Sustain Charlotte recently hosted the 2nd Annual Community Sustainability Awards at the 7th Street Public Market in Uptown Charlotte.

Individuals from local nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and schools, including three leaders from Mecklenburg County, were recognized for their efforts to help realize Charlotte 2030: A Sustainable Vision for Our Region.

Awardees were selected from the ten categories in Charlotte 2030: A Sustainable Vision for Our Region. County leaders that were recognized included:

Air Quality: Leslie Rhodes with Mecklenburg County Air Quality.
Parks and Green Space: Jim Garges with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation.
Waste: Jennifer White with Mecklenburg County Waste Management Advisory Board.

“Our progress towards sustainability is the result of many, yet some individuals in our community are leading the way with very little recognition for their leadership,” said Shannon Binns, founder and executive director of Sustain Charlotte. “We think it is important to honor these leaders and the amazing work that they do for the benefit of us all.”

This was a “zero waste” event. No garbage cans were located on site and all materials were reused, recycled or composted. The 7th Street Public Market was chosen because of the sense of shared community and the opportunity to support many of the small local businesses. The market is also located adjacent to the LYNX light rail. Riding the light rail promotes sustainability by reducing the amount of harmful gases emitted by car usage and the need to drill and transport oil.

Event sponsors included Wells Fargo, O2 energies, Packard Place, PGI, Shade of Green Events, McGuire Woods, Charlotte Green Team, FABRIX, 7th Street Public Market, Sean Busher Imagery, The Lawrence Group, NC Sustainable Energy Association.

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