 |
|
|
Feb. 21, 2001
Executive Sims honors Eddie Bauer, Sara Patton, Ciscoe Morris
and Koji Norikane as first Earth Heroes of 2001
King County Executive Ron Sims today honored Eddie Bauer, Sara Patton, Ciscoe Morris, and Koji Norikane as King County's Earth Heroes for January and February 2001. In a special ceremony held in the Executive Office Sims recognized the invaluable contributions these heroes have made in protecting King County's environment.
Launched in May 2000, the King County Earth Legacy Initiative celebrates the importance of protecting and enhancing our natural environment. The initiative outlines a number of innovative programs that are working hard to maintain the rich integrity of our region, as well as our high quality of life.
"Knowing the energy crisis we face in this region and state, it is essential that our local companies and residents respond with vigor and responsibility," said Sims. "Eddie Bauer is a local company that models this behavior. Sara Patton is another key player who is addressing the pressing energy needs in this region. By pushing public policy agendas which advocate for clean and renewable energy, Patton is leaving a legacy that our County can be proud of."
"Ciscoe Morris and Koji Norikane represent the real spirit behind the Earth Hero Award," said Sims. "They have both continued to impact the lives of everyday people by encouraging them to make a difference for our environment and for our communities."
As a leader in its industry, Eddie Bauer continues its commitment to energy conservation by turning off all non-essential overhead lights in their retail stores and offices nation-wide. Similarly, the company has implemented aggressive policies to pursue and install energy efficient bulbs and fixtures in its stores to reduce cost and waste. The company estimates these two energy saving policies alone have saved them over $269,000 in electricity cost in 2000. This summer Eddie Bauer will embark on a national education program to reinforce energy conservation among employees.
In addition, Eddie Bauer continues to integrate environmental sensitivity into the company's ethos. Recycling takes place at local stores and at company headquarters. The company is also a participant in the American Forest for Global Relief. Customers are encouraged to donate $1.00 to plant a tree. Over the past year, Eddie Bauer has planted over 4.3 million trees around the world and locally through the 200,000 trees in 2000 effort sponsored by the Mountains to Sound Greenway.
Sara Patton, a Seattle resident, has led the Northwest Energy Coalition as director since November 1993. This 90+-member coalition is an influential regional alliance of conservation, low-income, and consumer advocate organizations, utilities, businesses and citizen activists. Coalition member organizations come primarily from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana. The Coalition works for a clean and affordable energy future through energy conservation, consumer protection, clean renewable energy resources and fish and wildlife. Through her leadership and shared vision, the Coalition continues to raise awareness and impact public policy around energy conservation and renewable energy.
Prior to her work with the Northwest Energy Coalition, Patton worked for 15 years with Seattle City light on energy conservation issues. She managed conservation program plans, integrated resource plans, research and development projects, and influenced policies. Patton is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, has served on the board of Save our Wild Salmon, the Metrocenter YMCA, and as Trustee of Stuart Hall.
Ciscoe Morris, also of Seattle, is one of the highest regarded gardeners in our region. Morris is the Director of Grounds and Landscaping at Seattle University and serves as a model for environmentally friendly gardening practices. Best known as host of KIRO Radio's weekly call-in program, Gardening with Ciscoe, Morris arms himself with reference books and an almost encyclopedic knowledge of organic gardening, to answer gardening questions on wide-ranging subjects.
Morris regularly invites King County staff on his show to discuss environmental programs. Morris has helped King County reach thousands of listeners with messages about recycled garden products, BUILT GREEN™ homes, salmon friendly car washing options and compost bin distribution events. Morris is an enthusiastic proponent of organic gardening, and directs his loyal fans to the least toxic solution for gardening problems.
Koji Norikane has been a resident of Auburn for over 80 years. During the 1920s and 1930s, Norikane's parents ran a small strawberry farm between Kent and Auburn. A firm believer in farm cooperatives, Norikane has served as the President of the Puget Sound Vegetable Growers Association and the Washington Rhubarb Growers Association. He also served as Chairman of the King and Pierce County Board of Farmers Home Administration and assisted with loan programs for farmers and for rural housing.
In the 1980s, King County voters approved spending $50 million to preserve farmlands. Norikane was appointed by King County Executive Randy Revelle to serve on the King County Farmland Preservation Program Selection Committee. The committee recommended the purchase of the development rights to 12,500 acres including farmlands between Kent and Auburn. Norikane was named Auburn's Citizen of the Year in 1981 and was recently awarded the Hometown Hero Award by Auburn Mayor Chuck Booth. He has actively served on the Auburn Parks Board, Auburn Rotary, the Auburn Valley YMCA Board, and the Japanese American Citizen's League.
Earth Hero nominations are submitted by King County employees. Individuals and businesses in King County that are working to make a positive impact on our environment are selected monthly for their outstanding contributions to maintaining the natural beauty of this region.
For more information on the King County Earth Legacy Program, please visit our web site at: www.metrokc.gov/earthlegacy/.
Updated: Feb. 21, 2001
Executive's e-mail King County | Executive | News | Services | Comments | Search Links to external sites do not
constitute endorsements by King County. |
|