John Hendricks, Founder of Discovery Communications, and Alan Mulally, CEO of Ford Motor Company Received Prestigious Edison Achievement Award

With Green technologies and sustainable solutions playing a large role in the redevelopment of Main Street, USA, the Edison Green Award™ recognizes an organization’s commitment to developing sustainable solutions and Green business models. The Edison Green Award™ is designed as a platform to recognize efforts to reduce participating community’s carbon footprint, create Green Collar jobs through new innovation methods and improve community health and self sufficiency.

The 2011 Edison Green Award winning  companies:

Preserve – GOLD

This packaging manufacturer creates recycled consumer products using plastic resin that is typically not recyclable, and offers its products at an accessible price. Preserve collects #5 plastics (typically the least desirable plastic) via its “Gimme 5” program.  Consumers can drop off their #5 plastics at participating stores – such as Whole Foods – to be recycled into toothbrushes and razors offered by Preserve.  Preserve combines socially and environmentally responsible business practices with groundbreaking design to create products that people feel good about. 

Johnson County Community College — SILVER

This college successfully led its entire campus to institute initiatives dedicated to sustainability, ultimately creating a positive impact on the surrounding community as well.  JCCC has committed to educating the public about sustainability in addition to training the workforce needed for tomorrow’s “green jobs.” Programs include a storm water treatment project, planting fruit trees for the “edible schoolyard,” solar trash compactors, a cardboard compactor, hydration stations to facilitate reuse of water bottles, and more.

Kaiser Permanente — BRONZE

A “Sustainability Scorecard” was developed by Kaiser Permanente requiring all its suppliers to comply with the organization’s green initiatives before they can be considered for bids, a first in the healthcare space.  The “Scorecard” is a first-of-its-kind tool in health care, requiring suppliers to provide environmental data for $1 billion worth of medical products and equipment used in Kaiser Permanente’s facilities.

Click here to view a list of all 2011 Edison Best New Product Award winners.  For more information about the Edison Green Award and the Edison Best New Product Awards, visit www.edisonawards.com.