A Career in Sustainability: Educating Others for a Healthier Planet
With Garrett S., Sustainability Specialist
Garrett at the Glen Cove Inn, located at an elevation of 11,450 ft. — nearly 2,660 ft. below the summit of Pikes Peak
Garrett’s eco-conscious interests and aspirations started at a young age. Growing up, his family would often participate in trash clean-ups in their local community and composted and recycled waste at home. He went on to pursue an education in Earth Science and Sustainability in college.
One year after graduating, Garrett found a temporary position with Aramark Destinations as a Sustainability Specialist at Pikes Peak in Colorado. During his first three months, he oversaw the maintenance of the property’s Environmental Management System, waste reduction, and visitor and staff sustainability education. Additionally, Garrett helped the Summit Visitor Center Café at Pikes Peak achieve a three-star Certification from the Green Restaurant Association.
“The Green Restaurant Association has certifications from one to four stars. The more steps you take to making your restaurant sustainable, the better certification you receive.”
With the progress the Pikes Peak team is making, the café is already on its way to achieving a four-star certification, and the team is continually looking for ways to improve.
Now, as a year-round Sustainability Specialist at Pikes Peak, one of Garrett’s most important responsibilities is educating others on sustainable ways to reduce their environmental impact. He hopes guests will take with them what they learn at Pikes Peak and apply those lessons in their own lives, so they can take measures at home to care for the planet too.
Garrett’s passion for nature aligns with his lifestyle choices outside of his job with Aramark.
“My role at Aramark Destinations allows me to spend a lot of time in nature, so I like to take advantage of that, but outside of work, I love being outdoors, hiking, and playing sports. Enjoying nature makes me feel very relaxed.”
Before joining Aramark, Garrett had previously visited Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs area with his family and loved it. He shared that when he learned about the opportunity to be a Sustainability Specialist in a national forest and have the chance to live in Colorado Springs, he knew he couldn’t pass it up. The location and employee community have come to be some of Garrett’s favorite things about working for Aramark Destinations.
“I’m able to have a job in one of the most beautiful locations in the country – it’s America’s Mountain! Being able to work with other hardworking and friendly people is also great.”
Garrett describes Aramark’s culture as one where employees support each other. People are willing to help different teams and departments often, and that culture of support has helped employees build strong interpersonal relationships.
“In my year here, I’ve learned that you should explore a career that you’re passionate about and focus on developing relationships with your teammates. Building relationships with your managers and coworkers can go a long way.”
A Career in Sustainability: Educating Others for a Healthier Planet
With Garrett S., Sustainability Specialist
Garrett at the Glen Cove Inn, located at an elevation of 11,450 ft. — nearly 2,660 ft. below the summit of Pikes Peak
Garrett’s eco-conscious interests and aspirations started at a young age. Growing up, his family would often participate in trash clean-ups in their local community and composted and recycled waste at home. He went on to pursue an education in Earth Science and Sustainability in college.
One year after graduating, Garrett found a temporary position with Aramark Destinations as a Sustainability Specialist at Pikes Peak in Colorado. During his first three months, he oversaw the maintenance of the property’s Environmental Management System, waste reduction, and visitor and staff sustainability education. Additionally, Garrett helped the Summit Visitor Center Café at Pikes Peak achieve a three-star Certification from the Green Restaurant Association.
“The Green Restaurant Association has certifications from one to four stars. The more steps you take to making your restaurant sustainable, the better certification you receive.”
With the progress the Pikes Peak team is making, the café is already on its way to achieving a four-star certification, and the team is continually looking for ways to improve.
Now, as a year-round Sustainability Specialist at Pikes Peak, one of Garrett’s most important responsibilities is educating others on sustainable ways to reduce their environmental impact. He hopes guests will take with them what they learn at Pikes Peak and apply those lessons in their own lives, so they can take measures at home to care for the planet too.
Garrett’s passion for nature aligns with his lifestyle choices outside of his job with Aramark.
“My role at Aramark Destinations allows me to spend a lot of time in nature, so I like to take advantage of that, but outside of work, I love being outdoors, hiking, and playing sports. Enjoying nature makes me feel very relaxed.”
Before joining Aramark, Garrett had previously visited Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs area with his family and loved it. He shared that when he learned about the opportunity to be a Sustainability Specialist in a national forest and have the chance to live in Colorado Springs, he knew he couldn’t pass it up. The location and employee community have come to be some of Garrett’s favorite things about working for Aramark Destinations.
“I’m able to have a job in one of the most beautiful locations in the country – it’s America’s Mountain! Being able to work with other hardworking and friendly people is also great.”
Garrett describes Aramark’s culture as one where employees support each other. People are willing to help different teams and departments often, and that culture of support has helped employees build strong interpersonal relationships.
“In my year here, I’ve learned that you should explore a career that you’re passionate about and focus on developing relationships with your teammates. Building relationships with your managers and coworkers can go a long way.”
As Vice President of Operations - West for Aramark Destinations, Margarita (Maggie) Garcia-Nook strives to create a positive atmosphere for Aramark employees and guests. She's learned that showing up each and every day for your team is one of the most important things to do while in a leadership role – and it's advice she hopes to impart on future leaders.
