We're excited to introduce you to Native Sustainability, a dedicated member since 2021. With a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement, Native Sustainability has been making a significant impact in our network. Join us as we dive into their inspiring journey and explore the values that drive their mission!
Describe what your organization does? When was it founded and why?
Native Sustainability (NS) was founded in June of 2014. Our founder, Megan, started her career in the environmental field in 2003 with the nonprofit organization Environmental Initiative, and spent a year with a start-up sustainability company. After a layoff in 2008, Megan freelanced for a handful of years and as clients began to be consistent, she decided it was important to form the business.
Native Sustainability is a creative consultancy - we meet clients wherever they're at in their journey and help identify opportunities for projects and programs. We have a breadth of knowledge in all aspects of sustainability, but have expertise in creative waste management solutions. From development and implementation of robust waste diversion programs, to identifying new technologies to extract valuable compounds from existing waste streams - we leverage our knowledge and network connections to help our clients achieve measurable results.
What about your organization inspires you?
We are so inspired by our clients desires and efforts to make meaningful changes that result in real environmental progress. An example is our work with the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) - where we serve on the Waste Working Group, which is in charge of achieving a 75% diversion rate from landfills. The MAC's commitment to bold, incredibly impactful sustainability goals is very inspiring. They show this commitment through real investments - with both financial and human capital. This support, from the Commissioner level, allows the efforts to be creative and innovative and truly move the needle on progress. It's yet another reason that MSP gets ranked as one of the best airports, year after year!
How does your organization inspire others? How can others participate in your mission?
We hope to inspire others to work collaboratively! Our success comes from our relationships - having a wide breadth of connections, based on kindness and the desire for collective improvement. People can participate in our mission by finding ways to be involved - in their neighborhood, in their place of worship, or at work. Be the example for others to care for this planet. Start the ball rolling with small efforts - it's incredible how things can gain speed!
How does Reuse Minnesota align with your organization's mission?
Reuse is an essential part of the waste hierarchy. Not only does it have an incredible environmental benefit, it almost always has a social benefit as well. We've been Reuse Minnesota members for years, as well as a partner to advance a statewide project in 2022. Reuse Minnesota has been an incredible collaborator and resource for us, as well as our clients. Connections made through Reuse Minnesota have resulted in new collaborations for our clients, resulting in tons of materials being diverted from the landfill. We are excited to see the organization grow and expand!