An Integrated Approach to Sustainability

Elemental Impact programs take a holographic approach to discovering solutions where all parties, including the environment, benefit.  As Ei's zero waste foundation expands into Toxin-Free Environments and Product Stewardship, health economics is a natural segue to further explore program impact.

According to Wikipedia, health economics is defined as "a branch of economics concerned with issues related to efficiency, effectiveness, value and behavior in the production and consumption of health and health care. In broad terms, health economists study the functioning of the health care systems as well as health-affecting behaviors such as smoking."

Susan Montgomery

Adding health economics to Ei's solid business sense approach is a powerful formula for creating systems where the global community benefits, including the population sector living in impoverished conditions.  Susan Montgomery, Ei program director, is the driving force for the health economics filter within existing and developing programs.

Under Susan's stewardship, Ei plans to work with complementary non-profits and government agencies to determine the health impact and benefits within our program implementation.  Ei will retain the three-tier program foundation structure:

• First, Safety - food, personal, or health safety is maintained or improved.
• Second, Solid business sense - from a holographic standpoint, including tangible and intangible costs | benefits, the end result must improve the bottom line (or least be neutral)  for the individual business and the community as a whole.
• Third, Smooth implementation - business operations may not be disrupted. Thus, program stages and phases let operators implement new procedures with baby steps.

In addition to her excellent organizational skills, Susan has an impressive academic resume. From an educational standpoint, Susan earned a MBA from Boston University with a focus in Environmental Development after her undergraduate studies at Dartmouth College.  Respected among peers in the public health arenas, Susan was a guest lecturer in November, 2011 at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health  in their program on Global Sustainability and Health.

Susan with posters in Zurcih

In July, 2012 two of Susan's poster presentations were selected for display at the European Health Economics Conference, "Progress in Health Economics:  9th European Conference on Health Economics," held at the University of Zurich.  The poster-style articles presented were:

• "Going Local inFood/Energy/Health:  Methods, Measures & Strategies" 
• " In Praise of theMiddle Class: a New Look at the Multiplier Effect"

When not orchestrating Ei's programs, Susan is busy with her own company, Health Comes First!!!, where health | environmental issues are analyzed via a systems-based approach.  Using the "Cousin Industry Analysis" format, three non-related industries  - food, energy and health - are brought together for simultaneous review. The goal is to reduce illness and climate impacts prior to occurrence. 

While bringing a health perspective to Ei initiatives, Susan plans to encourage health economics professionals to integrate sustainability into their platforms.  The tagline to Ei's Sustainable Food Court Initiative, An Integrated Approach to Sustainability, seems to encapsulate Ei's expanded directions.  Thank you Susan for bringing the health perspective to Ei!

Ei Partner Tours Launch in Indy

In February Elemental Impact announced the sponsorship program evolved into a partnership program.  National and global leaders join Ei to work in unison on creating scenarios where sustainable best operating practices are standard practices as they make sound business sense.  
Ei is a creator and incubator for developing programs within the corporate, government and educational communities.  A common phrase in Ei founder Holly Elmore's speaking engagements summarizes the overall driving force in Ei iniatives:

Ei determines what could be done, that is not being done, and gets it done.  Ei brings the possible out of impossible.

The mini-bus was perfect to
maximize time together

With few to no competitors among the Ei Partners, the synergies are tremendous along with an openness to share internal operations and programs.  An added benefit of Ei Partner participation is the strong business potential among partners.  Selling is not permitted within Ei introductions yet relationship development that segues naturally into business transactions is highly encouraged.

In July Heritage Interactive Services hosted fellow Ei Partners in Indianapolis for the first in a series of Ei Partner Tours.  To facilitate transportation, Interactive hired a mini-bus with flexible seating and tables for the group as two of the tour sites were over an hour from Indy. Thanks to Interactive foresight and hospitality, transportation time was filled with productive business including introductions, networking and bonding.

First on the agenda was the Hilex Poly Plastic Film Recycling Plant in North Vernon, the nation's only plastic film-dedicated recycling plant. Located next to one of their bag manufacturing plants, a significant portion of the post-consumer recycled plastic resin pellets have a zero carbon footprint back into the production process.

For an overview of the plastic film recycling process, see the Ei FB album, 07-01-11 Hilex Poly Tour, that supports the ZWA Blog post, Getting a Handle on Plastic Film Recycling.  Last July Ei Partner Simon Property Group toured the plant in preparation of launching a plastic film recycling program for their malls.  The ZWA Blog post, ACTION - Theme for SFCI Shopping Mall Pilot, announces the plastic film recycling pilot at Concord Mills in Charlotte.

Dinner atThe Mesh on Mass

Interactive hosted a fabulous dinner for their Indy guests at The Mesh on Mass in a perfect atmosphere for new friends to further explore their relationship potentials.

The second day started at the Interactive offices where the group once again loaded into the mini-bus for travel to the Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant in Lafayette, about an hour north of Indy. Working in partnership with Interactive, the Subaru plant achieved 99.9% zero waste in their manufacturing facility. Absolutely amazing, impressive are understatements for the systems developed and implemented.  Even the dust in the welding areas is filtered so valuable metal particles may be sold. 

Entrance to Heritage Environmental
Services offices

After a lovely lunch at a local restaurant the group returned to the Interactive offices.  Bob Zetty, Interactive President, gave a tour of their innovative offices.  It was nice to see the well-used recycling bins in their offices and know Interactive walks their talk behind the scenes.  Creativity is integral to Interactive success - a large corner room with window walls along with comfortable chairs and couches serves at the "think tank room" for strategy sessions.

Last on the formal agenda was a tour of Heritage Research Group's Research & Development Lab. Located in an industrial office park, the lab serves as the backbone to The Heritage Group of 27 companies, 2 IPO's and approximately 4,000 employees. Chief Scientist Sibel Selcuk gave the group an in-depth tour of the outstanding facility. Integrity is woven within the foundation of The Heritage Group. The R&D Lab exemplifies the Heritage commitment of resources to ensure services and operations are substantiated with truth down to the molecular level.

The Heritage Team 

With the formal tours complete, the Ei Partners departed Indy impressed and inspired to cultivate the fertile seeds planted throughout the two-days spent together. To keep the momentum building on the first tour series, a sequel  two-day Ei Partner Tour is slated for New York City in October.  

Bob & Amy outside the
mini-bus

THANK YOU to Bob Zetty for the Interactive investment in hosting your fellow partners for two days in your hometown.  THANK YOU Amy Moreland, Interactive Director of Business & Supplier Development, and Ann Germann for your excellent organizational and planning skills - the entire two activity-filled days flowed with ease, grace and FUN!

For a pictorial recap of the Indy Ei Partner Tour, visit the Ei FB album, July, 2012 Ei Partner Tours in Indy,

Integration Key to Sustainability Success

An integrated approach to sustainability is necessary for integrity to prevail in evolved industry operating standards.  Zero waste initiatives are an important first-step and one of the lower hanging fruits within responsible business stewardship.  Material management by its nature works with tangible items that may be seen and easily quantified.

With many Zero Waste Zones Participants moving into recycling refinement, the time is NOW to move into frontiers with Product Stewardship and Toxin-Free Environment focus areas.  The pioneers who took leadership roles necessary to arrive at the "EASY, no-brainer" testimonials for back-of-the-house food residual collection are enthusiastic to embark on new journeys. 

As the focus areas mature, the interweave between zero waste initiatives and other sustainable operating practices will emerge.  The definition of zero waste will expand to include energy and water reduction, elimination of toxins flowing into sewer systems to name a few. Toxins may be perceived as waste sent to water treatment plants for removal.

Anselm @ ELS NRA Show booth

During a June Atlanta visit, EcoLogic Solutions founder Anselm Doering's introduced their innovative cleaning technology to several ZWZ Participants.  The ELS system eliminates toxins inherent within current cleaning systems used to maintain safe operations, especially in kitchens. ELS has a stellar foundation with impressive clients like Whole Foods and received a recent U.S. EPA Award.  The IMPACT Blog post, EcoLogic Solutions Receives EPA Award, congratulates ELS on the award.

Anselm presenting to the ATR tram

During the Atlanta visit Anselm met with Ted's Montana Grill and Affairs to Remember.  In addition to standard kitchen cleaning, ATR h
as a significant laundry operation for their in-house linen service and kitchen cloths.  Assessment is underway to determine how to evolve cleaning systems that make good business sense, including effective cleaning and neutral to improved bottom line impact.

Another focus inherent within toxin removal from cleaning systems is water use reduction. Industrial Steam Cleaning | GreaseBusters' Atlanta operators purchased the local distribution rights for Grease Lock commercial hood system filters that catch 90% of the cooking grease before it reaches the hood.  Thus, water-intensive hood cleaning required via fire safety regulations may be significantly reduced.  Grease Lock pilots are in the formation stage.

commercial kitchen hood system

For the pilots, an independent consultant is engaged to quantify the water savings and reduced toxins going into the sewer system from fewer hood cleanings.  Regulations require regular hood inspections to determine if cleaning is necessary.  A bottom line improvement is anticipated with filter costs more than offset by hood cleaning and water savings.

While in Atlanta, Anselm met with ISC | GB to determine if ELS green cleaning solutions may replace current products used.  In the next few weeks, ISC | GB crews will test ELS solutions in the field to determine their grease removal capabilities and how they compare to current toxic products used.

As with zero waste initiatives, Elemental Impact places food and workplace safety along with solid economics at the foundation for Toxin-Free Environment program development.  It is an honor to work with a network of industry leaders enthusiastic to evolve industry operating practices that make good business sense and benefit the environment.  Stay tuned as the FUN is escalating!

2012 NRA Show - Powerful!

Chris Moyer (NRA) & Ruth
Watts (BASF, Ei Partner)

The 2012 National Restaurant Association Show held at McCormick Place in Chicago was the catalyst for powerful Elemental Impact Partner gatherings, some planned and many spontaneous encounters.  In partnership with the NRA ConSERVE program on the Zero Waste Zones, the Sustainable Food Court Imitative and other focus areas under development, Ei was honored to actively participate in the Show.

In addition to many Ei Partners exhibiting on the Show floor, Ei Chair Scott Seydel orchestrated an educational session moderated by Lily Kelly, Project Manager at Global Green's Coalition for Resource Recovery. The formal session name was Challenging the Value-Chain to Transform Transport Packaging:  Eco-Friendly , Wallet-Friendly Solutions and included a strong focus on the waxed cardboard box dilemma.

Panel @ end of session

Ei Partner Linda Dunn,  HMSHost VP Supply Chain & Analysis, closed the formal session presentations with the foodservice operator's perspective along with an overview of their sustainability commitment. See the ZWA Blog post, Waxed Cardboard Boxes = Landfill Destiny = $$ Lost, for a session overview. 

Ei Partners @ CleanRiver booth

CleanRiver Recycling Solutions' booth served as the Ei central gathering point.  Impressive and spacious, it was a great place to connect and confirm later meeting times. At the opposite aisle end was the NRA ConSERVE booth complete with appreciated tables and seating, perfect for impromptu meetings.  

In the middle of the ConSERVE aisle Ei Partner Ecologic Solutions created a green oasis on the show floor to educate attendees about their toxin-free cleaning systems and products. In the general floor area, Asean | Stalkmarket booth was an excellent venue to educate the show attendees on their compostable foodservice product line.

Anselm Doering @ EcoLogic
Solutions booth

With a multitude of Ei Partners in Chicago for the Show, Matt Hupp of Simon Property Group organized an all-day tour of Gurnee Mills and the Waste Management MRF (materials recovery facility) north of Chicago.  

At day's end, the group convened at a Chicago restaurant for a wonderful dinner where fun and camaraderie intertwined with business chatter among the Ei Partners.  The ZWA Blog post, Simon Property Group @ Sustainability Helm, gives an overview of the tour including details on the Gurnee Mills Goes Green accomplishments.

Wonderful, fun, important and somewhat exhausting are a few words to describe the 2012 NRA Show.  Ei Partners left with plenty of action points and enthusiasm for the 2013 Show.  The Ei FB album, 2012 NRA Show in Chicago, gives a pictorial recap of Ei's Show participation.

Congratulations to the NRA for another successful show!  

Ecologic Solutions Receives EPA Award

Congratulations to Elemental Impact Partner EcoLogic Solutions!  On Friday, April 27 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency honored 26 individuals and organizations across New York for their achievements in protecting the public health and environment with the annual Environmental Quality Awards.  From the EPA press release, EPA Honors New York State Environmental Leaders, here is the specific copy on ELS:

EcoLogic Solutions Inc.Anselm Doering founded EcoLogic Solutions in 2001 after seeing a poster in a New York Thruway rest stop bathroom that bragged about being cleaned with toxic chemicals. Since that day, EcoLogic Solutions’ entire product line, sales and business practices have all been 100-percent focused on sustainability. Most recently, Doering pioneered game-changing Electro-Chemical Activation technology that allows users to make their own all-natural cleaners and disinfectants using only tap water, salt and electricity. EcoLogic Solutions continues to lead the way in all-natural, plant-based cleaning chemicals and technologies for offices, schools, hotels, hospitals and more.

“We are humbled by this award, and hugely appreciative of the E.P.A. for shining a ‘green light’ on the many people who make New York a healthier, more sustainable place,” said ELS CEO Anselm Doering. “In truth, the real honor should go to our customers -- the chefs and janitors and maintenance supervisors who have decided to clean without compromising human health or the environment.”

At the center of the ELS’s sustainability efforts is their ECA (Electro-Chemical Activation) technology, which takes tap water, adds salt, and then passes the brine solution through low-dose electrolyzing chambers that split the liquid into a sodium hydroxide formula (eWater) for all-purpose cleaning and a hypochlorous acid mixture (SANeWater) for sanitizing and disinfecting.

Ei Partners Scotto Seydel
& Anselm @ Annual mtg

A certified B-Corporation, ELS's customer base reflects the integrity of their products and includes Whole Foods Market, Chipotle, conEdison, NBCUniversal, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, and the Statue of Liberty.


For additional information on the prestigious award and ELS, read the official award press release, EcoLogic Solutions Wins Highest EPA Award. 


ELS joined the Ei Partner Team in December, 2011 and is co-chair of the soon to-be-announced Toxic-Free Environment Focus.  The IMPACT Blog post, New Sponsor | New Ei Focus, gives an overview of ELS.


What an honor to call EcoLogic Solutions, an award-winning industry pioneer, our partner!  

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.