When Sustainable Contra Costa (SCoCo) was launched in 2007, there wasn't really a way for those committed to the idea of an "ecologically sustainable, economically vibrant and socially just" Contra Costa County to put their heads together to share resources and ideas.
BY BILL PICTURE
Published: September, 2019
When Sustainable Contra Costa (SCoCo) was launched in 2007, there wasn’t really a way for those committed to the idea of an “ecologically sustainable, economically vibrant and socially just” Contra Costa County to put their heads together to share resources and ideas. SCoCo has changed that situation for the better, and the organization will host its 11th annual Leadership in Sustainability Awards Gala on September 17 to showcase individuals and organizations working hard to make Contra Costa County a greener place to live and work.
“There was a lot of great work being done around the county, but everyone was working in silos,” SCoCo President Tina Neuhausel said. “We thought, ‘Imagine what can be accomplished if we can bring everyone together.’ And the awards were born from that—to get to know who all the key players are throughout the county, highlight them and celebrate them, and let them be examples for others to follow.”
The idea struck a nerve. When the awards were launched in 2009, nearly 60 nominations were submitted, and over 200 people attended.
“We thought, ‘We’ll be lucky if 50 people show up,’” Neuhausel said. “But the awards were really, really well received, and people were so excited to be a part of it.”
Since then, both SCoCo and the Leadership in Sustainability Awards have earned credibility by acting as a nexus for all things sustainability-related in the county. Central Contra Costa Sanitary District has added its Pollution Prevention Awards to the night’s list of honors, showcasing businesses and organizations that are going above and beyond to prevent water pollution. And the Contra Costa Green Business Program will honor companies and organizations committed to green business practices.
“It’s not just our awards anymore,” said Neuhausel. “And that was the whole point of all this. Together, we’re much more powerful. And hopefully, by celebrating [with the awards] the progress we’re making as a community, others will take notice and be inspired to step up and do their part.”
2019 Leadership in Sustainability Finalists
• Charlotte “Charlie” Keohane
• Chris Dundon, Contra Costa Water District
• Cindy Gershen
• Food Waste Recycling Program
• Janet Miller
• John Kiefer
• Kathy Kramer, Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour
• Michael Cass
• Richmond Housing Renovation
• Rossmoor Food Waste Recycling Program
• Ruth Abbe
• Save Lafayette Trees
• Smith Ardrey, Bike Concord
• Springhill Elementary School Garden
For more information on Sustainable Contra Costa and the 11th Annual Leadership in Sustainability Awards, visit www.sustainablecoco.org.
