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EPA Selects Environmental Achievement Award Winners - Three Awardees from Philadelphia

Release Date: 09/16/2009
Contact Information: Roy Seneca; seneca.roy@epa.gov, 215-814-5567

PHILADELPHIA (September 16, 2009) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s mid-Atlantic region today announced 10 winners of its second annual environmental achievement awards including three from Philadelphia.

“People and organizations throughout our region are making great strides in environmental protection, and these awards recognize some of the shining stars who are doing more than their share to keep our planet healthy and inspiring others to do the same,” said acting EPA Regional Administrator William C. Early.

The Mid-Atlantic Environmental Achievement Awards recognize groups, agencies, individuals and businesses making extraordinary contributions to improving the environment in the mid-Atlantic region, which includes Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. The winning entries were selected from among more than 60 nominations. The Philadelphia award winners include:

Women's Health & Environmental Network (WHEN) for establishing the Healthy Food in Healthcare program that provides a holistic approach to sustainable, healthy foods by engaging hospitals to commit to sustainable procurement, menu offerings and disposal practices. WHEN educates hospitals on their huge environmental footprint and ways to mitigate climate change through smarter, healthier food choices.

Temple University for establishing its Computer Recycle Center that could serve well as a model for other universities and large businesses. Originally a safe disposal collection facility for computer equipment, the recyle center has grown into a dynamic assembly line operation in which equipment is picked up from departments, cataloged, evaluated, salvaged and when possible, refurbished. During 2008, the center processed more than 2,000 computers and 1,800 monitors, and donated more than 300 refurbished computers to non-profit organizations and schools.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for demonstrating leadership and innovation in the area of sustainability in healthcare. Since 2007, the hospital’s recycling has increased significantly and its biohazard waste has decreased significantly. CHOP has a variety of recycling and re-usage programs in place including: cardboard, paper, confidential paper, glass, plastics, metals, pallets, kitchen grease, oil, light bulbs, e-waste, linens, batteries, excess supplies donation, carpet, toner cartridges & OR blue wraps. All of these programs have been able to flourish due to training, encouragement and recognition.