Welcome back to The Green Shift: Stories from the Frontlines of Sustainability Movement, a new blog series by Repurpose that spotlights innovative sustainability champions, eco-entrepreneurs, and everyday eco-living enthusiasts making a real impact in their communities.
Together, we will explore how these changemakers (big and small) bring new ideas and actionable steps to combat climate change, reduce plastic waste, and build a more sustainable future.
Through their stories, we hope to inspire our communities further to join the green movement and prove that we can create lasting, positive environmental change, together.
Meet Yadira Diaz - Founder & CEO of Gradible
Yadira has found a way to balance two of a company's most rewarding yet challenging aspects: sustainability and profitability.
Both are very important for a business to maintain, so much so that:
- Companies adopting sustainable practices can cut emissions by up to 40%, significantly contributing to global climate goals ( UNDP).
- Sustainable energy use can reduce corporate energy costs by 6-9%, improving profitability while lowering environmental impact. ( EPA)
- Businesses that focus on sustainability can decrease waste generation significantly,, leading to reduced costs in materials and waste disposal. ( EPA)
- 77% of consumers are more loyal to companies that commit to environmental and social responsibility. ( Emsol)
Gradible offers comprehensive sustainability solutions for businesses to enhance operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Their services include waste reduction, energy and water conservation, and sustainable design. Gradible provides impact metrics to help companies track and communicate their progress.
We asked a few questions to Yadira to gain further insight on this impactful service.
Q: How do you envision the role of sustainability evolving in the corporate world, and how is Gradible preparing for these changes?
Sustainability is becoming a core business strategy rather than a side initiative. Gradible is prepared by offering tailored solutions that make sustainability accessible, actionable, and profitable for businesses of all sizes.
Q: What are some of the key services Gradible offers to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency?
Gradible provides a wide range of services, including waste reduction strategies, energy-efficient technologies, water conservation solutions, and access to financial incentives like tax credits and rebates, all designed to streamline the profitable path to sustainability. We offer composting and recycling solutions, reusable foodware, and upcycling initiatives to reduce waste. For energy, we provide cutting-edge technologies such as geothermal systems, hydropower solutions, and floating solar panels, helping businesses achieve their sustainability goals while optimizing operational efficiency and reducing costs. For water, we offer solutions like greywater recycling, smart toilets, and smart water valves.
Q: What are some common challenges clients face in their sustainability efforts, and how does Gradible help overcome them?
Clients often struggle with understanding where to start and how to find cost-effective solutions. Gradible simplifies this by providing expert guidance, data-driven recommendations, and ongoing support to ensure successful implementation.
Q: What inspired and motivated you to be involved in the sustainability space?
I’ve always been passionate about protecting our planet, and seeing the tangible impact that businesses can make inspired me to help others achieve their sustainability goals in practical and profitable ways.
Q: What’s the most impactful change you've implemented in your personal or professional life to promote sustainability?
Professionally, I’ve led initiatives that demonstrate how sustainability positively impacts the bottom line and benefits the local community and environment. Personally, I’m committed to finding daily actions to refuse, reduce, and reuse wherever possible, always seeking ways to minimize my environmental footprint.
Q: How do you overcome challenges in your sustainability efforts, and what keeps you motivated?
Challenges are part of the journey, but staying focused on the positive impact keeps me going. Celebrating small wins and seeing the broader community benefit from our efforts always motivates me to push forward.
Q: Can you share a specific project or initiative you're particularly proud of and its impact?
One of our proudest projects is with The Elser Hotel, where we implemented nine sustainability initiatives, including forming a Green Directors Team, introducing compostable foodservice packaging, and launching aluminum water bottles. These efforts not only reduced waste and enhanced recycling but also generated cost savings. We're excited about ongoing projects like upcycling linens, donating to local nonprofits, and launching reusable poolside cups, which continue to drive environmental impact and operational efficiency. With eight additional initiatives in progress, the impact keeps growing.
Q: How do you see the future of sustainability evolving, and what role do you hope to play in it?
I see sustainability becoming a standard expectation in all industries, with technology playing a crucial role in driving efficiency and innovation. I hope to continue empowering businesses to embrace sustainability as a core part of their operations and culture. I'm here to remind others that profits, people, and the planet can be symbiotic.
We would like to thank Yadira for their huge impact in the sustainability space and taking the time to talk to us today. We invite you to support our featured pioneer by following them on instagram @gradible to stay informed or reaching out to them on their website if your company would like to know more about their services!
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and innovative ideas from leaders in the sustainable space. Together, we're shining a light on the path to a greener future!
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