Johnson County celebrates Earth Week and recognizes green businesses
County commissioners and DHE staff recognized businesses and organizations participating in the Green Business Program.
On Thursday, April 25, Johnson County held a ceremony to recognize outstanding businesses and organizations participating in its Green Business Program and to celebrate Earth Week.
“Johnson County takes sustainability seriously and is proud to work with area businesses, organizations and schools on furthering their commitment to protecting the environment” said Eric Nelson, environmental health specialist at Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.
The Green Business Program honors organizations committed to sustainability through initiatives such as office recycling and food waste reduction. This year, the program recognized the following for their environmental efforts:
- Schools: Shawnee Mission School District, USD 512 and Gardner/Edgerton School District, USD 231
- Businesses: Taco Naco (Olathe) Design Resources Inc. (DRI) (Overland Park), and Fed-Ex (Lenexa)
- Residential: Village Cooperative of Lenexa
The Johnson County Green Business Program is a voluntary and nonregulatory program, free to businesses throughout Johnson County. The program provides educational outreach and technical assistance on a variety of environmental management practices. Businesses participating in the program have tackled a wide range of issues, from implementing recycling programs, developing food waste initiatives, and providing educational outreach to their employees.
The Board of County Commissioners also declared April 21-27 as Earth Week in Johnson County. Earth Week serves as a time to reflect on environmental actions and explore ways to improve.
Learn more about the Johnson County Green Business Program.
- Above (left to right): Left to right: Lana Daharsh, Gardner-Edgerton School District; Ashlee Walter, G.E. School Dist.; Fernanda Reyes Taco Naco KC; Brian Goldman, Taco Naco KC; Eric Nelson, DHE environmental health specialist; Sydney Williams, Design Resource, Inc.; Brandon Hearn, DHE environmental health specialist; 2nd District Commissioner Jeff Meyers; Board Chair Mike Kelly; 6th District Commissioner Shirley Allenbrand; 4th District Commissioner Janee Hanzlick; Leigh Anne Neal, Shawnee Mission School District; Peter Lofvenberg, Fed Ex; and Dee Singleton, Village Cooperative of Lenexa.
- Left: Charlie Hunt, DHE director
- Middle: Mike Kelly, Chair of Board of County Commissioners
- Right: Eric Nelson, DHE environmental health specialist