The success of DMI’s zero waste program was a direct result of the training and culture of its employees. DMI believes that a culture of sustainability starts with new hire orientation. The organization takes advantage of its employee onboarding process to educate all new hires on the organization’s sustainability core concepts, goals, results and overall culture. New employees are presented with information on zero waste practices and additional sustainability efforts at the DMI’s facility. A presentation is provided on goals, results, and how these efforts affect the employee directly. Depictions of proper recycling containers and the accurate sorting of materials are outlined in the presentation which is continually updated to reflect changes in practice, policy and any updated requirements to recycling programs. Employee training is ongoing through departmental meetings, lunch and learn presentations as well as waste stream audits. Dumpster Dives take place in each department to focus on materials and waste that may originate and be present only within an individual department.
DMI works with its vendors to address difficult to recycle products and promote reuse. The organization has enacted a sustainable purchasing policy that provides guidance to procurement employees to help limit waste. Contractors and vendors are required to read and sign off on a sustainability checklist before entering DMI’s facility, thus ensuring everyone within the facility is properly trained to meet our sustainability and zero waste standards.
Through the ongoing efforts of our employees and partners, DMI was able to achieve over $45,000 in cost avoidance through recycling and reuse. The organization also improve net profitability by an additional $42,885 in 2018 through the pursuit of sustainability practices.
It is DMI Companies’ goal to operate in a manner that protects and promotes the health and well-being of the environment. The True certification provided our organization with a means to quantify and recognize the amazing efforts of employees toward achievement of this goal.” - Ray Yeager, President/CEO of DMI Companies