2009 RECYCLING “GRAMMYS” for EXCELLENCE in

WASTE REDUCTION, RECYCLING & LITTER

Call for Award Nominations -- Deadline March 13, 2009

The Virginia Recycling Association (VRA) recognizes the best programs in waste reduction, recycling and litter as well as individuals in the state at our annual conference awards ceremony. We invite you to submit entries for recognition. Nominate your program or someone else’s for this year’s Grammys-inspired rocking recycling awards competition.

My Recycling Grammy Moment!

The process begins with VRA members and recycling professionals submitting entries, which are then screened and for eligibility and category placement. You do not need to be a member to nominate a program.

Awards will be presented during the VRA Conference (May 5 and 6) at the Kirkley Hotel in Lynchburg, VA. Winners will be notified the first week of April. The conference draws state and national business leaders, industry experts, government officials and individuals committed to source reduction, reuse, recycling, litter prevention and buying recycled products. Recycling Grammy winners will also be profiled in an edition of VRA eNews, the VRA’s member newsletter, following the conference.

Submission

Please fill out the form attached and submit it with a brief description by March 13, 2009. There is no limit on the number of programs or individuals you may nominate, but a program or individual can be entered only once. Awards will be given based on calendar years 2007 and 2008. A panel of judges will evaluate entries and place in appropriate categories. All VRA members signed up on the member listserv will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite Recycling Grammy nominee!

Screening

In selecting eligible nominees, the judges will consider:

  • Virginia-based individuals, businesses, or recycling, litter or waste reduction programs and projects
  • Significant waste and toxicity reduction, recycling and diversion from disposal, litter prevention
  • Program applicability to other communities, organizations, schools, or businesses recycling programs
  • Public outreach and participation in recycling, litter or waste reduction programs
  • Amount and type of materials collected, processed, manufactured or purchased
  • Economics of the program, such as costs, benefits, local economic development and benefits to recycled-content product markets
  • Innovation and unique aspects of the recycling, litter or waste reduction programs
  • Length of time recycling, litter or waste reduction programs has been in operation
  • Coverage and longevity of recycling, litter or waste reduction programs
  • Documented effect on recycling and the waste management hierarchy

Recycling Grammy Award Categories

RECYCLING ROCKER OF THE YEAR

Honors an individual in the public or private sector who has “rocked out” significant contributions to the advancement of integrated solid waste reduction.

Selection Criteria:

  • Professional leadership
  • Sharing career experience with others
  • Development of self-sustaining waste reduction programs
  • Effective education programming
  • Innovative approaches
  • Comprehensive publicity/education
  • Buy-recycled component, if applicable

OUTSTANDING NEW AGE COLLEGE RECYCLING PERFORMANCE

Honors an outstanding college or university program that promotes sustainable resources emphasizing spiritual environmental consciousness through waste reduction, reuse and recycling on a college campus.

Selection Criteria:

  • Integrated waste reduction, reuse or recycling program
  • Innovative aspects of program
  • Education component
  • Volunteer contribution to the university
  • Recruitment and retention of volunteers over time
  • Buy-recycled component, if applicable
  • Program must have been in operation for at least one year

OUTSTANDING COUNTRY JAZZY COUNTY OR MUNICIPAL RECYCLING PERFORMANCE

Recognizes a program whose recycling, composting and waste reduction efforts are administered by a county (country) or municipal (jazz) government.

Selection Criteria:

  • Integrated waste reduction program (including source reduction, recycling, reuse composting, etc.)
  • Innovative aspects of program
  • Comprehensive publicity/education targeting residential and/or commercial sources
  • Types and scope of materials collected for recycling
  • Innovative materials marketing technique
  • Percent of municipal solid waste stream recycled and/or per capita waste reduction
  • Buy-recycled component
  • Program must have been in operation for one year

OUTSTANDING R&B BUSINESS/INDUSTRY RECYCLING PERFORMANCE

Honors a commercial business or industry that has successfully implemented waste management programs with rhythm and overcome the blues by incorporating reduction, reuse, recycling and buying recycled. Zero waste efforts will receive additional attention.

Selection Criteria:

  • Integrated waste management program (including reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, etc.)
  • Ongoing employee education program with incentives for waste reduction efforts
  • Administration policy that demonstrates a commitment to waste reduction, reuse and recycling
  • Broad range of materials managed or recycled, with records kept on quantities
  • Waste-conscious procurement policies for materials and supplies
  • Provision of information and technical assistance with waste management to other businesses
  • Program must have been in operation for at least one year

OUTSTANDING W.R.A.P. GROUP (GOVERNMENT AGENCY, INSTITUTION, or NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION)

Recognizes a state or federal government agency, institution or non-profit organization that has developed and implemented a sustainable Waste Reduction And Prevention program to include reuse, recycling and buying recycled products.

Selection Criteria:

  • Integrated waste management program (including reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, etc.)
  • Ongoing employee education program with incentives for waste reduction efforts
  • Administration policy that demonstrates commitment to waste reduction, reuse and recycling
  • Broad range of materials managed or recycled, with records kept to quantities
  • Waste conscious procurement policies for materials and supplies
  • Sharing of information and technical assistance with peers
  • Innovative and creative components to program
  • Program must have been in operation for at least one year

OUTSTANDING CLASSICAL COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER PERFORMANCE

Awards a volunteer program that shows graceful initiative and traditional commitment to the community, waste reduction, reuse, recycling and the environment.

Selection Criteria:

  • Volunteer contribution to the community
  • Public education component
  • Recruitment and retention of volunteers over time
  • Program must have been in operation for at least one year

BEST GREENBUILDER PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

Honors a leader in the construction industry who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of environmentally responsible/ sustainable building practices, such as students, professionals, engineers, builders, architects, contractors, teachers, policy advocates, government officials or programs, software developers, etc.

Selection Criteria:

  • Professional leadership
  • Commitment to environmentally responsible/sustainable building practices
  • Development or implementation of specific building projects which reflect environmentally responsible, sustainable building practices
  • Sharing knowledge with others

OUTSTANDING MEDIA PERFORMER

Awards a member of the media (broadcast, print, etc.) whose fair and accurate reporting and consistent attention to environmental issues supports Virginia’s recycling industry and local programs. Two samples of nominee’s work (if television or radio, include written transcript) are required.

SPOTLIGHT AWARDS

Recognizes one-time projects, programs, or events that illustrate effective creative and/or innovative program efforts. Examples of appropriate entries include a calendar designed by school children, a logo designed to identify a program or special event, an educational brochure addressing a disposal or pollution issue, etc. Submit samples of the entry, along with photographs, and an explanation of how it was created/implemented.

OUTSTANDING LITTER PERFORMANCE

Recognizes litter prevention activities to change attitudes and behaviors in your community. Activities can include, but are not limited to: Great American Cleanup™ activities, Community Presentations, Litter-free Events, Adopt-A-Spot/Block/Street/etc., Clean Builder/Business/Campus, Receptacle Drives, Litter Report Cards, or Litter Hotlines.


2009 Awards Nomination Form

Award Category______

Program, Organization, or Individual Nominated

Name of Program, Organization or Individual ______

Contact Person/Title ______

Address ______

City ______State ______Zip ______

Telephone ______Fax ______Email ______

Nominating Organization/Individual

Contact Person/Title ______

Address ______

City ______State ______Zip ______

Telephone ______Fax ______Email ______

Attach a statement justifying your nomination that includes: Start date of program, significant accomplishments, unique or innovative aspects, fiscal or economic impact, evidence of continuity and/or sustainability, and benefits to the recycling community. Also, provide appropriate information for the selection criteria outlined for the award category. The nomination should be no more than two pages, double-sided, single-spaced, and with font size no smaller than 12pt.

Each entry must include:

  • SIX copies of the nomination form and written statement (double-sided) mailed (or ONE copy emailed) to the addresses to the right.
  • SIX copies of any optional supporting materials that will assist the judges in evaluating your application should be mailed. DO NOT SEND BULKY ITEMS, SUCH AS VIDEOS OR MANUALS. Instead, list them and the Awards Committee will contact you if additional information is needed.

Additional Instructions:

Each program can be entered in ONE category only; but you may submit for consideration as many different programs as like. Incomplete applications will not be considered, so be sure to answer all questions and provide information for all criteria. Faxes cannot be accepted. Applications must be received by March 13, 2009. Materials will not be returned. Judges deserve the right to change a nomination category only if beneficial to the nominee.

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