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2017 Progress Report

What we said we'd do. . . What we did. . . Status
Zero Waste Infrastructure
In 2017, conduct waste characterization studies to quantify incremental food scrap diversion through the use of compostable packaging for at least three different operator types Partnered with Eco-Cycle and the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business to conduct studies at three types of food operations. The study began in the fall of 2017 with two operator types and will be complete by the summer of 2018. Started but incomplete
By 2018, support establishing a baseline of the U.S. population with access to composting compostable foodservice packaging Supported an industry study that cataloged accepted feedstocks at composting facilities around the country. In Progress
By 2020, play an active role in the successful expansion of access to commercial composting of foodservice packaging in at least three communities Strengthened existing relationships and created new connections with multiple communities to better understand the challenges that they face and identify where we can assist. In Progress
Zero Waste Operators
In 2017, develop a baseline of our waste diverting customers and establish a mechanism for identifying and tracking them going forward Began creating a database that combines customer data with information on composters and waste diversion legislation. We hope to have the tool operational by mid-2018. Started but incomplete
In 2017, help at least nine foodservice operators implement a front-of-house Zero Waste program (i.e., one per sales region) Enabled 11 operators to implement a front-of-house composting program, covering most, but not all, sales regions.
We should have written this goal differently, because starting 11 Zero Waste programs is an awesome achievement, regardless of location.
Achieved. Kind of?
By 2018, implement a Zero Waste program with a strategic partner, such as a foodservice management company or distributor Engaged potential partners and deepened relationships with several with the hope of implementing a broader waste diversion program in 2018. In Progress
People
In 2017, develop a program for promoting Zero Waste in underserved communities Held a Zero Waste Fest in nearby Longmont, a community that recently began a residential curbside composting program. Longmont has both a higher poverty rate and a higher percentage of residents of Hispanic descent than surrounding Boulder County.2 Achieved
In 2017, provide employees training on diversity and inclusion Reached out to diversity and inclusion experts, but did not execute a training. Not Achieved
Products
In 2017, develop a supplier evaluation scorecard that includes sustainability criteria for supplier evaluations Developed a scorecard that included a sustainability component, presented it to suppliers, and assigned a score. Achieved
By 2018, work with suppliers to prioritize sustainability commitments and track progress Began discussions with suppliers using the scorecard above, and will discuss their potential sustainability-focused next steps in 2018. In Progress
By 2018, collaborate to develop a scalable model for foodservice film recycling Held discussions with the American Chemistry Council to collaborate on their plastic film recycling program; however, due to the fluctuating plastics recycling landscape, this project was put on hold. In Progress
By 2020, discontinue legacy products that do not meet current material standards for renewable resources and post-consumer recycled content Discontinued our virgin polypropylene lid! Achieved
Operations
Achieve net zero electricity consumption at our headquarters (HQ) Discussed energy efficiency investments and financing options with our landlord. Purchased carbon offsets to balance 100% of our operational carbon emissions. In Progress
By 2017, reduce HQ water consumption3 by 10%. We narrowly missed our goal by reducing water consumption 9.9% from 2014 levels. On average, annual water consumption since 2014 did exceed our 10% reduction goal, with only 2017 coming in under that threshold. So close!
By 2017, increase HQ waste diversion to 90%. Increased our annual waste audits to four. This gave us a better look at what we are recycling and composting, any contamination that is in those streams, and what is left over in our landfill stream. Based on our audits, we diverted 82% of our total material from the landfill. Not Achieved
In 2017, decrease carbon dioxide emissions from air travel by reducing the total miles flown per $1,000 of sales by 5%. We are proud to say that we decreased total miles flown per $1,000 of sales by 19%. Achieved
In 2017, maintain reimbursed vehicle mileage at the 2016 level, while still growing our business. Unfortunately, our reimbursed vehicle mileage increased by 10% compared to 2016. Not Achieved





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