Green Team Highlights & Promotional Pack
“Nearly 90% of consumers think that retailers don’t do enough to showcase their sustainability efforts.”
This page is all about showcasing your sustainability wins and sharing your story. We’ll help you shine and give you tools to spread the word—because doing good deserves a little bragging! 🌱✨
Tell us about a win
And we’ll do a happy dance with you (and share it online)!
Social Media Tool Kit
Marketing Talking Points
Hey—you and your team are some smart cookies for partnering with us. Now you can go tell the media, your fans & prospects about your sweet sustainability efforts!
To help, we’ve assembled an overview of each stream and talking points you can share or post. Just match which services your organization has signed up for to the sections below, and then start spreading the word!
Tag Us In Your Posts
FB @hillside.solutions / Twitter @HillsideSol / IG @hillsidesolutions / LinkedIn @hillside solutions
Use these Hash Tags:
DUAL-STREAM RECYCLING
Overview Summary
For Omaha businesses that recycle, most use a method similar to the single-family residential green-bin program, called “single-stream recycling.” But 2018 brought major shifts to the recycling industry, and in order to adapt, Omaha’s largest materials recovery facility (MRF), First Star Recycling, said they will — in most cases — no longer accept single-stream from the commercial sector (note: residential is unchanged).
The new and more robust way to recycle is called “dual-stream.” It involves your organization separating cardboard from other conventionally recycled materials (plastics, paper, and metals).
Why the changes?
Most Americans recycle the wrong way, through mistakenly trying to recycle the wrong things or adding food/liquids to the mix, which lessen the quality of recyclable materials. This is called contamination, and when there’s too much contamination, stuff just ends up in the landfill.
Benefits of Dual-stream & partnering with Hillside Solutions?
Dual-stream ensures that cardboard, which has the highest commodity price, is more likely to find an end-market, which ensures that our local MRF stays profitable.
In tandem with Hillside Solution’s Recycle Right training, your team decreases contamination and recycles more of the right things.
Because we’re an ethical hauler who takes our materials to First Star (as opposed to some of the competition which goes to a less equipped facility called Nebraskaland), your materials have the best chance of actually getting recycled.
Social Media Talking Points
We’re now participating in the most robust recycling program available in Omaha, thanks to our partnership with Hillside Solutions.
Alternative: Because not all recycling efforts are the same, we’ve upgraded ours to the most robust program available, thanks to Hillside Solutions.
Our switch from single-stream to dual-stream recycling means that more of our materials will get recycled.
And thanks to our Recycle Right training from Hillside Solutions, our recycling will have less contamination & more of the right types of materials.
COMPOSTING
Overview Summary
The majority of what’s in a landfill is organic material, which is compostable. Here are 3 negative effects of compostables in the landfill:
Methane: Release of methane gas, which is 102x worse than CO2.
Space: They take up space, which shortens lifespan of landfills.
Leachate: Moisture & water in these materials mix with everything else to produce a toxic sludge called leachate, which can get into waterways, kill fish & harm us.
Where’s it sent?
Instead, your materials are sent to Hillside Solution’s commercial composting farm, Soil Dynamics in Ashland, NE where they are safely broken down into nutrient-dense soil that winds up in gardens & farms around the community.
What’s compostable?
At our commercial composting farm, any and all food items (even meat, dairy, bones); anything yard-waste related; compostable serviceware; soiled paper or cardboard; and random items like tea bags, chopsticks, coffee filters, etc. Or simply put: anything that’s ever been alive.
What’s the difference?
Home composters are restricted to fruits/vegetables and Oma-Gro only accepts yard waste. Soil Dynamics is the area’s only commercial composting facility.
Social Media Talking Points
Instead of sending our food waste and compostable materials to the landfill to (a. put off methane gas; b. shorten the lifespan of our landfill; c. create toxic sludge), we’re partnering with Hillside Solutions to send this material to their commercial composting facility where it’s turned into nutrient-dense soil that winds up in gardens & farms around our community.
We all know that plastic straws suck, but did you know that in order for paper straws to really make a difference, they need to be composted? Yes, that’s why we’ve partnered with Hillside Solutions to compost our straws, food waste, and other materials.
We’re participating in the future of waste diversion through our composting program with Hillside Solutions.
Idea: If your organization switched from plastic to compostable materials, highlight this.
SOFT PLASTIC RECYCLING
Overview Summary
Most folks don’t realize that soft plastics (like chip bags and plastic straws) and styrofoam (like take-out containers) aren’t recyclable through conventional means. When they wind up at recycling centers, they slow down the sorting process & wind up in the landfill.
But as the first city in the country to launch the Hefty EnergyBag program, Omaha businesses now have a way to recycle these materials by putting them in an orange Hefty EnergyBag, then placing it in Hillside Solution’s “mixed recycling” tote or dumpster. From there, Hillside takes it to First Star, which will ship it to a pyrolysis plant to be safely melted (without sediment output) into diesel, which is then used in trucks or turned into other plastic products.
Is this considered incineration?
No. Initially First Star was sending soft plastics to a concrete kiln, where they were burned for energy. Now that they go to pyrolysis plants, the process is not considered burning, and therefore is much greener.
Social Media Talking Points
Did you know that plastic forks and potato chip bags aren’t recyclable by conventional means? But thanks to our partnership with Hillside Solutions, we’ve adopted the Hefty EnergyBag program to divert soft plastics & styrofoam from the landfill.
Instead of filling up our landfills, our soft plastics are now safely being transformed into diesel fuel.
GLASS RECYCLING
Overview Summary
Hillside Solutions is currently the only waste hauling service in Omaha that picks up and recycles glass bottles & jars. Currently we collect this material to be crushed and placed within concrete.
Social Media Talking Points
Instead of sending our glass bottles to the landfill, we’ve partnered with Hillside Solutions to recycle them.
Idea: If you organization switched from plastic to glass bottles, highlight this.
ZERO WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE
Overview Summary
If your organization is using all 5 of the above streams, then you have what we call “Zero Waste Infrastructure,” which means you have every stream of recycling/composting available in Omaha. With this infrastructure, your organization has the capacity to reach zero waste.
What’s Zero Waste?
Where 90% or more of your materials are recycled/composted, and/or 10% or less of your materials are going to the landfill or incineration.
Social Media Talking Points
We now offer 5 different ways to recycle or compost waste, which means we have Zero Waste infrastructure!
Through composting, dual-stream, glass & EnergyBag recycling, we’re now participating in the area’s most robust recycling & composting program available.
When it comes to handling our waste in a sustainable manner, we’ve signed up for every recycling & composting service available in Omaha.
Idea: if your organization switched from single-use to durable products, also highlight this.
Email Templates
Partnership Announcement
Subject: We’re Partnering with Hillside Solutions for a Greener Future! 🌱
Body:
We’re excited to announce our partnership with Hillside Solutions to take our sustainability efforts to the next level. With their expertise in composting, recycling, and waste management, we’re working toward reducing waste and building a more sustainable community.
Want to know more about how we’re making an impact? [Insert Link or CTA].
Sustainability Progress Update
Subject: Here’s How We’re Reducing Waste with Hillside Solutions
Body:
Thanks to Hillside Solutions, we’ve been able to [insert achievement, e.g., divert X tons of waste from the landfill or implement composting across our operations].
We’re proud to make sustainability a priority and couldn’t do it without their innovative solutions. Learn more about our progress and how you can get involved: [Insert Link or CTA].
Invitation to an Eco-Friendly Event
Subject: Join Us for a [Workshop/Event Name] with Hillside Solutions
Body:
We’re hosting an exciting [event/workshop] in partnership with Hillside Solutions! Come learn about [e.g., composting, zero-waste practices] and how we’re making a difference.
📅 When: [Date/Time]
📍 Where: [Location]
RSVP here: [Insert Link]
Let’s work together to build a greener community!
Customer Education
Subject: Did You Know You Can Compost [Insert Item]?
Body:
As part of our partnership with Hillside Solutions, we’re diving into composting! Did you know that [interesting fact, e.g., food scraps and paper towels are compostable]?
Together, we’re reducing waste and keeping these items out of the landfill. Want to learn more? [Insert Link or CTA].
Sustainability Report Announcement
Subject: Our Green Impact This Year: [Highlight/Statistic]!
Body:
We’re thrilled to share our sustainability progress, thanks to Hillside Solutions! This year, we’ve [insert achievement, e.g., diverted X tons of waste, implemented X programs].
Check out our full report to see how we’re making a difference: [Insert Link].
Together, we’re proving that every step counts toward a greener future!
Case Study Template:
A plug-and-play guide for you to write your own success story with us.
Case Study Template: Showcase Your Sustainability Success with Hillside Solutions
Title:
Achieving [Specific Goal or Outcome] with Hillside Solutions
Introduction
[Your Company Name] partnered with Hillside Solutions to [describe the challenge or goal briefly]. Through their innovative waste management solutions, we were able to [highlight key achievement or impact].
The Challenge
Before working with Hillside Solutions, we faced challenges such as:
[Challenge 1, e.g., high waste diversion goals with limited resources]
[Challenge 2, e.g., difficulty engaging employees in sustainability efforts]
We needed a partner who could provide expert guidance and practical solutions to meet our sustainability goals.
The Solution
Hillside Solutions helped us implement:
[Service 1, e.g., Composting Program]: [Describe the service and its role].
[Service 2, e.g., Recycling Program]: [Describe the service and its role].
Custom Support: [Mention any tailored solutions provided by Hillside Solutions].
The Results
Since partnering with Hillside Solutions, we have achieved:
Waste Diverted: [Metric, e.g., Diverted X tons of waste from the landfill].
Cost Savings: [Optional: Describe financial benefits, if any].
Engagement: [Highlight changes in employee/customer behavior or participation rates].
[Optional: Include a testimonial quote, e.g., “Thanks to Hillside Solutions, we’ve exceeded our waste reduction goals and inspired our team to think greener every day!”]
Looking Ahead
Our partnership with Hillside Solutions has set the foundation for continued progress. Next, we plan to [describe future initiatives or goals, e.g., expand composting to additional locations or achieve zero waste certification].
Key Takeaways
Challenge: [Summarize the initial problem].
Solution: [Highlight Hillside Solutions’ role].
Results: [Summarize measurable outcomes].
About Hillside Solutions
Hillside Solutions transforms waste into resources through composting, recycling, and sustainable waste management. Their innovative solutions help businesses and communities achieve zero waste and build a greener future. Learn more at Hillside Solutions.
FAQs Sheet for Employees
A quick-reference guide with answers to common questions about our services.
Here’s a quick-reference guide with answers to common questions about our services. Copy and paste it into a blank document. Don’t forget to select only services that you’ve signed up for and customize it to your business.
General FAQs About Hillside Solutions’ Services
What services does Hillside Solutions provide to us?
We offer [services here] and sustainable waste management solutions to help businesses, like us reduce landfill waste and achieve their sustainability goals.
Why are we using Hillside Solutions?
Partnering with Hillside Solutions aligns with our commitment to sustainability, helping us reduce our environmental impact and improve waste management.
Composting FAQs
What can I compost?
You can compost food scraps, coffee grounds, paper towels, and compostable packaging. For a full list, check this out.
What should I NOT put in the compost bin?
Avoid plastic, metal, glass, and non-compostable items like Styrofoam or chemicals.
Why is composting important?
Composting keeps organic waste out of the landfill, reduces methane emissions, and turns waste into nutrient-rich soil.
Recycling FAQs
What items are recyclable?
Accepted items include paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, and certain plastics. Check the recycling guide for specifics.
What happens if the recycling bin is contaminated?
Contaminated bins may be rejected or sent to the landfill. Always check labels to sort properly and avoid contamination (and fees!).
Why can’t I recycle [specific item]?
Some items, like pizza boxes with a lot of grease, can’t be processed because they contaminate other recyclables.
Does Recycling in Omaha actually work?
Recycling in Omaha is real. It works. Here’s the blog that explains it all.
Using the Bins
Where are the bins located?
[Customer to fill in location details, e.g., “Compost and recycling bins are in the break room and kitchen area.”]
Include map of indoor and outdoor locations
How do I know which bin to use?
Each bin is labeled clearly. If you’re unsure, check the signage or refer to the waste sorting guide provided.
What should I do if a bin is full?
Notify [designated person or team] so it can be emptied promptly.
Sustainability Impact
How does my participation make a difference?
Every item properly sorted into compost or recycling reduces waste in landfills, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and supports a more sustainable future.
What happens to the waste after it leaves our facility?
Compostable materials are turned into nutrient-rich soil, recyclables are processed into new materials, and non-recyclable items are responsibly managed.
Troubleshooting FAQs
What should I do if I’m unsure where to throw something?
Consult Hillside Solution’s Quick Start Guide
Email the Green Team [Company Green Team Email]
Contact Sam at Hillside Solution for advice. Her email: samantha@hillside.solutions
When in doubt, use the landfill
Who can I contact with questions or concerns?
Reach out to [designated point of contact or Hillside Solutions support team].
Additional Resources
Where can I find more information?
Visit [customer’s internal sustainability page or Hillside Solutions website].
Can I suggest improvements for our waste program?
Absolutely! Send suggestions to [designated person].
How to Refer Us Guide:
Thanks for helping us grow and go green! Here’s a quick guide to make referrals simple and easy.
Understand Who We Serve
Before referring someone, it helps to know who our services are best suited for:
Businesses looking to implement or improve recycling, composting, or landfill services.
Event Planners who want to make events more sustainable.
Schools and Organizations interested in educational programs and waste audits.
Individuals interested in subscription-based composting services.
What Makes Hillside Solutions Unique?
When making a referral, here’s what you can share about us:
Sustainability Expertise: We help clients divert waste from landfills and improve their environmental impact.
Customized Services: Tailored solutions to meet each client's unique needs.
Educational Opportunities: Workshops, waste audits, and resources to support sustainability goals.
Community Impact: A mission-driven company contributing to a greener future.
Easy Ways to Make a Referral
You can refer Hillside Solutions in any of the following ways:
Option 1: Direct Introduction
Introduce the client to us via email: [Email Address]
Subject Line Suggestion: "Connecting [Referral's Name] with Hillside Solutions"
Example Email:
Hi [Referral’s Name],
I’d like to introduce you to Hillside Solutions. They provide excellent waste management services, including composting, recycling, and landfill options, tailored to businesses like yours. I’ve copied [Hillside Contact Name] on this email so you can connect directly.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Option 2: Share Our Information
Provide our contact details:
Website: [HillsideSolutions.com]
Email: [Sam: samantha@hillside.solutions or Brent: brent@hillside.solutions]
Option 3: Use Social Media
Tag us or share a post about our services on your social media accounts:
FB @hillside.solutions / Twitter @HillsideSol / IG @hillsidesolutions / LinkedIn @hillside solutions
Example Post: Looking to make your business more sustainable? Check out @HillsideSolutions for composting and recycling services that make a difference!
Option 4: Word-of-Mouth
When chatting with colleagues or friends, mention Hillside Solutions and how we help businesses and individuals with their sustainability goals.
Benefits of Referring Us
Referring someone to Hillside Solutions doesn’t just help us—it helps them, too! Clients gain access to:
Cost savings through improved waste management.
A reduced environmental footprint.
Support for local, eco-friendly initiatives.
Feedback and Questions
If you have questions or need assistance making a referral, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us at [Contact Email] or [Phone Number].
Employee Engagement Guide:
Resources to help your team get involved and stay motivated.
Get Everyone Excited
Start by ensuring employees understand your organization’s commitment to sustainability and how Hillside Solutions plays a role.
Action Steps:
Share Your Story: Highlight why your company partnered with Hillside Solutions and the impact it’s making.
Host a Kickoff Session: Have a quick, fun meeting (in person or virtual) to introduce your partnership with Hillside and explain how employees contribute to the effort.
Visualize Progress: Create a tracker or infographic that shows waste diversion progress and set future goals.
2. Encourage Involvement
Engagement starts with empowering employees to make sustainability a part of their workday.
Waste Sorting Stations: Ensure recycling and compost bins are clearly labeled and conveniently placed.
Sustainability Champions: Appoint team members as go-to ambassadors for questions and tips about proper waste sorting.
Eco Challenges: Run monthly challenges like “Recycle Right Week” or “Zero Waste Lunches” to keep it fun and interactive.
3. Be a Hostess with the Most-ess
Knowledge is power! Help employees feel confident in their efforts by offering learning moments. Try out these:
Waste Sorting Workshops: Invite Hillside Solutions to lead an in-person or virtual session.
Lunch-and-Learn Sessions: Provide snacks while employees learn tips to reduce waste both at work and home.
Field Trips: Organize a visit to Hillside Solutions or a local composting facility to see sustainability in action.
4. Celebrate Wins Together
Recognize and reward your team’s sustainability efforts to keep morale high and motivation strong.
Suggestions:
Milestone Recognition: Celebrate when you hit a major waste diversion goal or reduce landfill contributions.
Employee Spotlights: Feature employees who go above and beyond in sustainability efforts in your newsletter or on social media.
Green Rewards: Offer fun eco-themed prizes (like reusable water bottles or lunch containers) for participation in sustainability challenges.
5. Keep the Conversation Going
Ensure sustainability stays top of mind by weaving it into your company culture.
Strategies:
Regular Updates: Share monthly or quarterly progress reports and exciting stats from Hillside Solutions.
Feedback Loop: Ask employees for ideas to improve waste reduction and acknowledge their contributions.
Involve Everyone: Include sustainability in onboarding new hires so everyone is on the same page.
6. Partner with Hillside Solutions for Extra Support
We’re here to help you keep employees engaged! Reach out to us for:
Custom Workshops or Training: Tailored to your workplace’s needs.
Educational Materials: Posters, handouts, or digital content to keep waste sorting easy and fun.
Ongoing Guidance: Have questions? Need new ideas? We’re just an email away.
Together, we can make a bigger impact by keeping sustainability at the heart of your workplace! Contact us anytime at [Hillside Solutions Contact Info]. Let’s keep growing greener together!
12-Month Sustainability Engagement Plan:
Keep it fun, simple, and impactful! Here’s how to keep employees excited about going green all year.
January: New Year, New Green Goals
Set Office Sustainability Goals: Choose one service to improve, like increasing recycling participation or starting a compost bin.
How: Share tips and track progress with a fun leaderboard.
February: Love Your Trash
Recycle Right Challenge: Host a quick quiz on what goes in each bin (recycling, compost, landfill).
How: Use a digital quiz or posters, and give small prizes for perfect scores.
March: Spring Clean (Responsibly)
Declutter and Sort: Organize a recycling day for old office supplies or electronics.
How: Provide labeled bins for recycling and composting, and share reminders about glass recycling services.
April: Earth Month
Recycle and Compost Drive: Encourage employees to bring items from home to recycle or compost.
How: Set up collection bins and share the impact (like pounds diverted from the landfill).
May: Compost Awareness
Compost It All: Host a "What Can I Compost?" workshop or lunch-and-learn.
How: Share composting tips and encourage employees to compost their lunch scraps.
June: Glass Recycling Month
Raise a Glass: Share fun facts about glass recycling and set up a challenge to increase collection.
How: Track the weight of glass recycled by the office and celebrate milestones.
July: Plastic-Free Recycling
Recycle Smart: Focus on reducing contamination in recycling bins by avoiding plastic bags.
How: Host a quick sorting demo and share easy swaps for reusable items.
August: Zero Waste at Lunch
Sort Your Lunch Waste: Set up compost, recycling, and landfill bins in the breakroom with clear signage.
How: Encourage employees to pack lunch in reusable containers and compost food scraps.
September: Community Cleanup
Office Recycling Challenge: Compete to see who can recycle the most paper, glass, or cans in a week.
How: Provide collection points and celebrate with a small eco-prize for the winner.
October: Pumpkin Composting
Post-Halloween Drop-Off: Host a “Pumpkin Drop-off” for composting instead of sending them to the landfill.
How: We’ll set up a roll-off in your parking lot and your office can fill it with pumpkins, then we’ll take it to our farm to be composted into nutrient dense soil.
November: Thankful for Recycling
Track Your Impact: Share a progress report on the year’s recycling, composting, and glass recycling achievements.
How: Display stats on how much waste was diverted and celebrate employee efforts.
December: Upcycled Holidays
DIY Green Gifts: Use recyclable or compostable materials to create ornaments, gift tags, or decorations.
How: Provide supplies and display creations in the office for some eco-holiday cheer.
Keep It Focused: Announce activities early, provide clear instructions, and highlight the benefits of using your services. Let’s recycle, compost, and go green together!