Big Facts in a Little Book - 2012 Update

Each year the National Restaurant Association produces a pocket factbook that details the important role restaurants play in our lives and the economy.  Along with the standard facts, 970,000 restaurant locations produce $632 billion in sales, the 2012 book includes interesting anecdotes on technology advances and industry trends impact.  The IMPACT Blog post, BIG Facts in a Little Book, gives an overview of the 2011 pocket factbook.


If quickservice restaurants offered self-service ordering terminals, 41% of adults would likely use the system. Twitter, Facebook and other social  media have strong influence over decisions to dine at a new restaurant - 28% of adults use cyberspace recommendations for first-time restaurant visits.  With an increased focus on nutrition, 36% of adults have used the internet to search for nutritional information about restaurant food.


The above facts show technology plays a strong role in the industry's customer interactions.  In many instances, utilizing technology reduces paper and other waste generated along with increasing operational efficiency.   Electronic customer communication methods are often more effective, less expensive AND prevent paper use | waste generation.

Chef Ahmad of Affairs to Remember
at his herb garden in front of their
offices.

According to the factbook, 72% of adults are more likely to visit a restaurant that offers locally-produced food items.  Consumer and industry demand for local and regional products is instrumental in revitalizing the small farm system. Urban agriculture programs are included in most city sustainability plans and chefs are planting herb and vegetable gardens in the nooks and crannies available at their restaurant or facility.


Employing 12.9 million individuals in the U.S., the restaurant industry is vital to our economy and provides an educational platform to reach a significant portion of the population.  Through their ConSERVE, Solutions for Sustainability, program, the NRA is committed to educating the nation's second largest private sector industry on the significant role sustainability and social responsibility play in successful operations.  


Elemental Impact and the Zero Waste Zones are honored to work in partnership with the NRA.  

Global Green Hosts NOLA Rebuilding Tour

On March 01, 2012 the New Orleans Global Green office hosted an amazing tour of the Rebuilding of NOLA subsequent to the devastation brought in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. Beginning at their Green Building Resource Center, tour leader Linda Morgano, Global Green Program Associate, gave an excellent recap of the hurricane-related flooding, including why some areas experienced more tragedy than others. The overview focused on rebuilding efforts in place by Global Green and other partner organizations including government agencies.

Musicians' Village home

First on the tour list was Habitat for Humanity's Musician's Village where Harry Connick, Jr and Branford Marsalis were instrumental in bringing the project to fruition. The colorful, neat houses are indicative of the artists who call the neighborhood home.

On to the Lower Ninth Ward to the Make It Right project spearheaded by Brad Pitt among others. Much more than lending his name and presence for fund-raising, Pitt was one of the judges who selected twelve winning architectural designs for the energy efficient, eco-friendly homes. Common Ground Relief also calls the neighborhood home and provides a broad range of services along with a wetlands restoration station.

Holy Cross Project Welcome Center
Picture courtesy of Global Green 

With her office in the amazing Visitor Center, similar to a model home. Linda oversees Global Green's Holy Cross Project  The showcase home gets 100% of its electricity needs from the Sun, including air conditioning in the NOLA steamy summer, and is 73% more efficient than a typical household. Throughout the center are plaques detailing the home's eco-sound building materials and|or methods.

The Bayou Bienvenue restoration program was the next to last stop. For those living on more solid ground, it was fascinating to learn about the imperative role wetlands and bayous play in Delta regions. Urbanization destroyed many of these critical areas and it is heartening to witness the care taken in areas like the Bayou Bienvenue.

As an excellent NOLA steward, Linda ensured the tour finale was a French Quarter visit complete with Cafe Du Monde beignets.

The NOLA tour group

Thank you to Linda and the Global Green NOLA office for taking the time to educate the tour group on your important work. Lily Kelly with Global Green's NYC office joined the tour and tied in the NOLA rebuilding to the following day's NOLA Resource Recovery Conference.

For a pictorial recap of the tour, visit the Elemental Impact FB album, 03-01-12 Global Green's NOLA Rebuilding Tour.

With organizations like Global Green bringing together national | global synergies directed towards resource recovery and rebuilding, a promising energy permeates the potentials inherent within humanity.

Ei Sponsor Program Evolves to Partner Program

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

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 of the 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

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

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

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.