Green Thread® Environmental Program
How ARAMARK defines sustainability:
"The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs"
At ARAMARK Parks and Destinations, we have a deep respect for and commitment to protecting and improving the environment. We work to reduce our environmental footprint while delivering exceptional operational results. We also offer expertise and practical solutions to our clients to help them reduce their environmental impacts. Throughout our corporation, we develop and implement long-term environmental stewardship programs and policies within the areas of sustainable food; responsible procurement; green buildings; energy and water conservation; transportation; and waste stream management. We call these programs and policies Green Thread® as they weave throughout our business operations every day!
Green Thread®, what is it?
Green Thread®
- Environmental Management System.
- Designed to help regulate what we buy, how we use energy, how we dispose of chemicals, etc.
- Deal with what are known as "aspects and impacts"
- Turning on a light switch
- Buying food for the restaurants
Green Thread® will prepare us for our ISO 14001 certification
- Comprehensive EMS aimed at continual improvement
- Not perfection, but a commitment to making change in our line of business
- Helps conserve energy
- Lowers our environmental footprint
Green Thread® is everywhere..."A green thread in everything we do"
Waste Management Reduction at Shenandoah
We reduce, reuse and recycle to decrease solid waste and eliminate the production of hazardous waste. Key Green Thread® waste management and reduction programs in place at Shenandoah National Park are:
GreenSuites Bulk Dispensing
ARAMARK has implemented a bulk dispensing system that has eliminated the use of individual soap and toiletry packages. ARAMARK contracts exclusively with Neutrogena to provide toiletry products used in GreenSuites dispensers.
Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Supplies
Working with EcoLab, ARAMARK has developed a line of cleaning products that has eliminated hazardous chemicals from its cleaning supplies.
Retail Shops
Purchasing gifts and apparel made with environmentally friendly recycled materials as well as inclusion of local artisan products.
Education and Training
ARAMARK provides comprehensive employee training programs on environmental leadership and best management practices. Programs on such topics as hazardous waste management, environmental health and safety auditing, recycling procedures, Clean Water Act requirements and green cuisine, among others, instruct employees to become leaders in resource management and sustainability.
Sustainable Building Design
We are committed to designing and constructing for a sustainable operation. This means we make every effort to protect landscapes, view-scapes and night skies. We design and construct to maximize guest interpretative opportunities and minimize utility consumption, maintenance and cleaning requirements.
- Skyland Resort's bar furniture was made from recycled lumber, which originated from an old barn.
- Thirty rooms at Big Meadows Lodge were renovated utilizing all beetle-kill lumber. No new growth harvest trees were used.
- Big Meadows Lodge Gift Shop uses display tables constructed of recycled and reclaimed materials.
- Sustainable materials, such as bamboo flooring, are being phased in to all facilities.
- Recycle containers have been placed in all guest rooms.
Transportation
We are reducing our dependency on non-renewable energy sources and constantly seeking solutions to effectively move people through the park. To do this, Ford bi-fuel trucks and electric carts have been purchased for on-property use in the Park.
Recycling & Energy Conservation
ARAMARK uses Energy Star-rated appliances, fixtures, lighting and equipment. Water- conserving showerheads, faucets, toilets, and washing machines have also been installed.
Recycling of paper, glass, plastic, and metals is a major initiative for both ARAMARK and the National Park Service.
- Cardboard (outside contracted service - 20,000 lbs in ‘07)
- Glass (18,000 lbs,)
- Plastic (1600 lbs. in-house removal to NPS collection site)
- Paper, office paper (3000 lbs. in-house removal to NPS collection site)
- Aluminum (1000 lbs.)
- Replaced 600 standard light bulbs with eco-glo energy saving bulb
- 30 + energy saving washers & dryers
- Converted 275 shower heads with aerators
- Converted 200 toilet tanks with aerators
- Completing eliminating all foam disposable
- Donated 60 rooms of furniture and 100 box spring/mattresses to local charity instead of being disposed in local landfill.
Programs and Activities
To enhance the visitor experience, we offer many programs to introduce guests to the natural, cultural and social history of the area. Examples of our programs at Shenandoah National Park include:
Night Skies: Join amateur astronomers as they present a provocative overview of America’s vanishing night skies: how national parks are becoming a refuge from city lights, and tips on controlling light pollution. Stargazing follows the program with telescopes provided.
The Nature-Friendly Garden: Naturalist Marlene A. Condon, whose yard has been showcased on Virginia PBS stations, lets Mother Nature do most of the work to make her yard beautiful. In this 45-minute slide/narrative program, the author of The Nature-friendly Garden (Stackpole Books) introduces you to numerous kinds of wildlife that make gardening much more enjoyable and productive. Join the "green" movement by learning the value of working with--instead of against--Mother Nature.
Tea with the First Ladies: Historian Babs Bodin, former director of the Museum of American Presidents, takes tea sippers on a journey through the history of some of America’s most spirited women. Desserts from the First Ladies’ favorite recipes and a variety of teas are also served. May through September monthly presentations are held at Big Meadows Lodge and focus on Lou Hoover and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Basket Making 101: Visit Shenandoah and then head home with your own handcrafted basket. Basket artist, Clyde Jenkins, shows workshop participants how to make a Colonial style basket with techniques passed down through the generations.
Organic and Sustainable Food Sources
ARAMARK is pleased to offer sustainable choices as part of our goal to provide our guests with the highest quality food products that are healthy yet least harmful to the environment. Both full-service restaurants offer sustainable menu items.