LGE Social and Environmental Outcomes for 2018
Waste Minimization
Reduced plastic use in customer binders with recycled pressboard from locally sourced
manufacturer; [1]Resulted in a reduction of PVC plastics by .5 lbs/binder X 100 binders
or 50 lbs of vinyl PVC reduced.
Eliminated use of plastic dishware and silverware for all trainings by using hard plates,
silverware; [2]Resulted in a reduction of plastics by .0275 pounds/silverware setting by 100
sets/5 day training by 4 trainings in 2018 or 11 lbs of plastic reduced.
Reduced food waste by verifying that all food is eaten or donated to local organizations
serving food-
insecure people; [3]Resulted in one pound of food/day/participant by 100 people in 2018
or 100 lbs of food reduced.
Reused and recycled white flip chart paper, post-its, and notepaper used in JOFC training by
engaging participants and Lowell Center and providing dedicated bin. [4]Resulted in 3.06 lbs/flip
chart pad by 4 pads per class times 4 classes in 2018 or 50 lbs of paper and pressboard reduced.
Energy Minimization
Reduced carbon by requesting teachers, students bike or walk to and from the venue; [5]Resulted in 50 people (out of 100) not commuting by car, which is .250 Kg/kilometer offset by average commute of 32 miles (51.5 kilometers) roundtrip or 644 Kilograms or 1420 lbs of carbon reduced. (Lowell center venue located in central Madison area for ease of access for all participants; out of town participants stay in conference center during workshop thus reducing trips via car)
Sustainable and Healthy Food Choices
- Provided vegetarian options and healthy food choices for meals and snacks served at trainings;
- Accommodation provided for special food options such as gluten-free and 16 other dietary needs.
Supplier Education on Environmental, Health Awareness
- Educated host facility and staff on the importance of food waste, composting, and use of hard dishes, and silverware;
- Educated host facility on air quality issues in the conference room, leading to an HVAC inspection.
Customer Education on Environmental, Health Awareness
- Educated customers on meditation, stress reduction, healthy food choices and exercise (including riding bikes to venue) as part of JOFC training.
Community Impact
- Completed 4 community cases per year; positively impacting low income, people of color, elderly, and other disadvantaged populations in Dane County. Resulted in increased social ties, equity, and empowerment of vulnerable persons.
[1] Source: www.nakedbinder.com/Articles.asp?ID=272
[2]https://www.reddit.com/r/theydidthemath/comments/5oz43m/request_how_many_pounds_of_plastic_silverware_is/
[3] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/18/americans-waste-food-fruit-vegetables-study
[4] https://www.officedepot.com/a/products/618017/Post-it-Super-Sticky-Easel-Pad/
[5] https://bikeportland.org/2011/12/12/new-study-compares-bicyclings-co2-emissions-to-other-modes-63536