GIA SPOTLIGHT SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability manager Nicolette Stokes recently engaged with students at The Excel Center in Little Rock, delivering an insightful presentation to Kevin Hamilton’s Environmental Science class. During the interactive session, Stokes led an in-depth discussion on critical environmental topics, including our im- pact on global ecosystems and the growing climate crisis. The conversation explored various career paths in environmental protection, waste management, and corporate sustainability roles, along with the essential skills and qualifi - cations needed to succeed in these fields. Students learned about real-world
challenges like resource depletion and sustainable development. Stokes also highlighted Goodwill’s innovative sustainabil- ity initiatives, including their recycling programs, waste reduction strategies, and environmental conservation efforts that demonstrate practical solutions to today’s ecological challenges.
CURRENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS Mindful Move-Outs – GIA is partnering with universities statewide to assist with campus waste reduction efforts. This program provides accessibility to recycle their used items instead of discarding them at the end of the fall and spring semesters. GIA has successfully completed the first Mindful Move- Out event with the University of Central Arkansas in Fall 2024. Future Spring 2025 partnerships will also include University of Arkansas – Little Rock and Henderson State University. Glass Recycling – GIA established a partnership with local glass recycler EPIC Glass and has recycled 13,400 pounds of glass from after-retail salvage. After-Retail Recycling – Cardboard, E-waste, metals and plastics are re- cycled from our GIA warehouses through local partners, including Marck Recycling. Little Rock Recycles Day – GIA participates in the Little Rock Recycles Day at the Little Rock Zoo yearly, assisting the community with recycling and making the donation process more accessible.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT &
EDUCATION PROGRAMS With education and training being conveniently provided by our GTEC Academy and Excel Centers, the incorpo- ration of “Green Skills” into our programs to supply the labor for new sustainabili- ty-focused operations while also supporting new revenue streams. • Sustainability Seminars – Efficiency Practices & Recycling Techniques
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mission magazine / volume 1 / spring 2025
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