CIWMB Press Room Archives

State encourages sustainable business practices with green business award for waste reduction:
Application period runs through June 15, 2009

SACRAMENTO—The California Integrated Waste Management Board wants to reward sustainable California businesses and nonprofits with the 2009 Waste Reduction Award.

Businesses are encouraged to have their accomplishments recognized by the State and consumers by applying to become a recipient of the 2009 Waste Reduction Award.

The award includes a recognized 2009 Waste Reduction Award Program (WRAP) symbol for businesses to use for advertising and promotional purposes. The symbol tells customers they’re dealing with a business that is a green leader and innovator in California.

WRAP-winning businesses are voluntarily conserving the planet’s resources by reducing, reusing, and recycling whenever possible. California generates an estimated 93 million tons of municipal solid waste each year, with approximately half of that waste stream coming from the business sector.

No matter the size of the company or the type of business, reducing waste disposal has a significant impact on the State's overall waste diversion efforts.

Now in its 15th year, WRAP honors businesses statewide for demonstrating a commitment to environmental protection by implementing sustainability into their daily business practices.

WRAP applications are being accepted now through June 15, 2009. To apply, complete the application online at www.calrecycle.ca.gov/WRAP/ or contact the Board's WRAP Program Coordinator at wrap@calrecycle.ca.gov. For more information, call (916) 341-6199.

Winners will be announced in November 2009.

New this year, WRAP winners are eligible to apply for the waste reduction category of the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Awards (GEELA) program. This category is only open to 2009 WRAP winners.

The prestigious GEELA program recognizes individuals, organizations, and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made notable contributions in conserving California's resources, protecting and enhancing the environment, and building public-private partnerships. Information about the GEELA award can be found at www.calepa.ca.gov/Awards/GEELA/.

Last year, more than 1,200 WRAP awards were issued statewide, including many businesses who were repeat winners.

To date, the Board has awarded WRAP honors to more than 17,500 California businesses, ranging in size from large retail chains to small dental offices. For information about prior WRAP award winners statewide, listed by county, go to www.calrecycle.ca.gov/WRAP/search.asp.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is the state's leading authority on recycling and waste reduction. It promotes reducing waste whenever possible, managing all materials to their highest and best use and protecting public health and safety and the environment.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is one of six boards, departments, and offices within the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA).

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Zero Waste California
Visit us at www.calrecycle.ca.gov to learn more about reducing waste.