Great Lakes Brewing-up The Cleveland-based Great Lakes Brewing Company is becoming a local leader in thinking about how business can become more sustainable. Here is a recent statement explaining the company's commitment. Since our founding, the Great Lakes Brewing Company has maintained a commitment to operate in an environmentally responsible manner. In 2001, we launched our Zero Waste Initiative to minimize energy and resource use and maximize materials reuse. Our ultimate goal is to mimic nature, where 100 percent of resources are used in closed-loop ecosystems. Nature generates zero waste. The health of Northeast Ohio's waterways is of particular concern since our beer is over 90 percent water. Conventional food production generates huge amounts of chemical pesticides and fertilizers which drain into and pollute our waterways. Moving toward local and organically-grown products is one way we can minimize the environmental impact of our own activities, while at the same time enhancing the quality and taste of our food and supporting local businesses. Much of what we throw away contains an incredible amount of usable raw materials. If we simply dump "waste", we're not just polluting our planet. We're throwing money down the drain. Smart business decisions can simultaneously help clean up the environment while increasing profits. We identified our raw materials and waste streams, and are examining ways to reduce, reuse and recycle throughout the life-cycle of our products. This includes working with current suppliers to provide more earth-friendly raw materials and products as well as recycling our wastes into new products. GLBC Zero Waste Projects
We have just begun our journey toward zero waste and are partnering with many individuals and organizations to discover new solutions. The process is challenging, creative, enlightening and fun. Please share your ideas with us and launch your own zero waste projectsboth at home and at work. Our planet is depending on us.
EcoCity Cleveland
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