Nominations are now being accepted for SWACO's 5th Annual Central Ohio Emeralds. Every year SWACO honors the best and most innovative ideas in waste reduction, recycling, and litter prevention programs. New this year to the awards program is, "Young and Green." This category is designed to recognize local students (ages 12-18) within the SWACO solid waste district who have shown strong environmental commitment, initiative, or leadership with the goal of positively impacting their surrounding community.

The premier green awards program in Central Ohio will honor communities, organizations, businesses, schools, and individuals in six additional categories; Leadership, Partnership, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Education, and Litter Clean up. SWACO's Fifth Annual Central Ohio Emeralds will be presented at the Aladdin Shrine Center, 3850 Stelzer Rd, (across from Easton), May 13, 2010.

SWACO Executive Director Ron Mills looks forward to a record number of Emerald nominations. "It seems that everywhere we go in Greater Columbus, people want to tell us about their green project or idea. We encourage all to enter and let everyone in Central Ohio know about their green accomplishments. Every year we find that the Emerald nominations become an inspiration to others to strengthen their environmental commitment."

"Award nominations must arrive at SWACO by midnight March 26, 2010. Nominations can be made at: http://www.swaco.org/EmeraldNominationForm.aspx or in written form by contacting SWACO at 614-871-5100 for more information.

Last year, three Emeralds were award for Environmental Leadership. The Central Ohio division of Kroger received the honor for a six-month organic waste pilot project that composted almost 1,000 tons of spoiled or leftover produce, floral, and other organics. Also receiving an Emerald for Environmental leadership, The Columbus Dispatch and the newspaper’s Director of Engineering and Maintenance, Kevin George. When it came time to re-roof the Dispatch’s Paper Warehouse, George found innovative ways to recycle 96% of 42,000 square feet of old roofing. A third Emerald for leadership was presented to the group, Green Columbus, for efforts in organizing Columbus Earth Days festivities.

The Emerald for Partnership in 2009 was presented to "Limited Brands Inc." While the company has an impressive recycle/reuse rate of 84%, it received its second Emerald award for the partnership it formed with local non-profits, employees, and vendors. That effort diverted 10-million pounds of store fixtures, merchandise, packaging, and marketing products from the landfill.

Betty's Family of Restaurants was the 2009 recipient of the Emerald for Innovation. Among the green initiatives instituted by Betty's; a program that recycles 20,000 glass bottles a year from the chain of restaurants. Betty's works with a local awards production company to recycle those bottles into trophies. The general manager of radio station CD 101, Randy Malloy, and the station, were last yea's Emerald award winners in Litter Clean-up. The duo is famous for the station's "Green Team" and "Eco 411."

In the Emerald category of Environmental Education, Roger Beck of Worthington Kilbourne High School was honored. His construction class built a LEED Platinum certified home in Columbus. The project provided students hands on experience in green building.

The Emerald winners in the Entrepreneurship category were long time Central Ohio health food store, "The Raisin Rack" and Dublin eco-lifestyle merchants "Generation Green". "Generation" owners Steve and Heather Johnson feature environmentally friendly products and a commitment to business practices based on strict, environmentally responsible standards.

The Central Ohio Emerald awards are presented by The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio. SWACO serves Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio with innovative waste reduction and recycling projects. We believe that today's throwaways are the foundation for tomorrow. SWACO also offers residential recycling opportunities through more than 200 recycling drop off-locations, at major sporting and entertainment venues, at Columbus City Schools, The Columbus Arts Festival and other locations. SWACO provides leadership and advice for businesses wishing to begin recycling and waste reduction programs as well. Our operations include the Franklin County Landfill, three transfer stations, and other programs. More on SWACO at www.swaco.org.