The IMPACT

Ei Sponsor Program Evolves to Partner Program

2012-02-25T18:36:00.000-05:00

In unison with the two-year anniversary, the Elemental Impact Sponsor Program evolves into a Partner Program. Active participation along with sharing of resources, defined as funds, time and expertise, is powerful value Partners bring to Ei's important work. The IMPACT Blog post, Happy, Happy Birthday Ei!, gives a recap of the amazing progress in two short years.

Ei Partners working together on
a plastic film recycling program

In a mid January conversation with Steve Davies of NatureWorks, a Founding Ei Partner, and Scott Seydel, Ei Chair, it was apparent Ei outgrew the sponsor program and evolved into a partner program. With only one annual membership meeting, Partners join Ei to participate on teams and committees dedicated to ACTION. By sharing their expertise, Ei Partners create relationships with prospective clients that many times develop into profitable business interaction.

The Sustainable Food Court Initiative Team is a perfect example of national experts working together to create and define emerging operating practices for the foodservice industry. Well-represented from private enterprise - industry suppliers and foodservice operators, non-profits, trade associations and government, the SFCI Team brings clarity to the confusion present as new practices are developed. The Zero Waste in ACTION Blog post, SFCI Quarterly Update, gives a recent status update.

Ei welcomes two new partners who are the first to join under the redefined program.

Heritage Bags joined in late January and is active on the SFCI Atlanta Airport Pilot ACTION Team and the Front-of-the-House Recycling Center Committee. Randy Holmes, Heritage Bags Director of Marketing, brings a wealth of information on recycling center logistics, working with contracted janitorial services and the important role bin liners play in effective recycling and organics collection programs. Here is the short intro to Heritage Bags:

Heritage Bag Company is a can liner, food bag and specialty bag manufacturer that was one of the first to manufacture a certified D6400 compostable liner. Our six plants across the country reduce the transportation carbon footprint and allow us to provide a cost savings at the same time.

In February, Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions joined the Ei Partner program via a referral by Zero Waste Zones Participant the GA World Congress Center Authority. The first "R" REDUCE is integral to Filta's business model with their mobile fryer oil cleaning systems. Local owner John Lopez intends to join GREASE - Grease Recycling & Energy Alternative Solutions for the Environment - as well serve on SFCI committees. Here is the short intro to Filta:

Filta services include: FiltaFry - an eco-friendly, mobile onsite micro-filtration of cooking oil service. FiltaCool - provides a cost-effective and ecofriendly solution to businesses that need to control the moisture levels of their refrigeration units/walk-in coolers.

Visit the Ei Partnership page to learn more about WHY and HOW to join the program and participate in the ACTION. For additional information, contact Ei founder Holly Elmore.

Thank you to the loyal Ei Sponsors who created the vibrant scenario for the Partner program to emerge! Welcome to Heritage Bags and Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions to the new program.

Happy, Happy Birthday Ei

2012-02-19T22:44:00.000-05:00

February is a celebration month for Elemental Impact. On February 05 Ei officially celebrated a Happy Two-Year Birthday! In addition to Ei's anniversary, the Zero Waste Zones program surpassed the three-year milestone on February 10. See the ZWZ Blog, ZWZ Turns Three!, for a recap ofthe tremendous accomplishments over the past year.

While the ZWZ program is entering "adulthood", the Ei Team is nurturing the Sustainable Food Court Initiative, which is slated to take center stage in 2012. The ZWZ Blog post, SFCI Quarterly Call Update, is a recent review of the amazing accomplishments as pilots are moving into ACTION mode.

With Susan Montgomery expanding her role from ZWZ Program Director to Ei Program Director, Ei may emphasize existing initiatives and bring new ones to the forefront. Kudos to Susan for her stellar work organizing and documenting the ZWZ program into a replicable template and valuable asset. Susan oversees GREASE - Grease Recycling & Energy Alternatives Solutions for the Environment, an Ei Industry Task Force, and is passionate about incorporating health impact | economics into Ei programs.

Ei Team - Elisabeth, Holly,
Susan & Scott

Elisabeth Marchal joined the Ei Team as Administrator in January. Elisabeth's main initial task is cleaning and organizing the Ei website in preparation for a design overhaul. Stay tuned as the goal is to announce the revamped site by the end of March. The IMPACT Blog post, Ei Team Expands, Evolves, welcomes Elisabeth and announces Susan's expanded role.

In the December, Ei announced new partner EcoLogic Solutions will take a leadership role in the new Toxic-Free Environment focus. The IMPACT Blog post, New Ei Sponsor | New Ei Focus, welcomes ELS energetic founder Anselm Doering and gives a preview of the new focus.

Over the next months, Ei anticipates a hearty welcome for new partners enthusiastic to embark upon a Product Stewardship focus. The forming team is diverse with manufacturers, operators, government, scientists, non-profit and other recruits who care about integrity within the entire value chain.

Ei Board Members Sylvia & Greg

The Ei Board stepped to front stage and provides the necessary support to move Ei into a new chapter of impact. Thank you Sylvia Gort (Barclays Wealth - business genius), Greg Chafee (Morris, Manning & Martin - legal guru) and Pauline Reynolds (HLB Gross Collins - reality within the excitement, i.e. accounting expert). A special THANK YOU to Ei Chair Scott Seydel - anyone who knows Scott understands the magnitude of Scott at the helm.

With collaborative effort integrated within the Ei model, success is assured for the important work undertaken. HAPPY BIRTHDAY and loads of gratitude sent to those who contribute their resources to Ei initiatives and projects.

Ei Team Expands, Evolves

2012-01-30T10:49:00.000-05:00

Heading into our third year committed to Sustainability in Action, Elemental Impact is embarking on an era where prior planning sets the stage for ACTION. The ZWZ Blog posts, 2011 Planning = 2012 ACTION, and Atlanta Airport SFCI Pilot ACTION, give an overview of the necessary steps accomplished for projects to move into action phases.

Elisabeth Marchal

To ground our important work with strong organizational skills, Elisabeth Marchal joins the Ei Team as Administrator. Elisabeth brings depth in computer, technical and administrative skills garnered during her 20+ year tenure with The Seydel Companies. It is an honor to welcome Elisabeth to th Ei Team as a valuable contributor to our important work.

Working closely with the Ei Communication Committee championed by CleanRiver, Elisabeth is overhauling the Ei website to chronicle projects, programs and pilots in a concise, clean and easy-to-follow format. Announcements are scheduled once the overhaul is complete.

With the National Restaurant Association taking a leadership role in the Zero Waste Zones program in 2012, Susan Montgomery expands her Ei role from ZWZ Program Director to overall Ei Program Director. A Certified Project Management Professional, Susan uses her excellent skills, garnered while obtaining her MBA and in corporate employment, to organize and move action forward in an effective manner. Susan is the perfect complement to Ei founder Holly Elmore's entrepreneurial fire.

Ei Team - Elisabeth, Holly,
Susan & Scott

Ei Chair Scott Seydel is integral to Ei's success with his active participation in programs. Always available to share his wisdom, Scott plays a key role in Ei's commitment to ACTION. Thank you Scott - the team honors and appreciates you!

EcoManor - Perfect Venue for WNSF Luncheon

2012-01-28T11:42:00.000-05:00

Karen, Lisa & Laura
photo courtesy of Trio Media Group

Zero Waste Zones Chair Laura Turner Seydel hosted the Women's Network for a Sustainable Future - Atlanta Chapter luncheon meeting at her Gold LEED certified home, the EcoManor. Prior to the program, the at-capacity crowd enjoyed social time and a wonderful lunch catered by ZWZ Participant Radial Cafe.

A wide range of impressive female leaders in sustainability made the WSNF luncheon a schedule priority. From top corporate executives including Susan Bell, Ernst & Young's Atlanta Office Managing Partner, and Letty Ashworth, Delta's General Manager of Global Diversity, to impressive graduate students to entrepreneurial pioneers building amazing businesses including Doria Roberts and Calavino Donali, owners of Urban Cannibals Bodega & Bites. In the post program open dialogues, the group diversity magnified the power of women taking leadership roles in sustainability.

Susan, Leesa Carter, Laura & Karen

Lisa Spiro, WNSF President & Oxygen Capital President, traveled from Manhattan to give opening remarks for the inspiring program. After Lisa's remarks and introductions, Karen Flanders, WNSF Board Member, facilitated a relaxed program by asking Laura a series of pertinent questions. For those out of generation sync with Captain Planet, it was wonderful to learn about Captain Planet's creation and evolution into the tremendous impact made by the Captain Planet Foundation. With Karen's guiding questions, Laura shared the weave of her sustainability commitment, influence and action, rooted in the culture of her upbringing.

As a committed program chair, Laura asked Holly Elmore, ZWZ Director & Elemental Impact founder, to give a snapshot of the impressive recent activity at the Atlanta Airport, the first Sustainable Food Court Initiative Pilot. Thank you Laura!

Letty Ashworth speaking
photo courtesy of Trio Media Group

The final portion of the program was opened up for sharing by the group. With the relaxed, yet professional meeting tone, the crowd was eager to ask questions and tell their experiences. At Laura's urging, Letty told the story of how one of Delta's recycling programs provided funding for projects based in social responsibility teamed with Habitat for Humanity. It was inspiring to witness young women speaking, possibly their first time to a crowd, about action instigated by following their heart's passion.

Meeting success was evidence of the vital role WNSF plays in recognizing and nurturing the powerful role woman play in our sustainable future. The diversity of accomplished leaders, along with those beginning their professional explorations, exemplifies the WNSF strength and importance.

New Sponsor | New Ei Focus

2011-12-19T13:44:00.001-05:00

The close of 2011 brings a hearty welcome to Brooklyn-based EcoLogic Solutions as an Elemental Impact sponsor. ELS manufactures and distributes environmentally preferable institutional cleaning products with the following mission:

to bring the safest, most effective and cost competitive cleaning products and solutions to institutions. We recognize that everyday chemicals are not only dangerous for the user, but also are exceedingly toxic to the environment.

Founded in 2005, ELS is emerging as an industry leader in educating corporations about the importance of shifting their cleaning practices to sustainable methods and products. Foodservice operators are one of ELS' primary client bases and they exhibited at the 2011 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago.

Anselm in a Scott Seydel sandwich -
Scott Seydel on the left and
Scotto Seydel on the right

In a short period, ELS has garnered an impressive and happy client base ranging from Whole Foods to NBCUniversal to the Statue of Liberty. "We have found ELS' green product lines, service and training to be the best quality in the marketplace" says Jerry Gonzales, Director of Food Service Operations, Statue of Liberty. The ELS News Page includes a list of prominent press coverage.

With his boundless energy and in-depth expertise, ELS President & CEO Anselm Doering is taking a leadership role in Ei's Toxic-Free Environment focus slated to begin in early 2012. In the Green Foodservice Alliance days, a Cleaning & Pest Control Committee met for about six months laying the groundwork to move into the toxic-free arena. Several Charter Zero Waste Zones Participants have agreed to serve as pioneers in addressing the toxins inherent within their standard operating practices.

Stay tuned for future blog posts announcing the focus launch and action points.

Kids Nutrition Takes Center Stage

2011-12-17T23:29:00.000-05:00

The National Restaurant Association teamed with the American Culinary Federation for a survey of nearly 1,800 chefs to understand What's Hot in 2012 when chefs' plan their menus. From a food standpoint, kids nutrition took center stage with local, sustainable products in a strong supporting role. In addition to nutrition, chefs intend to develop more kid friendly portion plates of adult menu items.

“The top menu trends we’re seeing in our What’s Hot in 2012 survey reflect the macro-trends we have seen grow over the last several years. Nutrition – especially when it comes to children – is becoming a major focus for the nation’s nearly one million restaurants, in tune with consumers’ increasing interest in healthful eating.”
— Joy Dubost, Ph.D, R.D., director of Nutrition & Healthy Living for the National Restaurant Association

Here are the top ten 2012 menu trends according to the survey:
1. Locally sourced meats and seafood
2. Locally grown produce
3. Healthful kids’ meals
4. Hyper-local items
5. Sustainability as a culinary theme
6. Children’s nutrition as a culinary theme
7. Gluten-free/food allergy-conscious items
8. Locally produced wine and beer
9. Sustainable seafood
10. Whole grain items in kids’ meals

Ahead of the curve, the NRA launched the Kids LiveWell program earlier this year to much fanfare. See the IMPACT Blog post, NRA Takes the Lead with Health Impact, gives the details of the Kids LiveWell launch. According to Dawn Sweeney, NRA CEO:

Children’s nutrition is one of the strongest trends we’re seeing in the restaurant industry right now. The success of our new Kids LiveWell program demonstrates that the industry is on the right track when it comes to highlighting nutritious options on menus nationwide.

To further support kids nutrition, the Healthier Kids Fare Pavilion debuts at the NRA 2012 Show May 5 - 8. The Pavilion will feature food and beverage manufacturers showcasing nutritious items for kids, including products with limited fats, sugars and sodium, and items that provide essential nutrients. For more information, see the NRA press release, Healthier Kids Fare Pavilion to Debut at NRA Show 2012.

Sign @ an Atlanta
McDonald's drive through

Restaurants across the board, ranging from quick service to fine dining, understand the importance of serving children healthy food. More than a trend, the chefs take seriously the impact food they prepare has on the consumer and are at the forefront of ensuring food consumed away from home is nutritious, healthy and, of course, delicious!

Listed as the fourth top trend, hyper-local items may be synonymous with the Zero Waste Zones' closing the loop with on-site chef gardens. The ZWZ Blog post, Chef Gardens - a Tasty Way to Close the Loop, spawned a CNN story for Cheff Micah Willix on his amazing rooftop gardens @ Ecco. Thanks to Micah's ingenuity the gardens are irrigated by condensate water from the restaurant's air conditioning system. See the ZWZ Blog post, Yippee - Chef Micah is World Famous!, for details and link to the video.

The importance of nutrition and health impact is common ground for Elemental Impact and the NRA. Stay tuned for many developments on the NRA's support for the nation's second largest industry to aid our civilization in creating a healthier lifestyle, one bite at a time.

Every Life Matters

2011-12-10T23:05:00.001-05:00

At times it seems Angels come to the Earth and make a statement that propels rippling change throughout humanity. Tim Wilson may well be one of those Angels. On December 10, 2010 Tim died tragically underneath a bridge in the affluent Buckhead Community where the Georgia Governor calls home. During the night the temperatures dipped into the 20's and Tim froze to death.

Laura's quilt honoring
Tim Wilson

Laura Martin, a local artist & business woman who founded Ties That Matter, felt the magnitude of Tim's death. A woman of action, Laura created a memorial quilt for Tim while she dealt with the complexity of emotions surrounding his death. From the quilt and her community connections, Every Life Matters was launched in October, 2011. Listen to Laura's voice of ELM's foundation via her blog post, Homelessness - a call to action.

The immediate ELM focus is collection of blankets to keep tragedy at bay and a base level of comfort for those unable to secure one of the limited available spots in area shelters.

First Call to ACTION: scour your home for unused (or rarely used) blankets, clean and donate them to one of the many receiving facilities around the city. For drop-off locations, visit the ELM Donate a Blanket page.

Blankets are the beginning. In Laura's words: This campaign has no end. We’ll just keep at it until a bridge is no longer “home” for anyone and until every man, woman and child in our city has enough of a support system to weather the bad times, no matter how bad they get. And, when we’re done in Atlanta, we’ll move on to other communities.

Second Call to Action: Sign the ELM pledge - a book with the signatures will be presented to Atlanta Mayor Reed. The pledge is simple and powerful:

I pledge to see the men, women and children whoare homeless in my city as fellow citizens, worthyof kindness and consideration.

I promise to support those who offer care,

resources and real change that help our neighborsﬁnd food, shelter, employment and a return tostability.

I add my name to others who believe that every life matters.

To sign the pledge, go the ELM Pledge page.

On the ELM website sidebar is a Mother Teresa quote that brings home the magnitude of poverty and how it extends will beyond physical survival into emotional realms. From Mother Teresa:

"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty."

This post is a foundation for future blog posts on matters close to my heart. For those who follow the ZWZ Blog and IMPACT Blog, I rarely write in first person. Many of these posts will be written in first person as they are from the canyons of my heart where I understand the monumental importance of immediate action for our impoverished brothers and sisters.

As Laura, I live in Buckhead and know many beautiful individuals who live within the streets by their first names. One of my missions is to bring Dignity back into their lives along with survival needs. There are so many simple, caring acts we may do - an easy one is eye contact with a friendly "Hello" More to come in future posts.

See the IMPACT Blog post, Ties That Matter, for details on Laura's organization that trains refugees to make gorgeous products from donated ties.

Please join me in congratulating Laura for her fortitude and taking ACTION with practical, immediate results. It is the power of individuals like Laura that will crest humanity into a dimension where love, dignity and abundance are the foundation. We may only arrive by actions of the Heart driven by Love.

Give Responsibly, Give GREEN

2011-12-10T13:07:00.001-05:00

landfill destined gift wrapping

Holiday gift giving is a beautiful expression of the Heart yet it has unintended aftershocks for our Earth. In past seasons, an average of 8,000 tons of wrapping paper and 40,000 miles of ribbon (enough to circle the Earth twice!) found their final home in landfills. This year make a commitment to wrap presents in recyclable material AND be sure to recycle it.

When purchasing gifts be aware of the packaging consequences on the recipient's waste stream. For items packaged in landfill destined material, communicate to the manufacturer your displeasure with their choices - use your consumer demand to create shifts in product manufacturing.

Creative green gift packaging

For more facts on holiday recycling past trends and advice on how to make the 2011 Holiday Season a sustainable one, visit the Georgia Recycling Coalition's FB page for recent posts.

Green Gift Giving goes beyond packaging and is grounded in material and operating practices used in the manufacturing process. Understanding the impact of the product manufacturing on the Earth's resources, including the treatment of labor, is key to giving with integrity.

Many have taken the time to compile lists of green gifts where integrity is interwoven throughout the entire production, packaging and transportation process. The 2010 Mother Earth News Blog post, Giving Green Gifts: Tips & Ideas, has many practical ideas for sustainable giving.

Thanks to her diligent research Christina Coleman prepared an impressive 2011 Eco-Fabulous Gift Givers Guide on her recently launched The Greenhouse Gratitude Blog The list starts out with one of the most eco-friendly gifts - an on-line donation to a non-profit on behalf of the loved one. Christina took considerable care to include items made with integrity and several listings are from Made by Survivors. With categories for babies, the home, gardening, pets to name a few, the Guide is an excellent resource for gifts of the heart, gifts supporting the Earth.

Blankets ready for distribution
in New Orleans

While many have the luxury of gift giving during the holidays, there is population living in the streets who are in pure survival mode and at high risk of freezing to death. This year consider giving clean, unused blankets to homeless shelters or other venues that will distribute them to those sleeping in the cold. For those in the Atlanta area, a new non-profit Every Life Matters coordinates blanket collection and distribution.

However you choose to express LOVE this holiday season, keep the Earth and Humanity present while giving. Give Responsibly, Give GREEN, Give from the Heart.

White Oak Pastures - Dignity & Respect @ It's Core

2011-11-27T12:57:00.001-05:00

One Family, One Farm, Five Generations, 145 Years
A Full Circle Return to Sustainable Land Stewardship & Humane Animal Stockmanship
Above is the introduction on the White Oak Pastures website - a perfect introduction to the integrity, dignity and respect at the foundation of White Oak Pastures (WOP) farming practices.

Within the full circle of WOP farming methods are the decades when commercialized operations, filled with nitrogen-based fertilizer, antibiotics, long (thousands of miles) journeys to feedlots for the young cattle, and other unmentionable, yet common, practices, were the norm at WOP and the industry. It was a profitable time period for the farm.

WOP Cattle are athletes
Photo Courtesy of Melissa Libby

Around the millennium shift, Will Harris III, WOP Patriarch, began the journey of returning WOP to traditional agriculture methods, with an infusion of technology where appropriate. The first step was shifting his herd to a grass and hay-only diet, the nutrition their digestive tracks were built to digest. Sheep were added to aid in weed control and balance the land.

At the core of the farming evolution is treating the animals, land and those who consume the meat with respect and dignity. When the land and animals are tended with integrity and in alignment with the systems nature created, the result is healthy, GREAT tasting meat. The entire chain from the soil to the livestock to the farmers to the consumer benefit.

Eliminating the cattle transport for slaughter (some prefer the term harvest) was the next step in the farming evolution journey. In 2008 Will traversed numerous regulations and built a $2.2 million US Department of Agriculture inspected beef abattoir. Only one other on-farm USDA-inspected abattoir is permitted in the nation.

Healthy WOP Turkey
Photo courtesy of WOP

To bring the land back to its balanced, healthy state, Will reinstated grazing rotation in his fields. Using the Serengeti Plains grazing model, a field is grazed first by the large ruminants - cattle, followed by smaller ruminants - sheep with birds completing the cycle. Ruminants are cud-chewing mammals with four-compartment stomachs.

With chickens and turkeys part of ranch operations, Will embarked on securing the appropriate permits to build an on-site poultry abattoir. In August, 2011 White Oak Pastures opened the only abattoir for free-range poultry in GA, TN, FL, MI and AL, paving the path for his birds to never leave the farm until post-slaughter and for smaller farmers in surrounding states to harvest their free-range birds.

WOP beef (rt) & poultry (lft) on-farm arbattoirs
Photo courtesy of Melissa Libby & Associates

WOP is the only farm in the US with beef and poultry abattoirs on the property. Both abattoirs are zero waste and 40% of plant energy comes from on-site solar panels. A future ZWZ Blog post will give details.

Chefs @ end of 2008 WOP Tour
Photo courtesy of Melissa Libby

Consumer and chef education was integral to building demand for WOP products, priced at a premium to inhumanely raised meat. Whole Foods took the lead with educating the consumer and Will hosted many on-farm chef tours. While serving as the Georgia Restaurant Association chef liaison, Holly Elmore (Elemental Impact Founder) orchestrated the first WOP chef tour, Celebration of Grassfed Beef, in July, 2008. A future blog post will give details of the phenomenal tour.

Imagine the courage and fortitude required to replace profitable farm practices with methods respectful to the land, animals, farm workers and the consumer. A tremendous investment was required for profits to return. Will Harris is a pioneer and hero!

Will & Jenni Harris with their
2011 Innovator of the YEAR Award
Photo Courtesy of Holly Elmore

Georgia is taking notice and giving Will accolades for his amazing conviction and accomplishments. Will was named the 2011 SBA Small Business Person of the Year for GA, received the GA Governor's Award for Environmental Stewardship and was acknowledged as Innovator of the Year at the 2011 GRACE Awards (GRACE = Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence).

Family tradition deepens as Will's daughter Jenni Harris joined WOP staff full-time in 2010 and became the fifth generation to raise livestock on the farm.

“Themost rewarding thing that I do is having the opportunity to raise livestock ina humane and sustainable way and provide it to customers who appreciate it,” Will says. “Being able to do this on our 145-year-old farm and being able to shareit with my daughter just makes it better.”\

To learn more about Will Harris & WPO, watch the Whole Foods video, An Interview with Will Harris, to witness Will's commitment along with many interesting WPO facts. For a more lively look at Will's conviction and personality, the Southern Foodway Alliances video, CUD by Joe York, is a MUST for Will Harris admirers!

The impact of White Oak Pasture's evolution into an amazing sustainable livestock ranch and abattoir is gaining momentum. Will is setting an example and building a path for the farming industry to follow. It is an honor to know Will Harris and call him a friend ... more to come on Will in future posts.

2011: An Amazing Year for Ei

2011-11-20T16:31:00.004-05:00

What a phenomenal year! For Elemental Impact 2011 was filled with national speaking engagements, new partnerships, major ACTION and much more. On November 16, Ei Sponsors and Advisory Council members traveled from around the country for the powerful annual meeting at HLB Gross Collins' offices.

Scott, Holly& Chris with the
2011 Going Green Airport Award

After introductions and the 2011 overview, Zero Waste Zones Director Susan Montgomery gave a ZWZ update including the detailed program documentation. Susan passed around a book filled with recruiting documents from the ZWZ Ambassador program, training PPT presentation and the packet used in national expansion meetings. Additionally, the ZWZ information was moved from the Ei website into its own website mid year.

The "packaging" of the ZWZ was a perfect segue for Chris Moyer, National Restaurant Association ConSERVE Project Director, to present on the ZWZ evolution into Sustainable Action Zones, a NRA program in partnership with Ei. Chris spoke on the powerful synergies inherent within the NRA | Ei partnership and how it brings forth important collaborations. One such collaboration is with the U.S. Composting Council.

Chris Moyer presenting to full room

Wayne King, USCC Past President, spoke about the upcoming December 12 meeting at the NRA offices. With only approximately 350 permitted composting sites nationwide, the NRA's political voice is critical. For many of the current permitting challenges to resolve, regulators must hear the major post-consumer organics generators are demanding an alternative destination to landfills. The industry is on the cusp of making an evolutionary leap and the NRA, in collaboration with the USCC, has a vital role to play.

The USCC | NRA collaboration was an excellent preface for Scott Seydel, Ei Chair & Global Green Chair, to discuss POWER - Perishable Organics Waste to Energy Recycling - status. In addition, to his impressive PPT on the planned POWER website, Scott spoke of POWER's important role and how it served as an incubator for GREASE - Grease Recycling Energy Alternatives Solutions for the Environment and the Sustainable Food Court Initiative.

Linda Dunn

Ei Founder Holly Elmore gave the SFCI overview including the 2011 Going Green Airport Award for the Atlanta Airport pilot (see the ZWZ Blog post, Atlanta Airport SFCI Pilot Wins National Award, for details). Linda Dunn, HMSHost VP Supply Chain & Analysis, followed with the important role HMSHost plays in the SFCI Projects, including work at the Tampa & Charlotte Airports. How empowering to listen as Linda explains the SFCI | ZWZ (and NRA | Ei) collaboration is integral to HMSHost's sustainability commitment and game plan.

After the mid afternoon break, Susan Montgomery presented the Ei Business Projections followed by Sylvia Gort, Ei AC member, leading the strategy session. Future action paths on Toxic-Free Environments and Health Impact were discussed along with the important role social media can play in communicating Ei's important ACTION.

Ei AC Members Sylvia Gort &
Greg Chafee @ reception

As always, Ei meetings begin with a wonderful lunch and end with a wine reception. Thank you Bold American Catering for your Ei sponsorship and providing excellent food & service.

The Ei FB album, 11-16-11 Ei Sponsor & AC Meeting, gives a meeting pictorial overview. Meeting PPT presentations will be loaded on the Ei Speaking Engagements page.

Thank you to those who contribute their resources, financial, time and expertise, to Elemental Impact - you are the reason for Ei program success. Our important work is educating the corporate community that sustainable operating practices make solid business sense. These are thrilling times - stay tuned!

Ei Sponsors Renew AND Upgrade

2011-10-31T13:58:00.003-04:00

Not only do they renew, Elemental Impact Sponsors upgrade their level for the next year of active participation.

With their post-consumer organics collection programs in Columbus, OH and Atlanta ready to launch, Viridiun upgraded from Silver to Gold Sponsorship. Viridiun is focused on creating, implementing and executing sustainable recycling processes supported by rigorous process control and stringent compliance management.

Tomra NA upgraded their Silver sponsorship to Gold to officially join the Sustainable Food Court Initiative Team. Working in tandem with HMSHost, Tomra's balers are an excellent vehicle for the tremendous milk jug volume generated at airport concession operations to be sold as a commodity, rather than taking space in landfills. Stay tuned for a future ZWZ Blog post on the HMSHost milk jug initiative.

A leader in recycling bin manufacturing, CleanRiver is a valuable partner in the SFCI and Zero Waste Zones programs. Always willing to share their expertise, CleanRiver is developing strong relationships with other Ei sponsors and SFCI Team members. CleanRiver upgraded their Silver sponsorship to Gold midstream to make their SFCI Team status official.

Active participation is a common element among the Ei family of sponsors. To learn about Ei sponsorship program visit the Sponsorship page or contact Holly directly at 404-261-4690 or via e-mail.

CHANGE: A Life Constant - Let's Embrace It!

2011-10-08T23:55:00.003-04:00

There are only two things certain in life: death and taxes. This well-known phrase, which originated from a letter Ben Franklin wrote to a friend about the U.S. Constitution, left out a third powerful certainty: CHANGE. While we may still experience the death process, CHANGES in our societal structure could eliminate taxes, at least in the familiar format.

With accelerated CHANGE in motion, many are experiencing anxiety, whether latent or expressed, about the inevitable shifts underway in the current financial, economic and societal structures. Foundations taught to past generations on how to thrive no longer apply or are deeply uprooted. An anxiety ridden society is not a thriving, enriched society.

"Thriving" is taking on new dimensions that go well beyond the material world. Once the physical survival requirements (food, shelter, clothing) are met, thriving in the changing paradigm requires nurturing our spirit. Inherent in nurturing the spirit lies dismantling of the relatively recent "I" societal focus and renewing the "We" focus. Rebuilding the community spirit from prior generations is one bridge to opening the gateways to a collective community working in unison for the benefit of ALL.

The forgotten COMMONS are a path to opening our hearts and seeing the world through an enlightened perception lens. How surreal that we forgot the COMMONS, all that we share as a civilization!

Jay Walljasper wrote a fantastic re-introduction to the COMMONS basics with his book, ALL THAT WE SHARE, A Field Guide to the Commons. While reading his profound, easy to comprehend copy, it was a bit embarrassing to have " A Ha" moments with concepts that were inherent within human civilizations until a century or so ago.

It took a re-connection moment to realize that Commoners from earlier civilizations lived from the common land, in later centuries owned by the kingdom. In ALL THAT WE SHARE, Robert F. Kennedy contributed an excellent essay on the Riverkeepers' birthing. It was heartening to learn how Kennedy worked within the legal system to protect and clean the Hudson River so the Commoners could retain their ancestral livelihoods dependent upon a healthy river eco-system. Funds from the successful lawsuits were used to establish the Riverkeeper system.

COMMONS go well beyond economic survival and are imperative to our spiritual health. National forests and parks are excellent examples of common land available for all to enjoy. Closer to home. city and neighborhood parks are a phenomenal opportunity to interact with nature and meet neighbors from every walk of life. Many cities have an abundance of wildlife, especially in the original neighborhoods built around, versus over, natural stream systems.

Grandma teaching kids about the
COMMONS playground

The Ei FB album, Celebrate the COMMONS, gives a pictorial calling to spend time in the COMMONS, beginning with urban parks. Most communities have hidden, under-used treasures that are ready, willing and able to serve as the foundation for community congregation.

Local farmers markets are another COMMONS asset available in most communities. A simple on-line search will find a local market filled with scrumptious produce and original products as well as a venue to commune with neighbors,whether known for years or new to the area.

Riverview Farms @ local market

This blog post is introductory in nature and serves as a platform to explore how the human evolution spiral unfolds. It is an amazing and challenging time as we experience the CHANGES inherent within evolution.

Several key words for thriving in the new paradigm: open hearts, collaboration, collective community, ALL, the COMMONS. Stay tuned as the exploration is launched!

BIG Facts in a Little Book

2011-09-26T23:14:00.004-04:00

A well-used Factbook

Did you know the restaurant-industry share of the food dollars is 49%, up from 25% in 1955? How about $1.7 Billion is spent in restaurants on a typical day ? The National Restaurant Association's 2011 Pocket Fact Book is filled with impressive stats about the power of the nation's second largest private sector industry.

In partnership with the NRA, Elemental Impact works with the foodservice industry as a catalyst to develop sustainable best practices for the corporate community. While post-consumer food residual collection for composting is unique to the foodservice industry, most Ei initiatives are common across varying industries. For example, Recycling Integrity (maintaining maximum material value with minimal energy expended) practices apply across the board to all industries and consumers as well.

Restaurant employees
are everyday community
citizens

With 12.8 million employed in the restaurant industry in 2011 (projected), incorporating sustainable operating practices into restaurants by nature trains nearly 10% of consumers on earth-friendly habits they may take home with them. The approximately 960,000 nationwide locations contribute to the local economy in the form of property taxes, wages paid to community residents and purchasing from local and regional vendors.

Every $1 spent in a restaurant generates $2.05 spent in the economy at large - sounds like an easy, delicious way to stimulate the economy is to increase restaurant dining!

Check out this powerful little book filled with BIG facts - understand the far reaching impact when the nation's second largest industry embraces sustainable practices. Elemental Impact and the Zero Waste Zones are honored to work in partnership with the NRA on making a difference in the world we share.

Ei Expanding Horizons into Health Impact

2011-08-28T19:03:00.005-04:00

In July Susan Grider Montgomery, Zero Waste Zones Program Director, presented and facilitated a discussion on "Going Local in Food/Energy/Health: Methods, Measures and Strategies" at the 2011 Society for Values in Higher Education Conference hosted by Elmhurst College, Elmhurst, IL. One of the conferences focus areas was Planning and Sustainability.

Founded in 1921, the SVHE maintains an important mission:

The Society for Values in Higher Education is a fellowship of teachers and others who care deeply about ethical issues—such as integrity, diversity, social justice and civic responsibility—facing higher education and the wider society. We believe that such values call for study, reflection, discussion, and action. We pursue these activities through publications, projects, regional gatherings, and an annual national meeting.

Jo Margaret Mano of SVHE &
Susan Montgomery

It is organizations like the SVHE that vet out the challenges facing our civilization and educate on the possibilities. Through higher education, our future leaders benefit from the wisdom of the preceding generations while maintaining the enthusiasm necessary to create solutions for forthcoming generations.

Susan's 2011 sessions were the evolution of a 2010 competitive paper review at SVHE on sustainability. This year's presentation and discussion on health economics and sustainability underscores the idea we must go LOCAL to go GLOBAL. The time is now to address LOCAL HEALTH, which is focused on illness prevention and health risk reduction. Local food plays an integral roll in establishing a healthy local community.

Susan facilitating lively discussion

In November Susan deepens her health focus with a guest lecture presentation at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

It is an honor for Elemental Impact to join Susan's journey of embracing the importance of health economics and the health impact of our choices. This fall Ei Consulting plans to announce the addition of health economics and impact to the list of offered services. Stay tuned!

Sheraton Atlanta POWERS New Energy & Identity

2011-08-27T11:01:00.000-04:00

Built in the 1960's as Atlanta's first large convention hotel, the Sheraton Downtown Atlanta exhibits the wisdom that comes with a long history. With more than $70 million invested on Atlanta’s flagship Sheraton property during the past seven years, the Sheraton Atlanta is powering a revival from an unpretentious, traditional property into a stylishly designed hotel with a new energy and identity.

New energy takes many forms including the latest enhancement to their environmental commitment: Installation of charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs)! The Sheraton is the first Atlanta hotel to install EV charging stations, which are complimentary to guests using the parking garage.

“We are tremendously excited to be offering this resource to our guests,” said Niles Harris, General Manager of the Sheraton Atlanta. “It is our hope that these stations will attract energy-conscious patrons and showcase our progressive efforts towards sustainability.”

The idea was originally proposed by Mo Babalola, Director of Parking Operations for the Sheraton Atlanta, as a way to communicate to guests that the Sheraton Atlanta is a responsible advocate of green initiatives, and to provide a practical option for guests that drive electric vehicles. For additional information on the EV charging program, read the Sheraton's August, 2011 press release, Sheraton Atlanta Provides Charging Stations for Electrical Vehicles.

As a Charter Zero Wastes Zones Participant, the Sheraton Atlanta exemplifies the pioneering spirit typical of program participants with enthusiasm extending well beyond material diversion from landfills. Astute business operators, ZWZ Participants develop green programs within their operations that make solid business sense.

When the South Carolina Hospitality Association brought a group to Atlanta on August 16 & 17 to learn about ZWZ success, the Sheraton served as the host hotel. Visit the ZWZ Blog post, ATL Zero Waste Team Hosts SC Hospitality Group, for details on the tour.

One of the most green-friendly hotels in downtown Atlanta, the Sheraton employs unique initiatives throughout the property. These initiatives include a laundry water recycling system that saves 375,000 gallons of drinking water each month, low energy lighting in all permanent light fixtures, food waste composting program, a $700,000 hotel-wide water heating system that increases previous efficiency by more than 50%, and a saline injection system that cleans the swimming pool naturally, without utilizing harmful chemicals. Visit their Greenest Hotel in Atlanta article excerpt for additional behind-the-scenes eco-friendly practices.

Always looking for ways to help the environment and be proactive in its environmental tactics, the Sheraton Downtown Atlanta is a true leader in evolving hotel operating practices. Thank you Niles Harris for inspiring your hotel team, and the community, to integrate sustainability into the business model foundation.

City of Atlanta Embraces Urban Agriculture

2011-08-25T22:31:00.004-04:00

Thanks to a generous donation by WalMart, the City of Atlanta and Sustainable Atlanta announced an urban agriculture design competition for a vacant lot across from City Hall. The Trinity Avenue Urban Farm Design Competition was launched to support the city's effort in establishing an effective and inspirational model for urban agriculture and furthering the city's pursuit of becoming a Top 10 sustainable city.

Trinity Avenue Urban Farm Site

With the ultimate goal of showcasing how fresh food can be grown locally and sustainably, the competition will promote creativity and innovation in the design of the farm, as well raise awareness of the farm itself. The Office of Sustainability is consulting on this multidisciplinary project with Sustainable Atlanta, the Atlanta City Council, the University of Georgia School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Georgia Organics and Truly Living Well.

Transforming the old traffic court site into a vibrant demonstration farm supports the City of Atlanta's "Power to Change" sustainability plan and its commitment to bring local food within 10 minutes of 75 percent of all residents by 2020. "The Trinity Avenue farm will be a living visual of the city's dedication to sustainability," said Office of Sustainability Communications Manager Aaron Bastian.

By taking the form of a contest, the Trinity Avenue Urban Farm project expands its contribution beyond the immediate area to urban farming in general. According the Jenah Zwig, Project Manager for the City's Sustainability Office and the internal force behind the project, . “This competition hopes to inspire an innovative vision of what’s possible when rethinking conventional urban farming.”

The contest is open to students, educators and professionals across Georgia in fields related to urban agriculture and landscape architecture. Interested competitors must register online at this link by October 15 and submit proposals by November 1. Once the winning design is chosen, the preparation of the land and design installation will begin immediately, with the farm scheduled to open to the public by the spring of 2012. There will be a $25,000 grand prize awarded to the winning submission.

The City of Atlanta is taking their sustainability commitment into ACTION. It is inspirational to witness the collaborative efforts of government, universities, non-profits and private enterprise come to fruition in substantial, long-term projects like the Trinity Avenue Urban Farm Design Competition.

Ray Anderson: A Legacy Beyond Description

2011-08-12T22:30:00.003-04:00

On Monday, August 08 Ray Anderson, founder of Interface, left a legacy beyond description when he passed through the veils separating us from the heavens.

An uncompromising hero, Ray inspired his carpet manufacturing company to accomplish what seemed impossible back in 1994: reduce energy consumption, eliminate landfill destined material, and decrease Green House Gas emissions ALL within a solid, profitable business model. As a true leader, Ray inspired his comrades (employees) to co-create a new operating plan. Wow - did it work! Refer to the below list of recommended articles for specifics on the miraculous results of his revolutionary approach that produced environmental and corporate WINS.

Ray proved "good business" and environmental stewardship are one in the same. Without Ray here to personally advocate the message, it is imperative to honor his legacy by following his lead. Remember Ray listened to his Heart and refused to abide by logic embraced in social consciousness. The answers to creating strong economic strides with net zero environmental impact lie in the silence between the verbose clutter of our minds. Silence is heard by our open Hearts, where logic has no home. Once the silence is heard, logical solutions miraculously appear.

THANK YOU Ray Anderson for your unwavering Faith and willingness to Trust your Heart. You are a true inspiration and your legacy lives.

Recommended Links for Ray Anderson:

Farewell to a 'Recovering Plunderer', by Andrew Revkin, New York Times Blog - includes Paul Hawken's eulogy and fantastic 2007 New York Times profile video
He made carpet. And he made a difference by Michael Kanellos for GreenTechMedia - includes impressive stats of Interface's sustainable operations
Ray Anderson on the business logic of sustainability - a 2009 TED presentation

A simple Google search yields many more articles|features on Ray Anderson's contribution to humanity.

Ei Welcomes New Sponsors

2011-07-30T21:33:00.002-04:00

Welcome HMS Host and Hilex Poly to the Elemental Impact Sponsor Family! Both new sponsors come with the most valuable attribute: ACTIVE PARTICIPATION.

HMSHost joined at the Gold Level and is an active member of the Sustainable Food Court Initiative Team. Due to their deep sustainability commitment, HMSHost is serving in a foundation role for the two SFCI pilot projects set for fall announcement. For both planned pilots, HMSHost holds the food court concessions contract. It is inspirational to work with folks so enthusiastic to make a difference.

Hilex Poly joined at the Silver Level, with the intention of upgrading their sponsorship at a later date. After attending his first POWER meeting this spring, Louis Herrera with Hilex Poly has played a vital role in creating pilots designed to capture plastic film from its current landfill destination and into recycling programs.

Louis explaining
contamination on plastic film

To learn about the retail sector's significant increase in clear, virgin plastic usage for shipping, read the ZWZ Blog post, Simon Property Group Embraces Zero Waste Initiatives. Within weeks of the Simon June meeting, Ei & Hilex Poly coordinated a tour of their North Vernon plastic film recycling plant with the Simon team. Visit the ZWZ Blog post, Getting a Handle on Plastic Recycling, for a tour overview and the Ei FaceBook album, 07-01-11 Hilex Poly Tour, for a pictorial tour recap.

When recruiting Ei sponsors, prospective organizations learn Ei is as interested in their active participation as their financial support. HMSHost and Hilex Poly are role model sponsors. Welcome and THANK YOU!

Asean|Stalkmarket Renews & Upgrades Ei Sponsorship!

2011-07-30T19:00:00.000-04:00

Asean|Stalkmarket renewed their Elemental Impact sponsorship on their anniversary date with an upgrade to Gold Level - Thank you Buzz!

In addition to financial support, Buzz Chandler, Asean President, participates in POWER meetings and in the Sustainable Food Court Initiative as a Team Member. A Biodegradable Products Institute Board Member, Buzz shares his compostable product expertise whenever called upon.

Buzz, Chris & Holly @ IFSS
Photo Credit: Doug Kunnemann

An excellent speaker, Buzz joined the Chris & Holly Show at the International Foodservice Sustainability Symposium in the session Recycling Integrity: Truths, Myths & Emerging Technologies. Buzz gave a fantastic presentation on Emerging Technologies. See the ZWZ Blog post, Recycling Integrity @ IFSS - the Chris & Holly Show with an Added Buzz, for details on the session. Chris is Chris Moyer, National Restaurant Association Conserve Program Director, and Holly is Holly Elmore, Zero Waste Zones Director & Ei Founder.

Thank you Buzz for your Ei financial support and active participation - the Ei Team appreciates you!

Ei Consulting Launches!

2011-07-30T15:01:00.000-04:00

Elemental Impact launches Ei Consulting! Ei expertise is now available to corporations and communities via speaking engagements and consulting services.

Holly Elmore, ZWZ Director & Ei Founder, is a captivating and effective speaker who leaves an audience motivated to take ACTION. Popular speaking topics include:

Holly @ ZWZ

Two-Year Press Conference

Visit the Ei Speaking Engagements Page to learn about Holly’s speaking experience and to review supporting PPT presentations. The Testimonial Page documents strong support for Holly's communication style.

The above topics work well for industry conference sessions, solo or in panel format, corporate training or as a keynote for awards ceremonies.

Holly Presenting to

Waste Management Directors

Consulting services are available to corporations and communities in a range of expertise areas including assessing and implementing zero waste practices, refining recycling systems, and developing collaborative team and action plans for communities.

Ei is a working partner with the Institute for Local Self Reliance's Waste to Wealth Program and serves as the zero waste subcontractor for the ILSR's contract work with the Sustainability Division of the City of Atlanta.

For more information visit the Ei Consulting website page or contact Holly.

FORTUNE.com Honors Green within the Red

2011-07-29T21:28:00.002-04:00

In the FORTUNE.com article, 6 green leaders in red states, author Shelley DuBois honors individuals who stepped forward in their respective "red" communities as leaders for green action. A common thread through the six profiles is environmental stewardship is fast becoming the earmark of successful businesses and communities, no matter the political affiliation.

Holly Elmore

Elemental Impact Founder Holly Elmore is #6 with her Trash to Cash profile. The profile emphasizes Elemental Impact's commitment to developing environmentally sound programs that make good business sense, for participants and the community as a whole.

Always the optimist, Holly is quoted "Once you plant the seed, the zero waste mentality becomes addictive. You get people on board with you and it gets in their blood." ZWZ Participants prove Holly's statement accurate with their enthusiasm to further fine-tune their recycling practices and embark on other sustainable initiatives. For examples peruse the ZWZ Blog for many tales from the zero waste journey.

Daniel Rickenmann, W2E Organic Power COO, is profile #3 in Hunter's orange is new green. In his profile, Daniel explains how many Southern active environmentalists are also hunters, fishermen and sportsmen, who understand respecting nature is integral to enjoying its bounty.

Daniel Rickenmann

W2E Organic Power holds one of the first, if not the first,

anaerobic digester for food residual intake permits in the nation. With groundbreaking scheduled for this fall, the Columbia, SC facility gives the city another option for food waste disposal generated by foodservice operations, industrial food production, retail grocery and consumers . The current food waste destination is landfill, where methane gas (a potent Green House Gas 20-25% more potent than carbon) is produced. It takes ingenuity and courage to make the bold move of introducing new technology to the current waste disposal systems.

Daniel @ POWER

According to Daniel, businesses respond favorably to this kind of waste-reduction effort, regardless of political affiliation. "It doesn't matter what side of the spectrum it is, everybody's moving that way," says Daniel.

A close friend of Elemental Impact, Daniel was the keynote speaker at the spring POWER -Perishable Organics Waste to Energy Recycling - meeting. Refer to the ZWZ Blog post, Spring POWER Meeting is Stellar, for the meeting details and the POWER 2011 Meeting Page to download Daniel's PPT presentation.

In the FORTUNE.com article, Shelley profiles four additional green leaders:

Eco-oil country? - Laura Spanijan, Houston, TX
Bringing Green gospel to the South - Rebecca Dunn Bryant of Fairhope, AL
Rebuilding a greener Big Easy - Kenneth Schwartz, New Orleans, LA
Growing biofuels in the heartland - Kenneth Frahm, Colby, KS

Thank you Shelley for taking the time to research, interview and write about the important green happenings and pioneers in the "red" states. Hmmm.... were seeds for future articles planted?!. Stay Tuned!

Ei Welcomes New Advisory Council Members

2011-07-19T09:46:00.001-04:00

Elemental Impact welcomes two new Advisory Council Members: Scott DeFife, Senior. Executive Vice President of Government & Public Affairs at the National Restaurant Association, and Lynn Dyer, President of the Foodservice Packaging Institute.

With the Zero Waste Zones national expansion announcement planned by year end, Scott and Lynn's expertise and advice is invaluable in creating programs that make strong business sense for industry partners.

Scott DeFife

Scott provides tremendous Ei|ZWZ support through the NRA's partnership announced at the February ZWZ Two-Year Press Conference (see the blog post ZWZ Garners National Support for details). With Chris Moyer, NRA Conserve Program Director, serving on the Ei|ZWZ Leadership Team and Co-Chair of the Sustainable Food Court Initiative, Scott is behind the scenes supporting Chris with advice, direction and enthusiasm for our important work.

Lynn Dyer

As an active Sustainable Food Court Initiative Team Member, Lynn shares her packaging expertise and connections as the Team creates systems to bring zero waste initiatives to food court operations. Lynn's gift of practical approaches to complex scenarios is instrumental for action outcome during the project creation process.

Thank you Scott and Lynn for the honor of accepting the Ei Advisory Council positions. Welcome!