Introducing Products to Reduce Waste at the Commissary in the Ohio Reformatory for Women
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Date
2022-12
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Abstract
The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction sought to reduce waste generated from the commissary at the Ohio Reformatory for Women (ORW) in Marysville, OH. Our capstone team was tasked with finding suitable products with recyclable or compostable packaging to be introduced into the commissary as sustainable alternatives. To understand the commissary and the preferences of the incarcerated population at ORW, we toured the facility, conducted an interview with two individuals from ORW's Green Team, and released a survey to a general population dormitory. Data gathered from the interviews and survey revealed that health is a top concern for incarcerated women, so we expanded our product scope to include vitamins, nutritional foods, and organic products. Additionally, we conducted a waste audit at the back of house commissary bins and the post-consumer bins placed in the dormitories. The final product recommendations include shower essentials, dental care, feminine products, food supplies, and vitamins. We recommend that ORW work with Kroger, Sun & Swell, Preserve, and the Zero Waste Store as vendors and introduce an alternative recycling program through Terracycle.
Description
Course Code: AEDECON 4567
Keywords
waste reduction, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, Commissary, Sustainability, Alternative products