H EE Award Presentation 05
2005 Environmental Excellence Awards
The Environmental Excellence Awards are presented by the City of Chanhassen to
recognize environmental improvements and stewardship throughout the community.
These awards are designed not only to recognize achievement, but also to
communicate new ideas and encourage the members of the Chanhassen community to
make a difference in their world.
Dry Cleaning Station
Receiving: Rich Westerberg
Project: Environmentally-friendly dry cleaning business
As nearly everyone can tell you, the dry cleaning business is generally not thought to be
environmentally friendly. The Dry Cleaning Station decided that they could do
something about that. This innovative dry cleaning business uses GreenEarth solvents
in their cleaning process. These solvents are environmentally-friendly, non-hazardous
and clean clothes as well as the more damaging products commonly used in the
industry. They have also implemented company-wide recycling of their cardboard
boxes, accept hangers brought to them by customers and use dry cleaning bags made
from recycled plastic. Thanks to Dry Cleaning Station, Chanhassen residents have a
local alternative for environmentally-friendly dry cleaning.
Mark Taintor
Project: Bike commuting
For the bike commuter, the commute is the best part of the day. For the car commuter,
the commute is often the worst part of the day. Just ask Mark Taintor. Mark has been
commuting by bike to and from work for four, almost five, years. He started out locally,
commuting 2.5 miles each way in town. After a change in his job location his commute
increased significantly to 8.5 miles each way, but he continued to commute by bike. He
does this year round and while there are many benefits to biking, some personal, some
environmental and some economical, a few people have questioned his sanity as he
would prepare to bike off into a snow-filled street. Whatever his reasons for dedication
to bike commuting, Mark is a positive impact on the community and we hope that he
may inspire someone else to leave their keys at home and hop on their bike.
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