GRX singled out for environmental contributions

Denver-based Guaranteed Recycling Xperts, which has an office in Colorado Springs, received the first Greenovation Award from CSIA, Colorado's largest technology association.

The award honors an organization that is making a concerted effort to minimize and eliminate negative impact on the environment through sustainable and scientifically supported methods.

Guaranteed Recycling Xperts is an electronics waste recycler and has three facilities, including one in Colorado Springs. The company recycles all electronic devices and provides pick-up services for businesses and organizations.

Whole Foods sacking its plastic bags

Whole Foods Market is ending the use of disposable plastic grocery bags at the checkouts in all of its 270 stores in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom. Its goal is to be plastic bag-free by April 22, Earth Day. Whole Foods has two Colorado Springs stores.

For years, Whole Foods Market has encouraged shoppers to bring their own bags by offering a refund of either five or 10 cents at the checkouts, depending on the store. The company sells different types of reusable bags and will continue to offer an “environmentally sensitive” option – 100 percent recycled paper grocery bags.

“Central to Whole Foods Market’s core values is caring for our communities and the environment, and this includes adopting wise environmental practices,” said A.C. Gallo, co-president and chief operating officer for Whole Foods Market.

Apply your green to brownfields

Here's a chance to double your money, while helping to clean up dilapidated and polluted areas. The Colorado Brownfields Foundation, a Littleton non-profit, has announced the billionaire Anschutz family of Colorado will match donations to the Brownfields Foundation up to $5,000 between now and Oct. 15. The tax deductible donations will help the foundation in its efforts to clean up brownfields around the state. The organization partners with communities, local governments and other non-profits to help reuse and redevelop sites where hazardous substances, pollutants or environmental contaminants hamper their clean-up. An estimated 1,000 brownfield sites -- including former gas stations, dry cleaners, manufacturing facilities, mine and milling sites and landfills -- exist in Colorado, the foundation says. The matching grants from the Anschutz family will help raise funds for the Brownfields Foundation, but also will shine a light on the importance of its work, the organizations says. More information: http://www.coloradobrownfieldsfoundation.org/ or 303-962-0941