Our Very Own Master Recycler

The Master Recycler Program: A Commitment to Sustainable Practices

Distillata is proud to be part of Cleveland’s growing green movement. As a local bottled water delivery company, we believe that sustainability is essential for a healthier planet. That’s why we were thrilled to participate in the Master Recycler program offered by the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District.

What is the Master Recycler Program?

The Master Recycler program is a complete training initiative aimed at educating and empowering individuals to become advocates for recycling and waste reduction. Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experiences, participants gain a deep understanding of sustainable practices and learn how to apply this knowledge to their daily lives, businesses, and communities.

The Master Recycler certification offers an “in-depth study of waste reduction, composting, and recycling” to “create advocates for recycling who can apply knowledge to affect habits at home, work, and in the community.” After an application process and phone interview…we had our very own Master Recycler student enrolled.

The program entails twenty hours of lecture and twenty hours of volunteer time. Embedded in the lectures are five tours of local companies working hard to reduce the waste in our county. During our session, we visited

• a paper recycling facility
• a construction material upcycler
• a computer/ e-waste company
• a second-hand clothing store
• a recycling center

All supplied valuable information and services that can be applied back to our business. The lectures were jam-packed with information, including:

• waste material reuse and reduction
• the recycling system from beginning to end
• green alternatives to harsh chemicals
• an overview of district programs
• special item recycling
• event planning

We also heard from sustainability managers at local high schools, colleges, sports teams, and more. All offer firsthand advice on how we can apply our newfound skills to our own business. At the end of the course, we walked away with a mass of knowledge and a full network of contacts in the sustainability field. We have laid out a very preliminary agenda to address the following eight areas over the next year:

• paper
• volunteering in the community
• green space
• reusables
• e-waste
• green cleaning
• special item recycling
• Ink

Why Did Distillata Participate?

As a business committed to environmental responsibility, we viewed the Master Recycler program as an invaluable opportunity to gain more knowledge about sustainable practices and to incorporate them into our own operations. We aimed to ensure that we are taking every possible step to reduce our environmental impact and help create a greener Cleveland.

Key Learnings from the Program

Our participation in the Master Recycler program has provided us with a wealth of valuable insights. Here are some of the key takeaways:

• Waste Reduction Strategies: We learned about effective strategies for reducing waste at both the individual and business levels. This includes composting, recycling, and reusing materials.
• Recycling Best Practices: We have a better understanding of the recycling process, from the collection at the curbside to material processing. This knowledge has enabled us to enhance our own recycling efforts and to educate our customers about proper recycling practices.
• Sustainable Practices for Businesses: We explored how businesses can implement sustainable practices, such as reducing energy consumption, conserving water, and minimizing packaging. 
• Community Engagement: The program highlighted the significance of community participation in sustainability projects. We were educated on methods to involve our clients and community members in advocating for recycling and waste reduction.

Distillata’s Commitment to Sustainability

Our participation in the Master Recycler program has reinforced our commitment to sustainability. We are dedicated to:

• Implement sustainable practices will minimize our waste, energy consumption, and carbon emissions, reducing our environmental footprint.
• Educate our customers. We believe that informed customers are empowered customers. We strive to educate our customers about sustainable practices and encourage them to make environmentally friendly choices.
• Support community initiatives. We are actively involved in local sustainability initiatives and support organizations that promote environmental stewardship.

What is the Master Recycler program?

The Master Recycler program is a comprehensive training initiative offered by the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District. It provides participants with in-depth knowledge of sustainable practices, including waste reduction, recycling, and composting.

How long does the Master Recycler program take?

The program typically takes around 40 hours to complete, including both classroom instruction and hands-on experiences.

What are the benefits of becoming a Master Recycler?

Participants understand sustainable practices deeply, develop leadership skills and become empowered to positively impact their communities.

How did Distillata’s participation in the Master Recycler program impact their business?

We gained valuable insights into sustainable practices, which they have implemented within their own operations. This has helped them to reduce their environmental footprint and become a more sustainable company.

What were some of the most surprising things learned during the program?

Distillata was surprised by the wide range of sustainable practices that businesses can implement, from reducing packaging to investing in renewable energy. We were also impressed by the incredible sustainability community in Cleveland and blown away by the programs and actions being taken in our own backyard.

What challenges did Distillata face in implementing sustainable practices in their business?

One challenge was finding cost-effective solutions that would not compromise the quality of our products or services. Thankfully, the Cuyahoga Country Solid Waste District offers a business liaison with solutions to many different scenarios.

What advice does Distillata have for other businesses looking to become more sustainable?

Start small and gradually implement sustainable practices. It’s also important to involve employees and customers in the process to create a shared commitment to sustainability.

What are Distillata’s future plans for sustainability initiatives?

We are continuously exploring new opportunities to improve its sustainability practices. It is considering initiatives such as using biodegradable packaging, investing in renewable energy, and expanding its community outreach programs.

By continuing to learn and grow in sustainability, Distillata is proud to be a leader in the green movement in Cleveland. We believe that we can create a more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

Zero Waste Bottled Water

For those who prefer the ultimate in sustainable drinking water options, we are thrilled to offer two zero-waste options, including waste-free bottled water coolers and in-line water filtration systems. Last but certainly not least, after careful consideration of our customers’ preferences, we have reworked and consolidated many of our delivery routes to ensure ultimate efficiency and, ultimately…reduced emissions.

Watch this video to learn about Distillata, a family-owned and operated company in Cleveland, Oh. since 1897.