Five Sustainability Wins That Defined Our 2025

As we reflect on 2025, one thing stands out clearly: real progress happens when data, partnership, and accountability come together. This year challenged us, inspired us, and reinforced the power of data-driven sustainability and waste management consulting as levers for meaningful environmental and community impact. These efforts shaped our sustainability impact in 2025, from advancing zero waste programs to delivering measurable results across diverse sectors. Here are five sustainability accomplishments we’re especially proud of as we look back on the year.

1. Supporting Health Care Sustainability Through GHG Accounting

In 2025, we helped a health system calculate its waste-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as part of the voluntary Joint Commission Sustainability Certification. Measuring emissions tied to waste streams is no small task, but it’s a critical step toward transparency and climate action in health care. By establishing a defensible baseline, this system is now better positioned to set meaningful reduction goals and demonstrate leadership in sustainability without compromising patient care.

2. Cutting Incineration Where It Matters Most

One of our most impactful projects took place close to home. We worked with a Maryland-based health care system to transition away from incineration wherever possible reducing total incineration from approximately 40% to less than 10%.

This shift matters deeply in Maryland, where incineration facilities are often located near communities already facing elevated asthma and other respiratory health risks. By keeping waste out of incinerators our focus goes beyond diversion by supporting environmental justice, public health, and protecting our neighbors in our own backyard.

3. Delivering Zero Waste Events… Again and Again

From planning to on-site support, we assisted with several events in 2025 to help clients coordinate and host zero waste experiences. These events achieved our target of 90% diversion, proving that sustainability and successful events can go hand in hand. These efforts went far beyond just bins and signage. They centered on thoughtful planning, strong vendor coordination, and empowering attendees to be part of the solution.

Most importantly, this work was designed for long-term success. By the end of 2025, one particular client had the tools, processes, and confidence to independently plan and execute zero waste events. With a strong foundation in place, our role can now evolve which allows us to step back from event support and focus on new sustainability priorities at their site, while they carry the zero waste torch forward.

4. Making an Impact Across Nine States

For those that didn’t know, Reduction In Motion is a registered small business in Maryland. We may be a small team, but 2025 proved just how mighty we are. This year, our work spanned nine states, supporting organizations with diverse challenges, regulations, and waste infrastructures. From hospitals to venues to corporate campuses, we adapted our approach while staying rooted in the same core principles: data-driven decisions, practical solutions, and people-first implementation.

5. Reinforcing a Core Truth: Knowledge + Accountability = Power

Perhaps the most important lesson of 2025 wasn’t a single project or client, but rather a mindset. We were reminded time and again that knowledge without accountability stalls progress, and accountability without knowledge limits impact.

This year, we partnered with countless incredible teams who embraced both. Together, we built programs rooted in shared ownership, clear goals, and ongoing education unlocking progress across a wide range of sustainability initiatives that extended well beyond waste alone. We are more than excited to see what 2026 has in store!

Curious what progress could look like for your organization in 2026? Let’s explore it together.