All About Waste

What an unforgettable week! I’ve gained an incredible amount of knowledge—equivalent to what you’d learn in a year-long university course. This experience gave me deep insights into operations, construction, logistics, aviation, rental car services, design, manufacturing, people, and of course, waste management. A heartfelt thank you to San Francisco International Airport for this invaluable opportunity. I am truly honored to have learned from the best. The level of excellence I witnessed—from the cleanliness and curated art to the friendly staff and beautifully maintained landscapes—is nothing short of inspiring. Special appreciation goes to Briana Zhen, Matthew Pucci, Evelyn Amara Gabriele R. for your patience, the laughter, and everything you shared with us. You even had us walking over 100,000 steps in one week! These memories and lessons will stay with me for a lifetime. Working with clients like SFO makes the entire process so much more enjoyable, fun, and seamless. The passion and teamwork displayed by everyone involved truly make these projects rewarding. SFO stands as a global leader not only in its operations but also in its cutting-edge waste management initiatives. I am confident that you’re well on your way to achieving your zero waste goals. I’ve traveled through many airports, but SFO has set a new benchmark for me. Thank you again to the entire team for the incredible work you’re doing and for making SFO such an extraordinary place! #circulareconomy #SFO #sustainability #zerowaste #peoplepower #sustainableairport #wellness #airport #wastemanagement #AllAboutWaste #logistics #airfreight #sustainableoperations

All About Waste is proud to work on the 1st public building to achieve #TRUE for construction worldwide! Thank you Contra Costa County and Vanir Construction for giving us the opportunity in 2020 when only few people were thinking of zero-waste and circularity for the design and construction for large scale projects! Our team implemented a comprehensive zero-waste strategies that included: ♻️ Waste Audits: Conducted detailed assessments and characterizations to identify waste reduction opportunities. 🔄 Circular Economy Practices: Developed systems for reusing. Including existing marble, granite, wood panels, furniture, concrete and many other materials.  🌍  Educational programs: Provided hands-on training for staff to ensure long-term environmental stewardship. 📊 Data-Driven Insights: Leveraged advanced analytics to track waste metrics and measure impact. Impressive Achievements: - Diverted 10,346+ tons of waste from landfill - Saved $27,711+ through reuse initiatives - Reduced 8,504 MT of greenhouse gas emissions - Saved 536 kg CO2e by reusing salvaged materials - Achieved 95.07% overall waste diversion - Earned TRUE for Construction - Gold Certification The results? The Contra Costa County Administrative Building set a new standard for public construction, significantly reducing its waste footprint and contributing to a greener future. 🌍🏢 Thank you to Cymbre Potter, AIA, CCM, LEED AP and Santiago Harris from Vanir, Margaret Thorp, @Eric from Contra Costa County, Gabriele R. from All About Waste, Sarah Rege from Webcor, and Dalton Ho from Perkins&Will for their outstanding project with several innovative zero waste actions! Let's continue to innovate and make a positive impact together! #Sustainability #ZeroWaste #CircularEconomy #WasteManagement #GreenInitiatives #AllAboutWaste

🔍 Demystifying Waste: Sector-based Solutions for Arenas, Entertainment & Convention Centers 🔍 Whether it's a rocking music festival, an intense sports event, a popular museum exhibit, or a massive multi-day trade show, venues hosting these gatherings face significant waste generation challenges, including producing significant waste in a short amount of time, often resulting in high rates of landfill disposal... 🗑️ Special events generate about 2.5 pounds of waste per person each day.   🏈 A professional football/soccer stadium can generate over 200,000 lbs of waste per game.   🎤 U.S. music festivals produced 53,000 tons of waste in 2019. However, the potential for change is tremendous. Adopting cutting-edge waste diversion strategies at stadiums, entertainment venues, and convention centers can be a game-changer, with immense potential to create a positive impact. ⭐ With their high foot traffic, these venues can influence behaviors across diverse socio-economic, racial, and age groups.  ⭐ Waste is a tangible issue that guests can directly experience, making it a focal point for event hosts globally.  ⭐ Emissions from waste are significant in this sector, and zero waste solutions are among the fastest ways to achieve substantial carbon emissions reductions. At All About Waste, we adhere to the Zero Waste Hierarchy. Our Zero Waste Framework allows us to identify opportunities and challenges at each step of the waste journey. While each facility has its unique challenges, the solutions listed below are generally applicable across this sector. Our solutions for this sector include: 1️⃣ Strategy: Developing zero waste roadmaps and implementation action plans to guide waste reduction efforts. 2️⃣ Supply Chain & Purchasing: Optimizing reusable or compostable materials within the facility. 3️⃣ Upstream Infrastructure: Designing effective waste collection systems with clear signage. 4️⃣ Total Participation: Training vendors and staff for proper waste sorting and operations. 5️⃣ Downstream Infrastructure: Right-sizing equipment to optimize waste handling. 6️⃣ Waste Handling: Adjusting hauler contracts and implementing take-back programs for economic savings. 7️⃣ Data Management & Verification: Utilizing smart technology for accurate waste data, conducting waste audits, and pursuing third-party assured certifications. 🔗 Interested in learning more? Detailed list of solutions can be found on our blog post: https://lnkd.in/evstCKDn #ZeroWaste #WasteManagement #Sustainability #AllAboutWaste #GreenVenues #LargeVenues #EnvironmentalImpact #CircularEconomy #Stadiums #ConventionCenters #TradeShows #MusicFestivals #SportsArenas #Retail #Museums #Events #Festivals #Venues #Concerts #GreenEvents #Arenas #LEED #TRUE U.S. Green Building Council Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) TRUE Certification for Zero Waste

🌊 World Oceans Day: A Call to Action from All About Waste 🌊 As we approach World Oceans Day on Saturday, June 8th, we at All About Waste want to shine a light on the critical issue of waste generation and its impact on the health of our oceans. Our oceans are a vital part of our planet’s ecosystem, providing us with oxygen, regulating our climate, and supporting marine life. Yet, every year, millions of tons of waste end up in the ocean, threatening marine life and disrupting the natural balance. At All About Waste, we are committed to creating sustainable waste management solutions that reduce waste generation and promote a circular economy. By minimizing waste and maximizing recycling and reuse, we can all play a part in protecting our oceans. This World Oceans Day, let’s commit to: ❌ Reducing single-use plastics 🗑️ Properly disposing of waste 🐟 Supporting policies that protect marine environments 📖 Educating ourselves and others about the impact of waste on our oceans Join us in our mission to make a positive impact. Together, we can ensure that our oceans remain vibrant and healthy for generations to come. 🔗 Click the link here to our blog post which includes more background on the ocean waste crisis, specific ways in which we can get support the oceans as individuals, and links to organizations that are working to address the health of our oceans: https://lnkd.in/gB_CABiD  Happy World Oceans Day! 🌍💙 #WorldOceansDay #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #WasteManagement #AllAboutWaste #ProtectOurOceans #MarineConservation #ZeroWaste

🔄 EVENT RECAP: The All About Waste team, led by our Co-Founder, CEO & President Denise Braun, and Project Manager Nicole Seyle, had the privilege of attending the California Green Building Conference last week at The Beehive (SoLa Impact) in Los Angeles. Here are some highlights and insights we wanted to share! Denise spoke on a panel titled "Advancing Deconstruction and Materials Reuse in the Built Environment," alongside esteemed panelists Holhaus (Michelle Lockert) GPRO, WELL AP from Holhaus LL, Greg Roth from CarbonShack Design, Kathryn Soter from Good Future Design Alliance (GFDA), and Jennifer Wehling from HMC Architects. The session provided valuable insights, including: 🏗️ Exploring how materials from existing buildings, even those not traditionally considered "beautiful," such as steel bars from a jail, can be repurposed and add value to projects. 🚧 Discussing the challenges of storing materials between deconstruction and reuse phases, and innovative solutions like utilizing existing, unused buildings to save on storage costs. A huge thank you to Heidi Creighton, FAIA for moderating and inviting Denise to the #CollectiveImpact stage. Other highlighted speakers of this forum included Greg Roth from CarbonShack Design, Rob Thiess from CARPET AMERICA RECOVERY EFFORT (CARE), Kanika Sharma from Introba, Tina Giorgadze from Perkins&Will, and Luke Lombardi from Buro Happold. We learned from Rob Thiess that less than 10% of the carpet in America is “recycled” into new carpet, whereas most of the “recycled” carpet is used for autoparts.  Another informative session we attended was titled “Bringing Together Film, TV, Music and Sports to Address the Entertainment Industry’s Green Workforce” featuring panelists:  Matt Adler from Green Sports Alliance, Adam Ereth from Ereth Environmental, Zena Harris from Green Spark Environmental Group, and Kadamia H. from AEG. 🎷 With Los Angeles being the Entertainment Capital and home to numerous large sports and concert venues, the discussion focused on how these spaces can lead the way in sustainability initiatives. 🎬  Emphasizing the importance of Sustainable Production for Entertainment Certification (SPEC) and engaging all stakeholders, from executives to celebrities and athletes, in promoting sustainability in the entertainment industry. Thank you to the USGBC California, Ben Stapleton, event organizers and participants for a truly inspiring and informative gathering! We commend the conference and venue for their implementation of r.World | Reuse, ensuring a zero waste experience! 🔗 For more event pictures, please access this link: https://lnkd.in/e7BUm-jp #CAConference #CAGreenBuildingConference #USGBCCalifornia U.S. Green Building Council Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) USGBC California #ZeroWaste 

🔄 EVENT RECAP: Gabriele R., Project Manager at All About Waste, moderated a panel at #Circularity24 alongside Aina Gutierrez from Rebuilding Exchange, Anthony Daniel Tindall from Cook County Government, and Valentina Rappa, E.I.T. from Rheaply.  The dynamic conversation, titled “Keeping the Built Environment out of the Landfill,” was full of valuable insights. Here are some highlights:  The session was full of great insights, and All About Waste has brought some of them here: 📢 "Reuse is not recycling; reuse is reuse!" - Aina emphasized this crucial point, engaging everyone from the back of the room to the front. Reuse is a top priority in the zero waste hierarchy. If we can reuse something before recycling it, we should! 🏢 According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, there’s a $1 trillion economic opportunity in the built environment through circular economy solutions. However, the sector still faces challenges in prioritizing deconstruction over demolition and finding efficient ways to store building products until they are reused. 🤝 Strengthening partnerships between NGOs, the private sector, and the public sector is vital for advancing sustainable waste management goals. Aina shared insights from her experience in bidding processes, where cost considerations often favor demolition over deconstruction. Valentina highlighted Rheaply's technology and services that support both public and private sectors in this journey. Anthony discussed the importance of these partnerships, addressing the public sector’s dynamics, challenges, and opportunities for change. 🔜 Looking to the future, Valentina mentioned Rheaply’s exciting pilot projects with organizations across various regions and scales. Aina expressed hope that the industry will prioritize reuse and recognize its positive environmental and community impacts. Anthony discussed the excitement of expanding recycling and non-traditional infrastructure projects around the County, such as repair cafes, tool libraries, material exchanges, and new reuse centers. "#Circularity24 provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with leaders focused on changing the industry’s modus operandi! It was a pleasure to moderate and witness the construction sector demonstrating its potential for circularity. The future is already here, and it’s circular." - Gabriele Rosa. Thank you, GreenBiz Group and James Darius Ball, for this amazing event! We look forward to seeing our partners and clients again next year! 

'Women in Circularity' series features Denise Braun, our co-founder and president! Denise is making significant strides in sustainability, with over 20 years of expertise in green buildings and zero waste. Denise's work emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and strategic planning to enhance waste management systems and reduce costs and carbon. All About Waste is renowned for its comprehensive approach, focusing on minimizing waste and maximizing material and resource efficiency. Denise’s dedication to circular economy principles showcases her leadership in transforming waste management, emphasizing #reduction and #reuse strategies. Her efforts contribute to #circularity and inspire professionals in the sustainability industry. Denise's story highlights the critical role of women in driving #innovation, #perseverance, and #creativity for all types of industries and locations around the world. Her commitment and expertise pave the way for a more long-lasting, sustainable future. Read more about her impactful work and insights into the future of waste management in the full article on Resource Recycling's website. A special acknowledgment to MaryEllen Etienne, LEED GA, TRUE Advisor for crafting this inspiring piece. Your work continues to highlight the impactful stories in our industry.  🔗Read more about her impactful work and insights into the future of waste management in the full article: https://lnkd.in/ebRS7CeZ  #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #ZeroWaste #WomenInLeadership

It's conference season! Earlier this month, I had a great time attending and speaking at International Living Future Institute's #LivingFuture2024 in Atlanta. This week, the team is at GreenBiz Group's #Circularity2024 in our hometown (and objectively the best US city during summer) CHICAGO! Things to watch for this week Rheaply CEO and CoFounder, Garry Cooper during the Keynote today at 1:30pm CST! TONIGHT @ 6pm, we're hosting a happy hour at the historic Glessner House with our friends Ellen MacArthur Foundation, NextCycle Michigan, The Furniture X-Change and Mycocycle, Inc. RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/gtpVuzsK Tomorrow, former Rheaples ™️ Garr Punnett and Eszter Csicsai have breakout sessions at 9am and 4:30pm respectively. At 1:30pm Rheaply's Valentina Rappa, E.I.T. has a panel on Keeping the Built Environment out of the Landfill with fellow reuse heroes from All About Waste, Rebuilding Exchange and King County, WA. #circulareconomy #reuse #builtenvironment (📸 pictures from Living Future '24)

We are delighted to announce that our Co-Founder, CEO, and President, Denise Braun, will be speaking as part of the “Collective Impact” series during the California Green Building Conference! The Collective Impact series features 10-minute presentations highlighting your impact in the green building world. Denise will present on 'Zero Waste, Maximum Impact: Genesis Marina's Trailblazing Construction Story.' Genesis Marina is the first construction in the world to be TRUE certified, leading the market in #zerowaste and #circulareconomy initiatives within the construction industry. We were thrilled to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony with the project team last week! Congratulations to Webcor, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and the entire team on becoming the first TRUE certified construction project in the world! Join us for this insightful discussion on Thursday, May 23rd at 11:00 am PST! We invite you to spend the day with us, connecting with fellow members of the USGBC California community. 🔗 Register now at usgbc.ca/Conference24. #CAConference #CAGreenBuildingConference #USGBCCalifornia  U.S. Green Building Council Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) TRUE Certification for Zero Waste  Sarah Rege, Kavita Karmarkar, Miranda Nowlen, Gabriele R., Stephanie Hallinan,  Stephanie Barger, Megan White.

NEW BLOG! ➡️➡️➡️ Keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of waste legislation can be daunting. Here at All About Waste, our goal is to help you understand the big changes that occur and what you might need to do to ensure you are in compliance. 🥗🍌🍊🍗 DID YOU KNOW? One of those big changes in the state of California is Senate Bill 1383 = Statewide Composting Mandate! Tap the link below and read the full article!  🔗 https://lnkd.in/eB75J8fR #BlogPost #MustRead #WasteLegislation #California