Betsy Holland – Director, Corporate Responsibility, Turner Broadcasting

Meet one of PINK’s Top 10 Women in Sustainability, 2011!

By Rachel Pomerance

When your company is named for one of the world’s most revered outdoorsmen and environmentalists, expectations of sustainability are high. Fortunately, Betsy Holland is meeting them. What’s her secret? “It’s easy to work hard when you wake up excited about the impact you can make during a day at the office,” she says. Also, “I surround myself with people who care about making a difference, whether that involves the environment, education or access to the arts or human services. When the people around you are energized and optimistic about affecting change, it’s bound to rub off on you.”

But Holland also notes that sustainability involves plenty of self-interest. “Do I want a healthier work and home environment? Then I should switch to green cleaning supplies. Do I want tastier food? Then I should eat local and organic whenever I can. Do I want my child to have green space in which to play and learn? Then I should invest time and resources into preserving parks and recreational areas. Sustainability starts out sounding like a noble cause, but it’s really a pathway to healthier, happier lives at work and at home.”

Why should Betsy Holland be proud?

• When Turner began sourcing its promotional items from organic, renewable or post-consumer waste material, creativity ensued. Old Turner billboards were turned into tote bags, organic cotton and recycled polyester shirts became event giveaways, and coffee tumblers and cups made from corn were distributed for employee use.

• In 2009, amid the company’s conversion to digital formats for its libraries, Turner recycled its analogue tapes. The effort resulted in recycling 143,000 pounds of analogue tapes.

• In 2008, the company replaced Styrofoam in its cafeterias with packaging made from recyclable or compostable material.

What’s next?

• Turner aims to consolidate 30 percent of office supply orders to reduce carbon emissions and water.

• In launching a battery recycling program, Turner will boost awareness of current recycling efforts to collect plastic, aluminum, videotapes and paper.

• “I’m excited that Turner continues to make sustainability part of its everyday operations,” says Holland. “Our greatest goal for 2011 is to improve communication and education for our employees to encourage environmentally-responsible decisions from the ground up and to instill a sense of pride in the forward-thinking sustainability programs the company is constantly implementing.”
   

Rachel Pomerance, a writer and public relations professional, specializes in sustainable transportation at Pomerance & Associates. The all-female firm, which is owned by her mother, Barbara Pomerance, manages the communications for the Washington Auto Show®.