Chief Sustainability Officer @ Microsoft | Combining technology, business, and policy for change
If you had just 24 hours in New York City, what would you choose to see? I was answering this question last week and contemplated its museums or Central Park. Instead, I opted for a pocket of Brooklyn that few tourists or residents ever see: Circular Services’ recycling plant. As North America’s largest and most advanced recycling plant, it was an eye-opening experience watching trash get sorted into reusable materials, a great example of the power of sustainability. Circular Services is at the forefront of this effort, using cutting-edge technology at its Brooklyn site, processing an impressive 20,000 tons of curbside recyclables every month from New York City residents. I was also excited to be there because Circular Services is part of Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund portfolio. A cornerstone of our strategy to be a zero waste company by 2030 is by investing in the circular economy—extending the lifespan of products to keep them out of landfills and in use for as long as possible. Our investment in Circular Services, as well as their parent company, Closed Loop Partners, supports their efforts to scale technologies that expand the circular economy. These innovations benefit Microsoft, our partners, and the local communities we serve. So the next time you wonder, where does this recyclable bottle go? These images provide a glimpse into how cities like NYC are repurposing them as part of the circular economy.