
as bedding in cattle feed area

The methane gas produced at the Biotown Ag A.D. is converted to electricity, which is used first to power farm operations with the remainder sold to the local grid. With careful testing procedures in-place, the nutrient-rich water is used for on-farm crop irrigation.  Crops are used as animal feed, with a portion returning to manure through the digestion process. The digestate makes excellent bedding for the cattle feed area, returning to the A.D. system once filled with manure. And the perpetual life cycle continues, similar to the cycles in nature.

Simplicity is the foundation inherent in the OSM operating model. In addition to on-farm A.D. systems, OSM developed a series of portable A.D. systems and components through partner company Blue Streams.  With minimal moving parts, Blue Stream units in general use off-the-rack equipment that are easily repaired and / or replaced if necessary. Units fit on standard waste | recycling compactor pads.

Portable Organics Manager

The patented Portable Organics Manager is an on-site food waste collection unit that macerates and slurries food waste for up to a four-week holding period before delivery to its destination, whether A.D. or composting. With an in-system pump, the POM allows for the use of traditional tank trucks and results in significant transportation savings due to larger collection loads.

For a pictorial recap of the impressive tour, visit the Ei FB album, 09-25-12 OSM On-Farm A.D. Tour. Note Chris added comments to many of the pictures with volume and technical details.

Ei is excited to explore how the perpetual life cycle model may be replicated in commercial settings. Simplicity is key to unlocking the genius model inherent within natural cycles. OSM appears on-track to developing systems where integrity and simplicity intertwine into success.  Soon zero waste practices will evolve into perpetual life systems.

ACTION: Theme for the SFCI Shopping Mall Pilot

Within a week of announcing Concord Mills serves as the Sustainable Food Court Initiative shopping mall pilot, the Elemental Impact team visited Charlotte.  An incredible action plan came together during the 24-hour visit.  The ZWA Blog, Concord Mills - SFCI Shopping Mall Pilot, gives the pilot launch details.

First on the agenda was jump-starting the plastic film recycling program after almost a year of discussions and planning. The June, 2011 ZWA Blog post, Simon Property Group Embarks on Zero Waste Initiatives, details the SPG Atlanta meeting marathon where the sky rocketing plastic film dilemma at malls was a major discussion point.  At the June 16, 2011 meetings, Matt Hupp, then  SPG director waste & recycling, met the two main partners in the plastic film recycling program, Louis Herrera of Hilex Poly and Susan Stanton of Orwak.

Ray with Orwak baler

Six days before the Charlotte adventure, the Orwak baler, workhorse for the program, was delivered to Concord Mills. Ray Soporowski, Concord Mills general manager, was prepared for the Ei group with several bales pre-made and an ample plastic supply from tenants. An unused back portion of a tenant space serves as a perfect plastic film recycling center location.  

During the afternoon educational session, a bale weighing approximately 150 -175 pounds was made of typical tenant-generated plastic.  A visual inspection noted the plastic was 80-85% LDPE (low-density polyethylene) and contained approximately 5% contamination.  Ray estimates Concord Mills' tenants generate approximately 150 tons of plastic film per year.

Ei Team with plastic film bale

In order to secure tenant participation, especially those located further away from the recycling center, Ray determined a porter service for material collection was a must. Including the porter service expense, Ray anticipates a nice bottom line improvement due to the strong LDPE commodity market.  With significant mall square footage, Ray plans to create a second recycling center to service the other half of the mall.

Kevin Robertson, SPG corporate,
with Susan & Ron in discussion

At Simon Property Group sister mall, SouthPark Mall, a plastic film recycling system for a mall quadrant is in place under the oversight of operations director Ron Rentschler. After meeting with the Ei Team, Ron is eager to explore how using the Orwak baling system may improve his collection ability, keep the loading area neater and improve the bottom line.

A central focus for the SFCI is food waste collection beginning with back-of-the-house and seguing into front-of-the-house.  On May 21, Earth Farms Organics began BOH food waste collection from the HMSHost-operated Concord Mills food court along with one other mall restaurant.  With approximately 3,000 pounds per week collected, the program to date collection is just over 8 tons of food waste previously destined for the landfill.

Brian Shetron, HMSHost
Concord Mills GM  

With one more mall restaurant to join the program, Ray plans to invite the single-standing restaurants on the mall outskirt property to participate in the collections.  In addition to the environmental impact, the restaurants' volume will build the Concord area route into an economically viable long-term option.  Jim Lanier owner of Earth Farms Organics is a true team player and to date willing to work on the SFCI pilot collections without route density.

At the Atlanta Airport SFCI Pilot, the concessionaires are required to use compostable foodservice packaging and front-of-the-house food waste collection systems will be implemented when the entire airport operates under the new contract provisions (about 18 months).  In Charlotte, current plans are to retain existing food court packaging, much of which is not compostable or recyclable.

CleanRiver signage on SPG
recycling compactor

Thus, an opportunity arises to develop a food waste and napkin-only food court collection system.  Easy-to-identify bins along with superb signage are key to success.  Ei Partner CleanRiver has the equipment and expertise to design an effective system.  One of CleanRiver's assets is their in-house graphics department and print shop.  As noted in the ZWA Blog post, Simon Property Group at Sustainability Helm, CleanRiver created an excellent signage program for mall recycling and trash compactors.

former landfill destined, BOH
food waste now goes to composting

During the SouthPark meetings, Ron and general manager Randy Thomas were enthusiastic to  join Concord Mills in BOH and FOH food waste collection.  With SouthPark's three big-box restaurants (Maggiano's Little Italy, The Cheesecake Factory, & McCormick & Schmick's) and a strong food court including a California Pizza Kitchen with seated dining, there is tremendous potential for impressive food waste collection and cost-savings.  Ron and Randy left the meeting with a big action item: Visit Ray at Concord Mills!

For a pictorial recap of the Ei Charlotte visit, see the Ei FB album, 08-12 Charlotte SFCI Trip.  Be sure to like the Ei FB page while there!

Eric Dyer of Grease Lock
explaining the filter system

In addition to recycling, the SFCI is focused on REDUCTION.  While in Charlotte the first steps were taken for a kitchen hood filter system pilot designed to capture grease before it enters the hood system.  Anticipated results are a significant reduction in hood cleaning, kitchen labor and maintenance expense for grease build-up on roofs.  Note each hood cleaning uses approximately 350 gallons of water that goes into the sewer system along with the toxins inherent in the cleaning solutions. Renown engineering consultant Jayendra Parikh will analyze the pilot and write an independent report on pilot results.

Plastic film, food waste and kitchen grease are the three main initial action areas for the SFCI shopping mall pilot.  Although the SFCI Team in formation will retain a food court focus, the overall Ei Team is excited to work on  zero waste initiatives, including resource reduction, throughout the entire mall operations and grounds.  Stay tuned for future blog posts on the exciting Charlotte projects.