Tonya Tatarowicz's Page

Your organization

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Briefly describe your organization's products/services and the size of operations.

We are a Museum and Educational Facility. 300+ employees and 500,00+ visitors and students attending various exhibitions, events and classes throughout the year. With the exception of some special exhibitions, the museum offers free admission into it's permament galleries, and has been free since opening in 1916.

Your website

http://www.clemusart.com

What attracts you to the concept of zero waste?

It's the right thing to do. In the spirit of preserving the art, the building and the grounds that we all cherish so much, we should be doing all that we can to preserve the world around it as well.

What is your organization doing to eliminate waste?

We are currently recycling all paper, cardboard, aluminum and plastic bottles. We also have a lamp recycling program as well as batteries and ink cartridges. The cafe has recently moved to utilizing compostable cups, plates and utensils.

What motivated you to join ZeroWasteNEO.org?

Learn best practices

What do you need to learn to be able to take action towards Zero Waste?

The next steps - what else we can do to further our progress.

Please describe your organization's waste reduction goals (i.e. zero waste by 2019).

At the end of our building project (approx 2014), we would like to see a 50/50 ratio of waste to recycling. By that time, we will have a full staff in the building and 200,000 more square feet of building space that will include a full-service restaurant and cafe. All of that will obviously increase the number of events and visitors, and thus, waste.