Beth Forsberg, senior vice president at Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, shares her insights on sustainability and the importance of collaboration in the circular economy.
The initiative “Women in Circularity” continues to highlight influential women driving progress towards a circular economy, most recently showcasing Beth Forsberg, the senior vice president and chief sustainability officer at Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona. Forsberg oversees the nonprofit’s sustainability operations in regions including San Francisco and Monocacy Valley, Maryland. With three decades of experience in the nonprofit thrift sector, she has managed various aspects of operations including donated goods revenue, collections, retail, e-commerce, recycling, and salvage.
In her recent conversation, Forsberg addressed her transition from operational roles to the strategic side of sustainability. “I believe that to truly influence impact, both operational exposure and experience are critical,” she stated, expressing gratitude for her extensive career that has enabled her to integrate diverse experiences. Her passion for sustainability is evident as she seeks to explore innovative ideas that will drive growth and adaptability.
Forsberg elaborated on Goodwill’s commitment to circular economy principles, emphasizing the importance of keeping materials and products in use. She quoted Goodwill’s founder, Rev. Edgar J. Helms, who in 1922 articulated that Goodwill “should not only save the waste in men and things but ought also to use the waste.” This foundational ideology informs Goodwill’s operations, where prioritizing reuse and identifying alternative recycling markets are critical in a modern sustainability context.
A notable project that Forsberg highlighted was the partnership between Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona and Arizona State University, which led to the establishment of a Circular Plastics Microfactory. She described the experience as transformative, emphasizing how it expanded her understanding of utilizing feedstock beyond traditional salvage models. This initiative not only drew significant attention but also showcased the potential for circular material recovery.
Looking ahead, Forsberg noted the growing collaboration within the circular economy sector, particularly among different regions of Goodwill and with external partners such as Waste Management and the Association of Plastic Recyclers. “This collaboration is starting to realize a new model for collecting, processing and redistributing materials,” she said, indicating these partnerships could foster greater impact in the community.
Forsberg also reflected on valuable guidance she received throughout her career. She mentioned being told early on that it is acceptable to be “brave and bold” in roles often filled by men. This perspective has shaped her approach to her work, instilling confidence and fostering a curiosity that has led to significant career achievements.
MaryEllen Etienne, the creator of the “Women in Circularity” series, has over 20 years of experience in sustainability and serves on the Market Transformation and Development team for the U.S. Green Building Council. Her work is focused on promoting the circular economy and highlighting the contributions of women in this vital field.
Source: Noah Wire Services
