Environmental Commission Will Hear Two-Thirds of Rose Bowl Football Game Food Waste Is Compostable, Donatable

Pasadena’s Environmental Advisory Commission is set to review a comprehensive study on organics management at the Rose Bowl Stadium that concluded most of the food waste generated at football games is either compostable or donatable.

Christine Lenches-Hinkel, a leader in Pasadena’s environmental and sustainability sector, will present the study’s details.

The meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Permit Center Hearing Room located at 175 North Garfield Avenue.

The study, conducted by Lenches-Hinkel’s company, 301 Organics, analyzed food waste over three football games at the Rose Bowl Game, aiming to establish a protocol for organic waste recovery at the stadium. Lenches-Hinkel, the President and Principal Consultant of 301 Organics spearheaded the initiative, which found that over two-thirds of the material discarded at the stadium could be either donated or composted.

Under Lenches-Hinkel’s guidance, 301 Organics recommended the implementation of a three-bin collection system, hauling services, and off-site composting.

The company also played a pivotal role in developing a “Green Team” of youth ambassadors to assist in waste recovery during large events and crafted sustainable contracting language for the stadium’s new food and beverage service provider.

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lenches-Hinkel adapted her business model to focus on training high school students in composting practices using the stadium’s resources, thereby building a future workforce in composting.

Lenches-Hinkel’s work with the Rose Bowl Stadium is part of a broader commitment to environmental sustainability and education. Her approach emphasizes the importance of recycling nature’s way and engaging the youth in stewardship of the environment.

Through her leadership, 301 Organics has proposed innovative solutions to waste management challenges, contributing to the reduction of food waste and promoting sustainability at the local level.

Lenches-Hinkel’s efforts in organics management have been recognized within the community, as evidenced by her being honored with a Pasadena City environmental stewardship award in 2009.

The Environmental Advisory Commission advises the City Council and makes policy recommendations in support of the City’s Environmental Charter.