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Department of Ecology News Release - September 18, 2001
01-163
OLYMPIA - Eight businesses and one government facility were honored today for preventing pollution and using business practices that support the vitality and future of the economy, the environment and the community.
The ninth annual Governor's Awards for Pollution Prevention & Sustainable Practices were presented today during a celebration at the state capitol building. The awards are issued to businesses and government agencies that have found ways to offer services and make products while reducing or eliminating hazardous and toxic waste, and conserving resources such as energy and water.
The winners of the 2001 awards are: A-1 Builders, Inc. of Bellingham; the Bemis Company of Vancouver; Bernard Imports, Inc. in Tukwila; Circle & Square Car Service of Port Hadlock; DuPont Flooring Systems of Spokane and Seattle; Inflation Systems, Inc., based in Moses Lake; Naval Submarine Base, Bangor, located in Silverdale; Rehab the Lab of Seattle; and Siemens Solar Industries of Vancouver.
"These are model businesses that have already taken significant steps to protect our communities and environment, but they are going one step further by also adopting business practices that will minimize their toll on the environment far into the future," said Locke. "These are true leaders, and good examples for all of us."
Locke credited the winners with being willing to rethink their processes and conduct business even better than before.
Linda Hoffman, deputy director of the Department of Ecology, noted that the nine award winners have demonstrated that efficient use of resources is good for business, good for the environment and good for the community.
"The winners have all demonstrated a commitment to reduce their effects on the environment," Hoffman said. "We applaud their high operational standards and the leadership roles they've taken within their industries and communities."
The entries were judged on innovation, how well they reached out to other businesses or government agencies and their communities to teach them about preventing pollution, and their use of sustainable business practices.
Media contacts: Anchana Bergeson, award coordinator, 360-407-6609
Caitlin Cormier, Public Information Officer, 360-407-6743; pager, 360-971-5536
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
