Interview with Green Chair Recycling- Liliana and Nikki

We recently spoke with Liliana and Nikki of Green Chair Recycling. This is our interview with them.

Tell us a bit about your company?

-We are a for profit social enterprise

- We do recycling for such things as community events

-We also do consulting

-We take recycling to facilities and provide the events with a full report, and recycling after event.

-We have 100 different stations at these events and volunteers at each one

-We focus on four different aspects of waste management

1) Weigh all materials

2) Get feedback

3) send a report

4) waste audit

-We do this to give companies feedback on how much they use and recycle at events.

So you have volunteers? Tell us more about them?

-There is a community of volunteers at this company

-Teach volunteers, it’s spread through word-of-mouth

-All ethnicities are allowed to volunteer and all people who speak various languages are allowed as well.

So you said you are a for-profit social enterprise? Where do most of your profits come from?

-Most money is made from consulting of family businesses, other businesses, and municipalities industries

-This is mostly an educational support on recycling and more of a focus on residents in society

-There are outreach programs as well for free. This is to give back to the community (colleges, universities, conferences, etc) on how to achieve sustainability.

When did you guys start?

-In 2009

Is there any competition?

-No direct competition

-Do hire on contract

How do I get into a similar field?

-be passionate

-get community involved

-bring change, use sustainability

-don’t only worry about money

How do I join?

-volunteering, website, internships

-show drive and passion

-”stand out” from the crowd

-passion more important than education

What does sustainability mean to you?

Nikki:  Living in a way so future generations will enjoy same luxuries as today

Liliana- All about community (doing the right thing)

Is the green economy growing? 

-yes

-ones who participate, will get noticed

-need overall balance in life

Closing comments

-this industry needs to be seen to believed

-need to experience it

-do the right thing for you and be passionate in whatever you do!

Thanks to Liliana and Nikki for taking part in this interview!