Synergis
 
Newsletter
Winter  2011
In This Issue
Bigelow Tea "Trash Hippies" Exceed Waste Reduction Goal
The Garbage/Global Warming Connection
How do we increase participation in our recycling program?
 Synergis News 

Synergis contracted on LEED project to recycle 80,000 sf of carpet and raised flooring.

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Synergis signs agreement with Colliers International to manage garbage and recycling services at The Shops at Waterford.

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Synergis increased recycling by 75% at Reckson/SL Green office property in NY Metro area.

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Dear Friends:

Welcome to winter! While many of us are trying to staying warm, we're using the same theme for this edition of our newsletter. We have a great waste reduction success story from the folks at Bigelow Tea, information to help you make the connection between garbage and global warming, and tips on warming up (improving) your facility's recycling program. Feel free to send in questions or comments and forward to anyone who may be interested in facility waste reduction and recycling. Thanks for taking a look!

Neil Cutler
President

Company Spotlight:
Bigelow Tea "Trash Hippies" Exceed Waste Reduction Goal 

Bigelow Tea's Boise, Idaho facility set a goal of reducing garbage by 30%, and ended up achieving a 40% reduction in their waste, recycling 57,700 pounds of material that used to go to the landfill. Included in their recycling success are 23,000 pounds of paper, 18,000 pounds of cardboard and wire material cores, 12,000 pounds of brown paper bags, and 4,700 pounds of plastic wrap! They also use washable plates and utensils in their lunchroom. They even converted from disposable batteries to rechargeable, and eliminated paper checks through electronic payments. Go Bigelow Trash Hippies!

 

The Garbage/Global Warming Connection  

What is the connection between garbage and global warming? If you've ever driven past a landfill, the odor that permeates the air is methane, a rather potent greenhouse gas, which contributes to global warming. Methane and other greenhouse gases are created in a landfill when organic materials (food and plant materials) are rotting. But that's not the only way our garbage adds to global warming. Every product we use involves some combination of raw materials, processing, manufacturing, transportation, and/or packaging. Each of these steps uses energy, and most energy sources (burning coal, oil, or natural gas) generate greenhouse gases. Approximately 42% of all greenhouse gases in the U.S. are generated by the production of materials and food! So, one of the best ways to reduce greenhouse gases is to reduce what we consume!

 

To learn more about opportunities for reducing waste and greenhouse gases, click here.

Question Corner:
How do we increase participation in our recycling program?

Over time, you may notice that your recycling program is losing steam. Recycling programs need to be reviewed and reinvigorated periodically, at least once a year. What should you look for? Problem areas, such as recyclable items going into the garbage, lack of recycling bins, and missing labels on bins. Also check if employees and custodians fully understand the program. See if there are more items you can include in your program. Be sure to notify everyone about the improvements you have made, and remember to congratulate them on what they have accomplished so far!  


To learn more, click here.