Welcome to the future of sustainable waste management, where trash is no longer just trash. WEST CONCORD, Mass.-based Divert, Inc. is making waves with the opening of its groundbreaking Integrated Diversion & Energy Facility in Turlock, California. This facility is the first of its kind in the state, marking a significant milestone in the fight against the wasted food crisis. Divert, Inc. has embarked on an ambitious journey to establish 30 of these sustainable infrastructure facilities across the U.S. by 2031, and Turlock is just the beginning.
Divert’s innovative approach to waste management is all about creating a circular economy. This means not only preventing food waste but also recovering edible food to help those in need. Plus, they’re transforming unsold food products into carbon-negative renewable energy. Imagine powering your home with yesterday’s unsold sandwiches - that’s the kind of future Divert is building!
The Turlock facility is a game-changer for California’s environmental goals. It’s equipped to offset an impressive 23,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. That’s like taking nearly 5,000 gas-guzzling cars off the road each year. Talk about a breath of fresh air! This facility is a crucial step towards California’s ambitious net-zero carbon pollution goals by 2045.
Ryan Begin, CEO and co-founder of Divert, couldn’t be prouder. He sees the Turlock facility as a landmark achievement in combating the wasted food crisis and addressing climate change. For 17 years, Divert has been leading the charge in positive environmental impact, and this facility is a testament to their dedication and innovation.
Using proprietary depackaging and anaerobic digestion technology, Divert processes 100,000 tons of unsold food annually. The result? Renewable energy and a soil amendment that returns vital nutrients to farmlands. This prevents unsold food from ending up in landfills and releasing harmful methane emissions. Instead, it’s fueling our future in the cleanest way possible.
Divert’s partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is a first-of-its-kind interconnection in California. The renewable natural gas produced at the facility is injected into PG&E’s natural gas transmission line. This collaboration will deliver nearly 225,000 MMBtu of renewable natural gas into PG&E's system annually.
Austin Hastings, Vice President of PG&E Gas Engineering, is thrilled to be part**From Trash to Triumph: How Divert, Inc. is Transforming California's Food Waste Crisis**
Hey there, eco-warriors and curious minds! Have you ever wondered what happens to all the food that doesn't make it onto our plates? Spoiler alert: it used to end up in landfills, contributing to harmful methane emissions. But that's all changing, thanks to the trailblazers at Divert, Inc. out in WEST CONCORD, Mass. They've just opened a groundbreaking Integrated Diversion & Energy Facility in Turlock, California, marking a significant leap in the fight against food waste. So grab a snack (no food waste here, please!) and let's dive into this tasty topic.
The new facility in Turlock is a game-changer for California's environmental goals. It's not just about preventing food waste; it's about creating a circular economy where nothing goes to waste. This facility is equipped to offset up to 23,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year—equivalent to removing nearly 5,000 gas-powered cars from our roads! How cool is that?
But wait, there's more! This isn't just about numbers. Divert's facility uses cutting-edge technology to transform unsold food into carbon-negative renewable energy. Imagine your leftover lasagna powering local homes and businesses instead of rotting away in a landfill. It's innovations like these that are pushing California closer to its net-zero carbon pollution goals by 2045.
So, how exactly does all this magic happen? It starts with Divert's proprietary depackaging solution and anaerobic digestion process. These systems handle 100,000 tons of unsold food products annually, turning them into renewable energy and nutrient-rich soil amendments. This not only prevents food from ending up in landfills but also enriches the soil for future crops. It's a win-win!
In a first-of-its-kind move, Divert has partnered with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) to inject the processed renewable natural gas (RNG) into their natural gas transmission line. This means nearly 225,000 MMBtu of clean, renewable energy will flow through PG&E's system each year, helping California achieve its ambitious energy goals. Talk about a perfect partnership!
Divert isn't going it alone. They've teamed up with some of the biggest names in the U.S. food industry, including Ahold Delhaize, CVS, Kroger, and Target, to name a few. Together, they're tackling the food waste problem head-on by preventing waste at the source and facilitating edible food recovery to help those in need.
But the impact doesn't stop at retailers. The Turlock facility also supports California's food manufacturers, distributors, and service operators in complying with Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383), which mandates organic waste reduction. By redirecting food waste from landfills and generating renewable energy, Divert is helping these businesses meet their environmental responsibilities while contributing to the state's climate goals.
The opening of Divert's Turlock facility is more than just an environmental milestone; it's a boon for the local community, too. As Mayor Amy Bublak of Turlock proudly states, this project is already creating jobs and driving economic growth. It's a testament to how sustainable practices can benefit both people and the planet.
The facility's success is a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change. By keeping food scraps out of landfills, California is making significant strides toward its organics recycling and food recovery targets. When these goals are met, the state will cut climate pollution equivalent to three million cars each year. Imagine the impact that could have on our environment and future generations!
As we wrap up this exploration into Divert's revolutionary work in Turlock, it's clear that the future of food waste is looking bright—and not just for California. Divert's ambitious roadmap aims to scale its sustainable infrastructure to 30 facilities across the U.S. by 2031. So here's to Divert, Inc., for leading the charge in transforming food waste from a crisis into a catalyst for change. Let's all raise a glass (or a compostable coffee cup) to a cleaner, greener future!
No comments:
Post a Comment