An Angel NOT in Disguise

Monica Pearson and John Pruitt with Angel

Angels enter our lives in simple forms and then amaze us with their miraculous feats. Angel Poventud is an  amazing individual who lives up to his name and inspires us mere humans to live up to our Divine potential.  Gifted with an abundance of energy, Angel volunteers 20- 30 hours per week (yes, this is per week) of his spirit to Atlanta communities in projects destined for environmental impact.


A man of ACTION, Angel prefers not to spend his time in meetings. Angel loves to work/play with comrades creating a better place to live using their physical labor to deliver community gifts. At one of his first Trees Atlanta projects in the Summer Hills neighborhood near Turner Field, Angel was impressed by the integrated spirit expressed with the array of volunteers including professionals, neighbors, and veteran volunteers.  Around 40 trees were planted in the neighborhood cul-de-sac and Angel was hooked by the magnitude of immediate impact.


With his beloved Grandmother providing the foundation of unconditional love, Angel understands the incredible possibilities when one lives from the power of the Heart.  Growing up under the envelope of Expressed Love, Angel feels free to explore his passions and created a life filled with devotion to community spirit.


With honor, Ei designates Angel Poventud The December IMPACTOR.  Refer to the Ei IMPACTOR page for additional antidotes where Angel's phenomenal spirit is exhaled with appreciation.


Earlier this month, Cox Enterprises honored Angel as the the Cox Conserves Hero for his unwavering devotion to community via his volunteer efforts to Trees Atlanta, the Atlanta BeltLine and other deserving projects.  Angel gifted his $5,000 award to Trees Atlanta.  Click here to view the fantastic video featuring Angel and his Community Spirit.

For Angel, his tremendous devotion to Community is the expression of his Spirit.  At times he seems perplexed by the appreciation and awards bestowed.  Maybe, just maybe, Angel is the forerunner to the human race that lives from the HEART rather from the Mind or Need.

Ideas for Holiday Giving

This holiday season support area businesses by giving items made from the heart by local artisans.  Amazing gifts await ranging from gourmet food sensations, splurges for the body and delightful spirits from local vintners.  Lists with website links are available at the Organics Consumer Organizations' Georgia Beauty Page.  All Y'Alls Wine & Gourmet Market has a delectable selection on their The Local Yokel's page.  If you are in the Roswell area, consider stopping by their shop located at 590 Mimosa Blvd., Suite 110 for some holiday treats with local flair.

Ties that Matter adds the social responsibility angle to seasonal gifts.  Providing employment to underprivileged women, Ties that Matter uses re-purposed ties as the base for unique handbags, pillows and other fun items.  Click here for their on-line shopping.

 How about a gift that keeps on giving?  The Atlanta Community Food Bank has a wonderful holiday program where you may purchase a gift on behalf of a loved one that gives back to the community.  Click here for the gift options.

Celebrate Captain Planet's 20th Birthday

Join Captain Planet Foundation and Event Chairs Barbara Roos and Laura Seydel for Captain Planet’s 20^th Birthday Benefit, celebrating two decades of the world’s first and only eco-superhero! Captain Planet’s 20^th Birthday Benefit is a charitable event held by the Captain Planet Foundation (CPF).  This annual December event is highly anticipated, celebrating 16 years of fundraising.  Guests can expect to experience an exclusive green carpet arrival with local and national media, celebrity guests, civil leaders, high-caliber entertainment, live and silent auctions with one-of-a kind selections, fabulous food by Wolfgang Puck, and an array of fantastic cocktails by Bacardi.  Following the gala, the rockin’ “Birthday Bash” will take place in the Aquarium’s atrium and will feature live entertainment, light gourmet fare and signature cocktails.

The benefit will support hands on environmental projects that educate and inspire children to become great stewards of the planet and live eco-friendly lives.  A portion of the proceeds will go toward the development of “Captain Planet’s Learning Gardens” for children affected by the Gulf oil spill.  The devastation in that area of our nation has been felt in a variety of ways and the children living there need optimism, hope and a renewed faith in the environment.  We believe our “learning gardens” provide just the kind of education, activity and inspiration they need.

Here the event facts:

Date:                     Friday, December 10, 2010 - Evening

Location:              Georgia Aquarium

                                  

Event Website:     www.thepowerisyours.org

The New Green World Order

With his passionate commitment to reusable cups in the public and private sectors, Aaron Williams is a man on a mission with seemingly endless energy.

Motivated by the extrapolated facts that an 85 person office uses approximately 42,000 cups per year, based on the average of two cups used per day per employee for coffee, Aaron Williams is moving into ACTION.   With a solid reusable cup manufacturer, Aaron offers recyclable reusable cups made from recycled material for bulk purchase of less than $5.00 per cup.

Companies spend  up-front dollars on cup purchases and back end costs on disposal.  Based on the above 42,000 cups, the 85 person company spends approximately $1,260 per year to purchase polystyrene cups, based on $.03 per cup cost.  If the company eliminates disposable cups and gives each employee a reusable cup at $5.00 each ($425), the company has a net annual savings of $825, without considering the reduction in waste hauling charges.  It makes good business sense to implement a reusable cup system in the office.

Happy City of St. Peters employees with donated  cups

To make his point,  Aaron personally donated 175 reusable cups to the City of St. Peters last month for their 55 employees at the Recycling Center and 125 person police force.  Future posts will report on the cost-savings and employee morale building as result of Aaron's generous donation.

Wow ~ check out Aaron's clever and informative video, The New Green Order, at this link.

While still running his for-profit business, Aaron dedicates his spare time to educating the corporate community on the importance of implementing a reusable cup program, from cost-saving and environmental vantage points.  Aaron's next step is to ground his enthusiasm in a website where reusable cups may be purchased in bulk on-line along with informative content.

Join Elemental Impact in honoring Aaron Williams for his heroic deeds that make the Earth a better place to live.  Aaron Williams is the November IMPACTOR.  You may reach Aaron at aaron@aaronlaw.com.

Glitz Goes Green with GRACE

Creating a green gala requires commitment from the entire team, especially the host and event facility.  The Georgia Restaurant Association and the Loews Hotel teamed together to ensure the GRACE - Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence - November 14 Awards Gala lived up to their theme, Glitz goes Green.  As part of the planning process, the Loews Hotel contracted for organics collection and met the remaining Zero Waste Zone Phase I Criteria.



Taking green beyond recycling, Executive Chef Olivier Gaupin prepared a scrumptious meal featuring local ingredients.   To support the recovering Gulf Coast seafood industry, Apalachicola shrimp was served with the Athen's Red Mule grits (yummy!).  Pre-portioned meat was purchased to eliminate prep scraps.  Energy conservation was a focus with the food preparation and dish washing  procedures.  How inspiring to witness a chef revamp standard operating procedures to practices that minimize energy and water usage, even if it puts extra pressure on the staff with entrée plating.


What a thrill to experience a sustainable bar ~ the bartenders were excited to explain their recycling  initiatives including corks collected for ZWZ Auxiliary Program supplier Cork ReHarvest.  Most beverages offered were local and/or organic including Southern Vodka made in Albany, GA.

Check out the cool bottle bottom chandelier made from recycled plastic bottles.


ZWZ Participant Legendary Events created eco-friendly centerpieces made from wine bottles, cardboard and herbs, later replanted.  Thompson Creative, an Ei in-kind sponsor, kept the event collateral material in alignment with green glitz by contracting with an eco-friendly printer and using post consumer waste paper.  The invitation was killer with its subtle communication.


Chef Kevin Gillespie, Executive Chef and Partner at Woodfire Grill, was the keynote speaker.  Wow ~ Kevin was phenomenal!.  Without any notes, Kevin inspired the audience with his humorous, passionate talk about his roots and how sustainability is more about revisiting the past than creating the new.


With so many aspects to planning a green event, it takes a committed individual to adhere to sustainable practices when status quo is easier and at times less expensive.  Kelly Hornbuckle. GRA Marketing & Communications Director, is the driving force who made the GRACE Awards walk the talk of Glitz Goes Green.  THANK YOU KELLY!

Ties that Matter

Laura with TTM handbag

Laura Martin, founder of Ties that Matter, is an inspirational artist who amazes with the magnitude and depth of her artwork. Beyond the canvas and brush, Laura is an accomplished seamstress. an amazing gardener, phenomenal chef and renown author on a wide array of subjects.

Ties that Matter is Laura's grounded vision of using old ties to make beautiful products while providing for-pay work to unemployed women, many refugees. Using her innate creativity, Laura built a company dedicated to helping women rebuild their torn apart lives by sewing together repurposed material, including old ties, to make usable, sellable artwork in the form of pocket books, bags, pillows and more.

The community may support Ties that Matter by organizing tie donation campaigns AND purchasing the artwork as gifts or for personal use. Visit the easy to navigate Ties that Matter website to learn how you may support this important venture.

EnvisionATL, the Encore

EnvisionATL, a forum based on the World Café discussion model, fosters conversations from diverse constituents around an aspirational and shared vision for a more sustainable Atlanta. Join us on December 7, 2010 from 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Historic City Council Chambers, 55 Trinity Avenue in City Hall for an encore and final performance.

Holly Elmore documents visions

The October 13 session addressed the issues of air, land use, material resources, and water. EnvisionATL II, addresses community vitality, energy, food, and transportation. EnvisionATL is presented by Sustainable Atlanta in conjunction with Mayor Kasim Reed and the City of Atlanta.

With numerous organizations tackling sustainability issues, a shared vision for Atlanta builds a strong foundation for future discussions and efforts designed to create a more viable, competitive and healthy Atlanta, which attracts employers and jobs to the city.

EnvisionATL forums:

• Help create a shared vision for incorporation into the City’s Comprehensive Development Plan, scheduled for a 2011 update
• Provide the framework for as many as 50 formalized partnerships between academic institutions, businesses, civic and environmental organizations, government agencies and other groups
• Build a networked corps of up to 200 change agents and ambassadors of a shared vision
• Identify metrics and milestones to measure and track progress to becoming a more sustainable Atlanta.

Shannon Goodman with Perkins & Will reports to the crowd

Participants represent academic institutions, businesses, faith-based, civic and environmental organizations, governmental agencies and other groups and individuals interested in bringing community resources closer together. Sponsors include the City of Atlanta, Perkins+Will, Waste Management, AECOM, Edelman, Weston Solutions, Georgia Power, InterContinental Hotels Group and Tree Sound Studios.

Yikes, the October EnvisionATL SOLD OUT! Register NOW to be one of the 200 individuals participating in this fun, aspiring and important forum designed to invigorate Atlanta's sustainable pathways. The event fee is $15 with on-line registration at this link.

Non-profits, academic and government groups are encouraged to join the impressive family of partners and co-hosts by contacting Danielle Doss at danielle@sustainableatlanta.org. For-profit companies interested in sponsoring EnvisionATL or Sustainable Atlanta may contact Scott Briskey at scott@sustainableatlanta.org.

Join Elemental Impact in supporting Atlanta's vision ~ see you December 7th!

Ei Sponsor, Advisory Council & Board Meeting

A group of happy sponsors & advisors

A powerful, lively group traveled from around the country to attend the first annual Elemental Impact Sponsor, Advisory Council & Board meeting on November 18 at HLB Gross Collins' offices in Atlanta. The first part of the meeting included updates from the sponsors, members leading the charge on specific Ei projects. It was inspiring to witness the spontaneous dialogue surrounding current challenges faced in our crusade to maximize the diversion of assets from landfills.

Marlin Gottschalk presenting

Dr. Marlin Gottschalk, Director of the Sustainability Division of the GA Department of Natural Resources, reported on WHY Ei projects are important to the environment and business culture. Marlin also moderated the strategy session that brought the formal part of the meeting to a close.

As the individuals/corporations attending contributed the resources, funding, time and in-kind services necessary to bring Ei to this impressive threshold, their input is vital to Ei's future direction. In short summary, the group was amazed at the accomplishments made on a shoestring budget. To bring Ei to the next level of funding and impact, focus is the key operative to propel the Zero Waste Zones and other initiatives to their full potential.

Greg Yorston & Holly

A funding and business review committee was formed to assist Ei staff with developing a business plan and focussed initiative objectives. With formal documents complete, the committee will assist in identifying potential funding sources outside of the sponsorship program.

Following the formal meeting, the group enjoyed a wine and cheese reception sponsored by Bold American Catering. Yes, it was a zero waste reception!

Thank you to those who made Ei their priority on November 18. It is an honor to be supported by such a professional, passionate group willing to commit resources to evolving corporate business practices.

Visit this link to view the meeting PPT presentation. Click here to learn about how to join the Ei Family of Sponsors and participate in Ei projects and initiatives.

YEA ~ It is Official!

YEA ~ the IRS letter arrived on November 18 designating Elemental Impact a 501(c)(3) non-profit, with public charity status!!! The application was submitted on March 15 and assigned an IRS agent the first of October, who reviewed the document with a fine tooth comb. It is an honor to meet the IRS's stringent demands. Thank you to Pauline Reynolds,  HLB Gross Collins Shareholder, who was the guiding force in completing the necessary documents in "IRS language".

What does this mean to Ei? A whole new funding avenue opens as Ei is qualified to apply for government and foundation grants. Many of Ei projects meet grant requirements in the private and government sectors. We look forward to celebrating our first grant award!

Individual and corporate tax-deductible donations may be made to Ei. As part of your year-end tax planning, consider making a tax-deductive donation to Ei in any amount at this link. The system accepts credit card payments or will produce an invoice for check payment.

We appreciate your support of our important work.

EnVision ATL Visions Posted

Throughout the past few weeks, the Sustainable Atlanta team worked diligently to aggregate the event notes and to turn the contributions into vision narratives and potential metrics for air, land, material resources and water. The draft vision statements are now posted on EnvisionATL.org. Your feedback on these drafts is critical as we work to finalize inclusive vision statements for our city. Please take a look and send any feedback to Danielle Doss at Danielle@sustainableatlanta.org. The public comment period will end at 5 p.m. on Friday, November 12.

Check out the cool poster drawn during the event to document the visions.

Save the date for EnvisionATL II on Tuesday, December 7 from 3:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. in the Historic City Hall Council Chambers. Registration will begin next week on EnvisionATL.org and tickets are $15 per person. Remember the October 13 event sold out so be sure to register next week to be a part of visioning a Sustainable Atlanta.

OCTOBER IMPACTOR: Greenco Environmental

Greenco Environmental owners Tim & Melia Lesko are true pioneers in sustainability and the foundation for the national accolades received by the City of Atlanta and the Zero Waste Zones. It took over eighteen months of perseverance and determination for the Leskos to wade through the permitting and zoning requirements necessary to open their state-permitted food composting site in Barnesville, GA , roughly 50 miles south of Atlanta.

Developing an organics collection system for the foodservice industry is no easy feat. The Leskos faced many challenges in their first two years of operations: contamination issues, torrential rains, adequate carbon (yard trimmings, wood chips) necessary for the compost recipe. With creativity and resolve, the Leskos found solutions for the challenges inherent in composting operations and oversee a vibrant business.

Thanks to the Leskos Atlanta has composted over 15,116 tons of food residuals, previously destined for landfills, into valuable compost. These impressive numbers translate into 514 metric tons of methane not released as a Green House Gas, with a carbon equivalent of 10.803 tons (1964 cars off the road for one year).

Greenco is a family business with Russ Lesko, Tim’s brother, invested in the business and serving at the Chief, Jack of All Trades. Melia works with the foodservice operators when she is not busy raising their two lovely daughters.

Join Ei in honoring the Leskos for their dedication and commitment to making the Earth a better place for our children to inherent. THANK YOU.

Visioning Atlanta's Path to Sustainability

Atlanta's first envisioning event for a sustainable Atlanta was a huge success! EnvisionATL sold out with more than 200 participants, representing 32 partner organizations and co-hosting non-profits as well as businesses, academic institutions, concerned citizens and 5 city of Atlanta departments. The energy and excitement around this event is a testament to the potential we have as Atlantans to create a vision for a more sustainable Atlanta and chart a path to realize this vision. EnvisionATL is presented by Sustainable Atlanta in conjunction with Mayor Reed and the City of Atlanta.

EnvisionATL is a forum based on the World Café discussion model designed to foster conversations from diverse constituents around an aspirational and shared vision for a more sustainable Atlanta. The first session was held on October 13, 2010. Anyone interested in helping build an aspirational and shared vision for a more sustainable Atlanta. Participants will represent academic institutions, businesses, faith-based, civic and environmental organizations, governmental agencies and other groups and individuals interested in bringing community resources closer together.

Stay tuned for the draft vision narratives, event photos, a video from Mayor Kasim Reed and a public comment period for air, land, water, and material resources, as well as information about our next event on http://EnvisionATL.org.

Global Soap Project: September IMPACTOR

The Global Soap Project improves and saves lives one bar of soap at a time by sanitizing, melting and remolding used soap into new bars for distribution to African refugee camps.

As an Uganda refugee, GSP founder Derreck Kayongo understands firsthand the living conditions of refugee camps and the unnecessary deaths due to the lack of clean water and sanitary conditions.

With the hospitality industry discarding 2.6 million used bars of soap per day, there is a tremendous supply available to the GSP for their soap production. Derrick’s passion and drive mobilizes the hotel and lodging industry to send used soap to GSP instead of the landfill, a double win!

To date GSP has received over 20 tons of soap from their hotel partners across the nation and has distributed an estimated 20,000 news bars of soap to Haiti, Swaziland, Kenya and Uganda. Currently, 10,000 bars of soap are in production for Ghana.

CALL TO ACTION: Whenever possible, educate those employed at hotels or other lodging facilities about GSP and encourage the property to participate in the double win program. Our collective voice is powerful and the time is NOW to verbalize our sustainability commitment.

Visit the IMPACTOR page to learn more about the importance of delivering soap to refugee camps.

Ei Board and Advisory Council Member, Debby Cannon featured Elemental Impact in her article Shades of Green, Innovations in Foodservice Sustainability published in the September, 2010 issue of Restaurant Forum, The Official Publication of the Georgia Restaurant Association. In the article, Debby validates the foodservice industry's commitment to sustainability by the tremendous response to the Compost:The Quiet Hero session presented by Holly Elmore, Ei CEO,at the May, 2010 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago.

Ei's focus on soil rejuvenation receives it's media debut in the article. How exciting as several important projects relating to the soil and nutrition are in the planning stages with fall announcements anticipated. Stay tuned and get involved!

Ei Newsletter Archive

Did you miss a prior Ei newsletter send? No problem, you may visit the Ei newsletter archive at this link. To subscribe to the newsletter, visit the Ei Home Page for the formal sign-up or you may e-mail holly@elementalimpact.org with your contact information.

Ei Website Advertising Program

Ei Supporters and Sponsors may market their services the Ei website visitors via the new on-line advertising program. Ads begin at $100 per month, with multiple-month discounts. This fall Ei plans announce the evolution of the ZWZ program along with several new project launches. Benefit from the increased website traffic via the advertising program. Learn more at this link

Garth Peters: August IMPACTOR

Garth Peters, Director of Community Development for The Buckhead Coaltion, is the Elemental Impact August IMPACTOR. At a recent Neighborhood Planning Unit Safety Committee meeting where liquor license renewals, transfers and applications are reviewed, Garth questioned a new license applicant on his recycling practices and ZWZ~Buckhead participation. Although recycling is not required for a liquor license, future applicants can expect questions about their recycling practices in front of the Safety Committee.

To learn more about the meeting and Buckhead’s recycling commitment read the August 13, 2010 Buckhead Reporter article. To learn more about Elemental Impact's IMPACTOR program click this link.

Thank you Garth ~ individuals like you are necessary to drive communities and individuals to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives. You are a true IMPACTOR!

Urban Foraging: Taking Local, Sustainable to New Levels

Wow ~ talk about inspiration! Craig Durkin and Aubrey Daniels brave the urban environment in search of forgotten fruits and vegetables in public and private property. A substantial portion of their bounty is donated to feed Atlanta's hungry population. These young gentlemen, along with a crew of volunteers, spend most weekends May through October in the southern heat to ensure these local treasures end-up in human bellies.

Concrete Jungle is their local organization dedicated to urban foraging. At their website, residents may register their property for harvesting or volunteers may connect with the foraging team. The site works similar to a blog with posts on their weekly adventures along with a map of crop locations within the metro area and plenty of great pictures.

It is the drive and ingenuity of individuals like Craig and Aubrey who will shift consciousness to the next levels of local food commitment. Concrete Jungle is recognized as Elemental Impact's THE IMPACTOR for July. To learn more about THE IMPACTOR program and read about previous outstanding accomplishments visit the Ei website

Thank you Christiane Lauterbach of Atlanta Magazine for featuring these heroes in your It's a Jungle Out There, Urban foragers harvest fruit for charity article in the August issue.

Chase Donates Trucks to Food Bank

Amazing ~ in these challenging economic times Chase donated new trucks to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Read on to learn how the ACFB may now increase their impact on both diverting organics to the hungry from landfills and feeding the hungry ...

At a time when more families in metro Atlanta face the threat of going hungry, the Atlanta Community Food Bank announced that Chase has donated three new, clean fuel-burning, refrigerated food delivery trucks. The donation will increase the Food Bank’s ability to collect donated product and distribute food to its more than 700 partner agencies in 38 counties serving those in need. In addition, Chase has donated funds to help with the operation of these trucks for the first year.

After one year, we expect to have expanded our service of picking up product at our retail partner locations to approximately 416,000 pounds per year. In addition, we expect to increase distribution in the same year time frame to 658,000 more pounds per year.

"After closing out our fiscal year in June, we now know that we had a record year in distribution,” said Bill Bolling, executive director of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. “Demand was up 33 percent over last fiscal year and we distributed over 25 million pounds of food compared to the 23 million pounds we distributed last year. These three new vehicles in our fleet will boost our efforts significantly and help us reach more of our neighbors in need. We are deeply grateful to Chase for this generous donation."

Watch Out: It's KILLER!!

The 2009 Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival lived up to its name and was KILLER! What a fabulous way to spend a summer afternoon ~ enjoying an amazing array of tomato concoctions by Atlanta's top culinary talent. The creative vodka drinks were especially tasty!

Here is the official copy:

ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATO FESTIVAL

Join us on Sunday, August 8 from 1pm to 5pm at JCT. Kitchen and Bar where over 30 of the best chefs and mixologists in the south will team up with a selection of fabulous local tomato farmers to produce an afternoon of tomato-inspired dishes and cocktails. High-profile judges including Restaurant Editor Andrew Knowlton of Bon Appétit and Restaurant Editor Kate Krader of Food + Wine will be choosing the best dish and best beverage. Festivities will also include live entertainment by the Spazmatics. Who will be crowned the Tomato Queen/King in 2010? Join us to find out! Top Tomato, Ford Fry, owner and executive chef of JCT. Kitchen & Bar, is heading up the celebration and turning his restaurant into a tomato sanctuary that will also span the upstairs bar and outdoor courtyard area. All proceeds benefit Georgia Organics, a non-profit working to integrate healthy, sustainable and locally grown food into the lives of all Georgians.

JCT. Kitchen and Bar is located at 1198 Howell Mill Rd, Suite 18 Atlanta, GA 30318

Tickets are $45/person for members of Georgia Organics, $50 General Public until August 1st. After August 1st, all tickets $65.

Tickets can be purchased on the Georgia Organics site or at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market on Saturdays in July.

A Helping Hand for Sustainable Efforts

What is a business to do when they are ready to embrace sustainability initiatives yet have no idea where to begin? The GA Department of Natural Resources Sustainability Division is ready, willing and able to assist for FREE(!). Support comes in the form of the Division's staff and their mentor program of companies with successful environmental practices. Along with personalized assistance, the Division provides educational and networking opportunities throughout the year.

Note the Division was instrumental in the Zero Waste Zone launch and remains a foundational support system for the program.

To join the program, click here. This is copy from the Sustainability Division website:

The Sustainability Division provides free and confidential environmental assistance to business in pollution prevention, waste reduction, water and energy efficiency, and sustainability. We...

• Are a non-regulatory division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
  
  
• Promote and recognize environmental leadership and performance through the Partnership for a Sustainable Georgia.
  
  
• Work with any business with any type of waste or resource issue, including air, water, wastewater, and solid waste.
  
  
• Provide networking opportunities with regulatory and industry leaders to share ideas and craft solutions.
  
  
• Foster environmental leadership and seek to establish a conservation ethic in Georgia.

We are proud to support Conserve Georgia and provide all Georgia organizations with resources to help them create a culture of conservation.

The Power of POWER

POWER = Perishable Organics Waste to Energy Recycling

Last fall the Green Foodservice Alliance hosted the first two POWER meetings to great enthusiasm with attendees flying in from around the country to participant in education and lively dialogue surrounding the highest good use of perishable organics. The crowd was a solid mix of private enterprise, non-profits and government, local, state & federal.

With the formation of Elemental Impact in early 2010, POWER moved under the Ei umbrella to develop the structure and a foundation to take POWER into ACTION. One of the first steps was to form the POWER Steering Committee that meets on a regular basis to give direction to our focus. Subcommittees, such as the Technical Committee, create and oversee projects.

At the first Steering Committee meeting, the following POWER Mission was established:

To explore and evaluate the highest good collection, recycling and use of perishable organics and make recommendations for deployment of economically viable projects within a defined geographic area.

To learn more about POWER, view prior meeting notes and download presenter PPT presentations, visit the POWER page of the Elemental Impact website.

We are on an important journey of redefining the highest good uses for perishable organics. If you would like to join the journey or keep informed of our adventures, please send your contact information to Holly Elmore at holly@elementalimpact.org to be included on the POWER distribution list.

Remember we are just beginning … Stay Tuned for Important Action Alerts!

Introducing THE IMPACTORS

In the June Ei newsletter, The Impactors will be officially announced and included as a monthly feature.

The Impactors are companies, organizations or individuals who excel in their sustainability practices and blaze the trails for others to follow. Their efforts and work are important to our civilization and the ability for humans to thrive on the Earth. As consumers we can cast our votes of support with our purchasing dollars and communicating their exemplary performance on personal blogs, websites, social networks and other communication tools.

For a sneak preview, visit The Impactor page and learn why FreshPoint and Sodexo are honored for their sustainability achievements.

Local Restaurants Quit the Plastic Habit

One of Atlanta's local Heroes, Polly Sattler of GreenPlate, wrote a great article on intown restaurants forging the path with sustainable practices. GreenPlate, founded in 2008 by Polly, highlights single-use petroleum-based plastics issues and finds opportunities for replacement, reduction, and recycling. Restaurants are a key focus area for GreenPlate's education initiatives.

In the monthly GreenPlate newsletter, Polly features a local green hero ~ it is time we give Polly a salute for her heroic sustainable efforts for Atlanta and the Earth. Thank you Polly!

US Foodservice Walks their Talk

Ei sponsor, US Foodservice, continues its strides in “walking the talk” through their participation in the Green Portfolio program. In 2009, US Foodservice’s Atlanta region converted its entire delivery fleet to biodiesel. Go to the December 01, 2009 post on the ZWZ Blog for additional details.

The article on the Environmental Defense Fund site lists impressive 2009 and 2010 stats against a 2007 baseline for US Foodservices’ actions in fleet management, facility efficiencies among other areas.

Here is the beginning of the article:

U.S. Foodservice, one of America’s premier foodservice distributors, was one of the first in the KKR portfolio to join the Green Portfolio Program in 2008, helping to design and pilot the framework.

U.S. Foodservice has more than 25,000 employees in over 60 locations nationwide and operates one of the largest private trucking fleets in the country.

The company strives to reduce the environmental impact of its operations by continually investing in infrastructure, technology and protocols that help eliminate vehicle emissions and increase energy efficiency at its distribution centers.

To read the entire article and see the actual stats and learn how the USFS Team exercises its commitment to sustainability, click here. Ei is proud to include USFS as one of our charter sponsors.

Sodexo serves-up Sustainability

Sodexo issued the below press release to recognize the college campuses serviced by Sodexo listed on the Green Honor Roll from the Princeton Review's second annual Green Rating.

Go Jackets!! Check out below where Georgia Tech received a perfect score. Note diverting food residuals for composting was the first item listed in the below announcement. Stay tuned for the launch of ZWZ~Westside where GA Tech will most likely be a charter participant.

In the Atlanta market Sodexo provides dining services for the following educational institutions: Atlanta Public Schools, Georgia State University, Emory University, Kennesaw State University and Georgia Tech.

An early supporter of foodservice sustainability, Sodexo was a founding member of the Green Foodservice Alliance, the original home of Zero Waste Zones, through Emory Dining Services.

Here goes the formal info on Sodexo's recognition for their stellar performance in implementing sustainable practices at college campuses ...

Sodexo Helps Clients Earn Sustainability Distinction

Green Honor Roll gives high marks for Sodexo-served campuses

Three campuses served by Sodexo earned a coveted top rating of 99 on The Princeton Review’s Second Annual Green Rating, which evaluates colleges and universities on their environmentally-related policies, practices and academic offerings. Nearly one third of the campuses noted for their successful sustainability programs in the The Princeton Review's Guide to 286 Green Colleges, which was produced in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council, are served by Sodexo.

“Sustainability is a strategic initiative for many of our campus clients so we work hard to deliver solutions that reduce waste, carbon emissions and source and serve locally-grown products,” said Tom Post, Sodexo president of campus services. “Today’s students want sustainable campus communities and we help deliver, knowing it helps our clients attract and retain students.”

Sodexo, through its contracted foodservice and facilities management, contributed to the following campuses earning green distinction, including Binghamton University, Colorado College, and Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).

Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Ga., launched a program that diverted 146 tons of food waste from local landfills through composting efforts this year, which moved Georgia Tech much closer to being waste neutral. Sodexo purchased more than $100,000 in local produce this year. GT Dining, the main resident dining hall, began to implement the results of an extensive energy audit. The audit included replacing older equipment with energy-efficient equipment and creating an energy plan to raise awareness and significantly reduce energy consumption. Sodexo is working with Georgia Tech administration, faculty, staff, vendors and students to set priorities to continue to reduce carbon emissions within food services by 26 percent.