The Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq) has received an annual Sustainable Oregon Award from the Association of Oregon Recyclers (AOR).
The Sustainable Oregon Awards, formerly known as the Recycler of the Year Awards, recognize individuals and organizations who demonstrate significant accomplishments in sustainable materials initiatives, recycling and waste prevention, and other elements of materials management in Oregon.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, OCAq puts ocean advocacy and sustainability at the forefront of its mission, modeling conservation efforts and green practices both internally and externally.
The Aquarium has an established committee to help pave the way for green progress: OCAq’s Green Team empowers staff and volunteers in environmentally-centered planning, and consults with facilities, such as Thompson’s Sanitary Service, to guide sustainable choices Aquarium-wide.
Alongside dedicated recycling efforts, OCAq utilizes high efficiency pumps, electric tools and LED lights throughout its premises, and composted food waste from the Aquarium café supplements its soil, sustaining Oregon-native flora.
OCAq collaborates with local organizations to bolster collective sustainability efforts. In partnership with the Surfrider Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force, OCAq tests the water quality of local beaches every week, and thanks to the City of Newport and the Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County, the Aquarium will soon host electric vehicle charging stations.
“Our vision is to lead by example through continuously growing our green efforts,” said OCAq President and CEO Carrie Lewis. “It’s up to all of us to help conserve marine life and ecosystems, and each day, we take another step forward in doing our part.”
About Oregon Coast Aquarium
Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.
Press release and photos provided courtesy of the Oregon Coast Aquarium
