Mid-Valley Green Awards, Bid Paddle Craft

It’s so much fun to celebrate sustainability in Salem and we were thrilled to attend the 2013 Mid-valley Green Awards.  We were surrounded with do-gooders in the community and enjoyed watching the silent and live auctions build momentum with proceeds going to the Friends of Straub Environmental Learning Center.  FSELC provides educational programs and events for all ages. Last summer our family attended the Family Nature Retreat at Driftcreek Camp. It was such a rewarding experience to explore wild flowers, search for beavers and learn about worms, that we’re looking forward to attending this summer as well.

The Green Awards was also the perfect place to meet others who are green leaders. At our table we sat by Bruce Wadleigh from
Barnwood Natural, LLC,  Allen and Dari Jongsma of Agri-Plas, and Bailey Payne, Marion County‘s Waste Reduction Coordinator.

Many business and individuals where highlighted and here’s a rundown of the recipients:

Recycler of the Year: Ellen Stevens
Green Apple of the Year: Marie Carver
Sustainable Organization of the Year (Small Business): Compex 2
Sustainable Organization of the Year (Large Business): SAIF Corporation
EarthWISE Certified Business of the Year: Willamette Valley Fruit Company
Green Product of the Year: Barnwood Natural, LLC
Green Service of the Year: Salem Harvest
Green Building of the Year: Chemeketa Community College Health Sciences Complex

So in honor of all the nominees and sponsors of the event, we applaud you! You surely make use SMILE and proud of being a part of this sustainable community! After feeling the excitement of the evening I knew exactly how I wanted to upcycle my bid paddle from the night…

Just keeping it green folks!

FYI, I just got word that the returned paddles are going to be used again for another event. How awesome is that!