In the “Business Recycling and Waste Reduction” award category, which recognizes Howard County businesses for their recycling and waste reduction efforts, the winner was:
- Equipment Connections for Children (ECFC) – ECFC partners with Howard County Loan Closet, Maryland Technology Assistance Program and the Maryland Durable Medical Equipment Re-Use program to refurbish used medical equipment for families in need, free of charge. In fiscal year 2023-24, the organization was able to refurbish 761 items which equate to an adjusted savings of over $1,000,000 to the families using the reuse program and the equivalent of 83,710 pounds of waste diverted from the landfill.
The Green Community Leadership Award recognizes groups and organizations that demonstrate efforts, projects or programs that help protect Howard County’s natural environment and preserve its resources. This year’s winners of the Green Community Leadership Award were:
- Clarksville Youth Care Group – This student-run organization addresses issues with recycling, food scraps and waste reduction through low-cost indoor composting buckets and upcycling art classes.
- Howard County Conservancy – The Howard County Conservancy has planted thousands of native trees, donated more than 25 tons of organic produce to the County food bank, created acres of native gardens and hosted more than 83,000 students for field trips. The Conservancy has an incredible public opportunity to share the power of recycling, benefits of reducing waste and the importance of protecting our environment.
- Howard EcoWorks – Through grants, Howard EcoWorks has planted close to 2,600 native trees, shrubs and plants and installed 16,000 square feet of conservation landscaping in previously bare turf areas. Their community-based projects engage and educate community members about the importance of trees, the value of native plants, the connection between native plants and pollinators, the impact of stormwater management and runoff reduction and the importance of converting turf grass into more functional ecological systems.
- Upcycled – Upcycled creates a more environmentally conscious community through the collection of post-consumer plastic waste. Their main initiative, Waste to Wonder, emphasizes community engagement by organizing clean-ups, setting up drop-off locations for hard to recycle plastics, upcycling those recyclables into building materials and donating the built structures back to the community. So far, they have upcycled over 4,000 lbs. of plastics into new garden beds and benches.
- Kings Contrivance Community - With over 2,300 green carts in the area, the Kings Contrivance community can divert more than 18,000 pounds, or 9 tons, from the landfill every week! In a recent participation study, Kings Contrivance had the highest green cart setout rate of 46%. As one of our newer additions to the food scrap program, Kings Contrivance residents set out more food scrap weight on a weekly basis than most of our more established participating neighborhoods. Their commitment to reducing waste sent to the landfill sets a powerful example for other communities to follow.
The Business Recycling and Waste Reduction Award and the Green Community Leadership Award are powerful reminders that true leadership is not defined solely by numbers or profits, but by its lasting impact on our planet. We commend our local businesses and organizations for making waste reduction, recycling, and sustainability a priority. Their dedication sets an inspiring standard for us all.
Award winners received handmade trophies crafted by a local sculptor, using recycled metal components, as well as a signed certificate from County Executive Calvin Ball. “Business Recycling and Waste Reduction” award winners will also become certified through the County’s Work Green Howard program.
For more information on this year’s award winners and other recognized Work Green Howard businesses, visit www.WorkGreenHoward.org.