SIFE helps local business become more sustainable

February 28, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Students in Free Enterprise at UF are empowering a local business to become more sustainable.

Across the nation, SIFE teams accepted the challenge given by Sam’s Club to partner with a Sam’s Club Business Member to develop improvements in recycling, energy and water use and community relationships.

The UF SIFE team partnered with Big Lou’s NY Style Pizzeria, 5 SE 2nd Ave., to enter the challenge. Since October, the team has been providing Big Lou’s with guidance, ideas, innovation and solutions that will benefit its business, its customers and the community.

SIFE USA has provided each of the teams across the United States with a $1,000 grant fund to replace inefficient machinery, market the campaign and make changes in operating activities.

So far, the team has helped Big Lou’s conduct more sustainable business practices by performing an energy audit to determine the areas for improvement.

“This project really shows how it is important to strike a balance between business activities and environmental concerns,” said Monika Poshkaite, project manager for UF SIFE. “Not only will these changes benefit the community, but they will also save the business money.”

In March, Sam’s club will choose the finalists who will compete in Minneapolis for the National Grand Prize of $5,000, which Big Lou’s would use in future sustainability efforts.