Richland County recognized for leadership in eco-friendly practices
December 13, 2016
Richland County is the recipient of two environmental awards that laud the County’s leadership in “green” practices.
At the annual Gala for a Greener Midlands on Dec. 9, Keep the Midlands Beautiful presented Richland County Councilman Jim Manning, District 8, with the Green Elected Official Award and Rudy Curtis, former interim director of Richland County Solid Waste & Recycling, with its Green Sustainability Leadership Award. Keep the Midlands Beautiful is a local environmental organization dedicated to protecting the Midlands through litter prevention, recycling and beautification projects.
Manning was honored as the Green Elected Official for his ongoing efforts to improve his district – and all of Richland County – by rebranding Decker Boulevard as the “International Corridor” and helping to make it a safe, vibrant and thriving community.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by such a dedicated group of environmental stewards who are committed to help sustain and protect our natural resources,” Manning said. “I’ve always believed that a healthy environment lends itself to a legacy of healthy communities and healthy living.”
The eco-friendly Decker Center, which is a new County facility in District 8 that includes several sustainability features, and a recent mural beautification project along Decker Boulevard are illustrative of Manning’s efforts to help create clean, green neighborhoods. Manning is also a regular participant in cleanup efforts along Little Jackson Creek.
Curtis received the Green Sustainability Leadership Award for his lengthy career in the solid waste and recycling industry. As interim director of Richland County’s waste and recycling program, Curtis helped the department receive statewide recognition for its new carpet recycling program, improved collection route service and efficiency, worked with local schools on recycling and composting programs and took the helm at organizing the County’s successful Richland Recycles Day – an annual recycling event that collects tens of thousands of pounds of waste from residents.
Keep the Midlands Beautiful noted that Curtis “has a long track record of making changes to better his community.” He retired from Richland County Solid Waste & Recycling in November 2016.
For a complete list of award winners at the Gala for Greener Midlands and for more information, visit www.keepthemidlandsbeautiful.com.
