As the Clean Air Partnership works to inspire area residents and businesses to take voluntary steps to help clear the air, we continue to recognize the ongoing efforts and initiatives of participants in the 2018 St. Louis Green Business Challenge (GBC). These organizations are committed to cleaning our region’s air and achieving their goals while keeping a focus on sustainability. This month, we are shining a spotlight on Forest Park Forever and World Wide Technology. Both organizations worked hard to achieve the Leader Level Award of Merit and Achievement Award in the Star Circle of Excellence in last year’s challenge and continue to make clean air a priority throughout their business practices.
A private nonprofit conservancy, Forest Park Forever has spent the past 33 years partnering with the City of St. Louis and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry to restore, maintain and sustain Forest Park. In doing so, they have raised $100 million to restore several landmarks such as the Emerson Grand Basin, the Boathouse and the Jewel Box. Along with the preservation of the park, they also provide information and guides for its 13 million annual visitors, as well as an array of educational opportunities for all ages.
With the help of student volunteers, the nonprofit has successfully been able to catalog and track the park’s 273 organisms and also expand its conservation efforts. And, when it comes to their commitment to clean air, Forest Park Forever has led additional efforts throughout the past year, including a plan to introduce their first electric utility vehicle to reduce the park’s carbon footprint.
Since its founding in 1990, World Wide Technology has become a leader in the technology industry, generating more than $11 billion in annual revenue. With its global headquarters located right here in St. Louis, the company is a proud fourth-year participant in the GBC.
In 2018, World Wide Technology made giant strides in its sustainability efforts. Among these are the MoDOT Adopt-A-Highway Area Beautification Program, the Electronic Waste Drive and the Collection and Recycling of Plastic Lids & Caps for the Buddy Bench Program. The company has also implemented several programs and green business practices, such as a composting program and a water bottle refilling station, which has eliminated approximately 382,470 plastic water bottles from the company’s waste since they were installed! By the end of last year, the company resolved to replace most, if not all, non-recyclable paper cups.
To learn more about the link between sustainability and air quality, explore our website, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @gatewaycleanair. For more information on the ongoing sustainable efforts by Forest Park Forever and World Wide Technology, and how your company can get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, visit http://stlouisgreenchallenge.com.
