Virginia Recycling Association awards waste reduction, recycling programs

Pictured above: Rob Andrejewski, director of sustainability at the University of Richmond, accepts the award for the University of Richmond's "Big Yard Sale" program.

The Virginia Recycling Association honored several waste reduction and recycling programs at its annual luncheon meeting on Nov. 5 in Charlottesville, Virginia. The association presented awards in the following categories:

• Show Me the Way: how do you explain recycling to your customers?
• Lemonade: how have you made something wonderful from a bad situation?
• Best in Show: how has your program made a difference in your community?

The Virginia Recycling Association reports that this year’s award winners were selected from 14 applications from recycling advocates from across the state.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Beach, Virginia, won the Show Me the Way award for its “In Our Hands” campaign to reduce the use of single-use plastics, according to a Virginia Recycling Association news release. As a part of this 18-aquarium partnership campaign to reduce plastic pollution and the harm it causes to waterways and marine life, the Virginia Recycling Association reports that the Virginia Aquarium has eliminated the provision of plastic bags in its retail operation and is eliminating the use of single-use cups, straws and beverage bottles in its food service operations. Also, the aquarium retail store stocks reusable cups and straws.

Pictured above: Joey Jourdant of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

According to the Virginia Recycling Association, the University of Richmond’s “Big Yard Sale” received the association’s Lemonade award. Every year, thousands of pounds of furniture, clothing, school supplies and nonperishable food items are left behind at the end of each spring semester. Instead of sending these items to the landfill, the Virginia Recycling Association reports that the University of Richmond Office of Sustainability has partnered with the Sierra Club and Goodwill to collect and sell items left by students in an event called, “Big Yard Sale.” Proceeds from the event are split between the Sierra Club and student sustainability groups at the University of Richmond. Any items left unsold at the end of the event are donated to Goodwill. 

Pictured above: Clara Mills, program assistant for Spotsylvania's Parks and Recreation department 

The Spotsylvania Environmental Education Development’s (SEED) “Clean Up & Cash In” program earned the Best in Show award, the Virginia Recycling Association reports. “Clean Up & Cash In” is a partnership between Spotsylvania County and Spotsylvania County Schools to help student clubs and teams earn funds to help offset the cost of uniforms, fees and supplies needed for activities. The program requires groups to pick up roadside litter and separate recyclables. It also provides awareness to students and families about litter prevention, recycling and the impact litter has on the community. 

“The Virginia Recycling Association is proud to spotlight these creative, yet re-creatable recycling and waste reduction programs that Virginia organizations are using to help make our communities more sustainable,” says Teresa Sweeny, president of the Virginia Recycling Association. “On behalf of our board, I also want to commend our other applicants for the work they are doing in this area and thank them for taking the time to share their programs with us.”

Applications for 2019 Virginia Recycling Association awards will be accepted in September 2019.