South Whidbey nonprofit in the running for big award

Voting is now open for the People’s Choice Award given by Boeing Employees’ Credit Union.

By Kira Erickson • October 27, 2023 1:30 am
Joan Green of rePurpose sifts through the dumpster at the South Whidbey Community Center in search of reusable materials. (File photo by David Welton)
Joan Green of rePurpose sifts through the dumpster at the South Whidbey Community Center in search of reusable materials. (File photo by David Welton)

Voting is now open for the People’s Choice Award given by Boeing Employees’ Credit Union, and one South Whidbey nonprofit organization is a finalist this year.

For The People, the fiscal sponsor for rePurpose, Kicking Gas and United Student Leaders, is one of 18 finalists in the running for the $40,000 grand prize. By making it this far, For The People has already received a $15,000 grant from the credit union known as BECU. For The People plans to use the winnings to help launch rePurpose zero waste efforts in Langley, according to co-founder Joan Green.

The $15,000 will help rePurpose launch a ware washing service, which is a dishwashing service that supports the use of reusable containers at restaurants, grocery stores, theaters and other event venues. Green compared it to a party rental service that takes things to a new level with ongoing service to eliminate the usage of single use items. Reusable takeout containers could be dropped off at kiosks, washed and sanitized in a commercial dishwasher in preparation to be used again at businesses.

“This is particularly important because commercial composting items are not viable in our community because we don’t have a commercial composting facility here on the island,” Green said. “This is a way to move straight to reusable items for dining in and take out, which is the best zero waste option for the environment.”

In addition, Green is one of four semi-finalists for BECU’s member volunteer of the year award, which would give an additional $50,000 to For The People. She has volunteered more than 700 hours with For The People, mostly with rePurpose, since 2021. This particular winner is selected by a panel of judges, not the general public.

“All that money would go towards programs in our community here on Whidbey Island,” Green said.

If For The People wins additional grant awards from BECU, Green said, the plan is for rePurpose to open a reuse center and hire a part-time manager to run it.

Visit becu.org/awards to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award. Voting closes at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3. Participants do not have to be BECU members, but must have a valid email address and be at least 18 years of age.

The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced in December.