Feature image photo credit: Jarama, Adobe Stock.
In collaboration with TRUE, the Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM), housed in the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, announced the next cohort of projects receiving technical assistance to pursue TRUE certification and precertification for zero waste through the Certify Circularity New York (C2NY) program.
Through technical and financial support, including a TRUE Advisor certificate registration, the C2NY program empowers New York businesses and organizations to become leaders in sustainable materials management.
The C2NY program aligns with CSMM’s broader goal of a market-wide transition to a circular economy with the hope of positioning New York as a national leader, driving reductions in resource consumption.
Pilot program success
During the program’s pilot phase, CSMM supported five diverse businesses and organizations, from a state-of-the-art sports arena to an independent sustainable grocery store and refillery. Over the one-year reporting period, three businesses achieved full TRUE certification and collectively diverted more than 814 tons of waste—94% of which was attributed to reuse strategies.
Notable examples of reuse and waste reduction include reusable dining ware for staff, recovered cardboard for internal shipping, reusable containers for outbound shipments, returnable packaging for customers, vendor collaboration for circular packaging, duplex printing defaults, and the use of digital receipts instead of paper.
2025 C2NY program partners
Following the success of its pilot, CSMM welcomes the following organizations into the next round of C2NY:
- Earth Matter NY Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the art, science and application of composting in and around New York City (NYC), New York. Located on Governors Island, Earth Matter NY accepts and processes food waste generated by NYC residents. Additionally, through a partnership with the Trust for Governors Island, Earth Matter NY processes all landscape and food waste generated by island partners and visitors.
- Located on Long Island, New York, Farmingdale State College is committed to advancing green energy and sustainability principles. Farmingdale State College strives to make its campus a more sustainable place to live, work and learn by incorporating environmental protection, economic vitality and social equity into their policies and procedures.
- Monaghan Medical and its affiliates are global leaders in the development and manufacturing of innovative, high-quality, patient-oriented aerosol drug-delivery devices and respiratory management products. Monaghan Medical views sustainability as essential to its mission of improving respiratory health, integrating environmental stewardship, fulfilling its social responsibility and ensuring ethical governance in every aspect of its operations.
- The New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling (NYSAR3) is the state’s premier sustainable materials management industry organization. NYSAR3 provides industry leadership on waste reduction, reuse and recycling issues and practices to improve the environment. It is aiming to make the NYSAR3 Annual Conference and Trade Show the first TRUE precertified event in New York state.
- As New York’s first scope 3 carbon-neutral caterer, Purslane is dedicated to providing sustainable dining experiences. In addition to prioritizing waste reduction and diversion, Purslane sources ingredients from local vendors to create seasonal menus that minimize environmental impacts.
- Sunnking’s mission is to revolutionize the way electronics are recycled, creating a sustainable future for generations to come. As an R2 certified recycler, Sunnking is committed to providing premier consumer electronics recycling services that not only safeguard the environment, but also empower individuals to make responsible choices for the planet.
Project partners were selected for the strength of their zero waste goals, innovative potential and impact within their industry. Priority was given to small businesses and organizations located in environmental justice communities.
“This cohort reflects the continued growth of the movement in New York to transform how we think about and manage materials,” says Kathryn Walker, CSMM’s executive director. “Each organization brings vision and ambition, and together, they demonstrate that waste is not an inevitability—it’s a design flaw we can correct. Through the C2NY program, we’re not just diverting waste—we’re cultivating a culture of circularity across industries.”
"We at TRUE and USGBC are so thrilled to be continuing this incredible opportunity with our new cohort of projects generously funded by CSMM," says Celeste McMickle, director of market transformation and development for TRUE. "Over the years we’ve seen that market transformation is the most successful when public and private partnerships come together to achieve shared goals around sustainable action, and the fact that we are rolling out our second cohort of six projects is a real testament to that. I can’t wait to see these teams achieve their zero waste goals!”