The PA Resources Council Thursday presented its third annual Zero Waste Events and Business Awards to 18 environmental leaders in recognition of their commitment to adopting sustainable environmental practices and diverting waste through recycling, composting and reuse.

“PRC’s Zero Waste Pennsylvania program provides special events, commercial businesses and institutions with vital waste reduction assistance,” said PRC Western Regional Director Justin Stockdale.  “We’re pleased to recognize the accomplishments of those committed to preserving the environment, and we applaud the efforts of this year’s class of honorees for their outstanding leadership, innovation and dedication.” 

In 2017, PRC’s Zero Waste team assisted dozens of events, businesses and institutions with sustainable waste management solutions. 

Last year, Zero Waste efforts diverted 46 tons of materials to be recycled/composted and reached nearly 600,000 individuals directly and indirectly through waste audits as well as public and private zero waste services.

“Our Zero Waste team members provide technical expertise and hands-on assistance to enable a wide variety of organizations to pursue the ultimate goal of producing zero waste,” said Stockdale.  “Each year many successful partnerships result in diverting tons of material to become valuable compost and recycled products.”

Kathy Hrabovsky, Sustainability Manager for Allegheny County's Department of Facilities Management, served as keynote speaker.

The award winners included--

Achievement Awards -- recognizing events/institutions that diverted a significant percentage of waste in 2017

Gold (90 percent or more waste diversion)

-- Bounty At Boyce Mayview Park Fall Fest, Township of Upper St. Clair

-- Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon -- Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc.

-- Richard S. Caliguiri Great Race -- City of Pittsburgh Office of Special Events

Silver (75 to 89 percent waste diversion)

-- Conservation Consultants Inc.

-- Deutschtown Music Festival

-- Hay Day & Family Green Fest -- Allegheny County

-- Kickball For A Cause -- Pump

-- Mon Valley Sizzles - Sterling Events

-- Steel City Big Pour - Construction Junction

Bronze (60 to 74 percent waste diversion)

-- Department of Facilities Management -- Allegheny County Office of Sustainability

Achievement

-- 412 Food Rescue

-- Leaf2Go, LLC

-- UPMC Passavant

-- UPMC Presbyterian

Excellence Awards -- recognizing exemplary dedication to principles of zero waste

-- East End Food Co-Op

-- Maple Syrup Festival -- Beaver County Department of Waste Management

-- UPMC Vanadium Woods Village

-- U.S. Postal Service Pennsylvania District

The awards ceremony/celebration was held at Construction Junction in Pittsburgh.

Event sponsors were Giant Eagle, Sterling Events, Zero Fossil Energy Outfitters and Construction Junction.

To learn more about reducing or eliminating your waste stream, visit PRC’s Zero Waste Pennsylvania webpage or call 412-488-7490.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Resources Council website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them on Facebook.  Click Here for PRC’s Events Calendar.  Click Here to support their work.

[Posted: Feb. 23, 2018]

2/26/2018