The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is honoring National Park Service (NPS), Capulin Volcano National Monument, in Des Moines, New Mexico, for saving money, improving lives and protecting the planet by participating in the Federal Green Challenge (FGC). NPS and its employees used innovation to reduce waste by creating a satellite recycling hub at their facility for nearby communities. Nationally, six awards were given to organizations for their innovations in addressing climate change.
“I am pleased to recognize the National Parks Service for its outstanding leadership to reduce their environmental footprint,” said EPA’s Regional Administrator Ron Curry. “The actions taken by NPS demonstrate the passion and innovative thinking that will lead us to a greener future.”
In 2013, over 400 participating federal facilities, about 1.6 million federal employees, reduced their environmental footprint, which in many cases also resulted in significant cost savings. Federal offices participated by selecting a minimum of two of the six target areas —waste, electronics, purchasing, energy, water, or transportation. At least one of the selected target areas must be waste, electronics, or purchasing.
“The National Park Service is proud that the efforts of the staff at Capulin Volcano National Monument were recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency. Their innovative partnerships with local communities to expand regional recycling opportunities have created opportunities for many people to recycle and to reduce their consumption of valuable natural resources,” said NPS Intermountain Regional Director Sue Masica.
The FGC is a national effort under EPA’s Sustainable Materials Management program that challenges federal agencies throughout the country to lead by example in reducing the federal government’s environmental impact. Federal agencies are recognized through the FGC for outstanding efforts that go beyond regulatory compliance and strive for annual improvements in selected areas.
These combined efforts resulted in an estimated cost savings of more than $42 million to the U.S. taxpayer.
You can reduce your environmental footprint by motivating co-workers to reduce energy, save water and recycle waste. Help influence change at your workplace by implementing sustainability into your daily practices.
