Connecting businesses that have “waste” materials that could potentially be put to productive use by other businesses is something that SWACO does regularly. If you ever find that you have materials that are destined for landfills that might find a new use, don’t hesitate to email [email protected] to see if we can help you find a home for the material. But did you know that there is also a statewide organization that exists solely to make these kinds of connections?
SWACO recently interviewed Megan Moses, president and director of Sustainable Ohio, and David Leff, the organization’s secretary/treasurer and program leader, to learn more about their organization and their Ohio By-Product Synergy Network.
Q: How did Sustainable Ohio start?
A: Sustainable Ohio was formed in 2010 from a partnership between the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the Ohio State University, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), the United States Business Council for Sustainable Development (USBCSD), the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO), and individual partners. The BPS Network (By-Product Synergy Network) spun out of this collaborative group of civic-minded entities.
Throughout each year, we collaborate, form partnerships and synergy work groups, improve operational efficiencies, and assist colleagues.
Q: How is synergy created when members attend quarterly meetings?
A: A By-Product Synergy is formed through the practice of matching undervalued production waste (by-product) to entities that can use this material in their production processes (synergy). Benefits are formed by creating these connections.
Revenues for some, savings for others, and valuable business connections (network) for everyone. The benefits to our members come from mutual respect for our planet and sharing its resources, fueling the circular economy.
Q: How does it work?
A: At the meetings, members identify and discuss materials, waste, and other issues important to their operations, and companies can identify and vet partners. We provide a safe, confidential, collaborative environment to network and address sustainability-related issues important to member companies. We gather in person four times a year, with 30 to 100 companies in attendance. Each organization has time to share its needs-what they have available to divert or what they are looking for to fuel their process.
Q: What benefits do companies receive from attending?
A: Many companies have shared their sustainability success stories, and we know materials are being diverted and synergies created when one company’s waste becomes another’s raw material. Because we follow a step-by-step facilitated process, we know our members develop relationships, build trust, and synergies are taking place.
Ultimately, the participating companies are achieving sustainability goals or implementing initiatives to divert materials and are benefiting from the network. Furthermore, companies with a national or international presence have taken their synergy successes from Ohio and implemented them throughout their other locations worldwide!
Q: How long have the By-Products Synergy meetings been occurring?
A: 2024 will be our 14th year, so we know the systems we developed work and that many Ohio companies have benefited from participating in the process. The next meeting is May 14, 2024, in Middletown, Ohio. Please make plans to attend and see for yourself!
Learn more and sign up to attend the next quarterly meeting.
