Blog
New York WISE Committee Raises the Bar for Sustainability Efforts
Blog
January 13, 2016
WISE – Winston Initiative for Sustainable Environment – is an interdisciplinary group of attorneys and staff who continually strive to implement best practices to help reduce the firm’s carbon footprint and promote environmental responsibility. Formed in 2009, the WISE Committee has implemented a number of successful firmwide initiatives, including an annual Earth Day fundraising campaign for charities that promote sustainability.
Local office WISE initiatives have sprung up over the years as well, with a particularly vibrant committee in New York made up of partners, associates, management, and staff that has implemented inventive programs ranging from promotion of environmental preservation to healthy personal practices to charitable giving.
“No idea is too small or too big for consideration, and the committee truly is a supportive group dedicated to seeing as many projects as possible put into motion,” Associate Desirée Ripo explains.
The NY WISE Committee also has sponsored numerous collections over the years, including food drives, clothing, and personal items for the homeless and elderly; reused Halloween costumes for children in need; business attire for aspiring professionals; linens for sheltered animals; and reclaimed office supplies to return to Winston’s pantries.
“It was particularly rewarding when the committee wholeheartedly supported my suggestion to create a permanent space in the office to maximize the collections received,” Ms. Ripo said.
New York Senior Operations Manager Robyn Staaterman, who chairs WISE in her office, notes that the committee will be getting back to some of the basics in 2016 with various “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” drives and contests and a “New Year, New You” healthy habits initiative that will include a reboot of the popular 10,000-steps-a-day walking challenge.
“I often find myself discussing the Committee’s work with clients,” Ms. Ripo said. “Our clients like to know that their attorneys actively strive to make this world a better place even in the midst of demanding schedules.”
New York WISE Committee Members:
Nicole Becker, Rachel Benjamin, Cecelia Casey, Lori Crystal, Olga Cuadrado, Prudence DiBello, Allan Fanucci, Carolyn Landis, Ron McLaughlin, Martina Owens, Desiree Marie Ripo, Mara Rosenfeld, Robyn Staaterman (chair), Louie Vargas
This entry has been created for information and planning purposes. It is not intended to be, nor should it be substituted for, legal advice, which turns on specific facts.