Tulsa Hub, The Pencil Box, Dry Cleaning Station, and Tulsa City-County Library recognized for leadership in sustainability
September 15, 2017 (TULSA, OK) – Sustainable Tulsa and the Rotary Club of South Tulsa hosted the 2017 Henry Bellmon awards at the Southern Hills Country Club Thursday night. The ceremony is named after Henry Bellmon, an early champion of sustainability here in Oklahoma. For the past eight years, Oklahoma individuals, agencies, organizations, communities, and companies who’ve shown leadership in sustainability and are improving the livability of our communities have been rewarded. This year’s winners were selected based on how their program represents: quality of life (People); responsible economic growth (Profit); and environmental steward ship (Planet). The categories embody the triple bottom line when it comes to sustainability.
Sustainable Tulsa’s Executive Director Corey Williams adds, “Our winner’s addressed challenges regarding equity, environmental protection and staying economically viable in our community, and with their ingenuity and commitment to their vision and work that have proven that you can thrive in the realm of sustainability.”
The following organizations were recognized:
The Pencil Box: Tools for the Future
2017 Quality of Life for All Award
The Pencil Box looks to reduce waste by getting supplies and reusable items into classrooms in underrepresented schools. The nonprofit is a free store where educators shop for materials without a monetary limit on what they can take. Because of the program, teachers end up saving hundreds of dollars and students become more confident in the classroom because they have the materials they need to learn.
Dry Cleaning Station: Green Dry Cleaning
2017 Responsible Economic Growth Award
The Dry Cleaning Station uses a variety of products and methods to reducing their impact on the environment. The company uses GreenEarth® solvent and other non-toxic products during the dry cleaning process. The Owners recycle tens of thousands of hangers each year. The Dry Cleaning Station has earned many awards including the, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality Oklahoma Star award.
Tulsa City-County Library: Central Library Renewed
2017 Environmental Stewardship Award
Tulsa City-County Library transformed the Central Library not only to meet the needs of the community but also to promote sustainable practices. Under the project, TCCL implemented the use of energy efficient systems that include solar panels, rainwater storage, light and water sensors. The organization uses the Central Library location as an example of a sustainable facility that embraces a focus on the triple bottom line.
Tulsa Hub: Mobile Equity and Enterprise
2017 Henry Bellmon Sustainability Award
Tulsa Hub offers a Community Bicycling Workshop that teaches residents about sustainability and improves personal and environmental health. The nonprofit receives bikes and equipment from donors in the area. Tulsa Hub works to educate residents by providing access to transportation options and empower them to become environmental stewards.
“This year’s winners are another example as our previous winners that show collaboration across our community is essential in order to raise the quality of life of our families, friends and neighbors. The overall winner of the Henry Bellmon Sustainability Award, Tulsa Hub, has exhibited the balance of People, Profit and Planet beautifully by empowering many of our community members with the tools toward financial success while also having a lesser impact on the environment. The Tulsa area is heading in a sustainable direction,” Williams said.
