Fertile GroundWorks and Barnett Plumbing and Water Heaters, two Livermore-based entities, were recently recognized by StopWaste – a public agency dedicated to reducing waste in Alameda County.
The local establishments were named among the five recipients of the 2023 StopWaste Environmental Leadership Awards and were honored at a ceremony on June 8.
Celebrated for the 21st time, this annual awards program honors Alameda County entities for their leadership and innovations in advancing environmental sustainability, waste prevention and contributions to building healthy, climate-resilient communities, according to a statement from StopWaste.
Since the inception of the awards program in 2000, well over 100 Alameda County businesses and institutions have been recognized.
Fertile GroundWorks is a nonprofit organization that operates a produce garden – located on land owned by Asbury United Methodist Church – to help feed the hungry in the Tri-Valley region. Each year they donate over 24,000 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables to local community kitchens and food pantries. They received the award for "Excellence in Community Engagement."
Founded in 2005, Barnett Plumbing and Water Heaters is a plumbing company that specializes in water heater repair. The company received the StopWaste award for "Excellence in Advancing Electrification," particularly for its work to create innovative solutions to help homeowners opt for an all-electric heat pump water heater instead of a gas water heater replacement when their existing one breaks.
"We are truly inspired by this year’s awardees who are courageously challenging the status quo and advancing a more sustainable local economy that is not only good for the planet but also its people," said StopWaste Executive Director Timothy Burroughs.
"It takes the wisdom and initiative from all sectors — local governments, businesses, nonprofits, the school community and more — to build a future marked by resource efficiency, equity, and economic opportunity. It's an honor to recognize these leaders who are an inspiration to all of us," he added.
The complete list of award winners and categories are:
* Fertile GroundWorks – Livermore
Excellence in Community Engagement
* Common Vision and Good Eggs – Oakland
Excellence in Food Donation Partnerships
* Bay Cities Produce – San Leandro
Excellence in Food Waste Prevention and Equity
* Barnett Plumbing and Water Heaters – Livermore
Excellence in Advancing Electrification
* FUSD’s Climate Literacy and Environmental Education Network – Fremont
Excellence in Sustainability at School
To learn more about each awardee’s achievements, visit www.StopWaste.org/2023Awards.
