Vancouver, Wash. – Clark County celebrated community leaders in environmental sustainability at the third annual Green Awards on Wednesday evening at Kiggins Theatre. The awards highlighted the accomplishments of residents, teachers and businesses and celebrated their commitment to reducing harmful environmental impacts, educating others, and giving back to the community.

Here are the 2019 Green Awards winners:

Barre3 Felida – Green Business Award, small business category

Barre3 Felida reduces waste by offering towel service rather than paper towels, and encourages clients to use water bottle refilling stations and reusable bottles. Barre3 Felida uses only earth-friendly cleaning products for their studio and mats.

Rebecca Morris, La Center High School – Green Apple Award for a school employee

Rebecca led the La Center High School Environmental Action Team to platinum status with Washington Green Schools, obtaining certification in all six environmental categories. Last year, they recertified in all six categories – the only public high school in the state to achieve that status. Rebecca has inspired her students to build a school garden, perform regular water monitoring in the watershed, and lead waste-reduction projects at the school. Rebecca has also mentored students and the Green Team leaders at La Center Elementary.

Kris Potter – Green Neighbor Award for a resident who exemplifies a sustainable lifestyle

Kris has been involved in environmental work in the county for years. She’s involved with the St. Joseph Parish Garden, which grows organic produce for low-income residents, and helps teach nature studies and gardening classes to local youth.

Bill Thomas – Master Composter Recycler Superstar for a volunteer

Before completing the Master Composter Recycler training program in 2016, Bill didn’t know how to compost. Now, as an MCR volunteer, he teaches others in the community how to become more sustainable and a make a difference for the planet.

Columbia Springs – Green Business Award, nonprofit and government category

Columbia Springs offers nature-based educational programs and teaches more than 6,000 students each year. The historic park has sustainable design elements throughout the site, including permeable brick pavers and the Cordwood Classroom with walls consisting of clay, cordwood and recycled bottles.

WaferTech – Green Business Award, large business category

The semi-conductor manufacturer has steadily reduced hazardous waste since arriving in Clark County in 1996. WaferTech recycles water, purchased green power for all of 2018, and established recycling stations for block foam, food waste and electronics.

Clark County artist Denise Bergman of Ironbender created the awards for winners using repurposed metal.

Visit the Clark County Solid Waste and Environmental Outreach website to learn more about the county’s Green Programs. 

CONTACT
Marissa Armstrong
Communications specialist
Public Health
564.397.7307
marissa.armstrong@clark.wa.gov