Hyatt launches three initiatives to reduce single-use plastics

Small businesses in both Houston’s Second Ward and Third Ward will be the focus of a community-engaged research project underwritten by a grant just awarded to Rice University. The success of businesses in those two historic Houston neighborhoods during the last two decades will be studied under a $300,000 Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Community-Engaged Research grant awarded to the McNair Center for Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. After World War II, Third Ward blossomed into a predominantly African American community while Second Ward developed into a predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. Over the last two decades, both wards have undergone economic revitalization and demographic transformation.

Join us for support in navigating Bellingham’s upcoming single-use plastics ordinance. Learn best practices and strategies from food industry professionals who have already made the switch. Come with your questions, ideas, and success stories. This virtual event will be recorded for those who can’t make it live, please register and a link to the recording will be sent to you along with any resources mentioned in the event.
MEET THE PANELISTS
MELISSA ELKINS
Administrative and Sustainability Manager
Melissa Elkins has worked for the Community Food Co-op since 1996 and has been the sustainability manager for the last decade. She works closely with Co-op management to create systems that support the Co-op’s mission, vision, and values.
 
Since 1970, the Community Food Co-op has provided our local community access to the largest variety of local and organic foods in Whatcom County. The Co-op is dedicated to a continued reduction of single use plastic in their deli and bakery production and maintaining a 90% diversion from the landfill for their internal waste stream.

As the world continues to transition into learning, working and operating remotely, the data center industry is growing to match company and customer demands for high-performing IT equipment. However, with this increased demand for IT comes pressure for data center managers to meet sustainability goals to reduce their carbon footprints, save energy and reduce operating costs. However, there is another critical factor that improves sustainability in a data center: minimizing water usage.