Green Awards recognize local efforts

Three finalists were selected by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee as winners of the 2014 McHenry County Green Awards.

Entries were considered based on environmentally sound waste reduction or recycling efforts, innovation and education.

Since 2009, the Green Award has been a good reminder of the important role everyone has in improving our community environment through waste reduction and recycling. These programs positively impact our community and represent examples to others of how these efforts can be accomplished.

Award winners include:

• Duke's Alehouse and Kitchen, Crystal Lake, for implementing and promoting zero waste strategies in its restaurant operations and providing continuing program education with staff and customers to promote a culture of solid waste stewardship.

• Nunda Township Road District, Crystal Lake, for providing Nunda Township residents a local recycling option for multiple recyclable materials that helps to minimize reliance on disposal in landfills and maximize recycling.

• Crystal Lake Park District for its source reduction efforts through green procurement practices and recycling efforts for the park district's buildings, facilities and parks which benefits our entire community.

Honorable Mentions include nominations deserving of recognition.

• McHenry County Facilities Management - Maintenance Department, Woodstock

• McHenry County Facilities Management - Housekeeping Department, Woodstock

• Ecossential Solutions Inc., Algonquin

Previous award winners are posted on the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info under Environmental Health, Solid Waste Program. For information, call Kristy Hecke at (815) 334-4585.