2006 Pollution Prevention Award Winners

The year 2006 theme for Pollution Prevention Week (P2 for short) was “The Future Is Now”. The APCD recognized five local businesses and one individual that are taking steps to prevent impacts on the SLO County environment by reducing air pollution before it is generated.

The companies recognized by the APCD Board each made extraordinary efforts to preserve our natural resources and protect the air we breathe. In addition to Board recognition, all six set-up displays in the new SLO County Government Center to showcase their pollution prevention efforts.

And the winners are...

Green Goods:
Green Goods opened its doors in June 2005 and is a small Atascadero business that sells environmentally friendly products for the construction and operation of homes and work places.  From flooring, cabinets, paints, insulation, windows and doors, products offered by Green Goods are designed to increase energy efficiency, improve indoor air quality and conserve natural resources.  Green Goods also conducts workshops and provides consultation services to increase awareness of responsible building practices that reduce pollution, reduce raw material use and preserve healthy ecosystems. They are the first business in the county to provide such a valuable resource that allows residents to purchase a large variety of environmentally friendly products locally.

San Luis Sustainability Group:
Since 1976, the San Luis Sustainability Group has focused on designing a variety of building types with the common thread of being environmentally friendly with regard to function, process, and composition. Their buildings range in size from small cottages of 400 square feet to large scale commercial complexes that incorporate energy efficient design techniques such as passive solar heating, passive cooling and day lighting, as well as the use of green building materials and/or integration of photovoltaic electricity generation. In addition, San Luis Sustainability Group provides planning, research and consultant services that promote building practices to better integrate human activities with the natural environment. 

Central Coast Vineyard Team:
 The Central Coast Vineyard Team (CCVT) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote environmentally and economically sustainable vineyard practices on the Central Coast.  CCVT represents a collaborative partnership of growers, wineries, consultants, researchers and natural resource professionals.  A recognized leader in “green” vineyard management methods, CCVT accomplishes its mission through educational programs and workshops that increase awareness on energy efficiency, alternatives to pesticides and other sustainable agricultural practices that benefit the environment while maintaining productivity and profitability.

San Luis Coastal Unified
School District:
Over the past 12 years, the SLCUSD has reduced exposure to diesel exhaust by operating twelve (12) school buses that are powered on compressed natural gasoline (CNG).  Not only do these buses provide a cleaner environment for the 1800 children who ride them daily, they also reduce greenhouse gases and displace a number of vehicle miles traveled that would otherwise be generated by parents who drive their children to and from school.  Children are especially susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution, and SLCUSD’s efforts to reduce their exposure to harmful bus emissions provides long-lasting health benefits. 

William Denneen:
Chosen as an award recipient in the individual category for Pollution Prevention, Bill Denneen has long demonstrated environmental leadership in San Luis Obispo County through active involvement in local environmental issues and personal choices that incorporate sustainable practices in his everyday life.  Mr. Denneen has inspired and educated countless individuals by conducting interpretive hikes, horse rides and bike treks throughout the Nipomo Dunes and down to Point Sal.  With efforts extending beyond the county borders, his international hostel makes visitors aware of human impacts to the natural environment and how to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.

 Cayucos Lioness Club:
 Founded in 1950 as a women’s service club, the Lioness Club of Cayucos, is receiving the first ever Pollution Prevention “Spirit Award” for their collaborative efforts to clean up pet droppings throughout their community.  The group has installed 23 mutt mitt stations in Cayucos, which house biodegradable disposable bags that are used by pet-owners to pick up droppings before they reach our beaches, creeks, parks and groundwater.  Pet waste is more than smelly and unsightly - it is a health risk to pets, bodies of water, and people, especially children.  The efforts of the Lioness Club of Cayucos to reduce pet waste help to preserve the environment and overall health of the community.

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