Vienna's Zero Waste Store Honored For Waste-Reducing Efforts

VIENNA, VA — Efforts by a Vienna business to reduce plastic waste and educate residents haven't gone unnoticed.

Fairfax County announced Trace the Zero Waste store is one of its 2023 Environmental Excellence Award winners. The awards recognize Fairfax County residents, employees, businesses and organizations "who demonstrate extraordinary leadership within the community and exceptional dedication to the preservation and enhancement of the county’s natural resources." Winners were presented to the Board of Supervisors Tuesday by Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, chair of the board’s Environmental Committee.

"By giving their time, passion and expertise for the betterment of our environment, these awardees are true climate champions," said Storck in a statement. "We applaud them for leading by example and helping to ensure that our county residents and visitors can enjoy a healthy and beautiful Fairfax County for decades to come."

Trace the Zero Waste Store was recognized not only for providing alternative products to reduce plastic waste but also for helping customers learn how to do so. Owner Mala Persaud got a shout-out for educating customers through its website and community events. One of these events is a "Recycling: Ask Me Anything" event with Fairfax County's Solid Waste division. The zero waste store opened in September 2021.

Other Environmental Excellence winners include Langley High School senior Mei Torrey, who heads the Saxons Go Green club and works with Clean Fairfax on reusable bag distributions; urban forester Hugh Whitehead of the Urban Forest Management Division for starting a tree planting program with Fairfax County Public Schools; planner Joe Gorney with the Department of Planning and Development's Environment and Development Review Branch for working with county agencies on environmental review topics; Craig Carinci, director of Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Stormwater Planning Division for restoring streams; and Montebello Condominium Unit Owners Association Grounds Committee for working to preserve and maintain the grounds of the property.

Awards will be presented to the winners at a ceremony later in the fall.