When Dan Broersma first started tracking how much water, energy, and waste his workplace used, he wasn’t just doing it only for the numbers—he wanted to find a better way to make a difference.
That practical, hands-on approach has guided his work in sustainability for more than 25 years. From working at Herman Miller and Goodwill Industries to becoming the first sustainability manager for the city of Holland, Broersma has helped all kinds of organizations take small, smart steps that help people, the planet, and their bottom line.
Now he’s sharing what he’s learned in his first book, “Practical Sustainability: A Perspective, Philosophy, and Guide for Implementing Sustainability in Any Organization.”
It’s written for anyone—whether you run a business, work at a nonprofit or school, or just want to make changes at home. You don’t need to be a scientist or have a big budget to get started.
“After years of working on sustainability projects, I’ve seen how it can help reduce costs, keep employees happy, and even boost sales,” Broersma says. “I wanted to share those ideas with others.”
His message is clear: sustainability doesn’t have to be difficult or confusing. The book is full of real-life examples and simple steps that make it easy for anyone to begin their sustainability journey.
The Lakeshore sat down with Broersma to learn more about his book, what he’s learned through the years, and how a practical approach can create real change.
The Lakeshore: How has your work as the sustainability manager for the city of Holland, Herman Miller, and Goodwill Industries shaped the insights and practical strategies you share in your book?
Dan Broersma: Working at all these places has impacted and shaped the way I think about implementing sustainability at home and in any organization. I realized that to create a more sustainable environment, we need most people to be involved. To engage most people, sustainability needs to have a positive impact on their lives. Working at these organizations, I learned that implementing simple, sustainable activities, such as measuring recycling, waste, energy, and water use, and exploring ways to manage and reduce their use, creates numerous benefits for any organization, regardless of its size. The benefits include employee attraction and retention, as well as new customer attraction, especially when you discuss and highlight your sustainability activities. There is also cost reduction, and, as in my chapter about recycling for a purpose, with good strategies and management, your organization can make a positive impact in your community.
TL: With over 25 years of experience, from global corporations to nonprofits and municipal leadership, what lessons from your career most influenced the philosophy behind “Practical Sustainability”?
DB: A few of the lessons I learned are that most organizations want to be sustainable, but they don’t know where to start and how it will impact their organization. Another lesson is that any organization, no matter the size, that I have helped, small and large organizations, can positively impact your organization. Finally, the biggest lesson I learned is that all organizations already have the personnel and knowledge within their organizations; they need a little guidance and support. I have seen employees who, when encouraged, make meaningful and sustainable changes in their organization, resulting in significant positive impacts.
TL: How did growing up and working in Holland, a city known for its community-wide sustainability efforts, influence your personal and professional approach to this topic?
DB: The most important thing I learned from the community is that being sustainable is a journey, not an overnight process. Be patient, practical, and analyze every step along the way to minimize mistakes and cost.
TL: Your book is filled with real-world examples. Are there any specific successes from your time in Holland that demonstrate how sustainability can drive tangible outcomes like cost savings or employee engagement?
DB: I write about one of my favorite successes in the chapter “Recycle for a Purpose.” An organization I worked with had very few options for repurposing or recycling its leftover fabric. Working with a non-profit, Gift of Hope Haiti, we were able to send truckloads of fabric to be repurposed. The fabric was shipped to Haiti, where the organization helped train women in need to sew and make beautiful bags and other home goods. The items are sold online and also shipped back to the U.S. for sale. The organization was able to reduce its landfill waste, which in turn reduced costs. The waste fabric helped people in need. I know the story generated goodwill and attracted new customers.
TL: What makes your book different from other sustainability guides, and how does your Midwest perspective help make the approach more relatable and achievable?
DB: My book is not what sustainability books are about today. My book discusses the benefits of sustainability and how to implement them, using real-life stories that make it both an enjoyable and informative read. The most significant difference between my book and others is that I do not discuss environmental issues, such as pollution or climate change. I want to highlight the benefits that sustainability can bring to organizations, as I believe it is always overlooked.
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