User:Jescriba22/Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble's "Go Green" initiative, implemented in recognition of the need to decrease the carbon footprint, aimed to increase their trash recycling rate. At the outset, only 30% of the waste generated by the company was being recycled. The company had already begun to recycle cardboard and paper to have a positive environmental impact and achieve savings. However, to make a substantial difference, they needed to increase their recycling efforts.

As mentioned by Carmine Esposito, an author and contributor from the National Waste Associates, To determine the proportion and types of recyclable materials present at each site, the National Waste Associates (NWA) conducted a location optimization survey. Based on this data, they formulated an effective recycling plan for each store location. The NWA also supplied the stores with educational materials to teach them how to recycle correctly. Regular assessments of the locations were conducted to identify areas for improvement.

The sustained efforts of the NWA resulted in a 67% increase in Barnes & Noble's waste recycling rate, leading to a yearly decrease in Carbon Dioxide emissions of more than 50,000 metric tons. In 2017, due to a heightened level of recycling participation, over 13,000 tons of refuse were diverted from landfills, conserving resources that could be recycled.

Over a three-year span, the NWA was able to reduce Barnes & Noble's expenditure by over $160,000 by increasing waste diversion rates and adjusting the size of rubbish and recycling containers according to the amount of waste.

The success of Barnes & Noble's "Go Green" initiative highlights the importance of corporate responsibility in addressing environmental concerns. By working with organizations like the NWA, companies can create effective waste management plans that not only have a positive environmental impact but also result in cost savings. This case study provides a roadmap for companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint and become more environmentally sustainable.

All statistical information gathered by the National Waste Associates