The Corporate Coalition’s Corporate Connector is changing how businesses and communities work together by connecting Chicago businesses with community projects aiming for big impact.  A standout example is the partnership between Amazon and Green Era, an organization that has transformed a vacant brownfield in Auburn Gresham into a state-of-the-art anaerobic digester. The Green Era facility recycles packaged food and beverage waste into renewable energy and nutrient-rich compost, while also featuring an urban farming campus with a community education center focused on sustainability.

The Corporate Coalition took on Green Era as a Connector community partner to help them identify companies that could utilize this new alternative for managing their food waste.  The Connector staff introduced Green Era to Amazon, a member of the Corporate Coalition.  “We needed a solution for improving our waste streams,” said Sarah Glavin, Head of Community Affairs at Amazon in Chicago.

Green Era’s innovative approach was exactly what Amazon needed. “Green Era is doing incredible work,” Glavin explained. “They focus on workforce development, creating opportunities in Auburn Gresham, and offering environmental education, access to food, and health equity.”

Green Era’s anaerobic digester transforms food waste into nutrient-rich compost and renewable energy. This helps urban farmers and community gardeners and supports Green Era’s broader mission of boosting local food production, economic growth, and environmental health. By turning waste into resources, Green Era is creating jobs and supporting urban agriculture in its community and beyond.

For Amazon, the partnership with Green Era is about efficiency and sustainability. By using Green Era’s waste solutions, Amazon can streamline its waste management, reduce its environmental footprint, and support the local community. This partnership demonstrates how businesses can solve their challenges while benefiting the community.

Amazon has started working with Green Era in their local Amazon Fresh stores, with plans to expand. Glavin described the relationship as "a true win-win" and urged other organizations to consider Green Era for their waste needs.

The Corporate Connector, an initiative of the Corporate Coalition of Chicago, is uniting companies with nonprofits and small businesses to advance equity. When we align corporate expertise with community needs, both parties grow—and so does Chicago. Learn more about Corporate Connector.