On May 9, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) held its second annual Emerald Awards luncheon. Emerald awards were given to individuals and businesses who are instrumental in reducing the amount of refuse that goes into the landfill. The Central Ohio Sierra Club congratulates our ExCom member Laura Armstrong, who is the winner of one of the 9 awards given out this year. Below is a listing of some of the 2007 outstanding award winners:

Environmental Education—Laura Armstrong Laura operates on a budget of just $200 and is the founder and program coordinator for the “Environmental Forum” at First Community Church.  Her brand of community outreach focuses on creating awareness of critical environmental issues through multiple educational events. The program has brought about discussion and reflection where none previously existed.

Partnership—MAP Furniture Bank Material Assistance Providers (MAP) picks up donations of gently used furniture and household items and delivers them to individuals and families in need. They are Central Ohio’s only free furniture provider to the needy. MAP finds new homes for close to 35,000 cubic yards of household goods annually!  In addition to the critical assistance provided, MAP helps keep material out of the landfill. Visit the MAP website to schedule a free pickup. Items may also be dropped off from 9-5 M-F at 118 S. Yale Ave. in Columbus. Be sure to tell your neighbors about MAP!

Innovation Award—Clean Water, Ltd. This company has an EPA air emissions permit that states “zero emissions”.  Clean Water Ltd. takes oily waters from industrial operations and separates components to produce clean water and alternate fuels for industrial use.  This south-side Columbus operation returns 98% of what is taken in as new products and it is done without discharge to the city sewer system.

Board of Trustees Award—Corna/Kokosing Construction This leader has hired a full-time sustainability coordinator, has mandated recycling of all construction and demolition materials at its job sites, has offered incentives to employees who become “green certified”, has a very green headquarters building.

Litter Cleanup—City of Reynoldsburg This community held a one-week cleanup campaign for under the banner, “Clean Up, Fix Up, Spruce Up”. They encouraged businesses to stop what they were doing for 20 minutes one particular morning and clean up around their establishments.  Residents participated in the National Road Yard sale. The city also staged a day-long litter and trash pickup and other activities.  Their plan of action is a great example of how to get citizens and businesses involved.

Business Leadership—Rockwell Automation This Westerville facility exemplifies how sound waste management and profits go hand in hand.  They have an 85% waste deferral rate!  That involves recycling or reuse of everything from wooden pallets to foam packaging. In 2006 they boosted their waste deferral rate by 12%.  At the same time, business revenues increased by 22%.  Management and the 108 employees alike work as a team to achieve high standards.