EPA Recognizes Four Nevada Leaders for Pollution Prevention Accomplishments
SAN FRANCISCO –– As part of Pollution Prevention Week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is celebrating four Nevada organizations as part of its 2024 Regional Pollution Prevention (P2) recognition program. EPA is recognizing Alibi Ale Works in Incline Village, Carson City Toyota in Carson City, La Nova Beauty in Reno and The Pad climbing gym in Henderson for their commitments to pollution prevention by reducing, eliminating or preventing pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment or disposal.
“EPA is proud to recognize the accomplishments of these environmental leaders in Nevada who are preventing pollution and making meaningful change in their communities," said EPA Pacific Southwest Land, Chemicals, and Redevelopment Division Director Claire Trombadore. “These honorees are taking action to reduce pollution, advance environmental justice and address climate change.”
Alibi Ale Works in Incline Village led efforts to capture carbon dioxide (CO2), an issue for all Nevada brewers. Alibi Brewers began using a dry hopping method, spunding valves and CO2 capture in their craft brewing process to reduce their CO2 use and release for environmental protection and cost savings. Alibi Ale Works, saves 2,600 pounds per year of CO2 by using an on-site closed loop cycle for CO2 management.
"Capturing natural CO2 during fermentation is a no-brainer for us,” said Kevin Drake, Co-Founder & CEO of Alibi Ale Works. “It protects our environment, saves money, and makes better beer. We are in constant pursuit of long-lasting beer foam, and spunding helps us achieve that."
Carson City Toyota switched to LED lighting, used non-toxic cleaning and building maintenance products, purchased recycled paper, and installed low-flow plumbing fixtures to conserve over 48,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of energy and 84,816 gallons of water in 2023. They also adopted spill-kit procedures, avoided chlorinated solvents whenever possible, and adopted best practices for the storage and disposal of hazardous waste. Carson City Toyota became the first Green Certified Auto Dealership in Nevada in 2023.
“We have long been recognized locally for our commitment to “giving back” and paying if forward, which has played a significant role in our business success,” said Cliff Sorenson, Director at Carson City Toyota. “By giving back to Mother Earth, we impact not only our current community but also future generations, fostering a legacy of sustainability and care for the world we all share.”
La Nova Beauty in Reno uses organic, ethically sourced beauty products, including plastic-free products and equipment made of bamboo, aluminum, and straw, a sustainable alternative to hair foil made of construction waste, and rapidly renewable fiber bath tissue and paper towels. They also repurposed their glass jars and bottles to reduce waste. installed LED lighting and sun-blocking window film, and low-flow faucet aerators throughout the salon. La Nova Beauty is a certified Nevada Green Business and Green Circle Salon.
The Pad climbing gym in Henderson upgraded to energy-efficient lighting fixtures, switched to eco-friendly paper products and nontoxic cleaning supplies, swapped out their plumbing fixtures for low-flow aerators and showerheads, and offered a place to charge electric bikes. In 2023, the gym conserved 48,888 kWh of energy and 50,132 gallons of water. The Pad became Green Certified through the Nevada Green Business Network in 2022.
In 2023, the eight recipients of EPA’s Pacific Southwest P2 recognition program across Arizona, California and Nevada reduced approximately:
- The equivalent of 1,443 metric tons of carbon dioxide.
- 1.98 million kWh of energy use.
- 11.28 million gallons of water use.
- $495,000 in business costs.
Background
P2, as defined in the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, is any practice that reduces environmental releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants prior to entering a waste stream for recycling, treatment or disposal. P2 conserves natural resources, including water and energy, by focusing industry, government and public attention on reducing pollution through the implementation of cost-effective changes in production, operation and the use of raw materials.
EPA’s P2 program is voluntary and encourages stakeholders to seek innovative ways to prevent pollution from entering waste streams through a competitive grant process and the provision of technical assistance to businesses.
Pollution Prevention Week is September 16-20, 2024, and helps people learn how to reduce or prevent pollution. This year’s theme is “Together We Are One Planet.”
The EPA Regional Pollution Prevention Recognition program is an annual, voluntary and non-monetary award program. Those interested in applying or nominating an organization to be considered for recognition will have an opportunity to apply next year through this program.
Learn more about EPA’s national Pollution Prevention program.
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