Why is Beyond 34 Important?
The current linear “take-make-waste” economy, which has been highly successful in delivering economic development throughout the 20th century, is no longer viable for continuing progress in the 21st century. Current systems of commerce and production processes largely follow the linear model, in which very little attention is paid to how product—and its components—can be reused. As a result, most resources are used merely once or for a single purpose and then discarded as waste.
The concept of reimagining waste as a resource, which underpins the concept of a circular economy, is a necessary alternative to the linear economy that decouples economic growth from resource constraints. It is a restorative or regenerative economic model in which resources are endlessly cycled back into supply chains as valuable commodities rather than waste for landfills.
Shifting to a circular economy represents a tremendous opportunity for business and the global economy. According to research from Accenture, it could unlock an estimated $4.5 trillion in additional economic growth by 2030 by turning current waste into wealth, and could be the biggest economic revolution in 250 years.
Beyond 34 aims to help capitalize on this significant opportunity by providing a scalable, multi-stakeholder model to optimize recycling and recovery systems as outlined below.
Linear Economy
Circular Economy
Beyond 34 Framework + Templates
Regional Readiness
Before applying the Beyond 34 model, it is important to consider such criteria as: existing infrastructure, current recycling rates against national average, level of public and private sector engagement, and relevant existing sustainability goals at state and local levels.
Template Guidebook
Phase 1: Initiation and Engagement
The focus of Phase 1 is on local stakeholder identification and engagement, as well as an analysis of the current state of recycling in the region. Phase 1 concludes with a kick-off vision and strategy meeting so local stakeholders can get involved, understand the baseline state of waste management, and give initial feedback on barriers and opportunities to increase local circularity.
Template Current State Assessment
System Flow Map Template and Excel
Template Institutional Analysis
Template Economic Impact Assessment
Cincinnati Current State Assessment
Cincinnati Institutional Analysis
Cincinnati Economic Impact Assessment
Phase 2: Analysis
Phase 2 consists of conducting an opportunity analysis to determine which interventions will be most likely to accelerate regional recycling and recovery goals and increase local recycling rates.
Template Opportunity Analysis
Cincinnati Opportunity Analysis
Phase 3: Implementation
Phase 3 focuses on the implementation of prioritized interventions identified in previous phases. These interventions leverage available local resources and are driven by local stakeholders and solutions providers.
Template Implementation Roadmap
Cincinnati Implementation Roadmap
Case Study Map
Beyond 34 has been active in two regions: Orlando, FL, Cincinnati, OH, and as of 2021, has expanded to Austin, Texas and Philadelphia. To learn more about each region's recycling and recovery efforts, click below.
Florida
Ohio
Texas
Pennsylvania
Visit our Resources Hub to explore the collection of tools you can use to improve your area’s recycling and recovery, and please reach out directly if you want to bring Beyond 34 to your city or region.
Orlando, Florida
The U.S. Chamber Foundation, the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Orlando are partners on the Beyond 34 pilot to increase recycling rates in the Orlando region. The U.S. Chamber Foundation and its partners have applied the Beyond 34 model in Orlando and is now in the final phase of implementing projects. In November 2018, more than $100,000 in funding was announced for implementation projects to increase the local recycling rate.
Local Champions
The local champions are a group of regional stakeholders that have volunteered to set in place a vision for the future state of recycling and to work with the Beyond 34 program leads, as well as other local stakeholders to devise and implement projects to work towards that vision.
Orlando Region Community Partners
Orlando Region Corporate and Foundation Supporters
Team Members
Thierry Boveri
Associate, Public Resources Management Group Inc.Thierry “Terry” Boveri is an Associate with Public Resources Management Group Inc. (PRMG), a firm specializing in utility and solid waste rate, financial and management consultancy to local governments and municipalities. Through his experience in performing various economic, financial and rate evaluations for local governments in Florida and Virginia, Thierry hopes to share his understanding and insights about the municipal solid waste business and industry to advance the B34 vision.
Chris Castro
Senior Advisor to Mayor Buddy Dyer; Director of Sustainability; Co-Chair of Smart Cities, City of OrlandoChris is currently the Senior Advisor to Mayor Buddy Dyer, Director of Sustainability, and Co-chair of Smart Cities for the City of Orlando, developing partnerships, policies, and programs to support the sustainability, clean energy, & climate resilience goals of Mayor Buddy Dyer’s Green Works Orlando initiative.
In 2008, Chris co-founded IDEAS For Us, an international 501c3 nonprofit & UN-accredited NGO, working to incubate global environmental solutions and fund local action that advances the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In 2013, he helped co-create “Fleet Farming”, a renowned urban farming program that is redefining local food systems by building distributed organic farms on homeowner lawns through neighborhoods and communities in the U.S. Chris also co-founded a clean energy consulting firm, Citizen Energy, in 2012 that provides custom energy efficiency & renewable energy solutions as a service for commercial buildings in the Washington DC Metro area.
David Gregory
Solid Waste Section Manager, Orange County UtilitiesDavid is a solid waste section manager with Orange County Utilities. He applies more than 30 years’ experience gained as a Florida public-sector manager and a nationwide consultant to advance Orange County’s sustainable materials management programs.
Judith-Ann Jarrette
Former Air Traffic Control Officer, Royal Canadian Air ForceJudith-Ann is a former Air Traffic Control Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force, where she gained experience in numerous aspects of airport operations, leadership & academic training, and management facilitation. After retiring from the military, Judith-Ann worked as an ATC consultant, and later as an airport environmental consultant. Judith-Ann has been employed as the Manager of Noise Abatement and Sustainability for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority since early 2015. Judith-Ann graduated from Carleton University with an Honours Bachelor of Integrated Sciences (Geology/Earth Sciences), and holds a Master’s degree in Aviation and Aerospace Operations from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Judith-Ann is a member of the Central Florida Chapter of Women in Aviation International, the Metropolitan Environmental Training Alliance (Central FL), and the Central Florida Girl Scouts Citrus Council.
Amanda O’Brien
Interim Executive Director and Director of Membership, Orlando Regional Chamber of CommerceWith over 10 years of experience as a Chamber professional, Amanda O’Brien is currently serving as the Interim Executive Director and Director of Membership for the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce, a division of the Orlando Economic Partnership. As a Five-Star Chamber, the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce is positioned to serve the growing needs of businesses and entrepreneurs in seven Central Florida counties. Amanda looks forward to helping advance Orlando’s sustainability efforts by educating and engaging the Orlando business community in the Beyond 34 project.
Angie Renner
Environmental Integration Director, Walt Disney Parks and ResortsWith more than 25 years of hospitality industry leadership experience, Angie has held numerous leadership positions throughout Disney Parks and Resorts in all Operating Lines of Business, Organizational Development and Environmental Sustainability. She served as the project lead developing and updating Disney’s world- renowned service standards and helped launch and deliver the Disney Company’s first environmental strategy. Angie has been in her current role, overseeing Walt Disney Parks and Resorts worldwide environmental strategies since 2010 which includes Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise line, Disneyland California, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disney. In addition, she leads the development and delivery of the publically announced Disney Company Environmental Targets.
Angie holds an MBA from Crummer Graduate School, Executive Education in Sustainability from Yale University, Certificate in Circular Economy from Arizona State University and currently acquiring a Certificate in Sustainability and Behavior Change from University of California. Along with participating in many sustainability forums, she is part of the Conference Board Sustainability Council and the National Restaurant Association’s Sustainability Professionals. She received the President of the U.S. Volunteer Award, for the past five years, for her work supporting education and youth programs and was recognized with the American Zoos and Aquariums Outstanding Volunteer Award for three years in a row.
Alexa Stone
President, ecoPreserveAlexa Stone founded ecoPreserve in 2009 with a mission to help organizations improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and achieve sustainability. Alexa also advocates for Smart Cities initiatives at the local and global level. A speaker and educator, Alexa and her organization are known for their ability to affect long-term cultural change through data driven planning, policy development and implementation.
As community leader, Alexa is a founding member of the Central Florida Energy Efficiency Alliance and Green Destination Orlando, a 501(c)3 certified nonprofit. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Green Chamber. Previously she served as a Board Director for the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA). Alexa chaired the Green Committee for the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and serves as a judge for Orange County Public Schools Green Schools Recognition Program.
Cincinnati, Ohio
The U.S. Chamber Foundation, City of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce have partnered to apply a refined version of the Beyond 34 model in the Cincinnati area based on lessons learned from the Orlando pilot. The U.S. Chamber Foundation and its technical partner Arizona State University have convened local stakeholders and conducted a technical analysis to ultimately create a roadmap for increasing and improving recycling in the Cincinnati area. The last phase of the model – implementing select projects from the roadmap – will take place in mid to late 2020.
Local Champions
The local champions are a group of regional stakeholders that have volunteered to set in place a vision for the future state of recycling in the Cincinnati region and to work with the Beyond 34 program leads, as well as other local stakeholders to devise and implement projects towards that vision.
Cincinnati Region Community Partners
Cincinnati Region Corporate and Foundation Supporters
Team Members
Michelle Balz
Solid Waste Manager, Hamilton CountyMichelle Balz is the Solid Waste Manager for the Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste District in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her passion for environmental sustainability has led her to spend the last 16 years encouraging people to reduce, reuse, and recycle.When not battling in the war on waste, Michelle enjoys hiking, camping, and spending time outdoors. Michelle earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and a master’s degree in Professional Writing both from the University of Cincinnati.
Hannah Boone
Government Affairs Activator, Cincinnati USA Regional ChamberHannah Boone is the Government Affairs Activator for the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. She joined the Chamber in 2016 and has an extensive background in journalism, event management, marketing and public relations. Originally from Indianapolis, Hannah relocated to Cincinnati after graduating from Indiana University Bloomington.
Sue Magness
Recycling Coordinator, City of CincinnatiMs. Sue Magness has been working in the field of recycling, solid waste management, and environmental education for over 25 years. Currently, the recycling coordinator for the City of Cincinnati, she has improved the recycling infrastructure by converting from bins to carts, adopting RFID technology, piloting corner can recycling in business districts, and adding clothing & housewares to the curbside collection program. Additionally, utilizing the community-based social marketing approach, 8 targeted neighborhood research campaigns have been implemented and are under evaluation with results ranging from 4% to 14% sustained increase in participation.Since starting with the city in 2008, participation in the curbside recycling program has increased from 35% to 70%, tons collected has increased 49%, the diversion rate went from 10% to 26%, and the lowest contamination rate in the country at 12%. Ms. Magness currently serves as Policy Board Member for the Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste Management District (www.hcdoes.org), Advisory Panel for the Environmental Education Council of Ohio (www.eeco-online.org), Founding Board Member of Green Umbrella (www.greenumbrella.org) (2007-2014) and former Board Member for Leave No Child Inside of Greater Cincinnati (www.lncigc.org) and Greater Cincinnati Bonsai Society (www.cincinnatibonsai.com)
Ms. Magness has a Bachelor of Science from Northern Kentucky University in Psychology with an emphasis in Environmental Psychology and minor in Marketing. In her free time, she enjoys bonsai gardening, hiking, and traveling.
Ryan Mooney-Bullock
Executive Director, Green UmbrellaRyan Mooney-Bullock has spent the last 20 years working in science and environmental education and environmental policy. A seasoned program manager, educator and communicator, Ryan is most energized when she is helping people make connections between their passions and what is going on in the natural and human worlds around them. While studying Environmental Studies at the University of Chicago and researching at the Center for Neighborhood Technology, she focused on environmental policy, economics and urban sustainability. At Antioch University New England she deepened her understanding of natural systems and how to educate about them, and earned a MS in Environmental Science. She developed and managed the Green Learning Station at the Civic Garden Center during its formative years. She has a lifelong commitment to environmental sustainability and Cincinnati’s green hillsides, waterways and vibrant community.
Carla Walker
Climate Advisor, City of CincinnatiIn April 2019, Carla Walker was selected to serve as the Climate Advisor for the City of Cincinnati for the American Cities Climate Challenge created by Bloomberg Philanthropies. Carla has advised elected officials, non-profit and business leaders at home and abroad for nearly 20 years. A veteran strategist, she has served in three Cincinnati Mayoral Administrations (Tillary, Qualls, Mallory), staffed 12 members of the Ohio State Legislature, held leadership positions in three US Presidential campaigns and has led or been involved with more than 150 different advocacy or candidate campaigns. Prior to serving as the Chief of Staff to Mayor Mallory, she served as the National Deputy Field Director for ONE.org, the global development organization founded by Bono. In that role, she created and led their national field and volunteer division across the US. She reunited with ONE in 2016 to serve as the Strategic Advisor for the Africa office where she managed campaigns like Poverty is Sexist and the rollout of the ONE Award across sub-Saharan Africa.
While Chief of Staff for Mayor Mallory, she worked to re-establish the Office of Environment and Sustainability, Office of Planning, and helped develop the Climate Protection Action Plan which was the first Green Cincinnati Plan. In 2010, she stepped down from her post as Chief of Staff and founded think BIG strategies, a boutique consultancy that provides strategic council and public relations initiatives for not for profit, start up and public sector clients. She specializes in projects that are in the environmental space and those that have a global reach or impact.
Carla is a board member for Ohio Citizen’s Action, the premier grassroots mobilizing and organizing team in the midwest, and Congress for New Urbanism-Midwest Chapter, an organization that helps create vibrant and walkable cities, towns, and neighborhoods where people have diverse choices for how they live, work, and play. In 2018, she was appointed by the Mayor of Cincinnati to serve on the Cincinnati Environmental Advisory Council.
Carla holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, a Master’s degree in Environmental Science & Engineering from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Cincinnati.
Molly Yeager
Corporate Communications Manager, RumpkeMolly Yeager is the Corporate Communications Manager for Rumpke’s West Area. In her position, Molly handles media relations, public relations, advertising and marketing programs for Rumpke’s waste and recycling initiatives throughout Greater Cincinnati, as well as Western Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
Molly joined Rumpke in January 2008. She is a graduate of Kent State University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication with a degree in public relations. Prior to joining Rumpke she worked for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. in the Global Communications department and has also worked for advertising agencies overseeing marketing and public relations for several companies including Marathon Oil, A.R.E. truck caps, CORSA exhausts, Guidestone Financial Services and Progressive Foam Technologies.
She resides in Seven Mile, Ohio, with her husband Jeremy and three sons.
Lisa Zwack
Head of Sustainability, Kroger Co.Lisa is the Head of Sustainability at The Kroger Co., the country’s largest grocery retailer, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. In this role, she leads and executes on Kroger’s sustainability strategy, including the company’s progress towards its 2020 sustainability goals and Zero Hunger | Zero Waste commitments. Previously, Lisa served as Sustainability Manager for Staples, Inc. for nearly five years, where she played a key role in implementing and communicating the company’s global sustainability vision. She earned her MBA from the Ross School of Business and her MS and BS degrees from the School for Environment and Sustainability, all at the University of Michigan, during which time she worked with several leading companies on sustainability-related projects.
Brent M. Heist
Head of Global Packaging Sustainability, Procter & GambleBrent M. Heist leads the Global Packaging Sustainability team at Procter & Gamble. He is located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Brent holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston and an MBA from Xavier University. In his twenty-six years at Procter & Gamble Brent has worked in Process Development, Products Research and most recently Packaging Development spanning several of P&G’s business units. In his current role he works with all of P&G’s brands to help them deliver the company’s Ambition 2030 goals to have 100% recyclable packaging and to reduce the use of virgin petroleum plastic by 50%.
Jennifer Richmond
Senior Director of Government Affairs for Coca-Cola ConsolidatedJennifer Richmond has more than 20 years of professional experience in the public affairs and communications arena. Her career spans across both the public and private sectors and includes 15 years of experience with Fortune 500 companies in the CPG industry. In her current role, Jennifer serves as the Senior Director of Government Affairs for Coca-Cola Consolidated, the largest Coke bottler in the U.S. She also spent six years with the Coca-Cola Company as Director of Public Affairs and Communications, covering seven states across the Midwest.
Early in her career, Jennifer worked as a reporter with the Akron Beacon Journal and Medina Gazette before transitioning to public affairs in state and local government. She formerly served as the Public Information Officer for former Summit County Prosecutor, now Ohio Supreme Court Justice, Maureen O’Connor. In 2001, Jennifer joined the Ohio Department of Transportation as a Public Information Officer, overseeing legislative affairs, issues management and media relations for the largest district in Ohio under the direction of Governor Bob Taft.
In 2007, Jennifer accepted a role with MillerCoors in Virginia as a Public Affairs and Communications Manager in support of key business initiatives, including Corporate Responsibility platforms, Brand PR, Media Relations, Stakeholder Engagement and Leadership Communications.
Jennifer has a B.S. in Journalism from Bowling Green State University. She is active in her community and church and serves on several boards and committees. Jennifer resides in Milford, Ohio with her husband, Brian, and two children, Lexi and Andrew.
Partners
Beyond 34 is a multi-stakeholder partnership between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, local governments, local chambers, technical partners, and leading corporations. The project is made possible through support from The Coca-Cola Company, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Kroger Co., Procter and Gamble, Dow, PLASTICS Industry Association, Republic Services, Target, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and the Walmart Foundation. To learn how to get involved, please email Beyond 34.
Take Action
There are many ways to engage with and support Beyond 34 goals. Join us in taking action to improve national recycling and recovery systems.
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