ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENT
Innovation Drives Success In Environmental Leadership
Compiled by Diane C . Walsh Editor , COMMERCE
As we enjoy the first bright sunny days of spring and prepare for Earth Day celebrations , the beauty and grandeur of our environment is on display . COMMERCE Magazine dedicates its April issue to the environment and in this feature , we want to highlight the leadership taken by many members of the environmental industry and higher education to protect and preserve our land , water and air .
Extraordinary efforts and innovative technologies are discussed in the accounts shared here . Many of the stories describe in-depth the steps required for successful brownfield reclamation , energy conservation , recycling or site remediation . Companies proudly detailed their projects and , in some instances , work done for clients . Executives are also singled out at some firms for the unique leadership they have shown . The Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey is honoring these companies at an environmental leadership breakfast later this month .
AnythingIt David Bernstein President
AnythingIT is an environmental steward through dedicated e-waste certifications and best practices . As a U . S . government contractor and vendor of Fortune 1000 enterprise IT organizations , we prioritize responsible re-use and recycling management of hundreds of millions of pounds of electronic waste . Our certifications require us to operate at the highest levels implementing stringent practices ensuring proper disposal and recycling of electronic devices . Adhering to industry standards and employing eco-friendly methods , we reduce the environmental impact of e-waste , preventing harmful substances from being illegally dumped or exported which can lead to contamination into the environment soil and water .
Our commitment reflects a proactive approach to environmental stewardship , setting a commendable example for other organizations . Additionally , by integrating ESG ( Environmental , Social , and Governance ) reporting into our reporting , AnythingIT demonstrates transparency and accountability in their sustainability efforts giving its customers valuable tools promoting the positive impact on the environment by utilizing AnythingIT services .
Bergen Community College Eric M . Friedman , Ph . D President
Bergen Community College has embraced environmental stewardship and a commitment to sustainability by cultivating a culture driven by innovation and progress . Leadership by President Eric M . Friedman , Ph . D ., and Professor PJ Ricatto , Ph . D ., play a pivotal role in steering these efforts , fostering a community-wide dedication to environmental responsibility . These leaders stand as champions for reducing greenhouse gasses by encouraging recycling initiatives , composting campus-wide and leveraging $ 5.5 million in USDA grants .
The federal grants have allowed the college to link the STEM and culinary programs to create hydroponic / vertical farming techniques . Learning opportunities through the grant remain available to students at no additional charge as an Open Educational Resource .
Bergen Habitat for Humanity Teri Capparelli Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County promotes sustainability in its green building practices by using recycled paint in home construction , providing solar adaptability as well as roof fortification and green insulation procedures . These practices encourage the use of materials with a lower environmental footprint .
Reduce , Reuse and Recycle defines the workings of the Bergen ReStore . We sell gently used furniture , home goods and building supplies which works to minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills and contributes to the conservation of natural resources . The ReStore has diverted over 270 tons of garbage from landfills . In addition , the Habitat “ Cars 4 Homes ” program is a recycle and reuse initiative for old cars . The executive director speaks to high schools and the community about the Reduce , Reuse and Recycle portion of Habitat Bergen ’ s model and the need for building green as well as to confirm the need for recycling household items by donating to the Bergen Restore .
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Deborah D . Visconi President & CEO
PJ Ricatto PhD shown with The Rocket , the Bergen Community College Composter
This year the Medical Center highlights its effort in waste reduction and recycling . The Medical Center ’ s senior leadership from the Food and Nutrition Team engaged with the hospital ’ s food vendor Sodexo to analyze how best to eliminate food waste throughout the facility . The two primary areas of focus were the kitchen where the food is cooked as well as the tray line where meals are assembled for delivery to both patients and residents .
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