By Daily Press staff
Athletes have the Olympics, actors have the Oscars, and local businesses have the Sustainable Quality Awards. Nominations are now open until Feb. 9, and awards businesses for making Santa Monica a clean and livable city.
The SQA program honors organizations that make an “extraordinary” contribution to their community. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Santa Monica's Sustainable City Plan and presents an opportunity to highlight the sustainable achievements of local businesses.
Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center, a top winner of the 2003 awards, started a program that resulted in a 45 percent reduction in medical waste during a two-year period. Other winners last year included the Library Alehouse, ZJ Boarding House and The Real Earth Environmental Co.
“Many businesses in Santa Monica contribute to their local community and help protect the environment by their own choice,” said Jean McNeil-Wyner of the Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center. “The SQA recognizes these voluntary efforts and inspires businesses to do even more.”
In order to be eligible for the award, a company must demonstrate commitment to their community in one or more categories, including economic development, stewardship of the natural environment or social responsibility. A grand prize is given to companies that excel in all three categories.
The award program recognizes companies that voluntary contribute to cleaner air and water, less waste and pollution, conservation of energy and natural resources, job creation, improved wages and benefits, improved quality of life for residents and workers, and a strong, viable local economy.
Any business in Santa Monica or member of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce may apply, and self-nominations are encouraged.
Nomination forms are available on www.smsqa.com.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 13, 2004. Read the original PDF.