Meet our Award Winners!

Most Sustainable Employee: Rita Mary Hennigan
Nominated by sustainability expert and former Actively Green Program Coordinator, Kira Koppel, Rita Mary Hennigan has been chosen to be honored with the Eagle Valley’s Most Sustainable Employee Award this year. As Sustainability and Partner Relations Coordinator for the Eagle Valley Community Foundation’s Community Market, Rita has incorporated sustainability into her work and personal life in outstanding ways. From utilizing alternative methods of transportation throughout the valley, to purchasing local foods in order to reduce negative impacts of her personal consumption; as well as strategizing for long-term equity, education and climate action within her community, Rita’s holistic approach to sustainability has gained her the credibility, respect and now recognition she undoubtedly deserves. Hear more about Rita’s implementation of sustainability efforts through her work with The Community Market by clicking here.

"I'm honored to have been selected as Most Sustainable Employee of 2020- thank you! Addressing climate change is one of the most important issues of our time. I feel grateful that I have the opportunity to work in some small way towards the creation of a more sustainable, more just world." - Rita Mary Henningan

Most Sustainable Business: Betty Ford Alpine Gardens
The Eagle Valley community has elected Betty Ford Alpine Gardens as the Most Sustainable Business in 2020, as part of the Actively Green Awards. This comes as no surprise to our panel of sustainability experts, as the organization continues to expand the ways in which their mission for improved environmental conservation is met. This year in particular, the Alpine Gardens diverted 80% of all waste by educating staff and visitors on proper waste diversion practices for recycling single-stream items, collecting hard-to-recycle materials and composting yard waste. Hear it from the staff themselves by clicking here.

The other nine businesses that were voted in the top ten are:

2. Eagle River Water & Sanitation

3. Revolution Yoga

4. The Bookworm of Edwards

5. Walking Mountains Science Center

6. Organic Housekeepers

7. Antlers

8. Bonfire Brewing

9. Town of Vail Community Development

10. Community Market

Climate Impact Award: Active Energies
2020’s Actively Green Climate Impact Award is awarded to Active Energies Solar, LLC. With sustainability at the core of this company’s values, Active Energies believes in “making smart, sustainable choices even in the small, everyday things”. As the only Actively Green Certified Sustainable Business actively working towards gold certification in 2020, Active Energies has shared their impressive mission publicly (below).

We recognize that our community needs to transition to renewable energy for the sake of future generations. We want to address the need to reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change and offer homeowners and businesses an alternative, renewable energy source.

Learn more about Active Energies’ sustainability efforts in 2020 by clicking here.

Best Green Team: Shaeffer Hyde Construction
Congratulations to Shaeffer Hyde Construction for their attainment of the 2020 Best Green Team Award from the Actively Green Program! With one of the most robust Green Teams, both in number and role representation, this company’s commitment – both monthly and long-term - to continuous improvement in sustainability has been made clear. In 2020, Shaeffer Hyde Construction improved staff sustainability education on-site via morning Toolbox Talks, touching on topics such as good practices for diverting demolition waste from the landfill. By ingraining sustainability into company culture in this and other ways, Shaeffer Hyde Construction has conquered one of the largest barriers for consistent improvement year-over-year. Hear more about Shaeffer Hyde Construction’s sustainability efforts in 2020 by clicking here.

Leaps & Bounds: Organic Housekeepers
2020’s Actively Green Leaps and Bounds Award is awarded to Organic Housekeepers! In 2020, this company’s dedication and hard work necessary to sustain business displayed their resiliency and strength. It’s no wonder, then, that improvements made to their management of energy systems pale in comparison. As a continuing member to the Actively Green Program during the COVID-19 pandemic, Organic Housekeepers built themselves back without compromising their foundation as a green business and fair treatment of employees.

Sustainable Destination Dedication Award: Vail Public Library
Congratulations to the Vail Public Library for their attainment of the 2020 Sustainable Destination Dedication Award from the Actively Green Program! After seven years of engagement with the Actively Green Program, library staff have come closer and closer to meeting an advanced level of certification without officially receiving credit. Some of those efforts implemented in 2020 include the following.

• Reduction of employee commuting mileage via incentives such as free Eco passes to all employees; and promotion of the Sole Power Green Commuting Challenge.
• Youth and community educational programming for improving the water quality of Gore Creek, reducing waste via compost, and proper recycling practices for the Town of Vail.
• Collection of community waste for diversion from the landfill, including the following types of waste: electronics, Household Hazardous Waste, unwanted but reusable items,
• Participation in community service, including the Town of Vail Clean Up, Highway Clean Up and the annual local River Clean Up.
• Dissemination of reusable bags to all visitors.