COLUMBUS, OH -- More than 65 agencies, organizations, businesses and individual volunteers from across Ohio were honored today for their local efforts in recycling, waste reduction, litter prevention and neighborhood beautification at the state's seventh annual Take Pride, Ohio! awards ceremony in Columbus.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Recycling & Litter Prevention presented Take Pride, Ohio! awards to civic groups, local communities, corporations, government agencies and individuals in two categories: Recycle, Ohio! and Keep Ohio Beautiful. The awards honored recipients for innovative recycling and litter prevention projects that benefit Ohio communities. The division also recognized winners of its annual Earth Day to Earth Day Poster Contest and individuals, organizations and businesses who have partnered with state recycling programs.

Wendy Cosgrove, a teacher at United Elementary School in Columbiana County, was named the Outstanding Educator in Ohio. She has been active in environmental issues - particularly in the solid waste management area - and has proven to be a positive influence to her students, school and community.

This year's luncheon had a new twist -- more than 250 guests were served on 100 percent compostable tableware. Following the awards program, biodegradable cutlery, cups and plates were combined with food waste and taken to a composting facility in Delaware County.

AThese awards allow us to recognize Ohio=s best in recycling,@ said Michael Canfield, chief of the Division of Recycling & Litter Prevention. AThe awards luncheon also provided us with an opportunity to promote zero waste and demonstrate how easy it is to host a special event using no-waste materials.@

The luncheon was sponsored by Biocorp, Inc., the City of Columbus, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Recycling & Litter Prevention, Price-Barnes Organics, Ltd., the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio and Villa Milano.

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For More Information Contact:
Kelly Armfelt
ODNR Division of Recycling & Litter Prevention
(614) 265-6358
-or-
Andy Ware
ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882