Greening Shuttle Operations: A Sustainability Case Study with Shell’s Smiling Stars Toronto
Event Sustainability Goals
- Audit Waste: Minimize the amount of waste produced from the shuttle busses, particularly the Flow Water bottles and divert as much of it from landfill as possible
- Disposal of Potable Water: Ensure leftover potable water is disposed of in a sustainable way
Our Approach
Our team coordinated the waste collection then sorted and measured waste the following day to assess volume and diversion potential. We coordinated with hotel staff to properly handle recyclables, unopened water, and landfill waste.
1. Waste Reduction
To tackle waste reduction, we implemented several key strategies:
- Waste Collection Coordination: Coordinated waste collection from each shuttle bus staff member to by dropping waste off to the event venue for sorting and disposal.
- Consulted Hotel Staff for Waste Sorting: Discussed with venue staff regarding the types of waste and which bins it would be disposed of i.e. Flow Water bottles and cardboard into recycling, wrappers into garbage etc.
2. Disposal of Potable Water
To tackle leftover potable water, we actioned the following:
- Water Consumption Tracking: Managed on-site sorting including the number of full, nearly full, partially empty and empty water bottles. We noted the amounts of water leftover and number of bottles for recycling.
- Disposal: Rather than simply dumping the potable water down the drain, we watered the plants and trees outside the hotel.
Outcomes
As a result of the sorting and proper disposal, a total of 16.75 L of potable water was utilized for plants outside the hotel. Of all the Flow Water bottles accounted for from the shuttle buses, 79.25% successfully diverted from landfill and recycled. 20.75% were donated and redistributed for consumption, although the final recycling of those bottles cannot be confirmed. Any additional cases were also donated through B12Give.
Conclusion
By focusing on waste reduction and proper potable water disposal, we diverted 100% of the Flow Water bottles from landfill! Interested in greening your next event? Contact us at Eco-Friendly Events for a free discovery call!
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