How to Grow a Sustainability Program on a Shoestring Budget

Are you looking to start a sustainability program, or perhaps you have one that feels stale? It may seem daunting in this economic climate, with businesses feeling the pressure to do more with less. Luckily, sustainability viewed through the lens of cost avoidance and viewing waste as an opportunity will greatly help the situation.

Communication is the key to the longevity of any waste reduction program- learn to listen to the needs of the employees and serve them. Promote the results and replicate them. Continuous audits, data reporting and training are critical for establishing a baseline while promoting successful outcomes in an upward, goal-driven trajectory.

The core principles of a successful sustainability program will benefit the bottom line while enhancing community benefit, employee morale and reducing environmental impacts.

Attendees can expect to learn the following:

1. Learn the benefits of the three types of waste audits

2. The 5 make or break factors to creating a new recycling program

3. How to enhance sustainability during a downturn in recycling markets

Tyler Weaver is the Coordinator for Sustainability & Waste Management Programs at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.  Tyler's sustainability path began at the mere age of six, when he climbed into his first dumpster. Why were people throwing away perfectly good stuff? His curiosity led him into the healthcare industry, which has some of the most intricate and complicated waste streams on earth. Teaching and motivating others to perceive waste differently is what keeps him ticking. His latest interest has been increasing reuse and donating to local community organizations in need, all while pushing for further waste reduction.