Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 21, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke honors businesses and agencies for preventing pollution

OLYMPIA - Gov. Gary Locke today honored nine businesses and two government facilities for preventing pollution and using business practices that meet today's needs and protect natural resources for future generations.

During a celebration at the state capitol building, Locke presented the eighth annual Governor's Awards for Achievement in Pollution Prevention.

The awards are issued to businesses and government agencies that have found ways to offer services and make products while generating less or no hazardous waste, and to conserve resources such as energy and water.

The winners of the 2000 awards are:

Aldercrest Auto Rebuild of Lynnwood;
Boeing Aircraft and Missiles Group of Seattle;
Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane;
GM Nameplate, Inc. from Seattle;
Habitat - Spokane Builders Surplus Store in Spokane;
In Harmony, based in Redmond;
Klickitat Public Utility District, based in Roosevelt;
RE Sources / The RE Store in Bellingham;
SEH America, Inc. in Vancouver;
Sleeping Lady in Leavenworth; and the
McGregor Company of Colfax.
Locke credited the winners with using innovative methods to limit toxic materials and reduce waste.

"This award recognizes that businesses and government can work together to address current and future ecological challenges," said Locke. "The winners prove that businesses can improve processes, solve environmental problems and be viable in today's competitive market."

"We've come to realize that pollution prevention is only part of the task of protecting the environment," said Department of Ecology Director Tom Fitzsimmons, who also spoke at the event. "We need to look at whether our business practices can continue without affecting the ability of future generations to meet their needs."

Fitzsimmons added that efficient use of resources is good for business, good for the environment and good for the community. The entries were judged on their innovation and on their efforts to teach others in their industry or community about preventing pollution and using sustainable business practices.

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