Category: Blog

Embodying the phrase “Where Sports Meet Sustainability,” Passback works to revitalize the lifecycle of sports equipment while providing underserved youth with the tools they need to participate fully in sports. By redistributing gently used gear, Passback reduces waste, keeps materials in use longer and helps communities thrive through inclusivity and sustainability, which are outcomes that also support cleaner air across the St. Louis region.

The nonprofit’s green efforts extend beyond redistribution. Through education, advocacy and partnerships with businesses, school and other nonprofits, Passback helps reduce the demand for new manufacturing and transportation of sports equipment, which in turn lowers greenhouse gas emissions and improves regional air quality.

Sustainability is not an add‑on for Passback — it is a core pillar of who they are. As a participant in the 2025 St. Louis Green Business Challenge at the Apprentice Level, the organization formed a Sustainability Committee to oversee initiatives, monitor progress and explore opportunities such as energy credit sales to help minimize environmental impact.

During the 2025 Challenge, Passback was recognized for creating a Warehouse Sustainability Strategy designed to reduce environmental impacts through optimized lighting, reuse systems, clear signage and intake and output tracking. The organization also implemented a 10% Waste Reduction Plan focused on tracking event waste and diverting plastic and metal bottles through recycling and take‑back programs that help keep pollutants out of landfills and the air.

Passback’s impact extends well beyond its Challenge participation. Since launching in August 2023, the organization has gifted more than $140,000 worth of sports gear to children in underserved communities, with 90% of that support staying local. In doing so, Passback has recirculated more than 10 tons of plastic and metal back into the economy, reducing waste and emissions associated with producing new equipment.

Passback also developed and adopted a Green Purchasing Policy that prioritizes reused, recycled and local materials that can biodegrade or be recycled. In addition, the organization established a Partner Sustainability Policy that encourages partners to demonstrate sustainable practices and continuous improvement, helping expand positive environmental impacts across the region.

Other innovative Challenge efforts included advancing evidence‑based circularity through research conducted with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Washington University in St. Louis and independent analysts. This work helped quantify the lifecycle impacts of sports gear while implementing greenhouse gas emissions and diversion tracking, turning data into meaningful outcomes for access, equity and community health.

“The Challenge helped the Passback team transform ideas into actionable strategies, connecting our work in circularity with the people and organizations capable of scaling it,” said Magdalen Sparrow, executive director for Passback. “The experience reinforced our belief that sustainability isn’t just about reducing waste, it’s about reimagining how businesses collaborate to build a regenerative, equitable future. Systems change is a team sport!”

For more information about Passback or to get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, subscribe to the bi-monthly e-newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com.  For more on how sustainability connects to air quality, visit the Clean Air Partnership’s website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.

St. Louis Green Business Challenge 2025 Rookie of the Year, Home Sweet Home, serves the St. Louis region by providing essential furniture and household items to individuals and families as they establish new homes. With a mission centered on reuse and education, the organization ensures that everyone who touches a donated item understands how it can be reused, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and community well‑being.

In 2024, Home Sweet Home kept 537 tons of furniture out of landfills and distributed $1.2 million worth of home essentials to new homes across the region. By extending the life of furniture and household goods, the organization reduces landfill waste while cutting emissions associated with manufacturing and transporting new items, contributing to cleaner air throughout the St. Louis area.

“We give new life to gently used items, extending the life cycle of furniture and household goods by placing them in homes where they’re needed most,” said Betsy Reznicek, executive director of Home Sweet Home. “Donors can trust that their pre-loved pieces will be cherished by another family, not sent to a landfill. Our challenge was to expand the usefulness of items that cannot be used by clients, whether too “used” or damaged. The Green Team has come up with innovative ways to reduce even the minimal waste of our warehouse.”

As part of its sustainability initiatives, Home Sweet Home reviewed donation processing to identify items that could be forwarded, reused or repurposed. Materials such as metal, electronics, towels, linens and fabric were redirected to recycling centers, animal shelters and local resale shops, while woodworker volunteers repair or reconfigure broken furniture, keeping materials in circulation and reducing waste that could contribute to air pollution.

One notable Green Business Challenge accomplishment was the Home Sweet Home Green Team hosting a Challenge tour of the organization’s warehouse. The tour highlighted the many ways donated items are reused, repaired or responsibly redirected, offering a behind‑the‑scenes look at how thoughtful operations can support sustainability and air quality goals.

The organization also fostered a strong culture of sustainability internally. Staff expanded recycling efforts for items commonly used by clients, such as snack wrappers and water containers, added single‑stream recycling bins throughout the warehouse and reduced single‑use items at organizational events. Additional recycling options were introduced for donated household items, including light bulbs, plastic bags and shredded office paper, further minimizing landfill contributions.

Education and communication played a key role in these efforts. Home Sweet Home implemented an organization‑wide communication plan to ensure staff and volunteers understood how each donated item could be kept out of the landfill. The team also toured a local recycling facility and hosted a Lunch and Learn to share best practices for recycling at home and in the warehouse, reinforcing habits that support cleaner air and healthier communities.

For more information about Home Sweet Home and how your organization can get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, subscribe to the Challenge’s bi-monthly e-newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com. To learn more about the link between sustainability and air quality, explore the Clean Air Partnership’s website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.

Building on more than a decade of progress, the St. Louis Green Business Challenge continues to show that sustainability is not only attainable, but transformative, for organizations of all sizes and sectors. As a program of the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Challenge remains committed to weaving environmental stewardship into everyday business practices while delivering measurable Triple Bottom Line results — fiscal, environmental and social — across the bi‑state region.

Since launching in 2010, the Challenge has engaged hundreds of businesses, nonprofits, municipalities and institutions, collectively influencing the daily habits and decisions of thousands of employees, residents and customers throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. This growing network demonstrates strong, long‑term commitment, with the majority of participating organizations returning year after year to strengthen sustainability culture, accountability and results.

In 2025 alone, 74 companies, nonprofits, institutions, local governments and sponsors participated in the Challenge. Notably, 100% formed Green Teams to lead sustainability efforts and maintained or launched workplace recycling programs. In addition, 99% sustained internal sustainability communications and continued or expanded special waste‑stream recycling; 98% established or were developing sustainability policies; and 96% provided green learning opportunities or Green‑at‑Home resources.

The Class of 2025 highlighted the power of innovation and collaboration. Participants advanced sustainability across key operational areas including energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, sustainable purchasing, transportation and healthy workplace environments. Organizations expanded recycling and special waste recovery efforts, implemented new green policies, strengthened Green Teams and elevated sustainability communications, embedding environmental responsibility into organizational culture rather than treating it as a one‑time initiative.

Innovation remained a defining theme throughout the year. Many participating organizations adopted data‑driven decision‑making, green infrastructure investments, native landscaping, smart water technologies and expanded education initiatives that benefitted both employees and surrounding communities. Together, these advancements helped reduce environmental impact while supporting cleaner air, healthier neighborhoods and more resilient regional economies, which are all outcomes closely aligned with the Clean Air Partnership’s mission.

Now in its 16^th year, Challenge activity influences business, higher education, municipal, and nonprofit sectors alike and supports organizations at every stage of their sustainability journey — from newcomers exploring foundational practices to seasoned participants pushing the boundaries of innovation. Central to this success is customized coaching and technical guidance provided through the Missouri Botanical Garden’s EarthWays Center, including site visits, benchmarking tools, professional development opportunities and peer‑to‑peer knowledge sharing.

As sustainability challenges grow more complex, the St. Louis Green Business Challenge continues to demonstrate the power of voluntary action, regional collaboration and practical solutions that strengthen communities while protecting natural resources.

Registration for the 2026 Challenge year is open through March 31. Organizations interested in joining are encouraged to subscribe to the Challenge’s bi-monthly e-newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com to learn more. To explore the vital connection between sustainability practices and cleaner air, like us on Facebook, follow us on X @gatewaycleanair or visit CleanAir-StLouis.com.

Free Monthly Transit Pass Allows Commuters to Test-Drive MetroLink and MetroBus

Area commuters looking to save money, reduce stress and rethink their daily drive are encouraged to give transit a try as part of “Make Your Move to Metro.” This Citizens for Modern Transit campaign—held in partnership with St. Clair County Transit District and Metro Transit—offers those new to transit the opportunity to register for a FREE monthly transit pass during March at MakeYourMoveSTL.com. The transit pass (valued at $78) is valid on MetroLink and MetroBus throughout the entire month of April. The website also includes links to plan routes, calculate cost savings and access tips and tricks for navigating transit.

The integrated public transit system in St. Louis offers a safe, convenient and cost-effective way to get to work, or anywhere else individuals want to go. Taking MetroLink or MetroBus even a few times a week can significantly reduce gas expenses, vehicle maintenance and parking fees. Beyond personal cost savings, choosing transit over driving helps reduce vehicle emissions, improving regional air quality and supporting a healthier environment for everyone. It also allows commuters to skip traffic congestion and reclaim their time.

“Commuters often shy away from taking transit due to the fear of the unknown,” stated Kimberly Cella, CEO of Citizens for Modern Transit. “This campaign breaks down that barrier by allowing new transit riders to test drive MetroLink and MetroBus at no cost. Partners are confident that once commuters experience its many benefits, they will continue to choose transit, especially with rising gas prices.”

Between now and March 31, new transit riders need to simply visit MakeYourMoveSTL.com to register by providing contact information and responding to two brief questions. Upon completion, an April monthly transit pass will be mailed to their attention—making it easy to try transit, reduce their environmental footprint and be part of the solution for cleaner air across the St. Louis region.

Learn more at MakeYourMoveSTL.com.

The Cortex Innovation District stands as a global hub for innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship, empowering diverse communities with the resources to shape the future. Home to startups, R&D teams, manufacturers, nonprofits and creators of all kinds, Cortex is where technology, art and enterprise converge to grow and connect. What truly sets Cortex apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability, a core element of its identity as a leader in innovation. By championing eco-friendly practices in the St. Louis region and beyond, Cortex ensures its impact reaches far beyond the boundaries of the District.

Cortex’s vision for sustainability is bold: to integrate eco-friendly practices into every facet of its community. From green building designs to sustainable operations, the District serves as a living laboratory for environmental stewardship. This dedication earned Cortex recognition as a Champion Level participant in the 2024 St. Louis Green Business Challenge.

“The Green Team at Cortex is an example of the district’s power to convene, allowing sustainability advocates from entities large and small within the district to weigh in on sustainable initiatives and fostering collaboration for collective change,” said Ben Daugherty, Operations and Sustainability Project Manager for Cortex Innovation District.

During the 2024 Challenge, Cortex launched a district-wide Green Team, a dynamic group committed to advancing sustainability through creativity and collaboration. Their efforts included a tech recycling event that collected 9,000 pounds of material and a similar event that diverted 20,000 pounds of office furniture from landfills through donations. Cortex also approved a policy to fully reimburse restaurants for their Green Dining Alliance certification fee and secured a Gateway Regional Environmental Fund (GREF) grant to help major energy users switch to certified renewable sources.

Furthermore, the District hosted a native seed propagation workshop, launched a community composting drop-off site with New Earth Farms and partnered with Resla to promote electric vehicle use through Tesla rentals that operated out of the North Silo Parking Lot. Advancing the Living Laboratories section of the Sustainability Action Plan, labs in 13 Cortex buildings also began using a dashboard developed by CannonDesign to track energy usage and carbon emissions. Last but not least, through the work of a Wash U Gephart Fellowship intern, four Cortex labs began leveraging the International Sustainable Labs toolkit, Labs2Zero, integrated with data benchmarked in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager — further reinforcing Cortex’s role as a leader in sustainable innovation.

For more information about Cortex Innovation District or to get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, subscribe to the bi-monthly E-Newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com.  For more on how sustainability connects to air quality, visit the Clean Air Partnership website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.

Founded in 1975 as a small, family-owned paving company, Keeley Construction has grown into a regional leader with a strong commitment to sustainability. Today, their efforts go far beyond building projects — they’re fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among employees and the community.

Keeley’s core values of responsibility, adaptability, innovation, stewardship and environmental care are brought to life through initiatives that engage team members directly. From planting trees to exploring emerging green trends, Keeley turns sustainability from a concept into a shared mission. A major driver of this progress is Keeley’s Green Team, which was created to spark conversation and action around energy efficiency and waste reduction. As a participant in the 2024 St. Louis Green Business Challenge at the Leader Level, the company hosted four sustainability-focused learning sessions for employees, including Geeking Out on Trees with Forest ReLEAF, Bringing High-Performance Building Envelopes Home led by Keeley VP Matt Muller and Director of Design Derek Maschek, Intro to the WELL Building Standard presented by Keeley staff, and Minding the Gaps: A Tech Review of High-Performance Building Envelopes with GRW Engineering.

Beyond attending sustainability sessions in the workplace, Keeley employees extended their commitment to the community by planting trees at North Springs Head Start Center, an effort that underscored the company’s zero-carbon goal and helped contribute to cleaner air quality in the region.

“In 2024, the Green Business Challenge has provided Keeley Construction with valuable insights into adopting a more sustainable approach to operations and project execution,” said Casey Delaney, Director of Business Development for Keeley Construction. “Keeley is excited to continue making progress toward reducing waste and energy consumption in 2025 and beyond.”

The 2024 challenge year also marked the official launch of Keeley Green as the seventh cultural pillar of Keeley Companies. This initiative equipped employees with tools and resources to grow personally and professionally while advancing sustainability. Keeley’s progress was also made evident on its website, having highlighted energy-efficient commercial buildings, renewable energy facilities and transmission systems powering the clean energy grid. Photos showcase how Keeley blended passion and productivity to create a cleaner planet — living proof of their values in action.

The Clean Air Partnership proudly recognizes Keeley Construction’s measurable sustainability efforts. More than words on a page, Keeley’s commitment is demonstrated through tangible results. For more information about Keeley Construction and how your organization can get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, subscribe to the Challenge’s bi-monthly E-Newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com. To learn more about the link between sustainability and air quality, explore the Clean Air Partnership’s website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.

Even though the holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness and cherished traditions, it’s also a time when waste and energy use tend to spike. From gift wrapping to festive meals, the choices we make can have a big impact on the environment. The good news? With a few simple changes, you can keep the season merry while reducing your carbon footprint.

Rethink Gift Giving

Instead of defaulting to store-bought items, consider gifts that are meaningful and sustainable. Experiences like concert tickets, cooking classes or memberships create lasting memories without adding clutter. If you’re buying physical gifts, look for locally made products or those crafted from recycled materials. And don’t forget the wrapping! Opt for reusable gift bags, recycled paper or even fabric wraps to cut down on waste.

Deck the Halls — Responsibly

Holiday decorations bring warmth and cheer, but they don’t have to harm the planet. LED lights use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last much longer. If you love the glow of candles, choose soy or beeswax varieties instead of paraffin. For greenery, consider a potted tree that can be replanted or rent a live tree from a local nursery. These choices keep your celebrations festive while reducing environmental impact.

Plan a Low-Waste Feast

While food is at the heart of holiday gatherings, it’s also a major source of waste. Start by planning your menu carefully to avoid overbuying. Support local farmers and choose seasonal produce to minimize transportation emissions. Compost food scraps when possible and send guests home with leftovers to ensure nothing goes to waste. Small steps like these make a big difference in reducing holiday food waste.

Travel Smarter

Visiting loved ones often means hitting the road or taking to the skies. If possible, carpool or use public transportation next week to help cut down on harmful greenhouse gas emissions. For longer trips, consider offsetting your travel footprint by supporting carbon-reduction projects. And if you’re hosting, consider incorporating a virtual gathering for those who can’t make the trip, as technology makes it easy to stay connected without the environmental cost.

Make Sustainability Part of the Tradition

The holidays are about traditions, and creating eco-friendly habits can become part of that legacy. Whether it’s a family pledge to reduce waste, a gift exchange focused on handmade items or a commitment to energy-efficient lighting, these choices add meaning to the season while protecting the planet and our region’s air quality.

This year, let’s celebrate with intention. By embracing sustainable practices, we can enjoy the magic of the holidays while ensuring a cleaner, healthier future for all.

To learn more about the link between living greener and our air quality, visit the tips section of the Clean Air Partnership’s website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.

2024 was a groundbreaking year for sustainability at Curium. As a proud participant in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, the company showcased its Champion Innovation project, “Composting Used Coffee Grounds,” which earned notable recognition. This month, the Clean Air Partnership proudly highlights Curium’s recent sustainability achievements, which have made a meaningful impact on both the planet and the region’s air quality.

Curium, a global leader in nuclear medicine, develops and distributes radiopharmaceutical products to improve the lives of cancer patients. However, its commitment to care extends beyond healthcare — it also reaches the environment. During the 2024 Challenge, Curium collected 228 pounds of used coffee grounds from four stations at its Maryland Heights facility over a two-month period and transformed them into nutrient-rich compost. This initiative reflected Curium’s dedication to reducing waste and engaging employees in meaningful sustainability practices.

“Each year, we strive to build on our successes,” said Tiffany Carr, Environmental Health and Safety Specialist for Curium. “Supported by the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, we are eager to engage with our community to implement better sustainability practices. At Curium, we are dedicated to minimizing our environmental impact for the benefit of both our employees and the communities we serve.”

Beyond composting, Curium fostered a culture of sustainability throughout the Challenge year. The company valued employee engagement and observed a growing sense of community and enthusiasm around environmental initiatives. To further reduce its eco-impact, Curium’s Women’s Network organized a clothing drive that resulted in more than 100 pieces of professional attire being donated to Dress for Success Midwest. Since 2022, Curium has also established an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) department focused on four pillars: minimizing environmental impact, acting responsibly in the workforce and beyond, building trust through ethical business practices, and driving growth, innovation and societal value.

Curium’s sustainability efforts are ongoing and transparent. From monitoring greenhouse gas emissions to educating employees on climate change, the company is setting a high standard for environmental responsibility in the St. Louis region. Whether recycling coffee grounds or launching new initiatives, Curium continues to prove that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. Its leadership in the 2024 Green Business Challenge underscores a commitment to both patient care and planetary health.

For more information about Curium and how your organization can get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, subscribe to the Challenge’s bi-monthly E-Newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com. To learn more about the link between sustainability and air quality, explore the Clean Air Partnership’s website, like us on Facebook or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.

In rain, sleet or snow, public transportation proves to be a safe and reliable way to get where you need to go. Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT), St. Clair County Transit District and Metro Transit are therefore encouraging area residents to give transit a try before winter’s arrival by offering a FREE Metro Transit Adventure Day Pass (valued at $5) to those who are new to MetroLink and MetroBus. With transportation-related emissions being one of the biggest contributors to air pollution, taking public transportation is also a great way to reduce harmful vehicle emissions to help keep the region’s air quality in healthy ranges. All transit riders can also sign up for CMT’s FREE Guaranteed Ride Home, a program that provides peace of mind by providing subsidized access to more immediate transportation options when unexpected issues arise. To register for a free transit pass and/or the Guaranteed Ride Home program, visit www.cmt-stl.org. 

“Public transit is well known for saving people money on fuel, parking and vehicle maintenance, but there are additional benefits during winter months,” commented Kimberly Cella, CEO of Citizens for Modern Transit. “It eliminates the need to shovel and de-ice personal vehicles and navigate snow-covered streets, while decreasing the number of vehicles on the road in hazardous conditions. Transit riders can sit back and relax as they travel in a warm, stress-free environment.”  

Those new to the transit system can use the FREE Metro Transit Adventure Day Pass (valued at $5) to experience the ease of usability before winter weather strikes. CMT’s Guaranteed Ride Home program is available to current transit riders. If a personal emergency, sickness, unscheduled overtime or winter weather throws one’s usual commute off track, CMT will reimburse 80% of the cost of a ride-hailing service, taxi or rental vehicle. Transit riders can utilize this program up to four times annually. Pre-registration is required.  

Santa will be riding the MetroLink from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 4. His helpers will be at the 5th & Missouri, Belleville, Brentwood I-64, Central West End, North Hanley and Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 Transit Centers during the same timeframe. Together they will surprise and delight current riders with sweet holiday treats and customized snow globes with a QR code that makes it easy to quickly register for CMT’s FREE Guaranteed Ride Home program. To learn more, visit www.cmt-stl.org.  

Bethesda Health Group is more than a trusted name in senior care — it’s also a recognized leader in sustainability. With deep roots in the St. Louis region, the nonprofit, non-denominational organization earned recognition in the 2024 St. Louis Green Business Challenge for its commitment to both residents and the environment.

As a Champion Level participant in the Challenge, Bethesda made major strides in reducing its environmental impact. One key initiative was replacing all HVAC system refrigerants from R-22 — a known greenhouse gas — with more energy-efficient alternatives.

“In 2024, the Bethesda facilities team continued to focus on organization wide energy efficiency equipment upgrades, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Joseph J. Brinker, President and CEO of Bethesda Health Group. “This included installation of over 25 new energy-efficient HVAC units in our Independent Living apartments. All parking lot lights are now equipped with LED bulbs. I continue to be immensely proud that our entire organization has embraced the need for prioritizing energy efficient practices.”

Bethesda’s green efforts go beyond large-scale upgrades. Daily routines include recycling and energy-conscious choices like routine window replacements, including 15 at the organization’s Barclay House facility so far, with more on the way.

At the Dilworth campus Rehab building, a new chiller is expected to cut energy use by 30%, saving an estimated $14,052 annually and reducing electricity consumption by 140,552 kWh. This upgrade also lowers Bethesda’s carbon footprint by 120 metric tons per year, boosts plant efficiency by 42% and reduces noise, boosting operational longevity in a quieter, more sustainable environment.

From new windows and LED lighting to upgraded HVAC systems and chillers, Bethesda Health Group continues to invest in improvements that benefit both its facilities and the greater St. Louis community.

The Clean Air Partnership proudly supports Bethesda’s ongoing achievements across its senior living campuses, where environmental responsibility is part of everyday operations. To learn more about Bethesda or get involved in the St. Louis Green Business Challenge, subscribe to the bi-monthly E-Newsletter or visit stlouisgreenchallenge.com.  For more on how sustainability connects to air quality, visit the Clean Air Partnership website, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X @gatewaycleanair.