Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation celebrates 30 years of helping Minnesota businesses

How has the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation helped
businesses in the last 30 years?

Recently, the Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation celebrated it's 30th anniversary at Allianz Field by uniting current and former team members, board members and community partners. Since its inception in 1994, starting with the 'It’s in the Bag' program and a focus on blue wrap in healthcare, the industry has evolved significantly. 

Over the last three decades, the Waste Wise team has:

• Diverted an impressive 1.07 BILLION pounds of waste from landfills and incinerators. That is equivalent to 6.5 Washington monuments!
• Saved organizations $16.2 million. 

Today, Waste Wise sustainability specialists work with businesses across Minnesota to reduce waste and implement recycling improvements. Services include on-site consultations, bill analysis, grant and funding assistance, employee education, waste sorts and more.

The Minnesota Chamber's Energy Smart team, which was added to the Foundation in 2008, sees a different side of businesses (often including the roof!) while identifying and prioritizing energy-saving opportunities, navigating the range of efficiency programs and ensuring successful project completion. 

Since 2008, Energy Smart has:

• Provided energy efficiency consultations at 4,820 businesses. 
• Assisted in implementing 1,389 electricity-saving and 226 natural gas-saving projects
• Saved businesses $4.7 million in annual operating costs

The Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation continues to grow and innovate at a rapid rate. What begin with a couple of team members 30 years ago, now has 24 team members full of expertise and passion for their work. A heartfelt thank you to all who have contributed to advancing sustainability in Minnesota. 

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