Tag: 3BL

Direct Relief has been ranked as the fifth-largest charity in the United States and recognized as one of the most effective stewards of private donations, according to Forbes’ 2025 annual list of the 100 Top U.S. Charities, which ranks organizations by private donations.

Forbes awarded Direct Relief a 100% rating for fundraising efficiency, highlighting the organization’s minimal fundraising costs relative to private donations, and a 99% score for charitable commitment, reflecting the proportion of expenses allocated directly to its charitable mission.
 

2025 Top 10 Charities

Rank	Organization	Private Donations	Fundraising Efficiency (%)	Charitable Commitment (%)
1	Feeding America	$4.961B	99	98
2	Good 360	$3.236B	100	100
3	St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital	$2.776B	84	71
4	United Way Worldwide	$2.482B	88	84
5	Direct Relief	$2.389B	100	99
6	Salvation Army	$2.344B	89	83
7	Habitat for Humanity International	$2.002B	90	82
8	Americares	$1.987B	99	98
9	Samaritan’s Purse	$1.706B	94	85
10	Goodwill Industries International	$1.411B	98	77

_{Forbes. “The 100 Largest U.S. Charities.” Forbes, 2025, www.forbes.com/top-charities/list/.}
 

Globally, Direct Relief is ranked as the second-largest charity in the “International Needs” category.

While Forbes noted that cuts in U.S. government funding have forced many international organizations to scale back operations, Direct Relief’s policy of declining to take government funding has enabled the organization to expand its global response efforts in 2025.
 

2025 Top International Charities

Int’l Rank	Overall	Organization	Private Donations	Fundraising Efficiency
1	2	Good 360	$3.236 B	100%
2	5	Direct Relief	$2.389 B	100%
3	7	Habitat for Humanity International	$2.002 B	90%
4	8	Americares	$1.987 B	99%
5	11	Compassion International	$1.312 B	88%
6	15	World Vision	$932 M	85%
7	16	MAP International	$931 M	99%
8	19	Task Force for Global Health	$830 M	100%
9	23	Doctors Without Borders USA	$756 M	85%
10	27	Convoy of Hope	$685 M	95%

_{Forbes. “The 100 Largest U.S. Charities.” Forbes, 2025, www.forbes.com/top-charities/list/.}

Beyond its Forbes ranking, Charity Navigator, the nation’s leading nonprofit evaluator, awarded Direct Relief an overall 100% charity rating for 2025, marking its 15th consecutive Four-Star rating. This distinction underscores the organization’s commitment to excellence, accountability, and measurable impact.

In addition, Charity Navigator named Direct Relief one of the Best Humanitarian Relief Charities for 2025, highlighting responses to Hurricane Melissa, the Los Angeles fires, and the humanitarian crises in Sudan and Ukraine. The designation recognizes organizations Charity Navigator deems “extraordinarily effective at what they do.”
 

Humanitarian Impact in 2025

In 2025, Direct Relief made significant strides in advancing its global humanitarian mission, including:

• Delivering Lifesaving Medicines: In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, Direct Relief distributed 308 million defined daily doses of medicine to more than 2,636 healthcare facilities across 91 countries and all 50 U.S. states. In total, Direct Relief donated pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and supplies with a wholesale value of $1.9 billion and provided $69 million in grants to healthcare providers around the world.
   
• Hurricane Responses: Following Hurricane Melissa, Direct Relief dispatched a 757 charter plane carrying 16 tons of medicine and medical supplies to Jamaica, adding to the large quantities of medical supplies already prepositioned in the region prior to landfall, which helped ensure health providers were equipped immediately after the storm.
   
• Los Angeles Wildfire Response: Direct Relief’s response began within hours of the first spark, with an initial focus on lifesaving support, including deploying prescription medications to shelters, field medic backpacks to first responders, and more than 140,000 N95 respirators to protect residents and emergency personnel from smoke.
   
• Aid to Ukraine:  Direct Relief has surpassed more than $2 billion in medical and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since the war began in 2022, making it one of the largest private philanthropic supporters of the country’s health system.
   
• Largest Charitable Medicine Program in the U.S.: To help address the lack of affordable prescription medicine in the United States, Direct Relief provides needed medications to nonprofit health centers and clinics that collectively serve about one in 11 people in the country. In its 2025 fiscal year, Direct Relief’s assistance to the U.S. exceeded $300 million.
   
• Supporting Healthy Mothers: Direct Relief supports health organizations worldwide that provide critically needed maternal and neonatal services throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. In its 2025 fiscal year, Direct Relief’s support of midwives helped enable more than 45,000 safe births in 17 countries.
   

Stewardship and Financial Transparency

Direct Relief is committed to maximizing the impact of every donation, ensuring funds are used responsibly and effectively to support those in need:

• 100% Allocation of Donor-Designated Funds: Every contribution earmarked for specific programs or emergencies is applied exclusively to those purposes, giving donors full assurance that their intent is honored.
   
• Independently Funded Operations:  Direct Relief operates solely on private charitable contributions, declining government funding to maintain independence and focus on its mission.
   
• Leveraging In-Kind Contributions: Strategic partnerships with businesses and organizations amplify the impact of donations. Contributions of medicine and medical supplies, valued at their wholesale cost, constitute the majority of Direct Relief’s revenue, allowing cash donations to reach further and support more people.
   

Additional Nonprofit Recognition

In 2025, Direct Relief received additional independent recognition for humanitarian impact, transparency, and financial stewardship, including:

• TIME Dreamer of the Year: The distinction, presented annually by TIME Magazine in collaboration with American Family Insurance, celebrates individuals and organizations who protect, restore, and champion their communities in the face of adversity.
   
• Seoul Peace Prize: One of the world’s most distinguished honors for humanitarian achievement, awarded in recognition of Direct Relief’s role in advancing global health and supporting communities affected by disasters and conflict.
   
• Platinum Transparency Seal from Candid: Signaling the highest level of openness about finances, programs, and results, and enabling donors to see clearly how resources are used.
   
• A+ Rating from CharityWatch: Along with inclusion on its list of top charities, reflecting exceptional program efficiency, low overhead, and disciplined use of donor funds.

Direct Relief has been ranked as the fifth-largest charity in the United States and recognized as one of the most effective stewards of private donations, according to Forbes’ 2025 annual list of the 100 Top U.S. Charities, which ranks organizations by private donations.

Forbes awarded Direct Relief a 100% rating for fundraising efficiency, highlighting the organization’s minimal fundraising costs relative to private donations, and a 99% score for charitable commitment, reflecting the proportion of expenses allocated directly to its charitable mission.
 

2025 Top 10 Charities

Rank	Organization	Private Donations	Fundraising Efficiency (%)	Charitable Commitment (%)
1	Feeding America	$4.961B	99	98
2	Good 360	$3.236B	100	100
3	St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital	$2.776B	84	71
4	United Way Worldwide	$2.482B	88	84
5	Direct Relief	$2.389B	100	99
6	Salvation Army	$2.344B	89	83
7	Habitat for Humanity International	$2.002B	90	82
8	Americares	$1.987B	99	98
9	Samaritan’s Purse	$1.706B	94	85
10	Goodwill Industries International	$1.411B	98	77

_{Forbes. “The 100 Largest U.S. Charities.” Forbes, 2025, www.forbes.com/top-charities/list/.}
 

Globally, Direct Relief is ranked as the second-largest charity in the “International Needs” category.

While Forbes noted that cuts in U.S. government funding have forced many international organizations to scale back operations, Direct Relief’s policy of declining to take government funding has enabled the organization to expand its global response efforts in 2025.
 

2025 Top International Charities

Int’l Rank	Overall	Organization	Private Donations	Fundraising Efficiency
1	2	Good 360	$3.236 B	100%
2	5	Direct Relief	$2.389 B	100%
3	7	Habitat for Humanity International	$2.002 B	90%
4	8	Americares	$1.987 B	99%
5	11	Compassion International	$1.312 B	88%
6	15	World Vision	$932 M	85%
7	16	MAP International	$931 M	99%
8	19	Task Force for Global Health	$830 M	100%
9	23	Doctors Without Borders USA	$756 M	85%
10	27	Convoy of Hope	$685 M	95%

_{Forbes. “The 100 Largest U.S. Charities.” Forbes, 2025, www.forbes.com/top-charities/list/.}

Beyond its Forbes ranking, Charity Navigator, the nation’s leading nonprofit evaluator, awarded Direct Relief an overall 100% charity rating for 2025, marking its 15th consecutive Four-Star rating. This distinction underscores the organization’s commitment to excellence, accountability, and measurable impact.

In addition, Charity Navigator named Direct Relief one of the Best Humanitarian Relief Charities for 2025, highlighting responses to Hurricane Melissa, the Los Angeles fires, and the humanitarian crises in Sudan and Ukraine. The designation recognizes organizations Charity Navigator deems “extraordinarily effective at what they do.”
 

Humanitarian Impact in 2025

In 2025, Direct Relief made significant strides in advancing its global humanitarian mission, including:

• Delivering Lifesaving Medicines: In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, Direct Relief distributed 308 million defined daily doses of medicine to more than 2,636 healthcare facilities across 91 countries and all 50 U.S. states. In total, Direct Relief donated pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and supplies with a wholesale value of $1.9 billion and provided $69 million in grants to healthcare providers around the world.
   
• Hurricane Responses: Following Hurricane Melissa, Direct Relief dispatched a 757 charter plane carrying 16 tons of medicine and medical supplies to Jamaica, adding to the large quantities of medical supplies already prepositioned in the region prior to landfall, which helped ensure health providers were equipped immediately after the storm.
   
• Los Angeles Wildfire Response: Direct Relief’s response began within hours of the first spark, with an initial focus on lifesaving support, including deploying prescription medications to shelters, field medic backpacks to first responders, and more than 140,000 N95 respirators to protect residents and emergency personnel from smoke.
   
• Aid to Ukraine:  Direct Relief has surpassed more than $2 billion in medical and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since the war began in 2022, making it one of the largest private philanthropic supporters of the country’s health system.
   
• Largest Charitable Medicine Program in the U.S.: To help address the lack of affordable prescription medicine in the United States, Direct Relief provides needed medications to nonprofit health centers and clinics that collectively serve about one in 11 people in the country. In its 2025 fiscal year, Direct Relief’s assistance to the U.S. exceeded $300 million.
   
• Supporting Healthy Mothers: Direct Relief supports health organizations worldwide that provide critically needed maternal and neonatal services throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. In its 2025 fiscal year, Direct Relief’s support of midwives helped enable more than 45,000 safe births in 17 countries.
   

Stewardship and Financial Transparency

Direct Relief is committed to maximizing the impact of every donation, ensuring funds are used responsibly and effectively to support those in need:

• 100% Allocation of Donor-Designated Funds: Every contribution earmarked for specific programs or emergencies is applied exclusively to those purposes, giving donors full assurance that their intent is honored.
   
• Independently Funded Operations:  Direct Relief operates solely on private charitable contributions, declining government funding to maintain independence and focus on its mission.
   
• Leveraging In-Kind Contributions: Strategic partnerships with businesses and organizations amplify the impact of donations. Contributions of medicine and medical supplies, valued at their wholesale cost, constitute the majority of Direct Relief’s revenue, allowing cash donations to reach further and support more people.
   

Additional Nonprofit Recognition

In 2025, Direct Relief received additional independent recognition for humanitarian impact, transparency, and financial stewardship, including:

• TIME Dreamer of the Year: The distinction, presented annually by TIME Magazine in collaboration with American Family Insurance, celebrates individuals and organizations who protect, restore, and champion their communities in the face of adversity.
   
• Seoul Peace Prize: One of the world’s most distinguished honors for humanitarian achievement, awarded in recognition of Direct Relief’s role in advancing global health and supporting communities affected by disasters and conflict.
   
• Platinum Transparency Seal from Candid: Signaling the highest level of openness about finances, programs, and results, and enabling donors to see clearly how resources are used.
   
• A+ Rating from CharityWatch: Along with inclusion on its list of top charities, reflecting exceptional program efficiency, low overhead, and disciplined use of donor funds.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Brittany Smith, before she became an Aflac agent in 2024, embarked on a personal mission to support families facing pediatric brain cancer.

For Brittany and her husband, Brandon, that drive started when they learned their son, Gunner, had a life-threatening brain tumor known as a high-grade multiform glioma in August 2017. After a six-hour emergency brain surgery, six weeks of daily proton radiation and 48 weeks of chemotherapy, Gunner finished treatments just in time for Halloween 2018. He was cancer free until the following February. After two more surgeries, Gunner’s cancer remained stable for nearly a year before discovering it had spread again in May 2020. A year and multiple treatments later, Gunner passed away at home with his loving parents and sisters by his side.

In Gunner’s memory, Brittany and Brandon established the All Heart Gunner Foundation to provide financial support to other children and families facing pediatric brain cancer. Named for Gunner’s mantra for fighting his brain cancer with an “All Heart” mentality, the foundation serves families across the country whose children have been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

“We know that moment when you’re told your child has cancer — it changes the entire family in an instant,” said Brittany. “Through the All Heart Gunner Foundation, we want to be a comfort for families faced with pediatric brain cancer and help alleviate the financial burden as much as possible so the family can put their time and attention on what matters most: getting their baby better.”

Learn more about All Heart Gunner at allheartgunner.com.

After getting the All Heart Gunner Foundation up and running, Brittany learned about Aflac and how its mission closely mirrored the heart of her own foundation — to provide financial support to individuals during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. She explored an opportunity to join the flock and very quickly discovered it was a natural fit. During a presentation at a sales team meeting, she learned about the My Special Aflac Duck® program and Aflac’s long-standing commitment to those facing pediatric cancer as well as blood disorders like sickle cell disease.

“During the nearly four years that Gunner bravely walked this road, we were unaware of the profound impact Aflac was making throughout the world of pediatric cancer and blood disorders,” said Brittany. “I was already familiar with the cancer policy — and that coverage for dependent children is included at no additional cost — but I soon learned that Aflac’s level of commitment and care extends even further.”

For more than 30 years, Aflac employees, independent agents and The Aflac Foundation, Inc., have contributed nearly $200 million to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to support research and treatment for pediatric cancer and blood disorders. A meaningful component of that mission is My Special Aflac Duck, a robotic companion designed to help provide comfort to pediatric patients with cancer or sickle cell disease. It also helps these children communicate with their parents, siblings, medical professionals and other caregivers.

Now, families who receive support from the All Heart Gunner Foundation will also receive their own My Special Aflac Duck to help support their child as they go through their cancer journey.

“Navigating a cancer or sickle cell diagnosis, treatment and throughout life can be challenging at any stage, so we introduced My Special Aflac Duck in 2018 to help these patients feel like they’re not alone. Since then, we’ve delivered more than 41,000 ducks to help provide comfort to these patients and their families,” said Buffy Swinehart, senior manager, Aflac Corporate Social Responsibility. “We’re so grateful for organizations like All Heart Gunner that help those facing pediatric cancer and blood disorders, and we’re thrilled to be able to provide a cuddly companion for the children and families they support.”

Along with My Special Aflac Duck and its accessories comes a suite of resources, including information on all of the functions and features of My Special Aflac Duck and the app; facilitation cards for meditation, communication, medical play, etc.; printable activities designed for play, relationship-building, empowerment and mindfulness — helping to provide distraction in busy or challenging environments — interactive use case guides to explore how My Special Aflac Duck can be used in different settings; FAQs; and additional support.

This comforting companion is available free of charge to children ages 3 and up with cancer or sickle cell disease. 

Learn more about My Special Aflac Duck and Aflac’s commitment to supporting children with cancer and sickle cell disease at AflacChildhoodCancer.org.

Brittnay is a real Aflac policyholder and is also an independent contractor who has a financial interest in this insurer. This is her story. Your benefits from Aflac may differ.

This video contains the opinions of an Aflac policyholder and is not intended to portray any specific benefits or details of Aflac cancer insurance (also known as specified-disease insurance in some states). Coverage may not be available in all states and benefits may vary based on plan options. Limitations and exclusions may apply. In Delaware, Policies B70100DE, B70200DE & B70300DE. In Idaho, Policies B70100ID, B70200ID, B70300ID, B7010EPID, B7020EPID. In Oklahoma, Policies B70100OK; B70200OK; B70300OK; B7010EPOK; B7020EPOK. In Virginia, Policies A75100VA–A75300VA. For more information about Aflac insurance policies, contact your Aflac agent or visit aflac.com.

Coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

Aflac WWHQ | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2501131

Exp. 11/26

In 2005 the Schlumberger Foundation created the Faculty for the Future (FFTF) program, boosted by a philanthropic donation of $50m from global technology company, SLB. The program was designed to increase research capability in emerging economies by supporting talented female researchers in science and technology. Twenty years on the FFTF Fellowship now comprises 965 women across 95 countries: advancing knowledge, fostering innovation and contributing to sustainable development.

Today we publish the results of the Faculty for the Future Impact Survey 2025, a study commissioned to better understand who the women of the Fellowship are today, the impact of their work, the challenges they face and where they see future opportunities. The survey, conducted by impact measurement specialists 60 Decibels, captured responses from 45% of Fellows across a diverse mix of ages (22–62 years) and regions (Africa 59%, Asia 30%, Americas 9%, others 2%).

The findings revealed a Fellowship working with purpose on local and global priorities, with 92% of Fellows having specific objectives to advance progress in UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Speaking at the report launch event in Nairobi, Kenya, Schlumberger Foundation President Capella Festa explained,

“The FFTF was created 20 years ago with the aim of closing gender gaps and building research capability in emerging economies, and the survey confirms that Fellows are academically active on a global scale. However, what we hadn’t expected was that we weren’t just building expertise, we were also creating leadership.”

“FFTF alumnae contribute their expertise across private, public and non-profit sectors through technical roles, leadership positions, and entrepreneurial ventures. Alumnae are highly active in educational outreach, public policy, social advocacy and entrepreneurship.”

Speaking at the FFTF Annual Forum in September, Dr. Tina Phiri Chanda, Copperbelt University, Zambia said,

“This is a game-changing survey. Having 76% of Fellows in academia who taught 83,000 students in 2024, supervised 400 projects and published over 600 research papers - this is long term impact, this is the wow. We are imparting knowledge and changing the trajectory of research and of our countries.”

Tonthoza Uganja, PhD candidate in Agroforestry at Bangor University and Founder of Sustainable Farming Solutions Malawi observed,

“As an entrepreneur, what I looked for in the report were the statistics on entrepreneurship.  21% of respondents consider themselves to be entrepreneurs – founders of start-ups, small businesses or offering products or services based on their research.  This is extraordinary and I see it as an opportunity.”

“I come from a country that is the fourth poorest in the world. I come from a country that needs to be built. I come from a country where systems need to be changed. So looking at this as a person who is passionate about building from realities on the ground and putting science to work to develop solutions that actually work for people, I feel very, very encouraged.”

Dr. Eman Maali, Palestinian Research Fellow in Computer Science at Imperial College London commented,

“One thing that struck me is that 94% of Fellows said there were not really alternative sources of funding available to them. So we need to understand that the Schlumberger Foundation is providing a vital source of support for these Fellows. But we also need to see how we can all work to increase other sources of funding specifically for women in STEM.”

Some of the findings on gender gaps were also surprising. While many Fellows continue to face restricted research opportunities, family obligations, and gender-based discrimination, we found that the main disparities are not between countries but between disciplines. Gender imbalance was particularly pronounced in engineering, physical sciences and computer science and the 29% of respondents who noted that fewer than one in ten members of their faculties are women were substantially from these disciplines.

Capella Festa adds,

“This report has revealed the sheer brilliance of FFTF Fellows and the leadership they are showing in their communities and beyond. The FFTF Fellowship has developed into a movement where women are equipped with the tools to lead, innovate, and inspire; helping shape a sustainable and equitable future for all.”

View the full report HERE.

View original content here.

Entergy recently sponsored the 52nd Bayou Classic, a celebration honoring the rich heritage and legacy of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As part of our commitment to education and community support, we contributed $100,000 — $50,000 each for Southern University and A&M College and Grambling State University.

Entergy is proud to continue our longstanding collaboration with HBCUs, through which we have created more opportunities for students to thrive. Our commitment to powering life extends beyond providing energy; it embodies our dedication to uplifting the communities we serve.

The Bayou Classic not only highlights exceptional athletic talent but also pays homage to the enduring traditions, achievements and contributions of HBCUs to American society. It also serves as an opportunity to spread awareness to fan goers about the essential programs Entergy provides to help uplift our communities.

At the Bayou Classic Fan Festival, Entergy’s Consumer Advocacy and Programs team hosted an engaging booth for The Power to Care, attracting thousands of fans from the region.  Joined by Entergy lineworkers from across Southeast Louisiana, we shared the inspiring story of The Power to Care and explained how the program provides emergency bill payment assistance to our most vulnerable customers, including older adults and individuals with disabilities. 

“Our booth activation played a crucial role in raising awareness of The Power to Care program, effectively demonstrating how donations have a direct and positive impact on the vulnerable customers we serve in our communities,” said Sandra Diggs-Miller, Entergy’s vice president of consumer advocacy and programs. “Engaging with attendees allowed us to share real stories of those who benefit from our assistance, highlighting the essential support we provide to individuals in need. We are committed to expanding our efforts to make a lasting difference in the lives of our customers.” 

With over 200,000 attendees each year, the Bayou Classic offers unique opportunities to showcase New Orleans and Louisiana on a national stage. Entergy’s sponsorship not only supports education but also fosters economic growth for the local community by increasing tourism and generating revenue for local businesses. 

View original content here.

The concept of Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) has gained momentum across industries as organizations look for practical ways to reduce environmental impact, strengthen ESG performance, and improve resource efficiency. Whether driven by corporate sustainability goals, investor expectations, rising landfill costs, or circular-economy commitments more companies are making landfill diversion a priority.

But with evolving terminology and a wide range of claims used across markets, it’s important to understand what Zero Waste to Landfill means, and what it doesn’t, before setting goals or communicating your efforts publicly.

What Does “Zero Waste to Landfill” Really Mean?

The Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) defines Zero Waste broadly as conserving resources through responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery without burning and without releases to land, water, or air.

In practice, the term Zero Waste to Landfill is commonly used by businesses to describe efforts to divert around 90% or more of waste away from disposal through:

• Process and procurement redesign to eliminate waste
• Reuse and repair programs
• Recycling and composting
• Anaerobic digestion
• Conversion of clean organic waste into animal feed or other inputs

ZWTL is best viewed as a stepping-stone toward true circularity, focusing on measurable landfill diversion today while building long-term capacity to eliminate waste altogether.

Why Zero Waste to Landfill Matters — for Business, People, and the Planet

Environmental & Climate Benefits

Reducing landfill disposal decreases methane emissions, minimizes soil and groundwater contamination risk, and preserves natural resources by extending the useful life of materials.

Cost Savings & Operational Efficiency

Landfill tipping fees continue to rise globally, and waste transportation costs add additional financial pressure. Eliminating waste at the source and prioritizing reuse can reduce procurement needs and disposal costs at the same time.

ESG & Reputational Advantage

Customers, investors, and regulators increasingly expect measurable environmental action. ZWTL provides a clear indicator of progress toward sustainability commitments and can be incorporated into ESG and annual reports.

Workforce & Community Engagement

Employees and surrounding communities value responsible waste management. Visible progress on landfill diversion can strengthen brand loyalty and demonstrate corporate responsibility beyond compliance.

How to Get Started: A Practical Roadmap for Zero Waste to Landfill

You don’t need to overhaul your business overnight. The most successful ZWTL programs start with structured, achievable actions.

1. Conduct a Waste Audit

Map all waste streams by type, volume, source, and disposal pathway. This provides a baseline and identifies the greatest opportunities for reduction and diversion. Pairing this audit with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) insights helps prioritize materials that contribute the most environmental impact, not just the largest waste volumes

2. Set Clear Targets and KPIs

Common starting points include:

• Achieving 90% landfill diversion within a defined timeframe
• Reducing total waste generated per production unit
• Tracking cost savings from material reuse and recycling

3. Prioritize Source Reduction and Reuse

Recycling is useful, but redesigning processes and procurement to avoid waste entirely builds long-term resilience. Examples include product redesign, material lightweighting, reusable packaging, and returnable transport crates.

4. Develop Diversion Partnerships

Waste-processing options vary by region. Work with local experts to identify:

• Recycling and composting facilities
• Regional material recovery organizations
• Opportunities for industrial symbiosis (one company’s waste becomes another’s resource)
• Anaerobic digestion or animal-feed programs for food waste

5. Engage Employees and Supply Chain Partners

A strong ZWTL strategy requires participation across operations, procurement, logistics, and leadership. Awareness campaigns, training, signage, and incentive programs are critical.

6. Monitor Progress and Report Transparently

Organizations that sustain momentum use regular reporting, dashboards, and data-driven adjustments. Celebrate milestones, acknowledge challenges, and share lessons learned.

Common Challenges — and How to Avoid Greenwashing Risks

Even well-intentioned programs can run into pitfalls. Being transparent about scope and terminology builds credibility.

Challenge

Industries prefer “Zero Waste” over ZWTL wording

Tip

Use precise terminology and publish methodology

Challenge

Incineration sometimes counted as diversion

Tip

Disclose whether energy recovery is included

Challenge

Final percentage is difficult to achieve

Tip

Set realistic timelines and focus on source reduction

Challenge

Limited recycling markets

Tip

Identify reuse and redesign opportunities first

Challenge

Data tracking is complex

Tip

Use digital tools or centralized waste dashboards

How Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Enhances a Credible Zero Waste to Landfill Program

A ZWTL strategy becomes more powerful when informed by Life Cycle Assessment. LCA strengthens decision-making by highlighting which materials have the highest environmental cost and how reduction, reuse, or redesign will influence upstream and downstream impacts. This ensures your diversion strategy is not just measurable — but meaningful. Integrating LCA with waste audits ensures organizations move toward true circularity rather than focusing solely on diversion percentages.

Where Does Waste-to-Energy Fit in a Zero Waste to Landfill Strategy?

Waste-to-energy (WtE) converting residual waste into usable forms of energy (typically heat, steam, or electricity) plays a complex role in landfill-diversion programs. Waste-to-energy can reduce landfill volumes and support diversion goals, but it should be used only for waste streams that truly cannot be avoided, reused, or recycled. Including WtE in diversion reporting requires transparency, especially since some ZWTL certifications limit how much energy recovery can be counted toward diversion metrics.

How Inogen Alliance Can Help

With experts in more than 100 countries, Inogen Alliance supports companies worldwide with tailored, locally relevant Zero Waste to Landfill strategies, including:

• Multi-site and international waste audits
• Waste minimization and circular-procurement strategies
• Employee engagement and training
• Local vendor and infrastructure assessments
• Waste diversion opportunity identification and implementation support
• Customized waste diversion technology development
• Policy, regulatory, and reporting guidance
• KPI dashboards for ESG and sustainability reporting
• Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) Certification support

For group clients or supply chain leader brands, we provide comprehensive Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) support, including group-level or supply chain–wide ZWTL strategy development, batch ZWTL management across manufacturing facilities or multiple suppliers, and assistance with ZWTL assurance or group certification. We also offer ZWTL performance assessments and disclosure support to help organizations track progress and communicate results with confidence.

Whether your goal is reaching a 90% diversion milestone or designing a true circular-economy program, we help turn ambition into action, backed by global consistency and local expertise.

Ready to Move Toward Zero Waste to Landfill?

Landfill diversion isn’t only an environmental initiative, it’s a strategic path to cost savings, operational resilience, and stakeholder trust. When implemented progressively and transparently, ZWTL can become a cornerstone of an organization’s sustainability and ESG strategy.

If your company is exploring ZWTL goals, needs a waste audit, or wants a scalable roadmap across global operations, our team is ready to help.

Contact us to begin your Zero Waste to Landfill journey.

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of over 70 of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates, listen to our podcast and follow us on LinkedIn.

The concept of Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) has gained momentum across industries as organizations look for practical ways to reduce environmental impact, strengthen ESG performance, and improve resource efficiency. Whether driven by corporate sustainability goals, investor expectations, rising landfill costs, or circular-economy commitments more companies are making landfill diversion a priority.

But with evolving terminology and a wide range of claims used across markets, it’s important to understand what Zero Waste to Landfill means, and what it doesn’t, before setting goals or communicating your efforts publicly.

What Does “Zero Waste to Landfill” Really Mean?

The Zero Waste International Alliance (ZWIA) defines Zero Waste broadly as conserving resources through responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery without burning and without releases to land, water, or air.

In practice, the term Zero Waste to Landfill is commonly used by businesses to describe efforts to divert around 90% or more of waste away from disposal through:

• Process and procurement redesign to eliminate waste
• Reuse and repair programs
• Recycling and composting
• Anaerobic digestion
• Conversion of clean organic waste into animal feed or other inputs

ZWTL is best viewed as a stepping-stone toward true circularity, focusing on measurable landfill diversion today while building long-term capacity to eliminate waste altogether.

Why Zero Waste to Landfill Matters — for Business, People, and the Planet

Environmental & Climate Benefits

Reducing landfill disposal decreases methane emissions, minimizes soil and groundwater contamination risk, and preserves natural resources by extending the useful life of materials.

Cost Savings & Operational Efficiency

Landfill tipping fees continue to rise globally, and waste transportation costs add additional financial pressure. Eliminating waste at the source and prioritizing reuse can reduce procurement needs and disposal costs at the same time.

ESG & Reputational Advantage

Customers, investors, and regulators increasingly expect measurable environmental action. ZWTL provides a clear indicator of progress toward sustainability commitments and can be incorporated into ESG and annual reports.

Workforce & Community Engagement

Employees and surrounding communities value responsible waste management. Visible progress on landfill diversion can strengthen brand loyalty and demonstrate corporate responsibility beyond compliance.

How to Get Started: A Practical Roadmap for Zero Waste to Landfill

You don’t need to overhaul your business overnight. The most successful ZWTL programs start with structured, achievable actions.

1. Conduct a Waste Audit

Map all waste streams by type, volume, source, and disposal pathway. This provides a baseline and identifies the greatest opportunities for reduction and diversion. Pairing this audit with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) insights helps prioritize materials that contribute the most environmental impact, not just the largest waste volumes

2. Set Clear Targets and KPIs

Common starting points include:

• Achieving 90% landfill diversion within a defined timeframe
• Reducing total waste generated per production unit
• Tracking cost savings from material reuse and recycling

3. Prioritize Source Reduction and Reuse

Recycling is useful, but redesigning processes and procurement to avoid waste entirely builds long-term resilience. Examples include product redesign, material lightweighting, reusable packaging, and returnable transport crates.

4. Develop Diversion Partnerships

Waste-processing options vary by region. Work with local experts to identify:

• Recycling and composting facilities
• Regional material recovery organizations
• Opportunities for industrial symbiosis (one company’s waste becomes another’s resource)
• Anaerobic digestion or animal-feed programs for food waste

5. Engage Employees and Supply Chain Partners

A strong ZWTL strategy requires participation across operations, procurement, logistics, and leadership. Awareness campaigns, training, signage, and incentive programs are critical.

6. Monitor Progress and Report Transparently

Organizations that sustain momentum use regular reporting, dashboards, and data-driven adjustments. Celebrate milestones, acknowledge challenges, and share lessons learned.

Common Challenges — and How to Avoid Greenwashing Risks

Even well-intentioned programs can run into pitfalls. Being transparent about scope and terminology builds credibility.

Challenge

Industries prefer “Zero Waste” over ZWTL wording

Tip

Use precise terminology and publish methodology

Challenge

Incineration sometimes counted as diversion

Tip

Disclose whether energy recovery is included

Challenge

Final percentage is difficult to achieve

Tip

Set realistic timelines and focus on source reduction

Challenge

Limited recycling markets

Tip

Identify reuse and redesign opportunities first

Challenge

Data tracking is complex

Tip

Use digital tools or centralized waste dashboards

How Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Enhances a Credible Zero Waste to Landfill Program

A ZWTL strategy becomes more powerful when informed by Life Cycle Assessment. LCA strengthens decision-making by highlighting which materials have the highest environmental cost and how reduction, reuse, or redesign will influence upstream and downstream impacts. This ensures your diversion strategy is not just measurable — but meaningful. Integrating LCA with waste audits ensures organizations move toward true circularity rather than focusing solely on diversion percentages.

Where Does Waste-to-Energy Fit in a Zero Waste to Landfill Strategy?

Waste-to-energy (WtE) converting residual waste into usable forms of energy (typically heat, steam, or electricity) plays a complex role in landfill-diversion programs. Waste-to-energy can reduce landfill volumes and support diversion goals, but it should be used only for waste streams that truly cannot be avoided, reused, or recycled. Including WtE in diversion reporting requires transparency, especially since some ZWTL certifications limit how much energy recovery can be counted toward diversion metrics.

How Inogen Alliance Can Help

With experts in more than 100 countries, Inogen Alliance supports companies worldwide with tailored, locally relevant Zero Waste to Landfill strategies, including:

• Multi-site and international waste audits
• Waste minimization and circular-procurement strategies
• Employee engagement and training
• Local vendor and infrastructure assessments
• Waste diversion opportunity identification and implementation support
• Customized waste diversion technology development
• Policy, regulatory, and reporting guidance
• KPI dashboards for ESG and sustainability reporting
• Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) Certification support

For group clients or supply chain leader brands, we provide comprehensive Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) support, including group-level or supply chain–wide ZWTL strategy development, batch ZWTL management across manufacturing facilities or multiple suppliers, and assistance with ZWTL assurance or group certification. We also offer ZWTL performance assessments and disclosure support to help organizations track progress and communicate results with confidence.

Whether your goal is reaching a 90% diversion milestone or designing a true circular-economy program, we help turn ambition into action, backed by global consistency and local expertise.

Ready to Move Toward Zero Waste to Landfill?

Landfill diversion isn’t only an environmental initiative, it’s a strategic path to cost savings, operational resilience, and stakeholder trust. When implemented progressively and transparently, ZWTL can become a cornerstone of an organization’s sustainability and ESG strategy.

If your company is exploring ZWTL goals, needs a waste audit, or wants a scalable roadmap across global operations, our team is ready to help.

Contact us to begin your Zero Waste to Landfill journey.

Inogen Alliance is a global network made up of over 70 of independent local businesses and over 6,000 consultants around the world who can help make your project a success. Our Associates collaborate closely to serve multinational corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, and we share knowledge and industry experience to provide the highest quality service to our clients. If you want to learn more about how you can work with Inogen Alliance, you can explore our Associates or Contact Us. Watch for more News & Blog updates, listen to our podcast and follow us on LinkedIn.

Originally published on Guiding Stars Health & Nutrition News

by Allison Stowell

The holiday season can be an endurance event. Days often include extra errands or commitments, and somehow it seems like the usual errands and commitments just take longer, adding to an exhausting day. When life gets busy (likely interrupting your meals), I highly recommend planning balanced snacks. If not, you may find yourself grabbing fast food or a decadent choice as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Star-Worthy Snacks

Here are some ideas to stay energized while shopping, wrapping, decorating, traveling, or trying to make it to your child’s poorly timed school event. Whether you’re at home or on the go, there’s a snack for that:

• Single serve guacamole with Guiding Stars earning multigrain chips
• Sliced cheese, low-sodium turkey breast, and Guiding Stars earning crackers
• Guiding Stars earning toasted whole grain waffle topped with chocolate sunflower seed butter
• High-protein yogurt drink
• Guiding Stars earning oatmeal cup topped with nut butter and seasonal fruit
• Sliced banana and peanut butter (for a more filling snack, spread on a slice of whole grain toast)
• Single hummus serving with carrots, sugar snap peas, grape tomatoes
• No-sugar-added, Guiding Stars earning Greek yogurt topped with 1/3 cup high-protein granola
• “Sippable” soup like tomato or butternut squash soup that can be enjoyed in a to-go cup
• Mashed avocado, sliced hard-boiled egg, and sliced baguette
• Small serving of blueberries and lightly salted almonds
• Granola bar (aim for 7 grams protein, 5 or more grams fat, minimal saturated fat, less added sugar)

Keep an Eye on Your Beverages

This time of year, it’s easy to have beverages with more added sugar and calories than we realize. Consider your choice before ordering a coffee drink, picking up a bottled beverage, or going for a mocktail. Choose an alternative or adjust ingredients if needed to reduce the calories, added sugar, or saturated fat in your drink.

About Guiding Stars

Guiding Stars is an objective, evidence-based, nutrition guidance program that evaluates foods and beverages to make nutritious choices simple. Products that meet transparent nutrition criteria earn a 1, 2, or 3 star rating for good, better, and best nutrition. Guiding Stars can be found in more than 2,000 grocery stores and through the Guiding Stars Food Finder app.

Image by Freepik

This summer, 31 students from five local high schools joined Lenovo as interns at their Morrisville, NC headquarters through an engaging six-week program in partnership with the education nonprofit NAF. Although the interns came from different NAF academies -each with unique skills, goals, and ambitions – they all have one thing in common: a love for opportunity.

Now, two months after finishing the program, I’m more grateful than ever for the experience and the connections made.

“NAF prioritizes internships because real-world work experience is crucial for student success,” said Sarina Mathai, Assistant Director of Partnerships for NAF. “Our Outcomes-Driven Work Based Learning approach focuses on three key outcomes: developing career goals, building Future Ready Skills through professional feedback, and creating meaningful connections with industry professionals. These activities offer students practical learning, while providing companies access to emerging talent and the opportunity to help develop America’s future workforce.”

Under the guidance of Community Engagement Manager Libby Richards, the interns were placed in different departments across Lenovo, some working independently, while others in groups. Whether it was creating reports, meeting with global clients, learning software tools, or contributing to engineering projects that have taken years to develop, we could all handle responsibilities that replicate real-world workplace tasks.

Beyond our daily roles, Lenovo teams ensured there was a plethora of chances to connect with staff to learn more about the company. Throughout the summer, interns attended events, meet-and-greets, and fairs where we spoke to professionals from all parts of Lenovo. These valuable conversations opened opportunities and exposure to career paths that we may not have previously considered.

Intern managers at Lenovo also recognized the value of these experiences, not just for the students, but the team as well.

“This is my third year as an intern manager, and I’m always impressed by the talented group of students that join us. They come to us full of energy and eager to gain new skills while supporting the team,” said Lance Tryon, Inside Technical Sales Sr. Manager.

When a team invites new mindsets, it can create a space for creativity and unexpected breakthroughs.

“What stands out to us interns the most is the trust and respect given by staff members,” said Chance, one of Lenovo’s Community Engagement interns. “NAF interns are treated like true members of the Lenovo team in every setting: meeting rooms, parking lots, cafeterias, and every Teams chat.”

Given the right tools and support to succeed, Lenovo interns had great luck with accomplishing their internship goals.

“This experience has been more than just a summer job, it’s been a step towards my future career,” said Amira, the Customer Experience Analyst Intern. “I’d like to thank everyone at Lenovo who took the time to mentor and support me throughout the program. The lessons that I’ve learned and the connections I’ve made will leave an impact well past the six weeks I spent at here.”

After this year’s internship came to a close, one thing was for certain: the impact of this experience is far more than just a summer job. The Lenovo partnership with NAF continues to empower students by letting us demonstrate real-world skills while constructing the bridge between education and industry. With each new class of interns, the future workforce grows stronger, one connection at a time.

When it comes to environmental, health, and safety (EHS) during the rush of the holidays, keeping people safe while keeping business moving is a monumental challenge.

While leadership is focused on performance during this most profitable season, EHS teams are working to protect employees, customers, and operations during the busiest period of the year. Bridging this gap requires a strategy for resilience that blends proactive planning, clear communication, and daily habits that reinforce safety under pressure.

In our recent webinar, “Give the Gift of EHS Resilience: Preparing for the Holiday Rush,” Kelly Sampliner, Consultant at Antea Group USA, and Penny Pan, Senior EHS Consultant with Anew Global Consulting in China, shared global insights on retail, e-commerce, and warehouse EHS challenges during peak season. The session was moderated by Lauren Corbett-Noon, Senior Consultant at Antea Group USA.

Below are five essential insights from the webinar to help EHS leaders strengthen resilience, reduce incidents, and safeguard both people and performance during the holiday surge.

Missed the webinar?

Watch it on-demand here.

 

1. Strengthen Housekeeping and Slip/Trip/Fall Controls During Peak Activity 

The holiday season brings increased order volume, stock turnover, and customer presence, all of which amplifies slip, trip, and fall risks. Basic housekeeping becomes mission critical.

Whether on the retail floor or in the warehouse, clutter and wet surfaces are leading causes of injuries at this time of year. Boxes in walkways, mopping during business hours, and holiday decorations blocking visibility or exits can turn normal traffic patterns into safety risks.

Key takeaway: Treat housekeeping like an operational discipline, not an afterthought. Cleared traffic lanes, reinforced storage routines, scheduled mid-shift compactor and baler runs, and targeted controls in high-traffic areas go a long way in preventing injuries and disruptions.

 

2. Protect Warehouse Teams Through Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) and Logistics Controls 

Warehouse operations become the backbone of business success during the holidays. But they are also one of the highest-risk environments.

Increased forklift movement, dock congestion, rushed tasks, and quicker turnaround times can make collisions, material drops, and operator fatigue more likely. Visibility, space management, and communication patterns are often the deciding factors between smooth operations and near misses.

Key takeaway: Direct traffic flow, stagger PIT use, and reinforce equipment checks. When equipment and human movement share space under seasonal pressure, proactive controls, not reactive fixes, are what prevent incidents.

 

3. Strengthen Hazardous Material Handling and Training for Seasonal Staff 

As operations expand and employee numbers grow, the likelihood of hazardous material incidents increases. Many holiday-season products, such as cleaners, aerosols, batteries, specialty goods, and customer returns, introduce chemical and physical risks that become more challenging when handled by newly hired seasonal teams.

Effective hazmat safety includes general awareness, function-specific training, spill response preparedness, and proper storage etiquette. Employees should understand not just what a chemical is, but how to store it, how to avoid incompatible pairings, and how to respond if something leaks, spills, or gets damaged.

Warehouse environments demand even more attention. Overfilled shelves, damaged pallets, improper stacking, and exceeding permitted quantities can trigger spills, crushed containers, or even chemical reactions. Inventory checks and clear stowage rules help prevent “domino effect” incidents.

Key takeaway: Hazmat safety depends on hands-on training and strong storage practices, especially for seasonal staff. Give employees the tools and confidence they need before the holiday surge begins, not after an incident occurs.

 

4. Support Psychosocial Well-Being to Prevent Burnout and Fatigue-Driven Errors 

The holiday season brings intensity, and not just at work. Emotional and psychosocial intensity are at an annual high as well.

Signs of burnout often start small: quietness in someone who’s normally upbeat, irritability, slower task completion, or increased absences. These early signals matter because burnout directly affects alertness, judgment, and decision-making; when those capabilities are compromised, injuries are more likely to happen.

Key takeaway: Empathy is a safety strategy. When leaders promote micro-breaks, check in regularly with teams, and visibly value well-being, employees stay sharper, more engaged, and more resilient, benefiting both morale and safety outcomes.

 

5. Reinforce Safety with Seasonal Employees and Early Workplace Violence Prevention 

Seasonal hiring surges dramatically, sometimes by 200% in retail settings and 600% in warehouses. This rapid onboarding can introduce safety gaps.

From hazmat handling to emergency procedures, seasonal employees must have targeted, role-specific training. They should not just be handed a manual. Plus, with adrenaline, fatigue, and customer stress peaking during the holidays, part of that training should be focused on early warning signs of workplace violence.

Key takeaway: Seasonal staff need clear expectations, upfront conversations on psychological safety, and practical tools to escalate concerns early. No sales target is worth employee safety. Reinforcing that message builds a culture of confidence and trust.

 

Looking Ahead 

The holiday rush can test operational efficiency and organizational culture. When demand spikes, the smallest habits matter most: clear walkways, proactive PIT controls, functional hazmat storage, micro-breaks, and early conversations about fatigue.

 

To support your seasonal planning, we’ve created a Checklist for Holiday-Proofing Your EHS Operations:

Download the Checklist

This is a practical tool to evaluate readiness across retail floors, warehouses, staffing models, and employee well-being. Download the full checklist here.

By reinforcing safety fundamentals, supporting employee well-being, and preparing seasonal staff early, EHS leaders can protect both people and business performance when it matters most.

If you have questions about any of the strategies discussed or need support preparing your EHS program for the holiday rush, reach out to our team today!

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: How can we train seasonal workers quickly without sacrificing safety? 
A: Start with micro-trainings focused on immediate risks and emergency procedures. Follow with function-specific modules for PIT, hazmat, storage, and forklift operations. Short, high-impact training works better than rushed comprehensive programs.

Q: What’s the fastest way to reduce slip/trip/fall incidents during peak season? 
A: Assign ownership. Rotating teams responsible for walkthroughs, housekeeping checks, and back-of-house organization increases accountability and catches hazards before they reach customers or staff.

Q: How do I ensure seasonal staff can safely handle hazardous materials? 
A: Provide general awareness training on day one, followed by task-specific instruction for employees who handle or store chemicals. Reinforce spill response expectations and proper stow etiquette with real examples and visual reminders.

Q: How do we identify burnout early? 
A: Watch for behavior changes, slowing pace, irritability, or rising callouts/tardiness. Encourage open conversations, reduce stigma around speaking up, and build micro-breaks into long shifts.

 

Have any questions?

Contact us to discuss your environment, health, safety, and sustainability needs today.