On February 21, the PA Resources Council presented its fourth annual Zero Waste Awards to 23 environmental leaders in recognition of their commitment to adopting sustainable environmental practices and diverting waste through recycling, composting and reuse.

The award winners were recognized at a special reception at Construction Junction in Pittsburgh. Stephanie Barger, Director of Market Transformation & Development at TRUE Zero Waste Certification, served as keynote speaker.  Event sponsors were Straub Brewing, Gateway Recycling and Construction Junction.

“PRC’s Zero Waste Pennsylvania program provides special events, commercial businesses and institutions with vital waste reduction assistance,” said PRC Co-Executive 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 2018, PRC’s Zero Waste team assisted dozens of events, businesses and institutions with sustainable waste management solutions.  Last year, Zero Waste efforts diverted nearly 38 tons of materials to be recycled/composted and reached nearly 750,000 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.”

At the fourth annual PRC Zero Waste Event & Business Awards Celebration, the 23 honored events and businesses received recognition of their commitment to zero waste principles. 

The 2018 Zero Waste Award recipients are--

Zero Waste Excellence Awards

-- Pittsburgh Conroy Education Center Recycling Program: Pittsburgh Public Schools

-- David L. Lawrence Convention Center

-- Food Recovery Heroes: University of Pittsburgh 

Event Achievement Awards -Recognizing events/institutions that diverted a significant percentage of waste in 2018

Platinum - 95 percent or greater waste diversion

-- Environmental Charter School 10th Anniversary Campfire: Donna Bour Associates

-- Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh Impact 2018: Donna Bour Associates

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

-- Steel Chef Cookoff: Focus On Renewal Sto-Rox & Sustainable Pittsburgh

Gold - 90-94 percent waste diversion

-- Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon: Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc. (P3R)  

-- EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler: Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon, Inc. (P3R)

-- Grand Opening Party: Patagonia Pittsburgh

-- Hollow Oak Brewhaha: Hollow Oak Land Trust

-- Mt. Lebanon Earth Day: LeboGreen.org

Silver - 75-89 percent waste diversion

-- Alcosan Open House: Alcosan

-- Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

-- Kayafest: Big Burrito Restaurant Group

-- Kickball For A Cause: PUMP

-- Steel City Big Four: Construction Junction

-- Triboro Ecoblast Pool Party: Triboro Ecodistrict

-- Walk MS: National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Bronze - 60-74 percent waste diversion

-- Colfax Carnival:  Pittsburgh Colfax PTO

-- Deutschtown Music Festival

-- Night In The Tropics: National Aviary

-- Walk To Defeat ALS: ALS Association Western Pennsylvania Chapter

For more information on the Zero Waste Program and the services available, 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.

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[Posted: Feb. 22, 2019]

2/25/2019