|
For businesses, decluttering isn’t just about tidying the office, it’s an opportunity to save money, support the community, and meet sustainability goals. Every desk, chair, filing cabinet, and branded t-shirt your company owns required energy, water, and raw materials to produce. When you reuse, resell, or recycle these items instead of discarding them, you conserve resources, avoid landfill waste, and demonstrate environmental responsibility to clients and employees alike. Following the waste hierarchy ensures that the highest-impact strategies come first. Recycling is valuable, but extending the life of an item has an even bigger benefit because it avoids the environmental footprint of making something new.
Step 1: Find a New Home for Items You No Longer Need When you’re decluttering, your first question should be: Could someone else use this? If the answer is yes, then your goal is to get it into their hands, whether through donation or resale. Sometimes the easiest way to start is with a quick search like “where to donate office supplies near me” or “electronic recycling drop-off”. You’ll often find local nonprofits, shelters, or specialized programs you didn’t know existed. Nationwide donation options:
Resale:
Reusing extends the lifespan of items, prevents the environmental costs of new production, and supports nonprofits in your community. Step 2: Repair or Repurpose A chipped desk or wobbly chair might just need a simple repair. Repurposing outdated shelving into breakroom storage or converting unused filing cabinets into planters for an office green space can add function without cost. Repair and repurposing not only save money but also strengthen your business’s reputation for innovation and environmental responsibility. Step 3: Sustainable Junk RemovalWhen reuse and repair aren’t possible, partner with a removal service that shares your sustainability values. Camo Crew Junk Removal, a veteran-owned business in Butler, WI, serves Milwaukee and surrounding areas with commercial and office clean-outs. They handle everything from office furniture and electronics to construction debris, diverting as much as possible to donation and recycling instead of landfill. Learn more at camocrewjunkremoval.com. Step 4: Recycle Responsibly For items that can’t be reused, recycling ensures valuable materials are recovered. If you’re in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Recycling Directory is your go-to resource. Just type in what you want to recycle, add your ZIP code, and see nearby drop-off locations. You can search for everything from electronics and scrap metal to textiles and lightbulbs. Nationwide recycling programs:
Recycling diverts waste from landfills, reduces methane emissions, and recovers valuable materials so they can be used again. This lowers the demand for virgin resource extraction and supports a circular economy that turns old products into new ones. By following the waste hierarchy and using resources like the Wisconsin Recycling Directory, you can make decluttering part of your sustainability efforts. Every item you keep out of the landfill is a step toward a cleaner, more resource-conscious future. Lands’ End’s Apparel Recycling Program In August 2023, Lands’ End teamed up with Recover™, a global producer of recycled cotton fiber, to launch a low-impact denim line that incorporates 20% recycled cotton fiber sourced from textile waste scraps. This collaboration demonstrates how businesses can integrate textile waste back into the supply chain, helping to close the loop on sustainability. Lands’ End’s commitment extends further: it partners with Martex Fiber, a North American textile recycler, to manage pre- and post-consumer waste under their “No Fiber Left Behind” pledge, ensuring that obsolete apparel doesn’t go to landfills. Bottom lineBy aligning office decluttering with the waste hierarchy, businesses can cut costs, support local organizations, and meet sustainability commitments. Whether it’s rehoming furniture through Goodwill, recycling branded apparel through Lands’ End’s programs, or hiring Como Crew for a responsible office cleanout, every action you take moves your business toward a cleaner, more resource-conscious future.
3 Comments
Creating a sustainable workplace is not just about reducing emissions or cutting waste. It is also about culture. Engaging employees in environmental initiatives can ignite motivation, foster a sense of ownership, and build stronger connections across your organization. When people feel they are part of something meaningful, they show up differently: more creatively, more collaboratively, and more committed to your company’s mission. Why You Should Engage Your Employees in Sustainability Employees today want more than a paycheck. They want purpose. According to Deloitte’s 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, 89 percent of Gen Z and 92 percent of Millennials say that purpose is a key factor in their job satisfaction and overall well-being. These generations now make up the majority of the workforce, and they are actively seeking employers that align with their values, especially when it comes to environmental and social responsibility. Gallup’s 2025 “State of the Global Workplace” report found that only 21 percent of employees globally felt engaged in 2024, and that number is trending downward. However, employees who strongly agree that their organization makes a positive impact on the world are twice as likely to be engaged in their jobs. In other words, when employees are part of something bigger than themselves. When businesses invest in sustainability and invite employees to take part, it shows leadership is thinking beyond profit. It demonstrates a commitment to doing good, and gives employees a reason to feel proud of where they work. Sustainability engagement also builds community. Recycling drives, waste audits, or office composting challenges are natural team-building opportunities that promote creativity and connection. These activities create common ground across departments, giving people something to work toward together that is not just about the next deadline or deliverable. They create culture. The impact goes beyond the office. When employees learn sustainable habits at work (like how to sort waste properly or reduce single-use plastics), they often bring those habits home. They talk about them with friends, influence their families, and create a ripple effect of awareness and action. how to get startedYou do not need to launch a full-scale sustainability initiative overnight. Start small and meet your employees where they are. A few great starting points include:
The key is to make it interactive, inclusive, and tangible. Sustainability is most effective when people experience it directly. That is when it becomes real. WasteCap in Action: How We Help Companies Bring Sustainability to Life  At WasteCap, we help companies turn sustainability into something employees can see, touch, and be a part of. One company partnered with us for a two-day on-site recycling challenge where employees sorted materials, reviewed waste station set-ups, and got feedback on contamination and diversion. By participating in the process, they became more aware of their personal impact and walked away inspired to change habits both in and out of the office. In March, we brought that same energy to a local school where students joined our team to look at real trash and talk about where materials go when they leave the bin. The excitement and curiosity we saw in that classroom reminded us that sustainability education is just as important for the next generation as it is for the current one.
Ready to empower your people?Whether you want to kick off a new initiative or build on what you already have in place, WasteCap can help. From waste audits and recycling workshops to employee education and community partnerships, we design programs that are engaging, practical, and customized to your goals.
Let us help make sustainability something your employees feel connected to and proud of. When your people are part of the solution, the impact goes far beyond your walls. Waste is more than just what ends up in a landfill. Waste is everything you bought, moved, stored, and paid to throw away. For many small businesses, it’s also one of the biggest missed opportunities. Every decision we make as business owners (what we buy, how we package, where we toss) has ripple effects. That means every small change has power. Whether you’re a coffee shop, contractor, or corner boutique, this blog breaks down why waste diversion matters, how to get started, and how WasteCap can support you along the way. Why Waste Diversion Matters (Especially for Small Businesses)
Here’s what the cost of waste looks like:
Less waste means lower costs, less risk, and a stronger brand. If you care about your bottom line and your impact, this is the place to start. WHAT IS WASTE DIVERSION?Waste diversion is exactly what it sounds like: diverting materials away from landfill. That can mean:
 Waste diversion means redesigning your system so less waste exists in the first place. It means refusing unnecessary materials, reducing what you bring in, and reusing what you already have.  Want to dig deeper into how to align this with long-term strategy? HOW TO START DIVERTING WASTE1. Track What You Use (and Waste) Use spreadsheets, waste audits, or even visual inspections to get a sense of what’s in your bins. Start simple:
Pro tip: Compare your waste streams against your production or revenue to see where your biggest wins might be. 2. Use the Waste Hierarchy Recycling is good. Designing waste out of your system is better.  3. Rethink Processes Ask:
Every system you touch (from purchasing to disposal) has a chance to improve.
5. Quantify the Wins
Sharing these wins not only builds momentum internally, it shows your customers that you walk the walk. CERTIFICATIONS THAT HELP YOU GO FURTHERCertifications are powerful tools for small businesses to stand out, stay accountable, and get recognized. Here are a few we support:
Interested in learning how certifications work? REAL IMPACT IN WISCONSINThe EPA’s WARM model helps quantify the environmental and economic benefits of putting construction and demolition (C&D) waste to better use. If we use Wisconsin as an example, the 325,000 tons of C&D material landfilled in 2021 that could have been reused or recycled instead would have:
But the ripple effects go beyond cost savings:
There are also soft benefits: building owners, contractors, and designers that prioritize reuse and recycling position themselves as environmental leaders which is something customers, investors, and communities increasingly care about. HOW WASTECAP CAN HELP Sustainability can feel overwhelming, especially when getting into the nitty-gritty of things. That’s where we come in.
WasteCap offers:
We’ve been doing this since 1995 and we’re still passionate about helping Wisconsin businesses turn waste into resources. We’re here to help you measure what matters, design out what doesn’t, and build a business that aligns with your values and your goals. 🌐 Learn more at wastecap.org 📩Ready to talk about your specific business needs? Fill out our quick interest form here. Let’s make waste a thing of the past. When it comes to sustainability, many small businesses feel they need to have all the answers before getting started. In reality, the most impactful thing you can do is take the first step: begin tracking. A sustainability business plan doesn’t need to be complex or costly. At its core, it’s about understanding your material flows, identifying inefficiencies, and taking measurable action. Whether you’re a coffee shop, boutique retailer, or construction firm, the path to sustainability begins with one simple shift: turning your waste into resources. Why Waste Matters More Than You Think
Step 1: Just Start Tracking Start with what you already know. Create a list of materials your business uses regularly and answer the following questions for each:
➡️ Pro Tip: Standardize your metrics. For example, track Amount of Landfill / Unit of Product Sold (lb/$) or Amount of Recycling / Unit of Product Sold (lb/$). This helps normalize your data over time and gives you a better sense of progress as your business grows. Here is where you’ll start to understand part of the “cost” element of your waste. Case STUDY: TOYOTAToyota’s North American parts operations switched from single-use cardboard and wood packaging to reusable shipping containers. The results were dramatic:
This change not only reduced landfill-bound materials, it streamlined Toyota’s logistics operations, reduced packaging costs, and supported a more circular supply chain.  case study: kellogg's In 2013, Kellogg’s Chicago 31st facility was sending up to 30 tons of trash to landfill each month, with a diversion rate below 50%. Determined to improve, the site challenged its waste management team to identify better recycling methods and engaged all 300 employees in efforts to reduce the amount of waste generated. The results were significant:
This case shows how employee engagement and process redesign can drive both environmental and financial performance. CASE STUDY: MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS
Key highlights include:
Their approach reflects a commitment not just to sustainability, but to community impact and long-term systems change. Step 2: WasteCap Can Help You Go Further Understanding and managing waste streams can be complex, but you don’t have to go it alone. WasteCap offers a full suite of services that support businesses through every stage of waste reduction, from baseline understanding to continuous improvement: 1. Waste Audits We offer three types of waste audits to fit your specific needs:
These audits uncover inefficient purchasing, sorting errors, contamination, and hidden cost-saving opportunities. Periodic audits help confirm progress and solidify a culture of continuous improvement. 2. Facility Operations & Ongoing Planning WasteCap works with your team to implement a Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) approach:
This cycle supports continual refinement—transforming waste management from a reactive task to a proactive, strategic asset. 3. Data Collection, Reporting & Tools Our team consistently compiles and validates key performance metrics, such as:
We then analyze trends, benchmark performance, and recommend adjustments to ensure your operations evolve and stay cost-effective.
4. Education, Outreach & Certification Support Effective waste reduction is as much about people as it is about processes:
We help businesses at every stage: from those just beginning to track waste to those working toward third-party certification. If you’d like to explore how we can support your business, fill out the form here and we’ll be in touch. Step 3: Set Goals and Make Improvements With tracking data in hand, you can set realistic, data-informed goals. Start small:
Tracking gives you the baseline. From there, it’s all about progress—and WasteCap is here to guide and support that journey. Final ThoughtsCreating a sustainability business plan doesn’t require a ten-year strategy or an environmental science degree. It requires a willingness to look closely at what you’re throwing away and why.
Start simple. Start tracking. Visit www.wastecap.org to learn more about audits, reporting tools, and support services. Ready to talk about your specific business needs? Fill out our quick interest form here. Let’s turn waste into opportunity—together.
WHAT IT ISThe Wisconsin Recycling Directory is an online search tool hosted by RecycleSearch, in partnership with the WI DNR, that helps you find where to recycle, donate, or safely dispose of specific materials in your area. It covers hundreds of facilities and drop-off sites across the state: from county programs and private haulers to specialty recyclers. It’s super easy to use, it's free and no account needed! HOW TO USE IT
 WHY YOU SHOULD USE ITUsing the directory keeps materials out of landfills, reduces contamination in your curbside bin, and supports local businesses that specialize in responsible recovery. It also helps you feel good about making the extra effort to do it right. Let’s stop letting confusion be the reason we send things to landfill. Bookmark the Wisconsin Recycling Directory, use it often, and share it with your friends. When to Use It
Bookmark it. use it. share it.The Wisconsin Recycling Directory is one of the most practical, underused sustainability tools out there. It's free, fast, and surprisingly thorough. So next time you’re tempted to toss something, take 20 seconds and search to see if it can be recycled first, because if we all make better choices, even just a few times a year, it adds up and compounds over time.
If your building is pursuing LEED, TRUE, or other green building certifications, WasteCap is here to help. Whether you're designing a new facility or optimizing your existing operations, our team guides you through the entire certification process: from strategy and documentation to final submission. We don’t just hand you a checklist. We roll up our sleeves and work alongside your team to make it happen. what we doAt WasteCap, our certification support is grounded in hands-on experience. We’ve worked with contractors, architects, developers, and facilities managers across Wisconsin to certify buildings, job sites, and business operations using nationally recognized sustainability standards. Some of the most common certifications we help with include:  LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Recognizes high-performance buildings focused on energy use, water efficiency, material selection, and sustainable site development.  TRUE Zero Waste Helps organizations divert at least 90% of waste from landfills and incineration by rethinking systems and streamlining operations.  STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) Designed for colleges and universities, STARS provides a transparent, self-reporting framework for measuring sustainability performance across academics, operations, and engagement.  Living Building Challenge One of the most rigorous green building standards in the world, Living Building Challenge pushes projects to go beyond sustainability: to be regenerative. It includes performance requirements in areas like energy, water, equity, materials, and beauty. Each certification comes with its own rules, acronyms, and paperwork. That’s where we come in. We’ve helped construction sites, warehouses, office buildings, and manufacturing facilities receive certifications without losing time or clarity. Whether you’re aiming for formal recognition or simply trying to meet internal benchmarks, we take the guesswork out of what needs to be done and how to do it right. Our team helps you:
Why Certification Is Worth ITGetting certified isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s a powerful way to reduce environmental impact, cut operational costs, and demonstrate your organization’s commitment to sustainability. Here are just a few of the benefits:
Because WasteCap is a nonprofit, working with us may also qualify as a tax-deductible professional service expense—making certification support not only impactful, but affordable. how it worksWe tailor every engagement based on your building’s size, type, and goals. Our process usually follows four key phases:
 Ready to certify?Whether you're starting from scratch or picking up where another team left off, WasteCap brings the knowledge, tools, and accountability to help you succeed. With a focus on practical strategies and measurable outcomes, we make the certification process simpler, more transparent, and more rewarding.
Visit wastecap.org to learn more about our services or submit a project inquiry form. Let’s build something better together. Let’s be honest—sustainability is easy to talk about but seemingly harder to implement. Even when organizations genuinely want to reduce their impact, roadblocks like money, time, and capacity often get in the way. While those barriers are real, they’re not impossible to overcome. In fact, we’re seeing more and more examples of how companies, cities, and nonprofits are getting creative and resourceful, especially when the right tools are in place. Here’s a breakdown of the six biggest barriers to sustainability and a few ways to start breaking through them. 1. “It’s Too Expensive”The myth that sustainability is too costly is one of the most common, and one of the most misunderstood. Upfront investments like energy-efficient systems, compost infrastructure, or waste audits can seem intimidating, but those costs are often offset by long-term savings, tax credits, and avoided landfill fees. It’s not just about doing good, it’s about doing smart business.  May 2025 showcase of the results of the Milwaukee Food Waste & Recovery Study Take food waste, for example. Our Food Waste Assessment in Milwaukee found that over 140,000 tons of food could be diverted from the landfill every year. That’s food with a value of $94.5 million annually. Not only does that number speak to the environmental harm of waste, it shows just how much economic opportunity is being thrown away. When businesses redistribute or compost instead of trashing it, they can cut disposal costs, qualify for tax incentives, and create new revenue streams. 2. "WE DON'T HAVE TIME"Time is a real challenge. Many organizations are understaffed and overwhelmed. Sustainability can feel like just one more thing on an already full plate. But the key is to start small and start smart. Rather than overhauling everything at once, we encourage our partners to start with a waste audit. It’s a fast, focused way to understand where the biggest opportunities are. In many cases, just a few simple operational changes can drastically reduce waste with minimal time investment. WasteCap can help you take those first steps, whether it's conducting a waste audit, identifying opportunities, or guiding you through the changes. We're here to make sustainability manageable and achievable. We’ve seen success when organizations approach sustainability the same way they would a safety plan or compliance checklist: prioritize what’s required, get help from experts, and chip away at the changes. Over time, those small steps add up. 3. “We Don’t Have the People or Tools” Not every organization has a sustainability manager or a full-time team. Lack of internal staff capacity is one of the most cited reasons for inaction, but it does not have to be a dealbreaker. Today, there are more tools and external resources than ever before designed specifically to support sustainability with limited internal capacity. From waste tracking apps to AI-powered reporting to virtual training programs, a lot of the heavy lifting can now be outsourced or automated. The problem is not that the tools do not exist. It is that many people still do not know they are available or how to access them. At WasteCap, we regularly work with organizations that have no internal sustainability staff. We help them design custom programs, conduct waste audits, write signage, and interpret data. That kind of external support can be the difference between a stalled-out effort and a successful one. Plus, with new technologies becoming more affordable and user-friendly, even small teams can manage meaningful progress. You do not have to do everything. You just have to be willing to ask for help, use the tools that already exist, and start with one area at a time. 4. “Leadership Isn’t Bought In”You can have the most motivated staff in the world, but if leadership is not on board, the road to sustainability gets a lot harder. When the people at the top do not understand or prioritize environmental goals, projects get deprioritized, funding dries up, and progress stalls. Sometimes it is because leaders see sustainability as a “nice to have” rather than a core business issue. Other times, they simply are not aware of the potential impact or the risk of doing nothing. What changes that? Framing. If leadership sees sustainability as a cost center or a moral initiative, they might not act, but if they see it as an opportunity for innovation, efficiency, resilience, and brand equity, it becomes a smart investment. The pressure is also growing from customers, regulators, and investors. Environmental and social governance (ESG) metrics are becoming standard. Companies that fail to act are falling behind. The case for sustainability is no longer just about doing the right thing, it is about staying relevant and competitive. 5. “People Won’t Change” It is easy to get frustrated when systems are in place, but people do not follow them. Whether it is someone tossing recyclables in the trash or misusing a compost bin, behavior change is one of the hardest parts of implementing sustainable practices. People have habits, and habits are hard to break. This is especially true in shared spaces, like offices, schools, or apartment buildings, where there is not always accountability or ownership over the outcome, but people do change. They need clarity, consistency, and a reason to care. Clear signage, smart bin placement, ongoing reminders, and positive reinforcement can go a long way. Making the sustainable choice the easier one is key. If composting requires a long walk or confusing steps, most people will skip it, but if it is convenient and intuitive, participation goes up. Cultural change takes time, but it is possible. When people feel part of something bigger and see their efforts making a difference, they usually want to keep doing it. WasteCap can support your team with employee engagement and buy-in. We offer workshops to educate staff on sustainability goals, strategies, and their role in the process. From one-time trainings to ongoing support, we help build a culture where sustainable practices stick. 6. “We Don’t Know Where to Start”Sustainability can feel overwhelming. There is so much to consider (waste, energy, water, emissions, transportation, purchasing, packaging) that it can be hard to know where to even begin. This leads a lot of organizations to freeze. The fear of doing it “wrong” stops them from doing anything at all, but sustainability does not require perfection or a ten-year strategic plan on day one. It just requires a starting point. The best thing you can do is begin with what is most visible or most urgent. If your dumpsters are overflowing, start with waste. If your energy bills are through the roof, start with lighting or HVAC. Choose one area, assess where things stand, and identify one or two simple improvements. That first step will provide insight, data, and momentum. From there, the rest starts to come into focus. You do not need to have all the answers to get started. You just need to start. At WasteCap, we suggest beginning by tracking a few key metrics, nothing fancy, even a simple Excel sheet works. Start today. If you're unsure where to begin or what to track, we can help you set it up. That’s what we’re here for: guiding you through the first step so you can build from there. Final ThoughtsEvery organization hits barriers, but what matters is how you respond to them. We do not have to choose between sustainability and practicality. With the right approach, they can go hand in hand. It is not about being perfect. It is about doing better, one decision at a time. The truth is none of these barriers are permanent. What feels impossible today often becomes second nature tomorrow. Whether it is a lack of money, time, tools, leadership support, or clarity, it can be solved. The worst thing we can do is wait, because when it comes to sustainability, the longer we wait, the more we lose.  When most people hear the word “sustainability,” they think of solar panels, paper straws, and ambitious climate pledges. Rarely do we associate sustainability with profit. But as the global economy shifts, this relationship is evolving. The truth is, sustainability isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for business too. From reducing energy costs to qualifying for green tax credits and subsidies, companies are discovering that sustainable practices can lead to tangible financial rewards. This blog post explores how businesses can actually save, and even make, money by going green. We’ll look at real economic benefits, government incentives, and how sustainability is shaping the future of profitability. Cutting Costs Through EfficiencyLet’s start with the basics: being sustainable often means being more efficient. Businesses that reduce waste, cut energy usage, or switch to more efficient systems often see immediate savings. For example, upgrading to LED lighting, improving insulation, or installing smart energy management systems can drastically lower monthly utility bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, commercial buildings waste up to 30% of the energy they consume, presenting a huge opportunity for efficiency upgrades to reduce usage (and costs) by that amount or more. Beyond utilities, many companies are also cutting down on material waste. Less packaging, digital documents, and closed-loop manufacturing processes not only conserve resources but lower supply and disposal costs. Unilever saved over €1 billion by improving the resource efficiency of its factories between 2008 and 2020. When less is wasted, more is saved. Green Tax Credits and Government IncentivesFederal and state governments have recognized that sustainability efforts deserve financial support. Through a variety of tax credits, grants, and subsidies, businesses can recoup some of the initial costs of implementing green infrastructure. Here are a few key incentives available to businesses in the U.S.:
In addition to tax benefits, programs like the USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) offer grants for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects targeted toward small businesses and agricultural producers.  Turning Sustainability into a Revenue StreamToday’s consumers are voting with their dollars. A 2021 First Insight report found that 73% of Gen Z shoppers and 68% of Millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable products. These numbers are only rising as climate concerns become more urgent and transparency becomes the expectation, not the exception. For younger buyers in particular, sustainability isn’t a niche preference, it’s a baseline requirement. Businesses that ignore this shift risk becoming irrelevant
This trend isn't confined to apparel. Across industries, companies are turning sustainability into a revenue-generating asset.
Most importantly, sustainability provides a story: something for consumers to believe in. In an era where marketing is about more than features and benefits, a compelling sustainability narrative helps brands connect emotionally. And that emotional connection? It’s what keeps customers coming back. So yes, sustainability is about doing the right thing. But it’s also a strategic move. Done right, it’s not just a side project, it becomes central to how a company innovates, markets, and grows risk mitigation and long-term strategySustainability isn’t just about doing what’s right, it’s about minimizing risk. Climate change, supply chain disruptions, and resource scarcity all pose significant threats to traditional business models. By implementing sustainable practices now, companies are protecting themselves from rising resource costs and regulatory changes in the future. Think of it like insurance. A company that relies on fossil fuels or single-use plastic is relying on a world that’s moving away from those things. A company that invests in circular supply chains or renewables is building resilience. And that stability matters, investors are taking notice. Major financial institutions are now factoring ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria into their investment decisions. BlackRock, one of the world’s largest asset managers, has publicly stated that “climate risk is investment risk.” In other words, if your business isn’t planning for a sustainable future, your valuation may suffer.  BlackRock's ESG Analysis The Role of ESG in Attracting InvestorsEnvironmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are now a cornerstone of responsible investing, and mounting research shows that they’re closely tied to long-term financial success. A 2021 meta-analysis by NYU Stern and Rockefeller Asset Management reviewed over 1,000 studies and found that the majority showed a positive relationship between ESG performance and financial returns, particularly over longer time horizons. Similarly, Morgan Stanley’s “Sustainable Reality” report revealed that sustainable funds not only matched the performance of traditional funds but often carried lower downside risk. Bank of America research further emphasized that companies with poor ESG scores were more likely to face bankruptcy within five years, while those with strong ESG practices outperformed on average. As MSCI also noted in its “ESG Trends to Watch” report, companies that prioritize ESG tend to benefit from lower capital costs, more stable earnings, and stronger reputational value. In short, sustainable companies are more forward-thinking, better at managing risk, and more aligned with the expectations of both regulators and the public, positioning them for long-term success. For public companies, this means stronger stock performance and improved access to capital. For private businesses, a good ESG record can lead to venture capital, partnerships, or acquisition opportunities. Sustainability isn’t just a side goal, it’s a strategic asset. Internal Culture and Employee RetentionSustainability also plays a role in company culture. Employees want to work for organizations that reflect their values. A sustainable business signals that it cares about more than just profit, and that can lead to better morale, lower turnover, and stronger recruitment
Case Study: Microsoft’s Carbon Negative GoalOne of the most compelling examples of sustainability and profit working hand-in-hand is Microsoft. In 2020, the tech giant announced it would become carbon negative by 2030, removing more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits. This wasn’t just a goodwill gesture. Microsoft has since secured multi-million-dollar contracts with governments and corporations seeking carbon-conscious partners. Their environmental stance also strengthens their employer brand, helping them recruit and retain top talent in a competitive industry. By embedding sustainability into their business model, Microsoft isn’t losing money, they’re gaining it. Challenges and MisconceptionsOf course, there are challenges. Initial costs, especially for small businesses, can be a barrier. Installing solar panels or switching to compostable materials isn’t always cheap. But thanks to the incentives mentioned earlier, these costs are more manageable than ever, and they often pay off over time. Another common misconception is that sustainability means sacrificing quality or convenience. In reality, it’s about innovation. Companies that rethink their processes often find better solutions, not just greener ones. It’s also worth noting that sustainability isn’t one-size-fits-all. A small coffee shop might focus on composting and reusable cups, while a large manufacturing firm might invest in clean energy and water recycling. Every business has its own sustainability pathway, but they all share one thing in common: potential profit. The Bottom Line: Green is GoldSustainability and profitability are no longer opposing forces, they’re two sides of the same coin. By reducing waste, qualifying for government incentives, entering new markets, and future-proofing operations, businesses can thrive while doing good.
As climate challenges mount and consumer expectations evolve, companies that act now will be best positioned for success. Whether you’re a small local shop or a global enterprise, investing in sustainability isn’t just a moral decision. It’s a smart one.  On World Water Day, WasteCap Resource Solutions participated in an event at Glen Hills Middle School and several environmental partners to educate students on the importance of recycling and composting. The event, held in collaboration with EarthEcho International, Xylem, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, Riveredge Nature Center, and Shorewood Waters Project, aimed to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
During the event, students engaged in interactive sessions that highlighted the impact of waste on water systems and the environment. They learned practical ways to reduce waste in their daily lives and recycle and compost properly, emphasizing the significance of individual actions in achieving broader environmental goals. This initiative reflects WasteCap's commitment to community engagement and education, key components of their mission to transform waste into resources. By partnering with local organizations and schools, WasteCap continues to promote sustainable practices and environmental awareness throughout Wisconsin. For more information on WasteCap's programs and how to get involved, please visit our page here. WasteCap has proudly helped companies reduce and divert waste for over 25 years! Since 2005 we have been tracking and recording that impact, disclosing how many tons of trash we have historically diverted from landfills.  Please see our 2023 impact below, and report files available for download.  
WasteCap has proudly helped companies reduce and divert waste for over 25 years! Since 2005 we have been tracking and recording that impact, disclosing how many tons of trash we have historically diverted from landfills.  Please see our 2022 impact below, and report files available for download. 
 Source: Pexels COP27, or the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference, was this year’s annual event in which global experts and scientists, along with more than 90 heads of state and representatives from 190 countries, gathered to discuss important and urgent topics regarding climate change. This edition of the event was held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. A key focus of COP27 was an emphasis on implementation and action as a way for humans to adapt to the impacts of climate change, given the gradual rise in droughts, storms, and floods globally. In 2022, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers directed the state's Department of Administration to establish the Office of Environmental Justice to develop a framework and strategy for environmental justice work in communities where pollution, industry shifts, and extreme weather are most prominent. COP27 also made headlines for releasing a warning of "climate chaos." Today, we'll go over COP27's climate chaos warning and its implications for the state of Wisconsin. What were the climate chaos warnings? The provisional State of the Global Climate Report 2022 produced by the UN's World Meteorological Organization was described as "a chronicle of climate chaos," according to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. True to its ominous description, the report details how rising global temperatures will make 2022 the fifth or sixth hottest year on record. Man-made greenhouse gas emissions are also predicted to rise after record highs in 2021 as well. Another record-breaker comes from sea levels growing at approximately 10% of the sea-level rise recorded since the first satellite measurements in 1993. Meanwhile, Wisconsin has seen heavier and more frequent rains in recent years, resulting in floods, soil erosion, and changes to the coastline — affecting sewage and wastewater treatment. Moreover, these poor conditions also affect individuals intensely, triggering chronic illnesses and cardiovascular diseases, particularly in vulnerable populations. How is the UN planning to address climate change at COP27? The UN has long planned to find solutions against climate change, working with scientists, global experts, and world leaders to identify proper action. This is what the annual Conference of the Parties is for — starting with the first international treaty in 1992. This led to more global platforms being created to deal with climate change. Maryville University outlined how the UN's Global Humanitarian Overview began in December 2019, identifying climate change as one of the several emerging risks. Rising temperatures are a threat to people's health, as well as water and food supplies, leading to humanitarian crises. For that reason, the UN has long advocated for climate action that can halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. One of their Sustainable Development Goals, precisely #12, focuses its targets on the environmentally sound management of all waste through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse, specifically to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. So what else can we do to support the UN's efforts? Since 1996, WasteCap has been helping businesses transform waste into resources, hitting a 72.2% national waste diversion rate. This has saved our clients more than $36 million, helping create full-time jobs and boosting cost savings of reuse and recycling. Organizations should look into better waste management, not only for the benefits they can reap but also do their part in the fight against climate change. To prevent the climate chaos from worsening, we must do what we can while making our voices — and the experts and scientists' — heard by those in power to make significant changes and policies. From saving water to using energy-efficient appliances and even rethinking the impact of travel by planes, trains, and automobiles, making small but necessary changes in our daily life can help. The classic "reduce, reuse, and recycle" campaign similarly comes to mind. Getting a better handle on waste management can also help curb the speed of climate change. Striving for a waste-free environment doesn't just reduce waste; it also cuts down your carbon footprint. When you recycle waste, the energy you generate can further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Specially written for WasteCap.org
By: Raine Joselyn  In honor of Zero Waste Month last month, we’re thrilled to highlight the zero waste achievements of a wonderful WasteCap Member company and valued partner: Inpro Corporation. Inpro is an industry-leading architectural product manufacturer based out of Muskego, Wisconsin. As a company, quality and environmental stewardship are at their core.  They aimed to become net zero compliant by 2025. Thanks to their consistent efforts, they’ve reached new heights this year, already achieving this goal three years ahead of schedule. “Waste audits were key to understanding our waste stream and the content of materials being sent to landfills,” say Jess Jenkins, Inpro’s Environmental and Technical Project Specialist, and Mark Alan, Inpro’s Senior Vice President of Product Management and Development. “Performing the audits allowed us to determine benchmarks and tracking methods for a variety of waste materials which in turn provided a method of prioritizing the changes we needed to make.” Check out more of Mark and Jess’s insights below on the zero waste process, the many benefits of waste reduction for businesses and their communities, and what’s next for sustainability at Inpro. What changes did you implement this year to reach zero waste? Our team had been solely focused on finding secondary uses for our production scrap along with separating recyclables from our waste stream, which we found to be challenging. We were making some progress, but the pace was slow. Once we reached out to learn how other local companies are achieving success toward zero waste to landfill, we widened our focus to include production yields and determine methods of reducing our production scrap. By applying six sigma methods, we found several opportunities to lower our material scrap and take credit for diverting it away from landfills.  Why should companies be working to reduce waste?
The obvious answer is that it’s the right thing to do for our environment, but the extent of benefits is far more reaching. We’ve improved production methods by increasing our yield and reducing our raw material consumption, which reduced our overall cost. Another benefit was the level of employee engagement. Our employees WANT to be involved and contribute to waste diversion. Inpro has established an Environmental Management Team to help further its goals. How are you working to sustain zero waste operations, and what’s next for 2023? Achieving zero waste to landfill is not a one-and-done exercise. The EMS team has established tracking methods and monthly reporting which allows our company to take action and remain current with the goal. Additional initiatives have also been identified and prioritized as we continue our efforts. Now that we’ve reached a compliant level, we will pursue the GBCI TRUE certification. In addition to this major milestone, Inpro is proud to celebrate their commitment to sustainability in business through many other accomplishments and initiatives.
WasteCap has been busy since 1996, helping businesses find ways to transform waste into resources through reduction, reuse, recycling and composting. In 2005 we started recording that impact, which passed some major new milestones last year! Waste is more than trash in a landfill, or litter in our parks and waters. Waste is the acres of habitat leveled to obtain material, the energy and water consumed to make and move products, the jobs created in recycling and remanufacture, and the cost savings of reuse and recycling.    
 Looking for a new home for your waste? Whether its a reuse store for your old light fixtures, a hauler to take loads of clean drywall from your construction site, or a partner to process your corporate campus's e-waste, the Wisconsin Resource Directory makes finding local outlets easy. Thanks to our sponsors, we were able to put our knowledge of Wisconsin's markets online for anyone to conduct their own map-based searches. If your business isn't in the directory, you can easily add your locations directly through the home page. If your business is in the directory, contact us at [email protected] to update your listing with detailed business hours, material handling instructions, or other marketing material. If you'd like to support the directory and include your advertising, please email [email protected]  WE SUNSETED WASTECAP TRACE ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2021!
For 16 years WasteCap hosted an online tool to manage your waste diversion operation and gauge it's performance. It focused on building a waste management plan that was effective and delineated clear responsibilities, tracking each waste material stream and providing insightful reporting for any time frame on multiple projects. It was supported by the community for many years, and we'd like to thank everyone who contributed to making it a success. See below: the impact of TRACE and information on transitioning your data. THE IMPACT OF TRACE Since 2005, TRACE has helped companies and individuals, in Wisconsin and beyond, to divert over 1 million tons of material from landfills and incinerators.
Enough material was kept out of landfills to fill Lambeau Field to the top of the stadium 1.8 times, about 42% of an average Wisconsin landfill. Finding better uses for that material effectively added a month and a half of life to each of Wisconsin's 53 landfills. More importantly, getting this material back into the economy has saved:
On behalf of WasteCap I would like to personally thank those companies that supported TRACE over the years. We could not have continued this long without your help. TRANSITIONING YOUR DATA You will be able to access your data and run reports until September 17, 2021. Before then, please choose the next step that best suits your needs:
Waste isn't just litter on the side of the road
Every step of the process requires it's own sacrifice of energy, water, and habitat, and generates its own waste material. Processing and finishing waste averages 70 times the weight or volume of a product, but the consumed energy, water and habitat compounds the hidden costs of waste. talk about the bigger picture In Wisconsin, mountains of trash are cheap and easy to build. Waste doesn't have to go far to find one. Except for a few materials, there is little cost difference between landfilling and recycling. Efforts to divert waste from the landfill can be hard to justify based on disposal cost alone, so reduction is a key strategy for many. Savings are almost always hundreds of times higher if a material isn't purchased in the first place. Beyond direct costs, understanding the broader impact of wasteful practices can help a business or institution value the effects of its actions on its customers, community and supply chain. There are tools and rules of thumb that can be used to estimate the greater economic and environmental impacts of your waste. The EPA's WARM model estimates atmospheric impacts, energy savings and job creation trends. At WasteCap we also like to note any water and habitat savings estimates that can be made as well. START MEASURING TODAY Set improvement goals based on the values that strike the strongest cord within an organization. Any goal to improve waste diversion (the percentage of material kept out of landfills) should also include material reduction efforts. Benchmark waste quantities against the key performance indicators that drive the numbers - total occupant hours, widgets produced, or shipments moved, for example. Determining success isn't possible however without data. You can't manage what you don't measure, and you can't assume you're succeeding if you don't know the facts. invite a professional to review your operations Most of the companies that reach out to WasteCap already have a commitment to do better, be it for their shareholders, their employees, their community or their customers. Sometimes they are just starting their journey to improve their diversion rate, others are seeking help with zero waste certification. They all believe they are doing an great job, and it took them a leap of faith to ask for an outside opinion. For that they were always rewarded.
Zero waste professionals like those at WasteCap are able to quickly cover basic principles and common sources of errors. These initial cursory audits can reveal a lot in a short amount of time. Once the gaps are identified, you can build up an appropriate response that delivers the best returns for your particular values. Reducing waste isn't a quick or easy journey, but there are plenty of us here who can help. Three Ways You Can Change the WorldOn your own, every purchase you make and every piece of material you throw away makes a small impact on the resources wasted locally and around the world. By working together we can move markets, create jobs, keep our communities healthy, and preserve the beauty of Wisconsin. Please consider WasteCap in ways large and small this season, and beyond, with these simple options.  Tell corporations who you support: *The same site with the same deals. *A portion of every purchase goes to the non-profit of your choice. *Please use smile.amazon.com and select WasteCap as your non-profit!  Donate directly to make an impact: *Expands our material and economic research. *Helps us reach out to new audiences. *Supports internships and education opportunities. *Improves waste reduction tools for the public. *Enables us to advise local and national efforts to reduce waste to landfill.  Become a member to move markets: *Send WasteCap to speak at conferences and advocate change. *Sponsor the next generation of interns changing the world. *Solve Wisconsin's need for food security, local energy, and greenhouse gas reduction through better use of organic waste. *Give Wisconsin students the opportunity to deconstruct a building slated for the landfill and take those materials back to their art and trade classes. *Increase Wisconsin's use of recycled material, purity of material streams, and options for reuse and recycling. *Create a reuse and recycling directory for Wisconsin. Or we can simply provide you or your company with insight, resources, and a helping hand on your waste reduction journey. Microsoft Uses an Old Idea to Get to 90% Waste Reduction
Material Reuse DOES HAVE Its Hazards
RESOURCES TO PUSH Enhanced Producer ResponsibilityPlacing the responsibility to recycle entirely on the user only gets us part of the way towards a circular economy. Market forces aren’t enough to make producers consider their material choices, and so many locales are turning to EPR regulations as a way to hold producers accountable for the products they put into the market
For EPR to work, though, it has to be done right. Some of our current programs simply end up as a mandated upcharge that producers simply pocket with no actual requirement to reduce waste. Others have worked as intended for decades, like the bottle and can deposits requirements. More needs to be done. If you want to see more corporate responsibility, these resources can help you convince your state politicians to keep us moving forward.
All interested candidates should send a (1) cover letter and (2) resume by email or mail to:
Rob Schaefer (Business Manager) [email protected] WasteCap Resource Solutions, Inc. 2123 W. Michigan St. Suite 100 Milwaukee, WI 53233
|
WasteCap News
Stay up-to-date on the latest waste reduction practices, innovations, tips & tricks on recycling, member spotlights, and industry news. 
Archives
August 2025
Categories
All
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RSS Feed
|
SUSCRIBE TO WASTECAP NEWS
|
STAY CONNECTED
|
© Wastecap Resource Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.