 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1/29/2015
Contact:
Nancy Lo, Environmental Partners Coordinator, 612-348-9195
Philip Hussong, Communications, 612-348-3735
News release
Hennepin County is pleased to recognize its
2014 Environmental Partners for their leading efforts to recycle and divert
organic waste from the trash through composting, sending food scraps to local
farmers to feed animals, or by donating edible food. By creating and sustaining
strong recycling programs, these 40 businesses help conserve natural resources,
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the local economy.
The business sector generates more
than half of the total waste in Hennepin County, and studies show that about
one-third of that waste is food and food-soiled paper. Initiatives by businesses
to increase recycling are critical to meeting the county’s recycling goals and
will be required for most companies in the county starting in 2016.
“As a healthcare organization, our
mission is to improve the health of our community,” said Wesli Waters,
sustainability program manager for Fairview Health Services, a 2014
Environmental Partner. “By implementing sustainability initiatives such as
recycling and composting, we are able to conserve resources, which improves the
health of the environment, and ultimately the health of our communities. While
these programs are important to not only our employees, patients and community,
they also help Fairview conserve valuable financial resources.”
Businesses become eligible to be recognized
as Environmental Partners by completing an application that details their
recycling programs, which are then verified by Hennepin County’s Environment
and Energy Department staff during site visits. Businesses that demonstrate
that they’ve met the Environmental Partner standards receive recognition decals
to post at a visible location at their business and are listed in the Environmental Partners Directory on Hennepin County’s website. In addition to the Environmental
Partners program, the county offers grants up to $50,000, free labels and signage, and
professional staff assistance to help businesses start or improve recycling
programs.
Thank you and congratulations to all of Hennepin County’s
2014 Environmental Partners:
- APA Medical
- The Bakken
Museum
- Barbette
- Barrio – Edina
- Bread & Pickle
- Brave New Workshop
- Bryant Lake Bowl
- Butter Bakery Café
- Caffetto Coffee House
- The Cookie Cart
- Common Roots Café and Catering
- Cozé Flats
- Donaldson Company
- Dunn Brothers – Freight House
- Edina Cinema
- Edina Grill
- Fairview Southdale Hospital
- Gastrotruck
- Gigi’s Café
- Gumball Collective
- IDS Center
- International Dairy Queen
- Joseph Catering
- Kid Zone Child Care Center
- Lions Tap
- Mason’s
- MSP Airport
- Mill City Clinic
- Minnesota Twins
- Open Arms
- Pat’s Tap
- Red Stag Supper Club
- Salut Bar Americain – Edina
- Solhavn
- Solhem
- Soltva
- Tennant Co.
- University of Minnesota Medical
Center - West Bank and East Bank
- Wedge Community Co-op
Learn more about the Environmental Partners Program at www.hennepin.us/environmentalpartners
or by calling 612-348-9195.
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Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/news.
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