Celebrating Our 2024 Green Champions of the Year!

At Sustainable Stillwater MN, we’re honored to recognize and celebrate individuals, businesses, and public figures who are making a difference for our environment and community. This year, we received over two dozen inspiring nominations from the public and within our organization, each highlighting the dedication and hard work of sustainability champions in our community. After much deliberation, we’re excited to announce the winners of the 2024 Green Champions of the Year Awards!

🏆 Green Leader of the Year: Julie Balfanz

As Stillwater Schools' K-12 Tech & Innovation Coach, Julie Balfanz has inspired students to explore and tackle sustainability challenges in creative ways. Julie’s projects engage youth in hands-on, practical applications of environmental science and urban planning—such as using the popular game Minecraft to allow kids to experiment with and design Stillwater’s urban layout, making learning both interactive and forward-thinking.

She also spearheaded projects involving robotics and installed bird-listening devices to teach students about local ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity. Julie’s ability to blend technology, education, and environmental stewardship is a gift to our community, empowering the next generation of environmental leaders. She is also organizing the gala’s recycled fashion show, adding a unique, sustainable flair to the event. Thank you, Julie, for your boundless enthusiasm and for nurturing a love for the environment in our youth!

🏆 Green Business of the Year: Park + Coop

Located in Mahtomedi, Park + Coop, founded and owned by Carmen Olsen, is a small business with a huge impact. Carmen’s commitment to sustainability shines through every aspect of her business model. Park + Coop upcycles textiles—such as old denim—to create beautifully crafted gifts and home goods, including aprons, tote bags, and market bags. Their designs are functional, minimalistic, and eco-friendly, embodying the principle of “waste not, want not.”

Beyond upcycling, Park + Coop sources its textiles locally, operates with a low-energy facility, and uses recyclable materials for packaging. Even unusable scraps don’t go to waste; they’re responsibly downcycled into padding and other materials. As a woman-owned business, Park + Coop exemplifies how a small enterprise can make a powerful difference by prioritizing sustainability in every step. Carmen and her team have set a high standard for other businesses, showing that eco-conscious choices can be both stylish and impactful.

🏆 Green Volunteer of the Year: Dory Herman

Dory Herman has been instrumental in bringing sustainability initiatives to the forefront within Stillwater through her work with the Energy Action Committee. With a strong background in sustainability, Dory has dedicated countless hours to establishing critical pathways for environmental action within our community. Her work in the committee has set a strong foundation for Stillwater’s energy policies, helping to reduce carbon footprints and promote cleaner, greener energy sources.

Dory’s unique skill in breaking down complex environmental issues into manageable steps makes her an invaluable asset to our community. Her tireless efforts to educate and empower local residents have helped establish lasting changes that will benefit Stillwater’s residents and the environment for generations to come. We’re incredibly grateful for Dory’s dedication and hard work!

🏆 Green Lawmaker of the Year: State Rep. Sydney Jordan

State Representative Sydney Jordan from Minneapolis has been a powerful advocate for the environment, bringing significant legislative achievements to Minnesota. This year, Sydney co-introduced the Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act, which was signed into law by Governor Walz on May 21, 2024. This groundbreaking legislation mandates that businesses in Minnesota use recyclable packaging and bear the costs of doing so. It’s a substantial step forward, making Minnesota the fifth state to require producers to take responsibility for the waste they create, effectively shifting the cost burden from taxpayers to packaging producers.

Sydney also introduced HF 3345, which proposed the repeal of restrictions on single-use plastic bans, allowing local communities more freedom to set their own sustainability standards. With packaging waste and printed paper accounting for a staggering 40% of all garbage, Sydney’s work has the potential to greatly reduce waste, save taxpayer money, and promote a circular economy. Her efforts underscore the power of legislation in achieving sustainability goals on a larger scale.

🏆 Green Professional of the Year: Angie Hong

Angie Hong, an environmental educator with the East Metro Water Resource Education Program, has dedicated over a decade to teaching communities about water conservation, ecosystem protection, and outdoor exploration. Angie’s passion for clean water and native ecosystems is evident in her work, which ranges from conducting hands-on educational programs to sharing insights through writing and public speaking. She’s a true advocate for our natural world, encouraging families to engage in outdoor adventures and understand the importance of water quality.

In addition to her educational outreach, Angie recently published a book, Exploring the St. Croix River Valley, On and Off the Water, where she shares her love and knowledge of the area’s natural beauty. Her dedication to preserving the St. Croix Watershed and fostering a deep connection to the environment within her community has made a lasting impact. Angie’s enthusiasm and expertise in water resource education have made her a trusted leader in the fight to protect our natural resources.

Congratulations to Our Winners!

Each of our winners has made incredible strides in advancing sustainability and environmental stewardship. Their work, whether through education, business, volunteerism, policy, or professional expertise, showcases the diverse ways that we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.

Please join us in congratulating Julie Balfanz, Park + Coop, Dory Herman, Rep. Sydney Jordan, and Angie Hong! We’re grateful for their dedication, vision, and action in building a better, greener world for future generations.