The Ecology Action Center (EAC) was recognized this past Saturday for its four decade long effort to help improve the McLean County environment. The McLean County Chamber of Commerce presented the EAC with the 2013 Green Excellence Award at the annual Gala at the Double Tree Hotel.
The Green Excellence Award is presented to a Chamber member that has implemented practices in their business operations monitoring the environment, economy, and society. With its origins in a one-day recycling drive in 1971, the Ecology Action Center, originally known as Operation Recycle, has long provided leadership towards a more sustainable community. Acting as an environmental agency for the Bloomington-Normal and greater McLean County area, the EAC provides a host of services including educational programs and outreach on multiple environmental issues, solid waste planning and administration, coordination of household hazardous waste collections, acts as an information center and clearinghouse, and other services.
With a small but dedicated staff and a host of generous volunteers, supporters, and partners, the EAC has a significant influence in the community. Through its diverse outreach and education efforts, the center has as many as 100,000 interactions with area residents in a calendar year. While after 43 years the promotion of recycling and waste reduction remain a major focus for the organization, the EAC continues to grow and expand its program areas to now include clean water, radon awareness, and energy efficiency in addition to the general promotion of sustainable lifestyles. Appreciative of the continued support of the community, the EAC looks forward to the next four decades of helping improve the McLean County environment.
