VANCOUVER — At the Green Awards celebration on Thu., March 23, Clark County Manager Mark McCauley presented awards to six businesses and community members for their commitment to reduce harmful environmental impacts, educate others and give back to the community.
The winners are:
Steve Horton, Alki Middle School, Green Apple Award for a school employee
Horton inspires Alki students as leader of the environmental club. He transformed Alki’s recycling and composting program, encouraging all students to participate through fun events and contests.
Shareefah Hoover, Green Neighbor Award
Hoover received this award as a resident who exemplifies a sustainable lifestyle. She shares her composting knowledge with neighbors, walks to work often, researches recycling options for plastics not accepted curbside and works to conserve energy at home.
Richard Reiter, Green Volunteer Award
Reiter has volunteered with the Clark County Habitat for Humanity Store since 2011. By revamping its metal recycling program, he helped the store keep tons of materials out of landfills.
Heaven’s Best Carpet Cleaning, Green Business Product/Service Award
By providing carpet cleaning services without generating dirty wastewater, Heaven’s Best conserves resources and protects local waterways from potential pollution.
Simply Thyme Catering, Green Business Award (25 or fewer employees)
Simply Thyme offsets all of its electricity use through Clark Public Utilities Green Lights program, purchases locally produced food when possible and diverts food scraps from the landfill.
Cadet, Green Business Award (more than 25 employees)
Cadet recently eliminated 90 percent of incoming block foam packaging and installed energy-saving motion sensors throughout the building. It also protects stormwater by filtering roof runoff in a Grattix box.
“At the county, our vision includes healthy natural and built environments,” McCauley told the audience at the event. “But this is a team effort. It takes people like you to help get that done.”
Vancouver resident Joe Clifton of Clifton Metal Works created the awards using recycled metal and bocce balls.
To learn more about Clark County Solid Waste and Environmental Outreach, visit www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/solid-waste-environmental-outreach.
This information was provided by Clark County.
