Beets-Atkinson’s involvement extends into many projects over her long career that range from a sample waste analysis (approximately 200 pounds), with a building walk and recommendations to supporting a 5 day multiple locations waste analysis and extensive building assessment which included over 20,000 pounds of waste, a team of over 15 support staff, extensive recommendations by commodity and building type to include an education and outreach programs that included a full years planned education events, updated signage, monthly pantry education, 4 events (America Recycles Day, Earth Day, Waste analysis results ‘and what is contamination). Of late, SBM Sustainability has successfully expanded to include Global Sustainability Consulting Projects that focus on only sustainability versus through our custodial clients.
Sue is always looking at creative innovation that takes our Zero Waste programs to the next level from equipment that makes us more effective that densifies light but excessive commodities to fun and creative education and outreach ideas.
An integral leader in the Zero Waste movement and industry expert, Beets-Atkinson’s involvement has included her current role as Chair of the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) TRUE Zero Waste Advisory Council, as well as serving as President of the US Zero Waste Business Council (USZWBC) for three years. She was the Chair of two USZWBC teams which created a Zero Waste Facility Scorecard that was used as a third party verification and certification process for businesses, and conducting the Zero Waste Business Associate training, respectively. USZWBC merged with USGBC in 2017 and renamed the program TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency). Sue continues to support the TRUE Advisory Council as their Chair and works with the assessors’ team to enhance the third party certification program.