Lenbrook’s Ongoing Commitment to Sustainability is Resident-Inspired, Community-Led
Earth Month only comes around once a year, but caring for the environment is a daily, community-wide effort at Lenbrook. Thanks to dedicated residents, associates and the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Task Force, sustainability is much more than a fleeting April thought. Instead, it has grown into a robust program that continues to expand in both scope and impact.
At the heart of this progress is the transition to reusable OZZI containers, which can be washed and reused up to 2,000 times. Now in its fifth year, the program has eliminated approximately 365,000 single-use plastic containers.
Stephen West, Vice President, Community Life at Lenbrook, believes the success of this initiative is a testament to the enthusiasm and commitment of residents and associates who have fully embraced reusable containers for takeaway foods. “We have passionate leaders throughout our community and on the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Task Force who care deeply about making a difference,” he said, noting that they continue to collaborate with management to keep the momentum going. “Meaningful change happens when residents and leadership work together.”
Another part of that progress has been an ongoing partnership with Livable Buckhead. This nonprofit organization was created to ensure the long-term vitality and prosperity of the Buckhead community by integrating sustainable strategies that improve the environment and quality of life. The recycling containers in the trash room on each floor at Lenbrook were funded through a mini-grant from Livable Buckhead. They proved to be so popular that the recycling concept expanded to the three mailrooms, where residents can properly and conveniently dispose of paper waste such as junk mail and shredded documents.
Lenbrook’s thriving recycling program has grown over the past couple of years to include glass and plastic bags. Glass is handled through a specialized partner, ensuring it is properly collected and repurposed. Once processed, the glass is used in industries such as fiberglass, bottling and textiles – supporting local manufacturing and helping address material shortages. Meanwhile, plastic bags are gathered at a central collection point and transformed into durable products like park benches, giving new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded.
The scale of these efforts is significant. Lenbrook fills two 8-yard dumpsters five days a week with recyclable materials and diverts more than 200,000 pounds annually from landfills, including cans, cartons, cardboard, paper, plastics and glass.
Battery recycling is another area of focus. By taking lithium-ion batteries to the Concierge for proper disposal, Lenbrook Residents prevent harmful materials from entering landfills and support more responsible waste management practices.
Driving much of this momentum are Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Task Force leaders like Lenbrook Residents Barbara DiSalvo and Judy Franz.
“When I moved to Lenbrook in 2021, I was so pleased to learn of the recycling already in place and ready to do what I could to further those efforts,” said Barbara DiSalvo. “I have been passionate about sustainability, particularly recycling, since the 1960s. Lenbrook’s stewardship benefits all its residents and the wider community.”
Judy Franz, a scientist who emphasizes that global warming is a reality, added, “We have to do what we can to save the environment so we don’t destroy the planet for the children and grandchildren that come after us.”
Their advocacy reflects a culture at Lenbrook where resident ideas are brought to life by management and championed by associates. Through programs like OZZI reusable containers and expanded recycling – as well as upgrades to energy-efficient LED lighting – the Lenbrook community continues to show how consistent actions can reduce environmental impact and support a sustainable future.