Since 2000, StopWaste's Environmental Leadership Awards have honored Alameda County businesses and institutions that demonstrate outstanding environmental performance and sustainability innovation. Over 100 organizations have been recognized across categories including waste prevention, food donation, reusable foodware, construction innovation, and community engagement.
2025 Awardees
The 2025 awards were presented on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at StopWaste offices in Oakland. Read the press release here.
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EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Alameda Backyard Growers — Alameda
Founded in 2011, Alameda Backyard Growers is a volunteer network dedicated to fighting food insecurity throughout Alameda. Their flagship initiative, "Project Pick," recruits and trains community volunteers to harvest surplus fruit from residential trees that owners cannot gather themselves, then distributes the produce to the local food bank. Since inception, they have contributed over 79,000 pounds of fresh fruit. The organization also distributes free seeds through six community seed libraries and conducts workshops to educate residents about food cultivation and community building. They actively collaborate with other local organizations on gleaning guides and food waste reduction awareness campaigns.
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EXCELLENCE IN REUSABLE FOODWARE PARTNERSHIP
CASA & OKAPI Reusables — Alameda
CASA, a grassroots nonprofit, partnered with OKAPI Reusables, a socially-driven reusable cup business, to reduce single-use cup waste in Alameda. The collaboration includes mentoring students to create "The Story of the Cup," a short documentary on single-use cup harm, with public screenings and a youth-initiated petition targeting local cafes. They have enrolled 12 Alameda businesses and recruited over 500 participants, preventing an estimated 5,500 single-use cups annually.
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EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY AT SCHOOL
Oakland Unified School District — Oakland
Oakland USD has pioneered food waste prevention and sustainability practices across the district for over 15 years. The district established food scrap recycling and food share table programs, continuously enhancing these offerings with new tools and resources for replication. Working alongside nonprofit organizations and public health officials, OUSD relaunched its food recovery initiative with expansion planned for the coming school year. Oakland USD was the first district in the county to adopt a climate resolution, strengthening community partnerships and environmental impact.
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EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION
Veev by Lennar — Hayward
Veev transforms residential construction through industrialized manufacturing that substantially decreases waste and emissions. Operating a 500,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Hayward, Veev produces customized modular components assembled into finished homes within 60 days. Homes use light gauge steel and advanced materials instead of traditional timber, offering resistance to fire, pests, and moisture damage. Each home is fully electrified with solar installation, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The company employs over 300 workers in Hayward and advances workforce capabilities through technology-focused positions.
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EXCELLENCE IN WASTE PREVENTION AND FOOD DONATION
Washington Health — Fremont
This independent southern Alameda County health system implemented a comprehensive food recovery program, purchasing refrigeration equipment to preserve surplus prepared meals and partnering with the Daily Bowl nonprofit for regular collection and redistribution. Within nine months, they rescued and distributed over 13,000 pounds of surplus food. The organization decreased patient plate waste by more than 50% using plate warming equipment to maintain meal temperature. Dining services use reusable dishware rather than disposables and prioritize environmentally conscious, locally-sourced procurement. Kitchen waste stations feature custom instructional signage with consistent employee training.
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EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY AT WORK
Wingen Bakery & Restaurant — Livermore
Owners Aimee and Bryan Wingen operate a sourdough bakery and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and takeout with sustainability as a foundational business principle. Throughout the establishment, recycling, compost, and waste bins are strategically positioned with frequent staff education on proper sorting. Management actively consults with their waste hauler and city officials to refine operations and eliminate contamination. To minimize food loss, they examine sales data to calibrate production levels, repurpose excess baked items into alternative products, and donate surplus goods to Tri-Valley Haven's food assistance program. The owners organized a Sustainability Mixer with the waste hauler and local representatives to facilitate knowledge exchange among area businesses.
Previous Winners
Over two decades, StopWaste has recognized organizations ranging from small local businesses to major employers — all making meaningful contributions to waste reduction and environmental sustainability in Alameda County.
View All Previous Winners
More Recognition Opportunities
Additional award and certification programs exist at the local, regional, state, and national level for environmentally responsible organizations.
See Additional Opportunities
