2012 Green Business Awardees
Fifteen Johnson County businesses and schools are being recognized for their ongoing or new "green" initiatives. Applicants were asked to describe their company's efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle and demonstrate their success. The County's Solid Waste Committee recognizes these winning companies and their awards are classified as Bronze, Gold or Emerald*. Click on their names to view the green initiatives.
Emerald Level:
AGC Glass - As a result of the increased recycling of cullet (glass manufacturing bi-product), paper and plastic, the plant has recognized a savings of approximately $46,000 toward the bottom line.
ConEdison Solutions - Through recycling, the company was able to divert 68% of their waste; that is 6,000 lbs. And they were also able to reduce their waste disposal costs saving $1,500/year.
ITW Labels - This label manufacturing company has creatively found ways to recycle and divert for energy conversion 750,000 pounds of bi-product in 2011 alone.
ITW Dymon -
LaserCycle - This toner and ink cartridge company has created a zero waste product called grenk. In additon, they are recycling printers, cartridges, paper, cardboard and more.
Shawnee Mission Medical Center- Reduce and Reuse are key factors in the successful waste reduction program at SMMC. They got creative and found ways to reuse sharps containers, reducing sharps waste by 28% and through their new document scanning technology they are reducing paper by 28%, too!
Sprint - In addition to recycling in their offices, Sprint focuses on supply reuse, food waste composting in their cafeteria, and is committed to recycling their devices from customers.
Whole Foods - Whole Foods has their house in order with recycling and food composting, but they are also a recyling hub for the public for glass, batteries, cellphones, corks and plastic bags. In addition, Whole Foods has worked with vendors to reduce waste in shipping.
Gold Level:
Brookwood Elementary - Composting food, napkins and soiled paper products in the cafeteria is teaching students a valuable lesson in resource management. Through their program they have composted 22.5 TONS of organics and recycled 40 TONS of paper, cardboard, plastic and cans.
Farmers Insurance Help Point - For Farmers, employee education is a priority. From the time employees are hired, they are exposed to the message of sustainability. They also host an annual Earth Day event and encourage green life style changes at home.
National Seminars Training - This office setting switched out styrofoam coffee cups with a reusable mug for each employee and are now avoiding 1,000 disposed styrofoam cups per month! They donate procedes from can recycling to the local Kiwanis Club.
Worldwide Energy -
Honorable Mentions:
Briarwood Elementary - Briarwood blazed the trail of food composting in school cafeterias and have since inspired a dozen other schools to get on board.
Tomahawk Elementary - Education is the purpose of school and these students learn all about how to reduce, reuse, and recycle. They practice it in classrooms, cafeteria and even through field trips.
WaterOne - They are about more than recycling the basics, they recycled electronics, motor oil, yard waste (composting/mulching) and tires.