The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) is hosting its 25th anniversary celebration Oct. 15-16 in Orlando, Florida. As part of the event, four leading executives from the waste management sector will be on hand for the event’s keynote, “What is the value of philanthropy?”
In the lead up to the anniversary celebration, these executives shared their views on the importance of philanthropy while also discussing their support of EREF.
Advanced Disposal works in over 125 communities servicing more than 800 municipal contracts, and we believe that giving back to the communities we serve is core to our values as an organization. Advanced supports groups whose mission is focused on improving the environment, educating children and improving the quality of life for veterans. We keep those donations at the local level where we believe the most good can come from our contributions.
Burke on Advanced Disposal’s support of EREF:
EREF facilitates scientific research that helps our industry refine and improve processes that contribute to a safer and more sustainable way of doing business. EREF scholarships bring together talented scientists to study and debate issues facing the waste industry while also introducing these talented individuals to our business in hopes that the best and brightest continue their careers in the waste industry.
Jon Vander Ark, president of Republic Services, on why Republic values philanthropy:
Republic Services strives to be a good neighbor, and doing so goes far beyond delivering superior customer service and environmental compliance. It requires a commitment to the vitality of the entire community. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, Republic Services is committed to making a meaningful and sustainable impact in the neighborhoods where our employees and customers live and work.
Vander Ark on Republic’s support of EREF:
We're proud to support EREF—an organization that shares our passion for preserving and protecting the environment. Through research and educational initiatives, EREF is helping companies like Republic Services do our part to leave our planet better than we found it.
Worthing Jackman, president and CEO of Waste Connections, on why Waste Connections values philanthropy:
Waste Connections and its employees support more than 1,000 organizations through direct contributions, volunteering or fundraising. We host a golf charity event that now raises more than $1 million each year for donations to charities that support at-risk youth and their families. In addition, each year culminates with a Christmas bike build where employees and their families and friends assemble thousands of bicycles … to donate to local charities, first responders and military bases for distribution to deserving youth.
Jackman on Waste Connections’ support of EREF:
Waste Connections aligns its major financial contributions with its goal to further advance environmental sustainability, such as [the company’s] grant that helped establish the Global Waste Research Institute and our multi-year commitments to EREF. EREF’s research and education initiatives help enable participant companies to become better stewards of the environment and further benefit the communities we serve. Congratulations to EREF on its 25th anniversary. We are pleased to renew our continuing support.
Tara Hemmer, SVP of field operations for Waste Management, on why Waste Management values philanthropy:
Waste Management has the privilege and responsibility to help make our communities better places to work and live—today and for the future. Our philanthropic focuses are connected to our sustainability goals of increasing and improving recycling, producing renewable energy, reducing emissions and preserving wildlife habitats. And, of course, we’re the title sponsor of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, which contributes more than $12 million each year to charities throughout Arizona and across the U.S.
Hemmer on Waste Management’s support of EREF: