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One unique component of Harmons recycling program is their closed-loop "cardboard to brown bag" system. All of the cardboard packaging from incoming stock is returned to the same mill and turned into brown paper bags. These brown paper bags are then in turn recycled at this same mill and turned into cardboard. This sort of unique and progressive thinking is making a difference. Harmons recently commissioned the Environmental Performance Group (EPG) to conduct an audit of its ecological impact, and the results were impressive - a 19% overall reduction in impact.
"We're pleased to find that our current recycling efforts are making a difference, but we know there is much more we can do," says Bob Harmon, vice president for the customer at Harmons. "We're committed to reducing our environmental impact further."
Momentum Recycling has been working with Harmons in a pilot program at its Brickyard store and its Floral Distribution Center, in an effort to establish best practices for mixed recyclables and green waste recycling.
The results of this pilot program have been impressive. Over 70 tons of green waste from these two locations has been diverted from the landfill over the last eight months. This diversion has resulted in savings of about $150.00 per month on waste hauling services. Our regular diversion reports show this progress in tangible form, and provide suggestions for continued improvement. In addition, Momentum has helped management educate customers, has participated in Harmons green events, and has provided custom training to increase employees' knowledge of recycling.
"Momentum Recycling has been a major help in moving us forward in our efforts to become more sustainable," says Jensen. "With Momentum's help, we've been able to double our landfill diversion rates from last year."
At Momentum, we're honored to be a part of the ambitious efforts Harmons is undertaking. We applaud them for their leadership, and look forward to a long and eco-friendly relationship. If you or anyone you know would value the same sort of partnership, please let us know!
End-User Profile
American Specialty Glass
In 2001, American Specialty Glass (ASG Glass) started recycling bottles and windows for the terrazzo industry. Since then, ASG Glass has expanded its product offerings and capabilities to include:terrazzo, landscaping, fire pits, aquarium material, countertops, and other custom products. ASG Glass is located in North Salt Lake, and operates several glass-melting furnaces and colors the glass with their proprietary methods and formulations. ASG Glass manufactures all of its products from recycled material, such as the glass provided by Momentum Recycling.
At Momentum, we believe strongly in reusing the recycled material we collect within our own community whenever possible. ASG Glass allows us to do just that, and they have been a tremendous partner. ASG Glass sells directly to consumers, as well as through distribution channels. If you're considering a project that involves these sorts of products, consider ASG Glass; it will help perpetuate the recycling of glass in our community.
For more on American Specialty Glass, check out their website at: www.americanspecialtyglass.com.
The Numbers
Measuring Our Collective Impact
At Momentum, we measure success in terms of diversion rates. The more waste we divert away from landfills, the greater difference our customers are making. Here are our diversion numbers for the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009:
| Material: |
Total Weight (Q4 2008): |
Total Weight (Q1 2009): |
| Mixed Recyclables |
43,567 lbs. |
52,100 lbs. |
| Glass |
27,000 lbs. |
24,600 lbs. |
| Green Waste |
97,470 lbs. |
100,360 lbs. |
In the Community
Recent Outreach and Involvement
As a mission-driven company, one of our founding principles has been to build awareness of, and commitment to, recycling and other sustainability measures among clients and the greater community. Below you’ll find some recent examples of our work in this area:
- Utah Moms for Clean Air: In March, Momentum Recycling donated glass and mixed recyclable collection services for the "Red Party", a fundraiser held at Ricos Restaurant to support the local non-profit Utah Moms for Clean Air.
- e2 Business Program Training: In early January, Momentum Recycling conducted a short seminar on recycling and reducing waste in the workplace for members of the Salt Lake City’s Environmentally and Economically sustainable (e2) business program.
- Harmons "Go Green for Kids": Momentum Recycling participated in a fundraiser to benefit local schools and help educate the public on why it is important to recycle and what is and isn’t recyclable.
- Salt Lake School District Consulting: Momentum Recycling conducted an in depth study of Beacon Heights Elementary School to identify best practices and recommendations around recycling and waste reduction that can be applied to other schools in the district.
- Rowland Hall - St. Mark's School Consulting: Momentum Recycling is working with high school students at RHSM to conduct a comprehensive paper audit of the school. Through a survey and waste composition analysis Momentum will work with the students to develop concrete recommendations for the Board of Directors to reduce paper waste and increase recycling.
- Local News Coverage: Organization that undertake green initiatives continue to generate positive publicity and public recognition. Part of our goal at Momentum is to help our clients get recognized for the good work they are doing. Recently, Momentum clients Harmons and Whole Foods have seen a range of local coverage on their commitment to recycling:
- Educational Programs for Clients: As part of our basic customer service, Momentum conducts free "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Educational Seminars" for all new clients. In the past quarter, we've conducted over a dozen of these seminars, helping businesses and their employees understand more clearly how to maximize their diversion rates.
- Cross Fertilization between Clients and End-Users: Momentum has also been facilitating opportunities for our clients and the end users of recyclable materials to meet. In these events, the two groups learn about each other and exchange ideas on recycling and other sustainability measures.
- During the last quarter, American Specialty Glass (ASG) invited Momentum clients to participate in a tour of their facility to learn about destination for brown glass. Momentum clients and community activists learned how ASG transforms the glass into a component to be used in terrazzo flooring and landscaping applications.
- Momentum Recycling also facilitated a tour of 3form for clients. A Momentum client, 3form was founded in 1991 with a vision to create design-driven materials with an unyielding commitment to environmental responsibility. During the tour, 3form's Erika Brown spoke about the company’s sustainability initiatives and the efforts they have taken to decrease their ecological footprint.
- During the next quarter, Momentum Recycling will be offering more tours of other end users’ facilities, as well as tours of client facilities. Stay tuned for more information on places & dates!
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