Sustainable Community Impact - Innovation and Contribution Award
Dubuque Colleges Sustainability Coalition - Dubuque
The Dubuque Colleges Sustainability Coalition consists of representatives from seven higher education campuses in the Dubuque area. The purpose of the group is to share best practices, collaborate on sustainability events and programs, and advocate for sustainable campus initiatives. In the two years since it began, projects have included "Don't Dump, Donate" programs at the end of the year, a climate action event, and the planting of pocket prairies on three campuses.
Outstanding Corporate Sustainability Award
Barilla - Ames
Barilla's "Good for You, Good for the Planet" Mission drives the company each day to offer good and nutritionally balanced food to the world, which is sourced from responsible supply chains, inspired by the Italian lifestyle and the Mediterranean Diet.
Barilla is part of the SMART Business program with the City of Ames. They have achieved a Second Platinum standing in their efforts to being a more Sustainable business.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Julie Plummer - Iowa Waste Exchange
During her tenure as the Area Resource Specialist for Area 5 of the Iowa Waste Exchange Julie has provided assistance to 9,715 clients, resulting in an impressive 2,075 materials matched and a diversion of nearly 315,000 tons from Iowa's landfills. Additionally, matches have resulted in a cost savings to her clients in excess of $12 Million.
Industry Service Award
John Foster - BHCSWMC, ISOSWO, IACC, IRA
John Foster of the Black Hawk County Solid Waste Management Commission, is one of the most recognized faces across Iowa when it comes to solid waste and diversion of waste streams. The reason behind this is that John readily volunteers his time and talents with multiple boards in Iowa including his role as Chair of the IACC, former Treasurer and current Bookkeeper of the IRA, and President of ISOSWO. John not only attends meetings, he organizes them, sets agendas, writes by-laws, and provides the leadership many organizations need to move forward. John has devoted his career to the industry serving Iowans since 2002.
Excellence in Education Award
Mike the Milk Jug - Fayette County
The Fayette County Solid Waste Management Commission and Fayette County Conservation Board partnered with Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development in early 2022 to develop a five-video series of educational animated videos about recycling.
All five characters were created by Rod Marlatt, Fayette County Conservation Director, and brought to life by Northeast Iowa RC&D staff. The characters were voiced by Marlatt and his daughter, Mallory Hanson.
The series, "Mike the Milk Jug and Friends", has already been a huge hit on social media and is being implemented in community school systems through Fayette County Conservation's Naturalist program. It has been popular with Kindergartners and has been particularly well-received by 2nd graders.
Innovative Organic Diversion Award
Table to Table - Iowa City
Table to Table is a nonprofit that has been combating food waste and food insecurity for 25+ years, rescuing 30+ million pounds of food and redistributing it to Iowans in need. They continue to find new and innovative ways to rescue even more food in Iowa. Through their new Local Produce Recovery Initiative, they partner directly with farmers, gardeners, market vendors, and volunteers to harvest crops that would otherwise go to waste and put them to their highest and best use, feeding people.