The Macro Cost of Micro Contamination

Micro level contamination yields tremendous hidden costs to communities, the environment and food chain systems. Though often not seen by the human eye, fragmented microplastic pieces are poison to our soils | water microbial communities as well as to fish, mammals, birds and most all life forms. 

Prominent organizations - Plastic Pollution Coalition, Algalita and The 5 Gyres Institute (5 Gyres) to name several - are dedicated to researching and educating on the plastic pollution crisis in our oceans and waterways. The facts are chilling:

8 MILLION METRIC TONS

The amount of plastic that enters the ocean each year.

15-51 TRILLION

The estimated number of pieces of plastic floating on the ocean surface.

HYDROPHOBIC

Once in our waterways, plastics act as sponges, soaking up all the chemicals – like PCB, DDT – that don’t mix with salt water.

FISH FOOD

Toxic-laden plastics look super tasty to fish. And we all know fish look tasty to us.

Dynamic Duo: Rick & Lia

The above facts were extracted from 5 Gyres Director of Global Partnerships & Community Engagement Lia Colabella's MORE OCEAN, Less Plastic presentation at the Fifth Annual National Zero Waste Business Conference (NZWBC) hosted in Austin June 1 - 3. Lia teamed with Natur-Tec Director Business Development, North America Rick Lombardo on the Elemental Impact (Ei)-hosted The Macro Cost of Micro Contamination panel moderated by Ei Founder Holly Elmore.

While Lia presented on the documented plastic pollution crisis in our oceans, Rick educated on a similar dilemma building within our soils in his Compostable Plastics vs. Traditional Plastics presentation.

To help understand the origins of microplastic contamination, Rick educated on fragmentation, biodegradability and compostability as follows:

Fragmentation – first step in the biodegradation process, in which organic matter is broken down into microscopic fragments.

Biodegradability – complete microbial assimilation of the fragmented product as a food source by the soil microorganisms.

Compostability – complete assimilation within 180 days in an industrial compost environment. 

Note the difference between biodegradability and compostibility is TIME. By definition, material decomposes within 180 days while bio-degradation may take as long as millions of years.

Due to the fragmentation process, ocean plastic pollution is now referred to as plastic smog. Clean-up is challenging to impossible due to the microscopic size of the plastic. Aquatic life consumes the fragmented plastic; larger pieces remain within the digestive tract and smaller ones integrate within the flesh. Thus, plastic enters the human food system!

3 month fish with 17 pieces
of plastic in stomach

Lia provided a visual of a three month old rainbow runner with 17 pieces of plastic in its stomach.

Starting with the basics, Rick explained the origins of plastics with a reminder most traditional plastics are derived from petrochemicals. After an overview of the important role compost plays in soil health, Rick shared the role compostable plastics, derived from organic sources, play in effective post-consumer food waste collection for compost programs.

To ensure a contaminant-free compost, it is important foodservice ware (cups, plates, flatware & other containers) are BPI Certified Compostable, an independent third party certification program. Rick gave an overview of the ASTM 6400 and ASTM D6868 Standards at the foundation of the BPI Certification requirements.


Rick showcased contamination at compost facilities resulting from traditional plastics. In addition, Rick addressed "green washing" through look alike products and deceptive product descriptions. "Oxo" degradable bags and degradable cutlery made from biomaterial additives and plastic resins are common contamination culprits.

degradable cutlery in
compost pile
photo courtesy of  Rick

In his presentation, Rick cited the EcoCycle | Wood's End 2011 Study, Should Plastic Coated Materials be Allowed in Materials Collected for Composting?, with a quote:

This study showed conclusively that micro-plastic fragments were shred from all plastic coated samples, whether single or double-coated. This means any plastic-coated paper product, even those that are partially screened out during the composting process, is contaminating the finished compost with plastics particles.” 

1955 Life Magazine cover

Within their respective presentations, Rick & Lia included slides on the impact of the "disposable society" that culminated in the plastic pollution | smog crisis. In 1955, Life Magazine ran a memorable cover photo celebrating the new disposable lifestyle. Lia gave shocking stats on plastic production and consumption. 95% of plastic packaging material value - $80 - 120 billion annually - is lost to the economy after a single use.

If a massive plastic clean-up is not feasible at this juncture, what can we do? Lia offered the following suggestions:

4. DOWNSTREAM WASTE MANAGEMENT
Better collection and recycling systems. “Burn & Bury” infrastructure is not the answer.

3. CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT
Reduce, reuse, recycle, rethink.

2. UPSTREAM DESIGN CHANGE
Scale innovations in product and packaging design.

1. POLICY DRIVES SOLUTIONS
Bag bans, microbead laws. Global Plastic Protocol.

During the vibrant Q&A session, Holly reminded the audience the soils are equally contaminated with microplastics. Forthcoming research will substantiate plastic pollution - macro that fragments into micro - is a water | soil crisis.

The Macro Cost of Micro Contamination panel was a huge success! A prominent attendee confided in Holly "this was the BEST conference panel - I learned so much and I appreciate gaining visibility to such important issues!"

Rick and Lia's PPT presentations are available on the Ei NZWBC page. The ZWA Blog article, A "Tuned In" Industry Catches a Vibrant Zero Waste Beat, is a NZWBC program overview while the Ei FB album, 2016 National Zero Waste Business Conference, is a conference pictorial recount.

Scott w/ Laura Turner Seydel &
PPC Co-Founder Dianna Cohen

In March 2015, Ei Chair Scott Seydel presented at the Plastic GYRE Symposium: Artists, Scientists and Activists Respond hosted jointly by the Welch Foundation at Georgia State University, David J. Sencer Museum of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC). The ZWA Blog article, Plastic GYRE Symposium: Artists, Scientists and Activists Respond, is a synopsis of the powerful symposium along with an introduction to the plastic pollution crisis.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation published the January 2016 The New Plastic Economy: Rethinking the future of plastics report with a circular economy approach to address the future of plastics. For the first time, the report is a vision of a global economy in which plastics never become waste and outlines concrete steps towards achieving the systemic shifts necessary. Scott is an Ellen MacArthur Foundation USA Board Member.

SURREAL: the first fully synthetic plastic, meaning it contained no molecules found in nature, was invented by Leo Hendrik Baekeland in 1907 and by the mid-1950's the disposable society was celebrated. In just over 100 years humans mass contaminated the Earth's waters and soils with "molecules not found in nature."

Soil Health: regenerating the foundation of life!

In 2017 Elemental Impact (Ei) shifted gears within the spiral of humanity's environmental impact. Ei evolved from a focus on Recycling Refinement and food waste collection for compost to Soil Health, regenerating the foundation of life. 

Founding ZWZ Participant
Chef Ahmad Nourzad
of Affairs to Remember

Early steps within the Soil Health journey began with the 2009 Zero Waste Zones (ZWZ) launch; the ZWZ were the nation's forerunner in the collection of commercial food waste for compost. Inaugural ZWZ years were dedicated to raising awareness of food waste compost within the foodservice industry and establishing new sustainable standard operating practices. Founding ZWZ Participants perfected back-of-the-house food waste collection practices and shared their successes with industry colleagues.

The National Resources Defense Council's 2012 Wasted: How America is Losing Up to 40 Percent of Its Food from Farm to Fork to Landfill issue paper publication alerted mainstream media to the food waste crisis. Numerous powerful organizations formed within the foodservice and retail industries to directly address the crisis and affect change. 

Thus, the established operating practices combined with national food waste awareness earmarked successful completion of Ei's role. In late 2012 the National Restaurant Association purchased the ZWZ; the ZWA Blog article, National Restaurant Association Acquires Zero Waste Zones, announces the monumental milestone in Ei history.

SMAT members collecting food
waste after a Falcon's game.

In 2014 the Sustainable Food Court Initiative announced its stated prime focus was post-consumer food waste collection for compost or a state-permitted destination other than landfill. The Sustainable Materials ACTION Team (SMAT) supported the SFCI - Georgia Dome Pilot post-consumer food waste projects, ranging from compostable packaging education, post-game food waste collection, and a post-consumer food waste compost pilot at a state-permitted composting facility.

By 2016 numerous sporting event facilities, venues, outdoor festivals and other food-related businesses achieved zero waste, including post-consumer food waste. Thus, Ei's post-consumer food waste-related work was complete.

Steam rising from windrows at a
permitted food waste composting site.

Limited state-permitted food waste composting facilities (or other technologies) are a significant obstacle to mainstream source-separated food waste collection, at the consumer and commercial levels. Using simple economic principles, a stronger demand for food waste compost will drive an increase in capacity, from the opening of new sites to an expansion of existing facilities. By shifting focus to increasing compost demand, Ei embarks on new industry frontiers within the Soil Health platform.

Initial work relates to the education of depleted soils' direct relationship with the carbon crisis, out-of-balance carbon cycles, contaminated waterways, excessive water usage, erosion control, storm water management, and production of nutritious food. In addition, Ei addresses the micro plastic pollution within the soils, similar to the plastic smog prolific in the oceans. The inaugural Soil Health focus areas are: 

• Carbon Sequestration - the ZWA Blog article, Carbon Crisis: simply a matter of balance, introduces the Urban Carbon Sink concept. 
• Macro Cost of Micro Contamination - the ZWA Blog article, Macro Cost of Micro Contamination, introduces the focus area via a National Zero Waste Business Conference Ei-hosted panel of the same name.
• Farm Tours - Ei focuses on success stories where farms restore broken soil systems through regenerative agriculture.

As validated in Kiss the Ground's empowering four-minute video, The Soil Story, the carbon problem and the solution are a matter of balance.

Earth Carbon Pools
image courtesy of The Soil Story

Simply: there is too much carbon in the atmosphere and ocean pools. To restore balance, excess carbon must transfer to the fossil, biosphere, and/or soil pools. The Carbon Crisis article referenced above features The Soil Story along with an explanation of the carbon pools and the out-of-balance scenario.

In May 2017 Kiss the Ground released The Compost Story, a sequel to The Soil Story, to an enthusiastic national audience. Ei joined the prominent video launch team and participates in an executive committee focused on developing educational tools. Kiss the Ground intends to develop soil | compost educational materials targeted at three prime sectors: 1> municipalities, 2> schools and 3> businesses. 

U.S. Green Building Council Global Zero Waste Director Stephanie Barger and Ei Founder Holly Elmore took leadership roles in the business sector.

Plastic mulch used on a small
farm's blackberry field

Integral to Kiss the Ground's mission is how regenerative agriculture rebuilds our soils and sequesters atmospheric carbon into the soils. Compost use is integral to regenerative agriculture. Within the Macro Cost of Micro Contamination platform, the Ei Team will initially focus on two main areas:

1. Contaminant-free food waste stream delivered to commercial, farm and community garden compost operations. BPI Certified Compostable food and beverage serviceware is a must for single-use packaging to prevent fragmented plastic contamination within the finished compost.
2. Widespread use of plastic mulch and other plastics in conventional farming and agriculture. Plastics fragment into tiny pieces yet does not decompose, causing micro plastic contamination in the soils used to grow food.

Ei Farm Tours are focused on farms following regenerative agricultural practices, with a strong focus on rebuilding health soils. Kennesaw State University's Hickory Grove Farm is an excellent example of a bountiful farm whose regenerative practices brought "dead" soil back to life.

Hickory Grove Farm pond formed
 naturally via simple a simple
storm water management system

By employing simple storm water management practices, a farm pond naturally formed complete with a pair of mallard ducks, ample frogs, and abundant foliage and insects. Pond water is used in the Hydroponic Lab to grow tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers for The Commons, the KSU Gold LEED Certified dining hall.

The Holly Elmore Images FB album, KSU Leven School of Culinary Sustainability and Hospitality, is a pictorial recap of a recent Hickory Grove Farm tour.

Soil Health brings Ei back to core roots on many levels, including alignment with the Ei mantra:

Ei is a creator, an incubator. 

Ei determines what could be done that is not being done and gets it done. 

Ei brings the possible out of impossible. 

Ei identifies pioneers and creates heroes.

American Culinary Federation - ATL
President Michael Diehl with then
GA Dept of AG Commissioner Tommy
Irvin at a 2008 GFA event.

In her years as the Green Foodservice Alliance (GFA) Founder & Executive Director, Holly was a leader in the local, sustainable | farm to table movement. Holly worked closely with the Georgia Department of Agriculture team on launching the first Georgia Grown food show in 2008. Introductions to Atlanta's culinary community were integral to the Georgia Grown food show success. The GFA Advisory Council consisted of prominent Atlanta leadership, including Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black in his prior Georgia Agribusiness Council President role.

Ei was formed in 2010 as the new home for the ZWZ, which was launched as a GFA program. Within the Soil Health platform, Holly may build off her strong sustainable agriculture foundation cultivated within the powerful GFA Producers Task Force.

Soil Health brings a vibrancy to Ei's important work along with renewed and new industry relationships. The spiral of humanity's environmental impact is perpetual; Ei is honored to bring past expertise to new light within Soil Health programs under development.

The Macro Cost of Micro and Nanoplastics

Microplastics on a lantana
plant at a botanical garden
photo courtesy of Holly Elmore Images

Micro-level-plastic contamination yields tremendous hidden costs to communities, the environment, and food-chain systems. Though often not seen by the human eye, fragmented microplastic pieces are poisons in our soils | water microbial communities as well as to fish, mammals, birds and most all life forms. 

Over time, microplastics, defined as less than or equal to 5 mm, disintegrate into nanoplastics; additionally nanoplastics may be directly released into the air, waterways, and soils. As micro and nanoplastics are prevalent across the globe, even in the most remote lands and the exceptional depths of the oceans, concerns about the health implications to human and all life on earth is escalating. 

Health Implications
Per the Mayo Clinic March 2024 article, What’s lurking in your body? Mayo probes health risks of tiny plastic particles, a landmark study just published in the New England Journal of Medicine links microplastics and nanoplastics found in plaques of human-blood vessels to a potential increased risk of heart attack, stroke or death. Chemical additives to plastics that enhance flexibility and durability are of particular concern. As it provides digestion and blood-detoxification functions for the body, the liver is at high health risk from micro and nanoplastic infiltration.

The February 2024 Environmental Health News post Microplastics and contaminants found in breast milk: a cause for concern? summarizes a recent Washington Post article by Jillian Pretzel as follows:

• Research has identified microplastics, pesticides, and flame-retardant chemicals in human-breast milk.
• Experts stress breast milk's health benefits for both the mother and child, despite potential risks from contaminants.
• Measures like opting for organic foods and avoiding plastic can help minimize exposure to these pollutants.

Key quote:

"It's definitely concerning when we find chemicals in breast milk that are known to affect child development."  Erika Schreder, science director for Toxic-Free Future.

Microplastics in wild-caught fish
Photo courtesy of the 5 Gyres

According to the ScienceDaily 2022 story, Nano-sized plastics may enter and permeate cell membranes:

Researchers have used molecular modelling methods to investigate the movement of nano-sized plastics in membrane structures. The results indicate that for some microplastics, passive transport through the cell membrane may be a significant gateway into the cell.

As nanoplastics may segue through cell walls, it is probable that plant-based food will soon, if not already, contain plastic pollution.

With the prolific micro and nanoplastic pollution contaminating the Earth, health implications for all life on earth is a major concern.

Plastics in the Soils
Below is an excerpt from the RiA article, What We Matters:

With the common use of time-released fertilizers and pesticides in conventional farming came an unintended consequence: the flooding of micro and nanoplastics into the soils from the time-release capsules. ... and what goes into the soils eventually ends up in the aquifers and waterways.

In May 2022, the Center for International Environmental Law published a report on the plastics in the soils, Sowing a Plastic Planet: How Microplastics in Agrochemicals Are Affecting Our Soils, Our Food, and Our Future. From the astonishing report:

Plastics are everywhere in agriculture, from greenhouse films and landscaping fabrics to crop coverings and product packaging. Many of these uses provide pathways for plastic contamination. But the application of plastic-coated agrochemicals to soils and crops directly introduces microplastic into the environment and potentially into the food supply. It also compounds the health and environmental hazards posed by agrochemicals themselves.

One of the least known and most concerning sources of microplastic pollution is their deliberate addition to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides used in industrial agriculture.

Microplastics disintegrate into nanoplastics that are capable of segueing through cell walls. Thus, plants may join the animal-protein food contaminated with plastics.

As they use compost and other natural substances for crop nutrition and generally abstain from agrochemicals, organic and regenerative farms do not contribute to the tremendous plastics in the soils from plastic-coated capsules.

Industry Pioneer
Beginning in 2015, Earth Impact (then Elemental Impact) (Ei) delved into the plastic-pollution crisis with an emphasis on micro and nanoplastics.

Plastics GYRE Symposium
Ei provided behind-the-scenes support for the ground-breaking 2015 Plastic GYRE Symposium: Artists, Scientists and Activists Respond hosted in Atlanta by the Center for Disease Control and Georgia State University. 

Scott Seydel at the podium
photo courtesy of Holly Elmore Images

The two-day Symposium included a stellar program that ran the gamut of educating on the horrific facts of the plastic-pollution scenario to providing a good news blitz of positive action-in-place to explaining the social justice (or injustice) surrounding the gyre & other plastic-pollution impacts. Prominent industry experts traveled from across the nation to share their experience, research, and call-to-action.

Founding Ei Chair Scott Seydel presented on the Beyond Greenwash: Extended Producer Responsibility panel with a powerful topic that emphasized plastic's value in the global economy. Scott focused on the current recycling rates, end uses for the various plastics, and how states with bottle bills enjoy significantly higher recycling rates.

Though first discovered in 2004 by University of Plymouth (United Kingdom) Professor Richard Thompson OBE FRS, awareness of microplastic pollution was not yet commonplace in 2015; thus, the Symposium addressed only the macro-plastic pollution crisis.

The RiA article, Plastic GYRE Symposium: Artists, Scientists and Activists Respond, chronicles the impressive symposium.

National Zero Waste Business Conference (NZWBC)
At the 2016 NZWBC hosted in Austin, Texas, Ei hosted an impressive, popular break-out session, The Macro Cost of Micro Contamination. Ei Partner Rick Lombardo, Natur-Tec Director Business Development, North America, was accompanied by 5 Gyres Director of Global Partnerships & Community Engagement Lia Colabella. Ei Founder & CEO Holly Elmore moderated the panel.

Rick & Lia, the dynamic duo
photo courtesy of Holly Elmore Images

While Lia presented on the documented plastic pollution crisis in our oceans, Rick educated on a similar dilemma building within our soils in his Compostable Plastics vs. Traditional Plastics presentation.

To help understand the origins of microplastic contamination, Rick educated on fragmentation, biodegradability and compostability as follows:

• Fragmentation – first step in the biodegradation process, in which organic matter is broken down into microscopic fragments.
• Biodegradability – complete microbial assimilation of the fragmented product as a food source by the soil microorganisms.
• Compostability – complete assimilation within 180 days in an industrial-compost environment. 

Note the difference between biodegradability and compostibility is TIME. By definition, organic material decomposes within 180 days while bio-degradation may take as long as millions of years.

Due to the fragmentation process, ocean plastic pollution is now referred to as plastic smog. Clean-up is challenging to impossible due to the microscopic size of the plastic. Aquatic life consumes the fragmented plastic; larger pieces remain within the digestive tract and smaller ones integrate within the flesh. Thus, plastic enters the human-food system!

The RiA Magazine article, The Macro Cost of Micro Contamination, educates on the alarming environmental and health challenges associated microplastic pollution and provides a summary of the impressive session.

Plastics: a double-edged sword
In late 2019, Ei explored the plastic-pollution scenario via the RiA article, Plastics: a double-edged sword. From the article:

The seemingly magical gift of plastic came with a double-edged sword filled with the potential to destroy life as it is currently known on Earth.

In less than seventy years, humans managed to infiltrate the Earth with micro and nanoplastics from discarded single-use and durable products in literally every nook and cranny, ranging from the arctic snow caps to the depths of the oceans and everywhere in between. 

It is time to shift perspectives from human-focused to life-focused and let the Earth show us how to heal the damage inflicted. Answers will come to those who live and take action from the heart.

Book cover
photo courtesy of Holly Elmore Images

Before addressing the environmental and health challenges associated with plastic pollution, the in-depth article provides a history of plastics and explains how plastics literally evolved nearly every realm of human existence.

As a pandemic project, Holly published the inaugural Ei book designed for print, From Macro to Micro to Nanoplastics, as an excerpt of the Plastics: a double-edged sword. Holly Elmore Images contributed images for the educational book.

Additionally, the book includes the following new sections:

• Plastics at the beach - showcases how readily available durable and single-use plastic items are common place during beach enjoyment.
• Beyond litter, cigarette butts are plastic pollution - explains how cigarette filters are made of cellulose acetate, a plastic.
• Ei Exploration of Fungi, Soil Health & World Hunger - gives an overview of the empowering October 2018 exploration.
• COVID-19 plastic pollution - explains how the recent pandemic resulted in a new surge in plastic pollution.

Era of Impact
As Ei segues into the Era of Impact, a focus on micro and nanoplastics will interweave within the recently launched Ei Educates platform.

_______________________________________

Tax-deductible donations in any amount are greatly appreciated to support Ei's important work. 

DONATE HERE

About Earth Impact:

Earth Impact (formerly Elemental Impact) (Ei) is a 501(c)3 non-profit founded in 2010 as the home to the Zero Waste Zones, the forerunner in the nation for the commercial collection of food waste for compost. In June 2017, Ei announced the Era of Recycling Refinement was Mission Accomplished and entered the Era of Regeneration (June 2017 - June 2024). Focus areas included Nature Prevails, Soil Health | Regenerative Agriculture, and Water Use | Toxicity.

The Regeneration in ACTION Magazine articles, From Organic Certification to Regenerative Agriculture to Rewilding Landscapes: an evolution towards soil integrity and SOIL & WATER: the foundation of life, published to explain and substantiate the importance of Ei’s rewilding urban landscapes work within the Nature Prevails focus area. What We Eat Matters is an emerging platform that intertwines within the three focus areas.

As Ei enters the Era of Impact (June 2024 – present,) gears shift to a new business model, Ei Educates. Though education was always integral to Ei’s important work, the  primary focus was on projects, pilots, and initiatives supported by Ei Partners. The Regeneration Era focus areas carry over into the Era of Impact.

The Holly Elmore Images Rewilding Urban Landscapes-album folder documents two active pilots: the Native-Plant Landscape Pilot and the Backyard Permaculture-Oriented Pilot. The Ei Pilots serve as an educational program.

MISSION:

To work with industry leaders to create best regenerative operating practices where the entire value-chain benefits, including corporate bottom lines, communities, and the environment. Through education and collaboration, establish best practices as standard practices.

Ei’s tagline – Regeneration in ACTION – is the foundation for Ei endeavors.

The following mantra is at the core of Ei work:

Ei is a creator, an incubator.

Ei determines what could be done that is not being done and gets it done.

Ei brings the possible out of impossible.

Ei identifies pioneers and creates heroes.

For additional information, contact Holly Elmore at 404-510-9336 | holly@earth-impact.org. 

Ei Announces the Sustainable Facilities Initiative

In 2009 the Zero Waste Zones (ZWZ) were launched as the nation's pioneer in the commercial collection of food waste for composting. Under the ZWZ program participants perfected the best practices for back-of-the-house prep waste collection and shared their lessons learned, challenges and successes with their industry colleagues.

The Sustainable Food Court Initiative (SFCI) was launched in 2011 to address the zero waste challenges associated food courts and post-consumer food waste. When the National Restaurant Association purchased the ZWZ in late 2012, the SFCI emerged as Elemental Impact's central Recycling Refinement focus through 2016.

Industry Milestones
Compostable Packaging
In general, a successful front-of-the-house post-consumer food waste collection program requires the use of BPI Certified compostable food & beverage packaging or reusable service ware.

With impeccable timing, the SFCI - Atlanta Airport Pilot was in the midst of the concessionaire RFP for the entire airport when the SFI launched in 2011. The City of Atlanta Office of Sustainability and Department of Aviation team, led by Michael Cheyne, Director of Asset Management & Sustainability for the Airport, made the bold, courageous and successful move to include the following provision in the RFP and subsequent concessionaire contract:

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

The ZWA Blog article, Atlanta Airport Makes Bold  Sustainable Statement, announces the compostable packaging contract provision. With Ei Strategic Ally Institute for Local Self-Reliance Co-Director Brenda Platt taking the lead, the SFCI Team crafted the Compostable Packaging Info Packet to educate concessionaires on the contract provision; the ZWA Blog article, Exemptions | Exclusions Added to Atlanta Airport Info Packet, is an overview of updates for exempted | excluded items to the Info Packet. The document is available for download on the Atlanta Airport Compostable Foodservice Ware Packet website page.

In October 2011, the SFCI - Atlanta Airport received the Going Green Airport Award at the fourth Annual Going Green Airports Conference hosted in Chicago. The prestigious award recognized the value of the project, as well as outstanding leadership in pursuit of sustainability within the aviation industry.

Plastic Film Recycling
Around 2011 the garment industry shifted from bulk packaging for retail shipments to individual plastic film-wrapped garments; the packaging shift was a response to the explosion of internet sales. Shopping malls witnessed a dramatic increase in tenant plastic film waste, increasing their waste-hauling charges.

SFCI Team with first
plastic film bales at Concord Mills

Yet plastic film is a valuable commodity with recycling rebates often matching or exceeding OCC (old corrugated cardboard). Large commercial generators source-separate plastic film and sell the standard-sized bales weighing 700 - 1000 pounds in the commodities market. Thus, plastic film is a strong contributor to their recycling profit centers.

In 2012 SFCI - Concord Mills (CM), a Simon mall in Charlotte, NC, crafted the nation's first shopping mall plastic film recycling program. The SFCI Team, including Mecklenburg County Government, worked closely with CM General Manager Roy Soporowski on developing the successful program. The ZWA Blog post, ACTION: Theme for SFCI Shopping Mall Pilot, announces the mall's plastic film recycling program.

Shortly thereafter, SouthPark Mall, a sister Simon mall in Charlotte, replicated the CM plastic film recycling template, modified for their mall logistics.

The Comparative Case Study: Plastic Film Recycling at Two Simon Malls prepared by Ei on behalf of the Wrap Recycling Action Program, an American Chemistry Council Plastic Film Recycling Group program, was officially released at the 2016 Annual Ei Partner Meeting. The ZWA Blog article, Comparative Case Study: Plastic Film Recycling at Two Simon Malls, announces the case study release along with an overview of the plastic film recycling program development.

For additional SFCI history and accomplishments, visit the SFCI - Accomplished website page.

Shifting Gears
In 2017 Ei shifted gears within humanity's environmental impact spiral. Ei evolved from a focus on Recycling Refinement and food waste collection for compost to Soil Health, regenerating the foundation of life.

KSU Hickory Grove Farm
regenerative ag in action

Initial work relates to the education of depleted soils' direct relationship with the carbon crisis, out-of-balance carbon cycles, contaminated waterways, excessive water usage, erosion control, stormwater management, and production of nutritious food. In addition, Ei addresses the microplastic pollution within the soils, similar to the plastic smog prolific in the oceans. The inaugural Soil Health focus areas are:

• Carbon Sequestration - the ZWA Blog article, Carbon Crisis: simply a matter of balance, introduces the carbon cycles and the soil's role in restoring carbon balance. 
• Macro Cost of Micro Contamination - the ZWA Blog article, Macro Cost of Micro Contamination, introduces the focus area via a National Zero Waste Business Conference Ei-hosted panel of the same name.
• Farm Tours - Ei focuses on success stories where farms restore broken soil systems through regenerative agriculture.

In addition, the Water Use | Toxicity platform plays a strong supporting role.

Simultaneous with the Soil Health platform announcement, Ei work related to Recycling Refinement, including zero waste, food waste, plastic film recycling and other materials-oriented areas, was moved to the Ei Mission Accomplished! website section. Recycling Refinement expertise is available via Ei Founder Holly Elmore's private consulting practice at www.hollyelmore.com.

Sustainable Facilities Initiative 
In alignment with the new Ei focus, the SFCI evolved into the Sustainable Facilities Initiative (SFI). Georgia World Center Authority Director of Sustainability Tim Trefzer joined the Ei Leadership Team as the SFI Chair. The ZWA Blog article, Changing of the Guard: Welcome Tim Trefzer to the Ei Leadership Team, announces Past SFCI Chairs Doug Kunnemann and Scott Seydel passing the leadership baton to Tim.

SFI Chair Tim Trefzer @
KSU Hickory Grove Farm

Meetings are in process with the SFCI Pilot executives to discuss the segue to a SFI Pilot. In addition, Tim & Holly are meeting with new potential pilots

The SFI Pilots represent facilities within various industry segments. SFI Pilots agree to the following parameters:

• Pioneer - pilots serve as industry pioneers and assess each SFI platform for implementation within their operations. 
• Industry Leader - once best practices are established within a platform, the pilot managers share with their industry colleagues.
• Strategist - pilot managers work closely with the SFI Team to strategize on expanding platform impact and/or developing new platforms.

The SFI Pilot focus areas align with the overall Ei Platforms:

Soil Health:
Within Soil Health, pilots address the following focus areas:

• Regenerative landscape practices
• Water infiltration rates
• Native vegetation
• Pollinator habitat gardens or other support for pollinators
• Food waste compost from foodservice operations used within grounds maintenance
• On-site urban agriculture or partner with a hyper-local farm for food used in campus foodservice operations

Water Use | Toxicity:
Within Water Use | Toxicity, pilots address the following focus areas:

• Conscious Cleaning
• ECA (electrical chemical activation) cleaning systems
• Beyond solutions, conscious cleaning tools & practices 
• Ei Cooling Tower Blowdown Initiative

Utilizing the strong SFCI foundation, the Sustainable Facilities Initiative is staged for tremendous impact within the Soil Health and Water Use | Toxicity platforms and beyond. Stay tuned!

A "Tuned In" Industry Catches a Vibrant Zero Waste Beat

On June 1 - 3, 2016 sustainability leaders from across industry boundaries converged on Austin, Texas for the Fifth Annual National Zero Waste Business Conference (NZWBC) presented by the U.S. Zero Waste Business Council (USZWBC). With the "Tuning in" to Zero Waste" theme, the conference program showcased how zero waste companies and communities top the charts in dimensions beyond landfill diversion.

The NZWBC 5 Year Club!

The Fifth Annual NZWBC was the culmination of four powerful conferences beginning with the inaugural 2012 event hosted in Costa Mesa, CA. Next was a visit to the Midwest in Cincinnati followed by the Southeast in Atlanta. In year four, the NZWBC returned to the West Coast when the Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation (LABS) stepped forward as the conference host sponsor.

For a more in-depth overview of prior conferences, with links to detailed information, visit the ZWA Blog article, 2016 Conference Theme: "Tuning in" to Zero Waste.

At the fifth annual event the NZWBC hit a stride grounded in prior successes and solid paths for future programs. With a strong base of regular attendees, the program topics evolved over the years from zero waste basics to include challenges faced by industry veterans. Food waste reduction, donation and collection for compost were prominent in plenary and breakout sessions.

Reina Pereira & Greg Good

The City of Los Angeles set the foundation for the host city stepping forward as the lead conference sponsor. In addition to their 2015 NZWBC host sponsor status, the LABS was a 2014 NZWBC sponsor in Atlanta. Reina Pereira and Greg Good with the City of Los Angeles continued their zero waste commitment at the 2016 NZWBC as active attendees.

Austin takes zero waste seriously and was a perfect city to host the milestone Fifth Anniversary NZWBC. In late 2011, the Austin City Council unanimously approved adoption of the Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan (ARRMP) and passed the Universal Recycling Ordinance (URO). A culmination of two years of research, stakeholder engagement and community input, the ARRMP sets the stage for the Department’s programs and services for the next 30 years and beyond. 

By October 1, 2018, the URO requires all food enterprises to ensure their employees have convenient access to organics diversion services. Food service enterprises include: grocers, farmers’ markets, and the food & beverage industry (restaurants, bars, catering).

Zero waste sign at
in.gredients

As the Host & Title Sponsor, Austin Resource Recovery (ARR), a service of the City of Austin, was instrumental to the Fifth Annual NZWBC success. The ZWA Blog article, "Tune in" to Zero Waste and Catch Austin's Beat to a World Without Waste, details the aggressive Austin public policy augmented with solid regulations, education and support along with a quote from ARR Director Bob Gedert.

The day prior to conference activities, ARR Senior Public Information Officer Susanne Harm treated USZWBC Board Member Scott Lutocka of Piazza Produce and Elemental Impact (Ei) Founder Holly Elmore to a personalized tour of Austin landmarks. A key stop was in.gredients, an eclectic package-free grocery store, who boasts zero pounds of food waste to landfill since opening in August 2012. Last month in.gredients sent a mere 7.3 pounds of trash to landfill.

Pre-conference activities included several workshops: Achieving Zero Waste at Colleges and Universities, Zero Waste 101 Workshop and ZWBA Scorecard Professional Training Course. The afternoon was filled with three excellent tours: Zero Waste at University of Texas at Austin, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, and Circuit of the Americas (COTA)/X Games.

As the finale to a great pre-conference day, the Farm2Fork Fundraiser was a grand success. Complimentary to sponsors and speakers, the reception was the perfect venue for industry friends to reconnect in a relaxed, fun environment.

The NZWBC Conference Program is designed for the seasoned zero waste veteran ready to evolve their program to next dimensions as well as the novice interested in learning how to create effective systems. In addition to the formal education, the industry connections are invaluable once the conference is a memory.

Long-time friends tease the
photographer @ reception
Cindy Jackson, Jack DeBell& Christy Cook

Overall the conference program flowed each day with opening remarks followed by a keynote presentation, plenary panel and a mid-morning networking break. Concurrent panel presentations closed out the morning sessions. A plated, seated lunch was served in the main conference room with announcements as attendees finished lunch. The afternoon program included a plenary session, networking break, concurrent panel presentations and closing remarks.

Conference sponsors set-up display tables around the plenary room periphery and were easily accessible to educate on their products and services.

NZWBC Day One opened with a hearty welcome by Austin Mayor Pro Tem Kathie Tovo followed by a powerful plenary session featuring Austin. Whole Foods Market (WFM) Global Leader, Sustainable Facilities Kathy Loftus gave an empowering opening keynote presentation on WFM's Approach to Zero Waste & Sustainability. WFM takes their waste impact seriously: the Southern Pacific region leads in zero waste with 28 stores certified, 5 in process and 23 stores planned for the future.

Kathy @ the podium

Food waste is a strong WFM focal point. In 2015, excess food donations increased 25% over 2014 donations. More than 75% of WFM stores nationwide have food waste collection for compost programs in-place.

In addition to an emphasis on their zero waste practices, Kathy shared many of Austin-based WFM's impressive energy-saving practices along with their well known leadership role supporting sustainable, local food systems.

Completing the Austin plenary sessions, ARR Director Bob Gedert opened the Tuning in to Austin's Zero Waste Efforts panel with excellent remarks filled with empowering anecdotes. Bob emphasized the important role innovative solutions play in materials management. As the National Recycling Coalition President and National Stewardship Action Council Board Member, Bob brings national expertise to the ARR while he guides the course within Austin's zero waste goals.

Following Bob's opening remarks, ARR Strategic Initiatives Division Manager Jessica King moderated the impressive panel: City of Austin Recycling Economic Development Liaison Natalie Betts, College Houses Cooperative Operations Director Ken Mills and AT&T Executive Conference Center General Manager Ted Hibler.

Bob during opening remarks

After a thorough overview of the ARRMP, URO and other work-in-progress, Ken's Striving for Zero Waste One Little Victory at a Time  presentation was entertaining while educating on the important zero waste programs in-place at College Houses Cooperative. In addition to the environmental significance, the programs are instrumental to instilling a sustainable living focus in the students.

Ted's "can do" approach at the AT&T Executive Conference Center is the foundation for the facility's zero waste practices. Rather than wait for city's 2018 regulations to take affect, Ted crafted an effective food waste collection program working with locally owned Texas Disposal Systems. Beyond the business and economic ramifications, Ted operates within "it is the right thing to do" realm in his community leadership position.

Morning concurrent panels included: Zero Waste 101 - Getting Started on Your Zero Waste Journey, Taking Zero Waste to a Higher Level and How Do You Get to 90% Diversion? 

For the afternoon plenary panel, Food Waste Icon Dana Gunders, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) senior scientist, moderated an excellent panel on food waste: Food - Love it ... But Don't Waste It!  In her monumental 2012 NRDC Wasted: How America is Losing Up to 40 Percent of Its Food from Farm to Fork to Landfill Issue Paper, Dana brought the food waste crisis to the forefront of mainstream media and consciousness.

Paula sharing the TMG
sustainability commitment

Guided by Dana, the panelists shared their vast food waste reduction expertise across the spectrum of foodservice operations. Ted's Montana Grill (TMG) Purchasing & Sustainability Manager Paula Owens emphasized the restaurant chain's food waste prevention practices, mainly via small batch preparation of food items. Food waste averages 3-4% in full-service restaurants; annual TMG food waste is 1.57%!

When TMG joined the EPA Food Recovery Challenge in 2014, Paula explored implementing a formal food donation program. Due to strong, consistent standard operating practices, TMG generates minimal to no food waste that meets the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (GSFDA). Thus, a formal donation program was not applicable for TMG!

In her presentation, Sodexo Director of Sustainability Performance and Field Support Christy Cook also emphasized the important role small batch prep plays in food waste prevention. In addition, Sodexo prevents food waste by upgrading kitchen equipment, controlling portion size, and maintaining a culture committed to minimizing food waste. Tracking food waste generated is integral to Sodexo's food waste reduction success.

Food Waste Reduction Panel
Christy, Dana, Heide & Paula

As Sodexo operates a multitude of cafeteria-style dining operations along with catering services, excess food meeting the GSFDA is common within their daily operations. Thus, a strong excess food donation program is standard in most Sodexo-operated dining facilities. 

Sustainable America (SA) Director of Events Heide Hart completed the panel with her presentation on their We Value Food, a food waste reduction program as well as zero food waste practices at events. SA worked with Chowdafest, SXSW Eco, and NASCAR events to reduce on-site food waste with grand success. At the 2013 SXSW Eco 10 events, in 8 venues, with between 150 and 600 people in attendance at each event, 97% of the material generated was recycled or collected for compost - impressive!

The Ei-hosted Food Waste Composting: challenges, lessons learned and successes panel moderated by Holly segued the food waste discussion from reduction to destinations with clean streams. U.S. Composting Council (USCC) Executive Director Frank Franciosi shared the plethora of industry tools available on their website to support existing composting facilities to expanding infrastructure. Frank ended with the importance of a "clean food waste" stream, emphasizing the detrimental impact of contamination.

Happy about Compost!
Emily Kahn, Frank & Jason Sanders

GreenBlue | Sustainable Packaging Coalition (GB|SPC) Senior Manager Anne Bedarf continued the contamination discussion in her The Importance of Clarity presentation. Anne gave excellent examples of "look alike" packaging that are strong contributors to contamination in recycling and composting feedstocks. 

Third party certification and proper labeling bring clarity to packaging confusion and aid the consumer | foodservice operator with preventing contamination. Anne closed her presentation with an overview of the GP|SPC How2Recycle label program.

Building off her plenary presentation, Christy shared the food waste composting challenges, lessons learned and successes from a foodservice operator perspective. Sodexo is committed to implementing food waste collection programs yet is often limited by lack of local infrastructure. In addition, Sodexo is a contracted foodservice operator - a "guest" on college | corporate campuses and healthcare facilities - and may be limited by contract parameters.

Continuing the lack of clarity discussion, Christy gave examples of inconsistent consumer food waste bins and signage, even within the same facility. Strong education programs, consistent bin signage and culture are the key components for successful food waste collection for composting.

Jason Tschanz and Tammy Kaleel
of  Walt Disney Parks & Resorts 

Concurrent with the Food Waste Composting panel, the Zero Waste Research and Training from Colleges to Universities and Marketing Your Zero Waste Efforts attracted enthusiastic audiences.

After Day One closing remarks, the networking reception was enjoyed as folks gathered for the scheduled "table topic dinners" at local dining destinations. Later, many ventured to Austin's popular 6th Street to experience the "Live Music Capital of the World!"

USZWBC Board Member Gary Liss opened the Day Two program with an introduction to keynote presenter U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assistant Administrator - Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response Mathy Stanislaus. In his The Path Forward – Actions to advance to Circular Economy keynote, Mathy emphasized Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) is a global issue and gave a high level EPA SMM Strategic Plan 2017–2022 overview.

Further emphasizing the importance of reducing food waste, Mathy noted 21% of U.S. waste is food. Combined with yard trimmings (9%) and Paper & Paperboard (15%), a total of 45% of the U.S.'s waste is compostable with a mix of the carbon & nitrogen compost recipe.

Mathy & Gary post-keynote
presentation

In November 2015 the EPA supported the Food Recovery Summit hosted in Charleston, SC with the following emerging themes:

• Public Awareness
• Improving Data
• New Partnerships
• Date labeling
• Building Infrastructure
• Seek Prevention Strategies

The Summit Call to Action: opportunities and necessary steps toward reducing wasted food and meeting the national goal.

Later in the morning, Mathy served on the Importance of Data Tracking to get to Circular Economy concurrent panel for an opportunity to dive deeper into zero waste's integral role in establishing a circular economy. In addition, EPA Region 4 Physical Scientist, Resource Conservation and Recovery Division, Kim Charick updated on The State Of Curbside Recycling EPA Grant awarded to The Recycling Partnership.

Additional concurrent morning panels included: Establishing Zero Waste Procurement Policies & Contracts for Services, The Macro Cost of Micro Contamination, and Leveraging Existing Partnerships in the Supply Chain to Improve Zero Waste. The ZWA Blog article, The Macro Cost of Micro Contamination, is an overview of the Ei-hosted panel and introduces the microplastics crisis as a water | soils crisis.

In March 2013 the USZWBC launched the Zero Waste Facility Certification Program (ZWFCP) to meet the requests of zero waste businesses for a valid, comprehensive verification of their zero waste achievements. Since the WFM San Diego 2013 certification launched the program, a total of 59 facilities were zero waste certified at the following levels: Bronze - 28, Silver - 1, Gold - 12 and Platinum -18.

ZWFCP Panel
Jason, Cheri, Les, Giri & Cindy

The ZWA Blog article, Third Party Certification Edges Certification Towards a Zero Waste Economy, introduces the ZWFCP along with a solid program overview.

USZWBC Board Member Cheri Chastain with Sierra Nevada Brewing Company moderated the morning plenary panel celebrating the ZWFCP success and educating on the certification process. Beyond their zero waste accomplishments, the panelists shared helpful advice to prepare for the certification process with a focus on solid documentation.

The Certification Panelists included: Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Environmental Integration Project Manager Jason Tschanz, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Horticulturist & Student Program Manager Les Frey, American Licorice Company Quality Director Giri Veeramuthu and Smuckers Natural Foods Operations Manager Cindy Sockey.

Following the certification panel, Gary Liss honored USZWBC President Sue Beets-
Atkinson for five years of dedicated industry service. As she is always on time and keeps the organization moving in a timely fashion, Sue was gifted with an engraved clock commemorating her dedication and service.

Gary honoring Sue for five years
of dedicated USZWBC service

In addition to the previously mentioned Importance of Data Tracking to get to Circular Economy panel, conference attendees chose between the following powerful concurrent panels: Establishing Zero Waste Procurement Policies & Contracts for Services, Leveraging Existing Partnerships in the Supply Chain to Improve Zero Waste and The Macro Cost of Micro Contamination.

The final conference plenary panel Establishing Diversion Metrics, moderated by USZWBC Board Member & Jones Lang LaSalle Solid Waste & Recycling Manager Ana Wyssmann, educated on the important role metrics play in successful zero waste programs along with helpful advice on establishing a sound metrics platform. 

Raytheon Solid Waste Process Owner Brian Balukonis summarized his impressive panel presentation with the following advice:

• Prepare an internal metrics definitions & reporting instructions guide.
• Conduct gap analysis to identify existing programs, internal/external suppliers & key contacts.
• Develop standardized electronic report to collect metrics from suppliers.
• Communicate requirements & develop relationship with suppliers.
• Collect and monitor metrics.

Panelists General Motors Global Waste Reduction Manager John Bradburn and Rubicon Global Head of Sustainability David Rachelson further educated on metrics collection and its role in achieving zero waste goals.

USZWBC Executive  Director
with ARR Director Bob Gedert

Prior to the conference closing remarks, attendees chose between three concurrent panels: Making the Business Case for Zero Waste, Engaging Employees to Change Behavior, and Working with State and Local Ordinances to Drive Zero Waste.

Fifth Annual NZWBC attendees traveled from coast-to-coast, Canada, Central America and literally across the globe to attend the stellar conference. 

For his third Austin zero waste event, Leonard Ssenoga traveled from Uganda to attend the NZWBC! Thanks to Organics by Gosh, ARR and Keep Austin Beautiful's hospitality, Leonard toured a plethora of facilities, made new industry friends, and returned to Uganda excited for development | expansion of zero waste programs in his home country. The USZWBC is now Leonard's "go to resource" for zero waste tools and education.

Christy @ plenary podium

Two common themes emerged from presentations across the multitude of topics: 1> corporate & community culture is a key ingredient for zero waste success and 2> food waste is a top priority among industry leaders. Food waste infiltrated presentations either as direct topics or within company | community zero waste programs and priorities.

Christy Cook with Sodexo presented on the plenary food waste panel and the concurrent session food waste composting panel. In her industry leadership role, Christy is committed to sharing Sodexo's proven practices and eager to learn from as well as collaborate with her fellow leaders. In Christy's words:

An important part of Sodexo’s approach to food waste reduction is to share our expertise in on-site waste reduction and collaborate with others to drive further engagement. The National Zero Waste Business Conference in Austin presented by the USZWBC was a great platform to share our experiences, best practices and results, and provide some lessons learned that others might bring with them on their journeys.  As we continue on our path to zero waste to landfill by 2025 and donating 1 Million Meals this year, we too benefit from these opportunities to learn from and collaborate with others. 

Clear, fun signage leads to
clean recycling & food waste streams

Thanks to the NZWBC Green Committee Chair Jason Sanders of EcoSafe Zero Waste the conference followed zero waste best practices with three-bin waste | recycling stations, complete with clear signage. Organics by Gosh collected food waste generated at the conference for composing. 

An estimated 750 pounds of kitchen prep scraps and plate scrapings from the two lunches were included in the collected food waste. The relatively low amount reflects the food waste reduction practices employed. Any excess food was either consumed by the hotel staff or donated to Keep Austin Fed.

Kudos to USZWBC Executive Director Stephanie Barger along with her amazing staff for orchestrating a phenomenal Fifth Annual NZWBC!!!  The California staff includes Emily DeCremer, Thao Nguyen, Audrey Nguyen and volunteer Liesl Thomas.

... and a big THANK YOU to NZWBC Chair Stephen Groner, NZWBC Program Chair Cheri Chastain and the entire USZWBC Board for your tremendous commitment and efforts necessary to present the zero waste industry's national conference!

Stephen & Cheri

The Ei FB album, 2016 National Zero Waste Business Conference, is a conference pictorial recount. Program PPT presentations are available for view on the USZWBC 2016 Conference page.

With the industry "tuned in" to zero waste, the vibrant beat continues in Boston at the 2017 National Zero Waste Business Conference!

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Elemental Impact is the Official NZWBC Media Partner. Unless otherwise noted, all photographs are courtesy of Ei Founder Holly Elmore.