(TORONTO) October 21, 2024 – George Brown College (GBC) is advancing sustainability efforts at the WAVE Dental Clinic by partnering with Go Zero Recycle. It is a Quebec-based organization that specializes in recycling products that cannot be processed through traditional waste disposal systems. Since launching the partnership in February 2024, GBC has already diverted nearly 4,000 KG of waste from landfills. This includes personal PPE items such as masks and patient bibs. They are repurposed into raw materials for manufacturing.
This initiative marks a significant step in reducing the environmental impact of plastic-based dental waste and contributes to GBC's ongoing commitment to sustainability. As a strategic priority for the academic institution, the sustainability effort will be expanding to include other programs, such as nursing and early childhood education.
“This partnership allows us to make a real impact by reducing the significant volume of waste produced in our dental clinics,” said Bethanie Huen, Associate Dean of the School of Dental Health. “We’re proud to play a role in limiting microplastic pollution and promoting a greener future.”
Mary Livera Ranaweera, GBC’s Director of Sustainability, added, “We’re excited to be Go Zero’s largest client and see this as a model for expanding sustainable practices across more of our programs.”
"We are proud to partner with George Brown College, which shares our vision of a sustainable future. This partnership serves as a model of collaboration that other organizations can follow to develop sustainable practices,” said Eric Ethier, President of Go Zero Recycle. “We invite the community to join our movement in supporting the development of a circular economy. Each of us has a role to play in transforming how we consume and manage waste. Together, we can build a future where sustainability is at the heart of all our activities. As Go Zero works to expand this program into other sectors, we encourage all institutions and businesses to explore how they can contribute to this initiative."
Media are invited to tour the WAVE Dental Clinic and explore how the initiative is helping reduce dental waste and advance sustainability at GBC.
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For media inquiries:
David Nickle, Senior Corporate Communications Specialist, david.nickle@georgebrown.ca
About George Brown College
Toronto’s George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples.
George Brown prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, applied research, and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 175 full-time programs and 182 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 28,500 full-time students and receives more than 53,600 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees. www.georgebrown.ca
