Sustainability means operating and using resources in a way that can be continued in perpetuity without harming people, the planet or future generations.
So, what does this look like in real life?
One of the best examples can be seen at our distribution center (DC) in Henderson, Nevada. The DC — which spans 735,000 square feet and is a critical hub for our product distribution operations — has been pushing the envelope when it comes to sustainability for years. It has everything from a solar panel array to a reflective white roof, to motion-sensor lighting and energy-efficient kiosks with healthy snacks — demonstrating our commitment to sustainability beyond waste management. It is also LEED Platinum certified and was the largest DC to receive LEED status when it was first certified in 2016.
Now, it can add one more achievement to its list: a TRUE Silver Zero Waste certification, along with a 95.2% waste diversion rate in 2023.
TRUE is a zero-waste certification program dedicated to measuring, improving and recognizing zero-waste performance. The organization certifies buildings and operations that are implementing measurable waste-reduction tactics with a goal of achieving zero waste.
The Henderson DC isn’t stopping at the certification, either. The team has also implemented a comprehensive waste diversion strategy, focusing first on reuse before ultimately recycling those materials once they become nonviable. They’re constantly analyzing their day-to-day practices and looking for new ways to further reduce the DC’s waste footprint. They’ve already rolled out some changes, including:
- Reusing shipping materials: Our Carton Breakdown Department receives empty cartons previously filled with products and materials to reuse for outgoing shipments.
- Repurposing materials for output: Hangers and sensor tags that come in with products are reused almost exclusively for outgoing shipments.
- Using mindful transportation: Internally, the facility uses reusable plastic totes to transport product to be processed.
- Recycling cardboard and cartons: 100% of cardboard and cartons are recycled when they reach the end of their useful life.
- Recycling pallets: We partner with Power Pallets to take all unwanted pallets to first be reused and then be recycled.
Achieving TRUE Zero Waste certification at Henderson is a key moment in supporting our ambition to achieve zero waste to landfill and it is the first step in reaching certification across all our company-operated DCs and manufacturing plants. Together with our sustainability ambitions across our pillars of climate, consumption and community, these steps help us make meaningful progress in building a more resilient company.
“We’re honored to earn TRUE Silver Zero Waste certification and be recognized for the work our Distribution and Logistics team is leading to prioritize reuse and recycling,” said Jeffrey Hogue, chief sustainability officer at LS&Co. “Certifications like TRUE validate that our actions are on track to meet the moment and address the most pressing sustainability challenges.”
Learn more about our sustainability plans and progress.
