This Earth Month, Clark County Public Health announced the 2024 Green Awards honoring community leaders in environmental sustainability. These annual awards showcase the accomplishments of community members and businesses by celebrating their commitment to reducing harmful environmental impacts, educating others, and giving back to the community.
Clark County Green Schools:
Jennifer Baybado – Green Apple Award for school employee
Jennifer Baybado is a third-grade teacher at Sacajawea Elementary School in Vancouver who is a true sustainability champion in her school. She and her green team implement programs to help students reduce waste, properly recycle and compost their food scraps. She is taking the lead in creating an outdoor learning area with raised garden beds, work bin benches and outdoor seating for students to learn and grow. Jennifer truly walks the walk and talks the talk. We are so lucky to have her be a part of our amazing school community!
Photo caption (above right): Jennifer Baybado with 4th grade student, Connor Wynn, after an outdoor planting event at Sacajawea Elementary School. Photo provided by Sacajawea Elementary School Parent Teacher Association.
Linda Kubes – Green Apple Award for school employee
Linda Kubes is a teaching assistant at the Washington State School for the Blind. Over the last few years, she has led the green team, otherwise known as the Green Beings, in completing sustainability projects around campus. Those projects include organizing litter clean ups, composting using worm bins, starting a school garden and improving recycling. Last year, Linda helped the Green Beings receive the 2023 Green Team of the Year Award. Student Charles Johnson perfectly describes Linda: "Ms. Linda sees the potential in all students who are part of the Green Beings and even though we may not all have perfect sight, she sees that we can all be part of a sustainable future." Thank you for being a true leader, Linda!
Photo caption (above right): Linda Kubes poses with the Washington State School for the Blind's green team, the Green Beings, and their worm bin. Photo provided by student Charles Johnson.
Clark County Green Business:
Kindred Homestead Supply – Green Business of the Year, small business category
Kindred Homestead Supply is a beacon of sustainability for the Vancouver community. Offering more than just retail goods, it serves as a gathering point for those dedicated to conscious living. With thoughtfully stocked shelves full of ecofriendly home supplies and locally sourced products, Kindred echoes a commitment to reduce our collective environmental impact. They empower patrons with the tools and knowledge to embrace sustainable practices like waste reduction and composting through various community workshops and events. Inclusivity is at the core of their practices, inviting individuals from all walks of life to join the movement towards a greener, more connected world. Kindred Homestead Supply isn't just a store—it's a testament to the power of collective action in nurturing both the planet and our community.
Photo caption (above right): Bulk refillery at Kindred Homestead Supply. Photo provided by Kindred Homestead Supply.
Jacobs – Green Business of the Year, large business category
In partnership with the city of Vancouver, Jacobs spearheads solutions in wastewater treatment and demonstrates their commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. Through a blend of operational excellence and engineering ingenuity, they deliver cost-effective and award-winning utility services, ensuring regulatory compliance while prioritizing employee and community well-being. Jacobs' initiatives span waste reduction, energy conservation and water reuse, underpinned by a company-wide culture of sustainability. Their community outreach efforts, including educational tours and beach cleanups, inspire environmental awareness and inclusivity. Jacobs' dedication to sustainability sets a benchmark for the industry.
Photo caption (above right): The dedicated crew at Jacobs! Photo provided by Jacobs.
Columbia Springs – Green Business of the Year, nonprofit or government agency category
Columbia Springs, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Vancouver, offers a remarkable 100-acre urban natural site that serves as an expansive outdoor classroom, drawing in thousands of students and community members annually. Through diverse educational programs, walking trails and events, Columbia Springs fosters a community of lifelong learners and land stewards. From the Salmon in the Classroom initiative to public events like guided hikes and nature fun days, Columbia Springs engages diverse audiences, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Additionally, their Repair Program exemplifies sustainability by repairing broken household items, thus reducing waste and fostering a sense of community around re-use practices. Through education, outreach and active stewardship, Columbia Springs serves as a vital local resource, empowering individuals to connect with nature and embrace sustainable living practices.
Photo caption (above right): Columbia Springs' site is a beautiful community asset, and their programs are sources of excellent educational and volunteer opportunities. Photo provided by Columbia Springs.
Visit the Green Business and Green Schools webpages to learn more about these Clark County Public Health programs.