• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Cells for Cells

Recycle Cell Phones to Help Families Battling Cancer

  • About Cells for Cells
  • I want to Recycle with Cells for Cells…
  • 501c3 Status…
  • Is it SAFE to recycle

Kansas City

Boulevard Brewing Sustainability: An In-Depth Interview with Michael Utz

October 30, 2023 by admin

Boulevard Brewing Sustainability

In the realm of craft beer, Boulevard Brewing Company is renowned for its exceptional brews. But what you might not know is that they are equally passionate about sustainability and environmental responsibility. In this interview with Michael Utz, the Director of Engineering at Boulevard Brewing Company, we delve into their remarkable sustainability practices.

Question 1: What can anyone do right now to be a better recycler?

Michael: To be a better recycler, start by learning what your hauler or processor accepts in the regular stream. Seek outlets for other waste materials to improve diversion. Keep recyclables as clean as possible to reduce contaminants during processing. And always remember to educate a friend or family member about recycling.

Question 2: The use of terms like “tree hugger” seems to be on the decline. Why do you think that change has happened?

Michael: I don’t believe the change has happened entirely, but there’s a shift towards more positive environmental awareness. Environmental issues have gained media attention, encouraging people to recognize the importance of caring for our planet.

Question 3: What is the worst name you’ve been called while working at Boulevard?

Michael: Probably that same “tree hugger” you mentioned earlier.

Question 4: Can you describe what happens to a gallon of water when it enters Boulevard’s facility?

Michael: The water at Boulevard comes from the Missouri River and the Kansas City Municipal Water system. It undergoes various filtration and treatment processes depending on its intended use in the brewery. Most of it eventually leaves as beer, with the rest used for cleaning before being discharged into our sewer system.

Question 5: Boulevard reduced water usage by 12% in 2011. What were the water usage figures for 2012 and the first half of 2013?

Michael: In 2012, we surpassed our goal by achieving a 12% reduction compared to 2011. During the first half of 2013, we are trending toward a 10% reduction compared to 2012.

Question 6: What happens to the grain, and does all the spent grain go to feed local cattle?

Michael: Most of our spent brewers’ grains, rich in nutrition, are primarily used as cattle feed in the U.S. They can also serve as fillers in other animal feeds or even in food products for human consumption.

Happy Cow

Question 7: Can cows get drunk from eating the spent grain?

Michael: No, spent grains do not contain alcohol as they haven’t undergone fermentation, so the cows that consume them do not get drunk.

Question 8: Boulevard doesn’t have a trash dumpster. Do your employees pack out any trash they create?

Michael: Initially, employees were responsible for any waste they generated, promoting the “zero landfill” initiative. This encouraged people to adjust their behaviors and eliminate trash. While we appreciate the Leave No Trace concept, it’s essential to provide proper recycling options.

Question 9: Do you think that Boulevard’s strong commitment to sustainability influences your employees to be better recyclers at home? And do you think you influence the public to be better recyclers?

Michael: We’ve positively influenced our employees by educating them on recycling behaviors. Through tours and events, we also set an example for the public, striving to raise awareness of recycling and sustainability.

Question 10: Boulevard played a crucial role in the success of glass recycling at Ripple Glass. Is this common practice among breweries?

Michael: Our strong commitment to glass packaging led to the formation of Ripple Glass. While not a common practice among all breweries, our experience shows the remarkable results such initiatives can achieve.

Question 11: What excites you most about the future of sustainability at Boulevard?

Michael: Sustainability at Boulevard extends beyond recycling; it’s about resource efficiency. The more efficiently we use resources like electricity, water, and materials, the more sustainable we become. This continuous process of improvement is our path to a more sustainable future.

Question 12: Are there other local businesses that excel in sustainability?

Michael: Hallmark has displayed great leadership and support for our program. Their commitment to sustainability aligns with our goals.

Question 13: What is the biggest “I’m glad we don’t do that anymore” moment for you at Boulevard?

Michael: That would be “making trash.” It’s fulfilling to know that our company is making a significant positive impact on our community.

Question 14: What’s your favorite outdoor activity?

Michael: Camping with my family.

Question 15: Which Boulevard beer are you currently enjoying the most?

Michael: That’s a tough question, but if I had to choose, Pale Ale is my go-to beer on most occasions. And I’ll never turn down one of our Smokestack offerings!

Boulevard On Tap

Question 16: How can the public connect with Boulevard?

Michael: The best way to connect with us is to take a tour of our facilities, where you can see all the amazing things we’re doing and enjoy some delicious beer!


Jason Clements is the founder of and writer for Cells for Cells.  Jason has raised tens of thousands of dollars for Cancer Charities through his recycling program and has helped dozens of families in their battle against cancer.

He lives in Kansas and is an amateur artist.

You can follow Jason on X (Twitter) @jasonclements and Instagram @theartandtimesofjason

Filed Under: Kansas City, Recycling Resources Tagged With: Boulevard Brewing Company, cell phone recycling, Cells for Cells, Recycle

From 3-Pointers to Recycling: How I Teamed Up with Pepsi to Make a Difference

October 24, 2023 by admin

A Friendly Challenge

Years ago, at a Chamber of Commerce event, I challenged our area Pepsi Guy in a thrilling 3-point contest. The trash talk leading up to our turn was vicious and nasty (and business appropriate).

I won.

I remember jogging to the sidelines so out of breath and my mouth so dry, that I couldn’t even speak the words ‘water.’

But I won…and I teamed up with Pepsi to Battle Cancer.

Connecting over a Cause

After the contest, Pepsi Guy offered me five minutes to discuss my company, Cells for Cells where our mission is to recycle old cell phones and raise money for families battling cancer.

We decided to join forces locally and make a real impact in our community.

Supporting Light the Night

Our connection with Pepsi grew stronger, and I was able to introduce the Pepsi team to my friend working at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Pepsi generously provided all the beverages for the Light the Night Event, the LLS’s largest event in Kansas City.

A Big Opportunity with Pepsi Corporate

Building on our local success, I asked Pepsi Guy if he could connect me with someone at Pepsi’s corporate level.

He introduced me to the East Regional Gal, who, in turn, connected me with the Head of Sustainability at Pepsi World Headquarters in New York.

A Partnership with Purpose

After a thoughtful three-day review, the Head of Sustainability expressed personal alignment with our mission. He said,

“I also connected with your mission on a personal level. To me it was a simple win-win situation for everyone involved.“

– Victor Melendez former Head of Sustainability at Pepsi World Headquarters

We were invited to be a part of the Official Pepsi Eco-challenge, where we recycled thousands of old cell phones for Pepsi.

Beyond the Court

This journey began with a 3-point contest victory and evolved into a powerful partnership where we helped more families battling cancer

The lesson? Sometimes a winning shot can lead to something much bigger.

Help us. Join us. Recycle with us.

If you’re not a 3-point expert but have a box of old cell phones waiting to be recycled, don’t hesitate to connect with me.

If you manage hundreds or thousands of devices for your company, connect with me today.

At Cells for Cells, we’re dedicated to helping families battling cancer, and you can be a part of this battle against cancer.

Recycle with Cells for Cells and make a difference. Visit http://cellsforcells.com.]


Jason Clements is the founder of and writer for Cells for Cells.  Jason has raised tens of thousands of dollars for Cancer Charities through his recycling program and has helped dozens of families in their battle against cancer.

He lives in Kansas and is an amateur artist.

You can follow Jason on X (Twitter) @jasonclements and Instagram @theartandtimesofjason

Filed Under: Cancer Support, Corporate Partners, Kansas City Tagged With: cell phone recycling, Cells for Cells, Recycle

How Can I Be Better At Recycling My Glass

October 19, 2023 by admin

Important Updates, Tips, and Notes From Ripple Glass

Cells for Cells: When someone asks themselves ‘How can I be better at recycling my GLASS’ what are 4 easy things anyone can do right now in 2023 to be better at recycling?

Ripple Glass: 1. Keep your plastic bags and plastic wrap out of your recycling bin. These items can only be recycled at the drop-off containers at your grocery stores, or you can put them in your trashcan.

2. Rinse or wipe out your recyclables, especially your plastics. The markets for plastic are very depressed right now, so the items need to be perfectly clean.

3. Purchase items that are easily recycled, and recycled locally. Glass and aluminum are great choices.

4. When you have an odd item, and you’re not sure if you can recycle it, check recyclespot.org for good local options! [Jason’s note: When your office needs to recycle old or broken cell phones request free shipping labels from Cells for Cells .

Cells for Cells: What is this partnership with End of Waste Foundation?

[Read more…] about How Can I Be Better At Recycling My Glass

Filed Under: Kansas City, News & Events, Recycling Resources Tagged With: "Ripple Glass", cell phone recycling, Cells for Cells, Recycle Glass, recycling

Boulevard Brewing: Doing Everything Right For The Environment

September 16, 2013 by jclements

Boulevard Brewing Co.Everyone knows that Boulevard Brewing makes excellent beer.  But did you know that they are also doing everything right for the environment?  Michael Utz is the Director of Engineering at Boulevard Brewing Company.  He’s been with Boulevard for 15 years and oversees most of the sustainability initiatives.  In this interview, Michael answers questions about the many sustainability practices at Boulevard.

1. What are 4 things anyone can do right now to be a better recycler?

Michael:  1.  Learn what your hauler/processor takes and doesn’t take in the regular stream.  2.  Seek outlets for other waste materials to improve diversion.  3.  Keep recyclables as clean as possible to reduce contaminants at processor.  5.  Teach a friend/family member about recycling.

2. The condescending use of tree hugger and granola to describe someone who cares about our environment seems to have gone away. Why do you think that happened?

Michael: I don’t know that that has happened completely (I’m guilty of occasional tongue-in-cheek references to myself as a “tree hugger”) but I really think environmental awareness through all forms of media has brought positive attention to the cause and people are beginning to pay attention to the fact that we were given just one earth.

3. What is the worst name you have been called while at Boulevard?

Michael: Probably that same “tree hugger” referred to above.

4. Describe what happens to a gallon of water when it enters Boulevard.

Michael: Our water starts as Missouri River water as it is taken from the river above the Kansas-Missouri confluence. That fact aside, we receive water from the Kansas City Municipal Water system. The water goes through several steps of filtration, dechlorination, softening, deaeration, ultraviolet sterilization, depending on where it will be used in the brewery. About one gallon of every four and a half gallons we bring into the brewery ends up leaving as beer with most of the remainder being used for cleaning operations prior to being discharged into our sewer system.

5. Your sustainability document states that you reduced water usage by 12% in 2011. What did your data show you for water usage in 2012? The first half of 2013?

Michael: Our water usage reduction goal for 2012 was 5% but we actually achieved another 12% reduction compared to 2011 rates. For the first half of 2013 we are trending at a 10% reduction compared to 2012.

6. What happens to the grain? Does all spent grain go to feed local cattle?

Happy Cow
Happy Cow

Michael: Our brewing process extracts most of the sugars from whole grains – barley and wheat – before discharging those grains to our spent grain system. Spent brewers grains are an excellent nutrition source for cattle and that is their primary use in the U.S. The spent grains can also be used as fillers in other animal feeds and I’ve also heard of them being used in breads, crackers and other foods for human consumption.

7. Can cows get drunk from eating the spent grain?

Michael: Spent grains do not contain alcohol as they haven’t been fermented so no, the cows that eat them do not get drunk.

8. You have no trash dumpster at Boulevard. Do your employees pack out any trash that they create? Do you embrace an urban style of Leave No Trace?

Michael: Well, when we first embarked on our “zero landfill” initiative, that’s exactly what we told our employees – they were responsible for any waste they generated. It didn’t take very long for people to adjust their behaviors to eliminate trash. I like the idea of Leave No Trace but find it very easy for people to use a waste receptacle if it’s available, especially in the absence of appropriate recycling options.

9. Sustainability is a foundational idea at Boulevard. Do you think that influences your employee to be better recyclers at home? Do you think you influence the public to be better recyclers?

Michael: We think we have been a positive influence on our employees because we take the time to educate them on the how’s and why’s of recycling behavior. Beyond that, to the public we try to lead with a positive example through all the tours and events we do each year as well as speaking about it every chance we get.

10. Boulevard has been instrumental in the success of glass recycling at Ripple Glass. Is this a common practice with all breweries?

Michael: We were presented with a unique opportunity/challenge with glass in Kansas City – no glass recycling options because there was no glass processor and no glass processor because there were no glass recycling options. A classic chicken and egg situation. Given our strong commitment to glass through our bottling operations, we decided that we should help solve that recycling dilemma so we could justify continuing use of bottles. That ultimately led to the formation of Ripple Glass. We can proudly state that the results have been astounding and, in 2013, through Ripple Glass we will recycle about four times the glass packaging used at Boulevard!

11. What most excites you for the future of sustainability at Boulevard?

Michael: Sustainability for us is about more than recycling. It’s about resource efficiency. The more efficiently we use our resources – electricity, water, packaging materials, labor, etc. – the more sustainable we become. This is a never ending process of continuous improvement.

12. What other local businesses do an excellent job in the area of sustainability?

Michael: Hallmark has shown great leadership in this area and provided a lot of support for us as we got our program started.

13. What is the biggest I-am-glad-we-don’t-do-that-anymore for you at Boulevard?

Michael: That’s got to be “making trash”. It really is a good feeling to know that your company is trying to make such a positive difference in their community!

14. What is your favorite outdoor activity?

Michael: Camping with my family.

15. Which Boulevard beer are you enjoying most right now?  

Boulevard On Tap
Boulevard On Tap

Michael: First of all that’s an unfair question because it’s like asking me which of my children is my favorite.  However, Pale Ale is the beer that suits me on most occasions and I will never, ever turn down one of our Smokestack offerings!

16. What is the best way for the public to connect with Boulevard?

Michael: The best way to connect is to go on a tour of our facilities to see all the cool things we’re doing and enjoy some delicious beer!

Additional Reading

How To Recycle Glass:  Ripple Glass Makes It Easy To Recycle Glass

How To Be A Better Recycler At Home

Filed Under: Kansas City Tagged With: beer, Boulevard Brewery, sustainability

How To Be Sustainable: Katie Killen Shares How The City Of Shawnee, Kansas, Practices Sustainability

August 19, 2013 by jclements

Katie Killen, Assistant City Manager at City of Shawnee, Kansas
Katie Killen, Assistant City Manager for the City of Shawnee, Kansas

Katie Killen is the assistant city manager for the city of Shawnee, Kansas.  Her work for the city involves solid waste, recycling and sustainability. In this interview, Katie answers questions about a city’s role in helping the public become better at recycling.

1.  What are 4 things that anyone can do right now to be a better recycler?

Katie:  Make it easy for yourself. If there is a way to fit it into your routine take advantage of it.

  1. Put a recycling can next to your trash can .
  2. Put a glass recycling container in a spot you will remember to take it with you, and make drop off part of the routine .
  3. Pin a reminder in an easy to find place to remember what can go curbside at your home.
  4. When in doubt on where take something, then check out recyclespot.org, a regional resource on recycling in the Kansas City area.

2.  Name some things that happen inside of the City of Shawnee’s offices that impacts the environment.

Katie:  We have a City-wide recycling policy in place that covers everything from common recyclables to motor oil, batteries and electronics.  We recently completed some energy efficiency projects in City facilities that upgraded lighting and HVAC systems.  The last major facilities that the City built (the Justice Center and Fire Station #72 off Renner and Johnson) are LEED certified.Station 72 LEED

3.  What do you think the City of Shawnee does best for the environment?

Katie:  Educating and leading by example. There are so many departments that touch on environmental stewardship through the work they do each day and in addition are out educating the public on topics that range from rain barrels to recycling, energy efficiency to water quality. Check out our latest Parks and Recreation Brochure.  Page 18-19 have some great classes.

4.  What do you feel is the most difficult part of promoting sustainability?  Easiest?  Continue Reading

Filed Under: Kansas City Tagged With: City of Shawnee, how to be sustainable, Katie Killen, sustainability

Meet Jay Steiner: Cancer Survivor and Superhero

July 17, 2013 by jclements

Meet Jay Steiner.  Jay is a cancer survivor.  Jay is also a superhero.  It takes a superhero to beat cancer and then to support a family member who is also battling cancer.  Below, in question 8, you’ll find Jay’s Tips on being a superhero for your loved one who may be battling cancer.

1.  You are a KU Fan – predict their record for this year.

Jay:  Crimson & Blue all the way through.  5-7 in football.  33-3 in basketball.

2.  What is the food that you are best at making?

Jay:  Waffles!

3.  If moon travel becomes available in the next 10 years, are you going? 

Jay:  Too many exciting things to see here (on Earth) first.

4.  If you could throw a party for your donors with an unlimited budget, where would it be and what two bands would play? 

Jay:  At a park in Lake Tahoe.  I’d probably have Jack Johnson open for Dave Matthews

4.  Why did you want to join the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society team? 

Jay:  I’m a survivor of Pediatric A.L.L. (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) so finding  cures for Leukemia has always been at the forefront of my mind.  I’m fortunate to work for an organization who’s primary objective is so aligned with my personal objectives.

Continue Reading

Filed Under: Inspirational, Kansas City Tagged With: cancer, Cancer Support, Cancer Survivor, Jay Steiner

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Read the Newest Stories Here

  • Cells for Cells Joins Shave to Save 2025 to Support Hope Lodge-KC!
  • Turning Your Recycled Phones into Life-Saving Support
  • How to Factory Reset Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
  • Factory Reset Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
  • Recycling Used Cell Phones: Yes, Even If Your Dog Chewed On It

Copyright © 2025 · Genesis Sample on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in