“Any business, large or small, can take steps to reduce their impact on the local waste stream." Cindy Johnson, Frederick County's Recycling Program Manager
Frederick, MD (PRWEB) November 12, 2015
This award is designed to give public recognition to local organizations that have taken steps to create less waste. Over the past six years, twenty-one businesses have been recognized; this year two businesses were selected as winners.
The Department of Solid Waste Management commends AstraZeneca and Hometown Harvest for their commitment to wise waste management practices and resource conservation. These businesses will be formally acknowledged by County Executive Jan Gardner on Tuesday, November 17, as part of the County’s participation in America Recycles Day, a national event designed to increase awareness of and foster support for recycling initiatives. The presentation of awards will occur in the Winchester Hall first floor hearing room at 11am; members of the public are welcome to attend. The presentation will be taped and aired later on Cable Channel 19 and on the Frederick County YouTube channel.
AstraZeneca’s Frederick facility employs approximately 750 people and has created an internal “Green Team” to support the company’s sustainability efforts. Those involved have promoted projects to help staff minimize junk mail, re-use and donate office supplies, implement green purchasing practices and also present monthly educational opportunities. New hires are introduced to waste minimization and encouraged to recycle during orientation. AstraZeneca is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (the top 10% of the largest 2500 companies) and has made a commitment to further reduce their waste by 10% by 2025.
The effectiveness of green initiatives is not limited to large-scale operations. Hometown Harvest has demonstrated that a family-run, locally owned and operated endeavor can also lead the way by demonstrating a commitment to reducing, reusing and recycling. Their community supported agriculture (CSA) business model is a natural fit for sustainability practices and places a high value on farming methods that renew and benefit the environment. Growers utilize reusable harvest containers to bring produce to market and food is delivered to customers in reusable bags. The business contracts a hauler to collect its recyclables, participates in composting and reduces its overall paper use when possible.
“These organizations demonstrate that recycling and waste reduction are not only possible, but can also make good business sense,” commented Cindy Johnson, Frederick County’s Recycling Program Manager. “Any business, large or small, can take steps to reduce their impact on the local waste stream. Such initiatives reflect well on the organizations involved and benefit our community as a whole. We thank them for their efforts.”
This award announcement is part of Frederick County’s celebration of America Recycles Day, a national event occurring on November 15 each year, dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and buy recycled-content products. The U.S. recycling rate has increased every year since 1980 and is currently 34%. To sign a pledge to recycle more, visit the America Recycles Day website at http://www.americarecyclesday.org. Frederick County’s recycling rate for 2013 was 49.5% (according to the most recent data approved by the Maryland Department of the Environment). For further information about local waste reduction and recycling programs, please call the Department of Solid Waste Management at 301-600-2960 or visit their website at http://www.FrederickCountyMd.gov/recycle.