Johnson County is stepping up its sustainability efforts by rewarding businesses and organizations for their waste reduction and conservation efforts.
Top photo: Recycling bins are part of the Downtown Overland Park Partnership’s effort to reduce waste. Bottom photo: Ten Thousand Villages in Overland Park, KS supports fair trade artisans in developing countries.
The first seven Certified Green Program partners are: Lifted Logic, Go Green Granite, Johnson County Community College, Ten Thousand Villages, Downtown Overland Park, MARCK Recycling and The Land Source.
The Certified Green Program is designed to increase recycling, improve energy efficiency, decrease waste and ultimately save organizations money and resources. The program provides free education and technical assistance on environmental issues to businesses, schools, and places of worship in Johnson County.
Participating organizations may be eligible for up to $500 in materials to support waste diversion projects. The certification process is voluntary and non-regulated. Organizations interested in becoming a Certified Green Partner can apply online.
The inaugural recipients include:
Lifted Logic
Lifted Logic is a web design company that is reducing waste with a worm-composting program for food scraps in its break room, the reuse of cloth napkins and by installing hand dryers to reduce paper towel waste. In addition, the company vehicle is electric.
Go Green Granite
A granite repurposing company, Go Green Granite keeps hundreds of tons of usable granite out of the landfill each year. The company also reuses all of the water used in cutting the granite, and uses the leftover grindings as a fertilizer.
Johnson County Community College
Through its curriculum and daily operations, Johnson County Community College is integrating sustainability efforts. The campus diverts nearly 50 percent of all waste from the landfill and is working toward a zero-waste campus. Efforts include composting food waste on-site and removing Styrofoam from the cafeteria, as well as water conservation and energy efficiency projects.
Ten Thousand Villages
Ten Thousand Villages is a fair trade retailer working toward zero waste by reusing, repurposing and recycling almost everything that comes through the store. It also encourages environmentally sustainable practices throughout the entire trading chain.
Downtown Overland Park Partnership
The Downtown Overland Park Partnership has taken steps to increase recycling efforts as well as encouraged such practices in the businesses that fall within its district. Its efforts include adopting green cleaning practices, increasing the use of reusable materials, increasing recycling efforts and promoting environmentally friendly practices to member businesses.
MARCK Recycling
MARCK Recycling is a material recovery facility that helps other businesses find end markets for waste that can be recycled. It also offers waste audits, brokerage services and equipment to help companies divert waste and meet sustainability goals.
The Land Source
The Land Source is a real estate company that recycles in the office and used reclaimed lumber during a recent renovation. Employees recycle packing materials and electronics in addition to paper and plastics. The company also provides reusable plates and cups to help reduce waste.
The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners will recognize these inaugural participants at a reception at 8:30 a.m., February 4 at the Johnson Administration Building, 111 S. Cherry St., Olathe, KS.
To learn more about the Certified Green Program, visit www.jocogov.org.
Top photo: The Land Source features reclaimed lumber in its recently renovated office.