On the northwest side of Atlanta’s vibrant community lies a strip shopping center bustling with mom-and-pop businesses, each contributing to the unique tapestry of our city. Recently, a cool collaboration emerged between these businesses and Nexus Circular, driven by a shared commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. 

It all started when an engaged parent, Gray McCalley, passionate about recycling and, as it happens, working with Nexus Circular as its General Counsel was approached by his daughter,  who works at a baby shop within the center. Her observation: Incoming baby clothes are packaged in flexible plastic film to keep them clean and dry during shipment. Her question:  Could Nexus Circular process this plastic packaging which, since normal recyclers can’t handle it, was otherwise destined for the dumpster? Nexus Circular’s answer was a resounding: “Yes!” 

Nexus Circular was founded in 2008 to offer recycling solutions for plastics not able to be handled by the traditional recycling infrastructure. Nexus commissioned its commercial recycling production facility in Atlanta and specializes in recycling “hard-to-recycle” plastic films and flexible packaging into new materials, having diverted millions of pounds from landfills to date.  

Armed with this knowledge, Gray and his daughter, Lizzie White, met with Chaffee and Dave from Baby Braithwaite, who eagerly embraced the idea of diverting this plastic packaging from landfills. A blue recycling bin was purchased, signaling the beginning of a meaningful partnership. But why stop there? 

Recognizing the potential for a wider impact, our champion for advanced recycling approached neighboring businesses — West Stride, a running store; Lake, a pajamas boutique; Hand in Pocket, a women’s clothier; and H. Stockton, a men’s clothier, all of which, as it happens, are women-owned (except the men’s haberdasher…), a nice congruence since Nexus’ CEO is a woman. Similar to Baby Braithwaite, these retailers receive their apparel in plastic packaging and are equally enthusiastic about joining the recycling initiative. 

Every ten days or so, a dedicated effort ensues as Nexus’ General Counsel or his daughter visits the shops to collect the plastic packaging – sort of a family activity. 

The response from the community has been inspiring. Business owners and customers alike,  spanning generations, express genuine appreciation for the opportunity to contribute to a greener future. As Ashton Greene of H. Stockton said, “It’s a great effort, and gives hope in a landscape  where it often seems futile.” 

In this collaborative effort, Nexus Circular and small businesses not only champion sustainability but also demonstrate the profound impact that small actions can have on our environment and community well-being. Together, we’re not just recycling material—we’re fostering a culture of sustainability and helping our local community thrive.

All made possible by Gray McCalley, General Counsel at Nexus Circular and the recycling
efforts of these shop owners: